Are washing machines using enough water now?
I started this thread after my blog article why can't modern washing machines rinse properly? attracted so many comments (almost 600) that it became very slow to load for new users and would take a good few hours for anyone to read them. I'm hoping the hardcore of commenter's will be happy to continue on this topic in this more appropriate place - especially as most recent comments were between a small group of people helping each other. It's great that Washerhelp / Whitegoodshelp can facilitate a small community to discuss issues they have in common. Please feel free to use the forums accordingly.
If you are new to to subject please join in too but try to at least read the article and some of the comments before commenting here if you can.
The basic issue in the article was that the quest by manufacturers and consumers for washing machines to use as little water as possible has gone too far for some. Many people are highly sensitive to detergent and find modern washing machines don't rinse it out properly at all. This appears to be backed up (as mentioned in the article) by Which? reports, which inspired my article in the first place.
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Modern washing machines may under-rinse due to very low water use
- The problem
- The thread discusses concerns that many modern washing machines do not rinse detergent out properly because they use very little water. This is presented as a general performance issue rather than a single machine fault, and is said to particularly affect people with sensitive skin or babies’ clothing.
- Likely cause
- Most strongly supported explanation is a design compromise from low-water-use washing machines, sometimes made worse by overdosing detergent, overloading the drum, using eco programmes, or possible reduced water fill from restricted inlet filters, low water pressure, drainage issues or a pressure-system fault.
- What fixed it
- Recommended actions were to reduce detergent dosage, avoid overloading, try an extra-rinse option, compare results on a standard cotton programme instead of eco cycles, and consider whether detergent or fabric conditioner residues are contributing. If rinsing has recently become worse, basic checks for water fill or drainage restrictions were suggested. The discussion did not confirm one exact repair.
- Checks to try
- Use less detergent
- Avoid overloading the drum
- Try an extra rinse option
- Compare eco and standard cotton programmes
- Check for restricted water fill
- Check inlet filters
- Check water pressure
- Check for drainage issues
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before inspecting filters, hoses, valves or internal parts. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
You’ve summed up a very real issue. In my experience, many modern washing machines do use so little water that rinsing can suffer, especially for people with sensitive skin, babies’ clothes, or where too much detergent is being used. It isn’t always a fault, but it can certainly be a design compromise.
A few practical points to help members judge whether their machine is under-rinsing or whether something else is contributing:
1. Use much less detergent Modern detergents are very concentrated and most people overdose. Even a perfectly working machine will struggle to rinse if too much is used. Try halving the dose, especially with soft water or lightly soiled loads.
2. Avoid overloading If the drum is too full, clothes can’t move properly and rinsing suffers. A packed drum often leaves detergent residues behind.
3. Try an extra rinse option If your machine has one, this is often the simplest workaround. Some brands also rinse better on cotton programmes than on short eco cycles.
4. Be wary of eco programmes Eco washes often use less water and take longer, but that does not always mean better rinsing. Testing a standard cotton cycle can be useful for comparison.
5. Check for genuine faults If rinsing has recently become worse, look for restricted water fill, partially blocked inlet filters, weak water pressure, drainage issues, or a pressure system fault causing low water levels.
6. Consider detergent type Some people find non-bio powder rinses differently from liquids, and fabric conditioner can also leave residues.
If anyone is inspecting filters, hoses, valves or internal parts, isolate the appliance from the mains first. For internal electrical checks, mains-related faults, or anything beyond basic user checks, use a qualified appliance engineer.
A worthwhile discussion, because for some households this is inconvenience, but for others it is a genuine health and comfort issue.
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WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant
This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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