Before buying a washing machine, you need to pay attention to important details to ensure that the appliance meets your household needs and is a good investment.

Features such as size, capacity and functions are essential for buying an efficient appliance, but it's also very important to learn some tips on how to use your washer consciously and save on your energy bills.

How to choose the right washing machine for your home

Some of the washing machine's features, such as dispenser, turbo dryer, filter, water saving and even silent mode, make all the difference when choosing the ideal model for your household routine.

There are at least five types of washing machine: 

• Automatic: This type of washer allows you to program a complete wash cycle, from short soak to spin. Although these models are more expensive, they are a more practical option for a routine that requires more than one action at the same time.
  
  These appliances also usually have extra functions such as express wash, turbo dry, silent cycle, water reuse, as well as very intuitive programming, indicating the water level according to the number of clothes to be washed and the type of laundry (dark, delicate, normal, comforter, heavy, etc.).

• Semi-automatic: This model allows clothes to be washed using circular currents, generated by small holes in the bottom of the washer. Its biggest advantage is the reduction of wear on clothes over time, making it the ideal model for washing more delicate clothes. 
  
  The only thing to be aware of is that in most models, when changing the water, the hose must be disconnected from the back of the appliance, discarding the used water, as the clothes must be rinsed using a new water cycle. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the wash and insert softener, bleach or washing powder manually.
  
  The semi-automatic washer has the advantage of consuming less water and energy and costing less than the automatic model.
   

• Tanquinho: Ideal for smaller spaces, this model also requires monitoring of washing for manual intervention in the steps. The tank does a job similar to that of a semi-automatic washer, with the addition of a scrubber like the traditional tank, which gives rise to its name.

  This type of machine works by manually opening and closing the tap, to release and drain the water used for washing.

• Wash and dry: The washer-dryer, like its name, has the functions of washing clothes in a complete cycle and drying them. It's the ideal type of washing machine for those who live in humid places, who need more time to dry clothes naturally on the clothesline, or for those who need to wash and wear clothes, such as uniforms, in a short period of time. Washer-dryer panels are generally digital and have more technological functions, which is one of the reasons why this model is more expensive than others.

• Mini washing machine: Even smaller than washing machines, mini washing machines are ideal for washing a small amount of laundry, usually with a capacity of between 1 and 3 kg. This model is very economical (water and energy) and suitable for small spaces, such as bathrooms, and for use by households with up to two people who don't have large quantities of clothes to wash.

Size and capacity

In order to choose the washing machine that best suits the needs and space of a home, it is essential to understand the amount of laundry that will be washed and the place where it can be installed.

There are currently models that can hold between 6 and 16 kg of clothes. The higher the capacity, the bigger the appliance. Models between 6 and 10kg are suitable for households of up to three people. The 11kg, 12kg and 13kg models are for homes with up to four people. For five people or more, the ideal is to invest in models from 15kg upwards.

Another important factor, considering the space where the washer will be installed, is choosing between models with a top or front cover.

Energy efficiency: How to save electricity and water using the washing machine

Present in most homes, the washing machine is an appliance that has a direct impact on the electricity bill. To help reduce the impact on the environment, as well as helping to reduce electricity bills, some tips are very important when using this appliance:

1. Check the energy efficiency label and opt for more economical models: the Brazilian Labeling Program (PBE) label classifies household appliances in terms of energy efficiency, ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The Procel Seal (National Electricity Conservation Program) indicates which appliances consume more or less energy. The "A" rating indicates that the appliance has the best energy efficiency and provides savings on the electricity bill;

2. Economical washing function: this option offers shorter washing programs with lower water consumption or allows the water used for washing to be reused for other household chores, such as cleaning the bathroom or manual flushing;

3. Maximum capacity in the wash cycle: washing large quantities of laundry at once helps to maximize the use of water and electricity. If your household has a demand for laundry that is much greater than the washer's capacity, it's worth rethinking and buying an appliance with a larger capacity, if possible, to reduce the number of washing times;
    
4. Inverter mode: one of the technologies present in some current models, this mode controls the rotation of the appliance according to the amount of clothes, thus consuming less energy and washing efficiently. This function also provides less noise when washing;
    
5. Use the clothesline: if you don't need to use the machine's drying function, dry your clothes outdoors instead. Electric dryers and models that also dry consume more energy.
    
6. Cold water program: during the process of washing clothes in the dryer, most of the electricity consumed is used to heat the water. If possible, opt for cold water washing programs.

Find out more:

• Tips for buying home appliance: air-conditioner
• Tips for buying household appliances: refrigerator
• Tips for buying household appliances: electric shower
• Tips for buying home appliance: fan