Although it's uncommon to hear people complain that their washing machine isn't clean, many still believe that the machine might not be doing a perfect job. Experts suggest that the cleanliness of clothes after washing depends not only on the washing machine’s performance but also on users' habits and the type of detergent used.
Lu Jianguo, director of the National Household Appliance Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, explains that running a wash cycle for 20 minutes can improve cleaning efficiency by up to 20% while saving energy. He recommends sorting clothes by color—starting with lighter ones and moving to darker ones—to prevent color bleeding. Additionally, adjusting washing time based on how dirty the clothes are helps save power and water.
A survey conducted by a newspaper and the Swiss environmental organization Top10-energy-saving top products revealed that 95% of respondents rarely soak clothes before washing, and 1.61% never do. Ms. Zhou admits that even though soaking improves cleaning, she often skips it due to time constraints. “Sometimes I just throw the clothes into the machine without pre-soaking,†she says. “It’s too much trouble to do it in the basin first.â€
Lu suggests that washing machines could be designed with better soaking functions to make the process easier for users. Some models already include this feature, improving efficiency without adding extra effort. He also emphasizes the importance of choosing the right detergent. According to the national standard GB/T4288-2008, the chemical composition of standard washing powder is fixed, allowing for fair comparisons of washing machine performance. However, different brands vary in ingredients, which affects washing results.
A test by the China Household Electric Appliance Research Institute’s Clean Technology Institute found significant differences between market detergents and standard ones. When using standard powder, both domestic and international washing machines performed better in terms of cleaning efficiency, energy use, and water consumption. The test showed that commercial detergents often lack the effectiveness of standardized ones.
Lu explains that variations in detergent composition affect performance. Excessive foam can reduce washing efficiency, while low surfactant content may lead to poor cleaning. On average, a washing machine uses about 8,000 grams of detergent per year, costing over 150 yuan annually. Over a 10-year lifespan, this adds up to more than 1,500 yuan. Therefore, consumers should choose high-quality, low-foam detergents suitable for machines. They should also look for clear labeling of chemical contents so manufacturers can recommend the best match for their appliances.
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