Small-sized washing machines are a legacy of the Soviet era, it was they that made life easier for our mothers and grandmothers. Units of the activator type are forced out of the market by automatic machines, but do not give up their positions. “Baby” washing machines are in demand due to their compactness, the ability to work without running water, and manufacturers are trying to improve models and bring them closer to automatic counterparts.
What are the activator type washing machines
The simplest model of small-sized “washers” is capable of performing the main washing cycle and rinsing after changing the water. Some manufacturers produce washing machines "Baby" with an extraction, and more modern models are heated.
Products with a spin function can be equipped with a removable centrifuge that is installed in the tank of the machine, or have two separate tanks - one for washing and rinsing, the other for spin.
Activator type washing machines are supplied with a hose for manual drainage of water and a stand.
The main characteristics of washing machines such as "Baby"
Depending on the volume of the tank, the load of compact washing machines is from 1 kg to 3.5 kg.
All modern models operate in reverse mode. This allows you to avoid twisting the laundry, due to the fact that the engine changes the direction of rotation of the activator blades.
Most manufacturers produce washing machines "Baby" with the characteristics of energy consumption A + or A ++.
Many models are equipped with a filter for collecting fluff or lint, which significantly improves the washing result.
Some machines allow washing in two modes - normal and delicate.
The principle of operation and device
The classic Baby washing machines are a tank into which laundry is loaded, an activator, the blades of which, rotating, provide the washing process. The engine starts the process, and the washing duration can be adjusted using the control module, which is a simple time relay.
The motor protects the capacitor from power surges.
More modern models have an electric heater for heating water, but the principle of their operation is the same as for the simplest products.
How to use an activator washing machine
Launching a compact washing machine is easy. The instructions for the Baby washing machine are as follows:
- Install appliances in a bathroom or other convenient place.
- Remove the cap from the tank and fill it with warm or hot water, depending on the type of fabric.
- Add washing powder and mix.
- Fold dirty laundry in the tank and close it with a lid.
- Use the toggle switch to adjust the duration of the wash.
- Plug the “Baby” washing machine into a power outlet.
- After the wash is finished, turn off the appliance from the outlet, remove the laundry.
- Using the supplied hose, drain the water into the bath or bucket.
- In order to rinse the washed items, pour clean cold water into the machine, fold the laundry and set the rinse time.
- Connect the "Baby" to the electrical network.
- After the rinse cycle is over, take out the wash and drain the water.
- In washing machines with an extraction, it is necessary to install a special centrifuge in the tank and put part of the laundry into it. Set the spin time and connect the device to the network.
- After completing the spin cycle, unplug the washing machine and remove the laundry.
Pluses of "Baby"
Compact washing machines have several advantages.
First of all, these are small dimensions, it is easy to clean it in the pantry or put it even in a small bathroom.
The simple design of the Baby ensures its high reliability.
Such washing machines are easy to transport; a cargo taxi is not required, since the appliance will fit in the trunk of a passenger car.
Another significant plus activator washing machines - they can work in the absence of sewage. This makes them a great option for a summer residence. The Malyutka washing machines with heating will make the country life much easier, it will be enough just to pour cold water into them.
The advantage of compact “washers” is the quick cycle of the process - together with rinsing it will take no more than 20 minutes.
Washing in “Baby” saves not only time, but also electricity and water.
And the price of such washing machines is low, which makes them affordable for all segments of the population.
Disadvantages of activator washing machines
No matter how compact the washing machines may seem at first glance, they also have disadvantages.
The main disadvantage is that the simplest models of cars are not suitable for delicate fabrics (silk, wool).
In “Baby” it will not work to wash large things - bedspreads and rugs, heavy curtains, since they will not fit into the tank.
The disadvantage is the high noise level produced by the machine, and the fact that the washing process must be controlled.
Many models are not equipped with a spin centrifuge.
But if you choose a model with an extraction and heating, then "Baby" will be able to fully replace the automatic washing machine.
Browse Popular Models
Compact and inexpensive washing machines are produced mainly by Russian manufacturers. The name "Baby" has become a household name for the entire class of products, while in stores you can find washing machines "Slavda", "Fairy" and others.
The classic Baby 225 model allows you to wash only 1 kg of laundry, the presence of a reverse prevents the laundry from twisting, there is a timer that allows you to adjust the duration of the wash.
The machine costs about 3,000 rubles and will become an indispensable assistant in the country.
The more modern model “Slavda WS-35E” allows washing in two modes - normal and delicate. You can load 3.5 kg of laundry into such a washing machine. The design provides a reverse mode of operation. Energy class cars A +.
The Fairy washing machines are very popular. The "babies" of this manufacturer have been produced since 1982. The range of models is quite large: from small washing machines with a load of 2 kg to semi-automatic machines with two compartments for washing (rinsing) and spinning.
The Fairy SM-251 model with a capacity of 2.5 kg of dry linen is equipped with a reverse and a timer, which allows you to set the washing time. The mass of the washing machine is 6 kg.
The Fairy SMPA-2002 washing machine is equipped with a fixed centrifuge; 2 kg of laundry can be washed in it. Washing takes a maximum of 15 minutes. The product provides protection against electric shock.
The Rolsen WVL-200S spin machine allows you to wash 2 kg of laundry. Energy class F, reverse mode.
Compact washing machine care
Despite the simplicity of design, the Baby washing machines also require care.
After washing, keep it open and wipe the tank dry from the inside to avoid unpleasant odors and mold.
To clean the machine from the outside, you can wipe it with a cloth dampened in a detergent without alcohol.
It is recommended to fasten zippers and buttons on clothes before washing and, of course, check pockets.
The Malyutka washing machines are an excellent solution for a summer residence or private houses without a central sewage system, for small-sized apartments and hostels.