Trying to understand the programs onmy Bosch washing machine

[oliveoiltinfoil]

Don't think I have mentioned this yet, but I have a new Bosch Serie 6 washing machine It is a very good machine and I am very happy with it.

But, since my Hotpoint aquiltis, which had nearly all different programs, I am trying to get my head around the new set of programs Bosch have tuned into this machine.

I had my aqulitis for around 10 years and the two most common programs I used were "coloureds" and "synthetics 60c".

Now both programs used to take a long time to complete. The everyday colours wash would take around 2 and a half hours, while the synthetic programs used to take over 3 hours.

The synthetic programs only used to spin at 800rpm.

Now what I assume is Bosch equivalent of "colours" is the "mixed load". It only take 1 hour and 3 minutes to complete and up until this week, I have been using that for everyday washing, minus whites and shirts.

However, I have started using the cotton program, which washes at 60c versus 40 on the mixed loads. It takes just under 3 hours to complete, but the clothes come out cleaner and quite a bit drier even though both programs spin at the maximum 1400rpm.

I cant remember the Hotpoint ever having a cotton program. Would the cotton program on the bosch be the best program for normal loads? I notice that on comparison charts on which? magazine, they compare each washing machine using the cotton programs.

Oh yeah, also there is a program on the Bosch called "down. It take about an hour to complete but I have no idea what it is for, and I cant see any information in the instructions explaining the programs.

 

[logixx]

The Cottons cycle is for cottons - white and colored. Full load, regular to heavy soil. For light soil and/or smaller loads you can use the Speed mode.

Mixed Load is for cottons and synthetics in one (not full) load. It's like a daily wash cycle to quickly wash once worn clothing. Probably similar to Cottons + Speed mode.

Down is for items filled with down feathers.

 

[spiraclean]

With a couple of exceptions, the programmes on your machine are similar to those on my Bosch WAS series model.

In addition to the helpful info Logixx already gave you:

Dark Wash is basically a variation on the Cottons programme. It runs for a sensible length of time, being neither too brief nor ridiculously long, has higher water levels and tops up with cold water at the end of the wash to provide a dilution rinse. This is what I use as my everyday coloureds programme.

Allergy+ is also similar to Cottons, but again has higher water levels and a dilution rinse at the end of the wash. Main difference here is that the selected temperature is held for a longer period during the main wash, for improved hygiene.

Both of these programmes, with Aqua Plus selected, will give very deep rinses depending on the size and absorbency of the load.

The Speed function is indeed useful for small or lightly soiled loads, and I do use it frequently. Bear in mind on some programmes this also cuts out one rinse, however selecting Aqua Plus adds it back in again.

The Eco function uses less water, reduces the temperature to below that which you select on the control panel, and extends the cycle time drastically to compensate. I never use it, because I'm old fashioned and prefer shorter cycles at higher temperatures (the complete opposite of what this function does).

 

[logixx]

By the way, you can also download the programme table, which should have been included with your machine, directly from Bosch's home page under "Additional Documents" on the product page of your washer:

 

http://www.bosch-home.co.uk/products/washers-dryers/washing-machines/front-loader/WAT28460GB.html

 

 

[oliveoiltinfoil]

Thank you guys!

@logixx; Yes, I found this literally after I posted this thread :3 This has helped me to understand these programs. It is a very extensive program set up, really quite impressed. I also found out the "down" program is for machine washable items such as quilts and pillows.

So far, the cotton wash has been my favourite, as the clothes come out cleaner but noticeably drier. I think it spins for a little longer.

@spiraclean; Thanks chap. I will definitely try the dark wash.

I am trying to do regular washes at around 60c for the sake of keeping the machine itself clean and to properly clean the clothes. I think washing at 90c is a bit excusive and have never really used that on clothes as, nearly boiling point water surely isn't that great for clothes, with the exception of white shirts.

I always used to run my hotpoint with extra rinse at ever single wash as I thought having more water flushed through the clothes would clean them better. Will probably start doing the same with the bosch. I understand the push on manufacturers by mainly our very friendly and democratic EU telling us how much water our washing machines and dishwashers should use and what wattage our vacuums should be, that machine are using less water than they should be, although I am sure the bosch makes the most of what it does use.

** On a side note, the people who have come round and noticed my machine have commented on how posh it looks. Makes a change to see something that looks easy to sue and functional while looking good quality, but that is a Teutonic approach of design which I admire. Reminds me of Volkswagens.

The fit and finish on this machine is noticeable better than other machines of a similar price.

 

[BoschExxcel]

On my Classixx I generally use;

Easy Care 40 for normal darks (takes about 1:30)
Cottons 60-90 for Towels
Cottons/Eaaycare 60 for bedding
Eaaycare 60 for whites (underwear etc)

Hope that helps, I obviously use the other programmes but those are my main ones. I don't use the mixed cycle much unless I have a half load as on my machine it only spins at a max of 800rpm!

 

[oliveoiltinfoil]

Thank for your help guys!

Looks like cottons is the best program for normal sort of everyday clothes. Bosch states it is suitable for cottons and hardwearing textiles and heat resistant textiles made from cottons or linen.
The program take 2 hours and 45 minutes to compete using 87 litres of water, but that is for a full 8kg load, while using 0.97 kwh of electricity. Does that sound efficient, enough to clean the clothes properly etc ?

One thing I find odd about the Bosch is the fact when you are done washing, you have to turn the knob to the "off" position. Is that pointless? Every other washing machine I have come across turns itself off automatically. Yes the program stop and the door unlocks, but if you don't put it in the "off" position, the lights flash ever 5 seconds or so. Is it some sort of energy saving or safety feature ?

 

[foraloysius]

Does the manual say anything about that?

Miele washing machines have a separate on/off button. Your Bosch doesn't have that, it uses the main dial to turn the machine off.

 

[BoschExxcel]

Every machine I've had had to be tuned off by the dial. It's not unusual. Although my Whirlpool and Bosch which are both under a year old, turn off automatically after 20 minutes or so of the programme finishing. You still need to turn the dial to the off position afterwards though.

 

[oliveoiltinfoil]

But I don't see what the point of it is? I cant see how it saves energy or how it protects the machine in anyway, and no, there is nothing in the instructions regarding it, but it is there for a reason otherwise Bosch wouldn't have made it that way.

Explanations of the programs are on a separate piece of paper supplied with the machine which I find odd, cant see why they couldn't print it in the instruction's considering the separate sheet isn't that long.

Other people have complained that the instructions aren't that user friendly. Key, important information, especially regarding the transit bolts AND tabs are at the back of the booklet. But, once you have mastered the programs and installed it, this doesn't really matter to be honest, just one of those things.

 

[henene4]

The completly active UI uses about 5 Watts an hour. In the mode you described it's down to about 0,1W.
By the way: That mode as well as a 20°C choice are now required to exist by EU law.

 

[oliveoiltinfoil]

Oh yes of course, how can we forget the wonderful EU telling us whats best for our clothes !

Thanks for the info though chap.

 

[foraloysius]

Well, how it's turned on and off doesn't exactly interferes with how your laundry is being done, right?

 

[oliveoiltinfoil]

No, of course not. It's just something I am not used to.

 

[henene4]

Both our Bauknecht washer and dryer have a dial you use to turn them on as well as the shut down feature. My grandma as well as my ma usually forget to turn them to off. Our AEG however has an button for powering up, so there's a little less fuzz about it.