【生活英語】知ってる？洗濯機・乾燥機の英語！操作・購入・修理まで徹底解説

Mom: Can you load the clothes into the washing machine and add detergent?
Teenager: Sure! Should I select the normal wash cycle?
Mom: Yes, that’s fine for today’s laundry. Don’t forget to clean the lint filter when you’re done.
Teenager: Will do. After the wash finishes, should I transfer the clothes to the dryer right away?
Mom: Yes. Set the drying time to 60 minutes and use a dryer sheet to help reduce static.
Teenager: Got it. Should I use the low heat setting for delicate fabrics?
Mom: Please do. And after the cycle, remove the clothes as soon as the cycle ends so they don’t get wrinkled.
Teenager: No problem. By the way, the dryer lint filter needs to be cleaned—it’s almost full.
Mom: Thanks for letting me know. The towels always feel so soft after using the dryer, don’t they?
Teenager: Definitely! I love it when the laundry smells fresh, too.

Alex: Hey Jamie, how’s it going?
Jamie: Not bad! Just finished doing laundry.
Alex: Oh nice. Did you use your washing machine for everything today?
Jamie: Yep, I did a quick wash for my gym clothes and a delicate cycle for my sweaters.
Alex: Sounds productive! Do you always add fabric softener?
Jamie: Definitely. I love how the laundry smells fresh afterward.
Alex: Do you use the dryer too or just hang things up?
Jamie: I usually transfer clothes to the dryer. Nothing beats how the towels feel so soft after using the dryer.
Alex: True! By the way, do you remember to clean the lint filter every time?
Jamie: I do now. Once I forgot, and it almost caused a problem!
Alex: Good call. We should catch up again soon—next time, at my place!
Jamie: Sure thing! Let’s set a date for next week.

Salesperson: Hello! Welcome to our store. How can I assist you today?

Customer: Hi, I’m looking for a washing machine.
Salesperson: Great! Are you interested in a top-loading washing machine or a front-loading model?

Customer: What’s the difference?
Salesperson: A top-loading washing machine is easier to load and unload, but the front-loading washing machine uses less water and is more energy-efficient.

Customer: I see. Do you have any washer-dryer combos?
Salesperson: Yes, we have several models that can both wash and dry clothes in one machine, which is very convenient if you have limited space.

Customer: What about the capacity?
Salesperson: We have options from compact models up to high-capacity washers for large families. What size do you need?

Customer: I think around 7 kilograms will be enough.
Salesperson: Perfect. This model here has a 7-kilogram load size and comes with several wash cycles, including quick wash, heavy wash, and a delicate cycle.

Customer: Sounds good. How is maintenance?
Salesperson: Maintenance is easy—just remember to clean the lint filter regularly and run the self-cleaning cycle once a month.

Customer: Great! I’ll take this one.
Salesperson: Excellent choice! Would you like assistance with delivery and installation?
Customer: Yes, please. That would be helpful.

How to Use a Washing Machine in American Households

Washing machines are an essential household appliance in many American homes today. With busy schedules and larger families, these machines play a vital role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene efficiently. This guide provides an overview of how washing machines are typically used, common settings and cycles, maintenance tips, and best practices in American homes.

Sorting and Preparing Laundry

Before starting the washing machine, laundry is usually sorted by color, fabric type, and level of dirtiness. Whites are separated from colors to prevent color bleeding. Delicate fabrics such as silk or wool are washed separately on gentler cycles. Some households also sort by water temperature recommendations and select cycles accordingly.

Loading the Washing Machine

Careful loading is essential for effective cleaning and to prevent damage. Most washing machines recommend filling the drum with approximately one-third to three-quarters capacity to allow clothes to move freely. Overloading can lead to poor wash results and damage the machine.

Clothes are typically placed loosely in the drum, avoiding tight packing or tangling, especially around agitators in top-loading models.

Adding Detergent and Other Products

Detergent is added according to manufacturer instructions, either into a dispenser or directly into the drum. Liquid, powder, or single-dose detergent packets are common. Fabric softeners and bleach can also be added to designated compartments for optimal cleaning and fabric care.

Selecting Wash Cycles and Settings

Washing machines offer a variety of cycles tailored to wash different fabric types and soils. Common cycles include:

• Normal wash for regular cottons and mixed fabrics.
• Colors cycle designed for bright colors and dark fabrics using cooler water.
• Whites cycle that uses hot water and longer wash times, often with bleach.
• Delicates for fragile fabrics needing gentle washing.
• Quick wash for lightly soiled items when time is limited.
• Heavy wash for heavily soiled work clothes or linens.

Water temperature settings and spin speeds can usually be adjusted to suit the load.

Running and Completing the Cycle

After selecting the appropriate settings, the machine’s door or lid is securely closed, and the cycle is started using the control panel. Many modern machines will remind users to close the door properly before starting.

Once the cycle finishes, laundry should be promptly removed to avoid wrinkles or mildew buildup. Leaving the door open for ventilation after use helps prevent odors.

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance extends the life of the washing machine and ensures hygiene.

• Clean the lint filter after each wash.
• Run a self-cleaning cycle monthly to prevent detergent buildup and odors.
• Check and clean the drain hose for blockages.
• Wipe down door seals to prevent mold.
• Descale the drum when mineral buildup starts to appear.

Conclusion

A well-maintained washing machine used with proper sorting, loading, and cycle selection can make laundry less time-consuming and more effective for American families. With ongoing advances in technology, washing machines continue to become more efficient, economical, and gentle on fabrics.