Dos and Don'ts of Using a Washing Machine

Follow these dos and don'ts to keep your washing machine running well and your clothes clean. Sort your laundry, use the correct detergent, and clean the lint filter often. Avoid overloading, excess bleach, and skipped maintenance.

• Washing machines in India range from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 60,000, depending on capacity and features.
• Sort clothes by colour and fabric type before every wash to stop colour bleeding.
• Clean the lint filter and drum on a regular schedule to avoid buildup and bad odours.
• Leave room in the drum - an overloaded machine cleans poorly and wears out faster.
• Use bleach sparingly, since too much can damage both your clothes and the machine.
• Never wash clothes stained with oil, petrol, or other flammable substances.

You can also buy a new washing machine on Easy EMIs at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities, including Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales.

Good washing habits protect your clothes and appliance, while careless ones can shorten its life. Avoid overloading the drum so clothes can move freely, and use the detergent recommended for your machine type. Choose the right wash cycle and water temperature for each fabric, and avoid excess detergent or bleach to prevent residue and damage. Before every wash, check pockets for coins, keys, or other objects that could damage the drum or clothes. Follow regular washing machine maintenance, avoid slamming the door to protect the hinges and seals, and read the manual before first use to understand your machine’s settings and load capacity.

If you want to replace your washing machine, visit any of Bajaj Finance's 1.5 lakh partner stores — like Vijay Sales, Croma, Reliance Digital, and more — across 4,000 cities, including Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, Bhopal, and more in India. Choose your preferred model, then use the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan to finance it. Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget and enjoy zero down payment on select models — take it home without any upfront payment. Check your loan eligibility online in minutes so you know exactly what you can get before you step into the store.

A few consistent habits make a real difference to how clean your clothes come out and how long your machine lasts:

• Match the water level to the load size instead of always running a full-tub cycle.
• Use a front-loader-specific, low-foam detergent if you own a front-load machine.
• Check the fabric care label before choosing a cycle - cotton, synthetics, and delicates all behave differently.
• Run an empty hot-water cycle once a month to clean the drum and dispenser.
• Keep the machine on a level surface to reduce noise and vibration during spin cycles.
• Turn embellished or zippered clothing inside out, or use a mesh laundry bag, to protect both the fabric and the drum.

Most washing machine problems trace back to a handful of avoidable habits:

• Ignoring the manual: Skipping it means missing model-specific load limits and settings.
• Cramming in too many clothes: Reduces cleaning efficiency and strains the motor and drum bearings.
• Using harsh chemicals or too much bleach: Fades colours and can corrode internal components over time.
• Leaving wet clothes in the drum: Encourages mould, mildew, and unpleasant odours.
• Skipping the lint filter and drum cleaning: Leads to buildup that affects both cleaning and machine life.
• Using the wrong cycle for the fabric: A cotton cycle on delicates, or vice versa, damages clothes over time.

Overloading is one of the most common mistakes, but underloading is not ideal either — it wastes water and energy, so aim for a balanced load each time.

Yes, most delicate fabrics can go in a washing machine if you use the right settings. Always check the care label first — some silk, wool, or heavily embellished pieces may still need hand washing or dry cleaning.

For machine-safe delicates, use the delicate or gentle cycle. This uses slower drum movement and a lower spin speed, so fine fabrics are not stretched or torn. Cold water is usually the safer choice for delicates, since hot water can shrink or damage certain materials. A mesh laundry bag adds an extra layer of protection for lace or anything with loose threads or embellishments. It stops snagging on other items or on the drum itself during the cycle.

Regular upkeep is what keeps a washing machine running smoothly for years instead of needing early repairs:

• Clean the lint filter every few washes to maintain proper airflow.
• Wipe down the door seal and detergent dispenser after each cycle to prevent mould.
• Leave the door open between washes so moisture does not get trapped inside.
• Run a monthly empty cycle with hot water to clear residue from the drum.
• Check the drain hose periodically for clogs or leaks.
• Have a technician inspect the machine annually if you notice unusual noise or vibration.

Matching the cycle to the fabric protects your clothes and gets them properly clean. Here are some recommended settings and tips based on the type of fabric you want to wash:

Small changes to how you run your machine can meaningfully cut down electricity and water use:

• Wash with cold water whenever possible - most of a wash cycle's energy use goes into heating water.
• Run full loads instead of frequent half-loads to get more value from each cycle.
• Choose a machine with a higher star rating if you are buying new - it uses less electricity and water per cycle.
• Air-dry clothes when possible instead of relying on a dryer or heated drying cycle.
• Use a quick-wash or eco cycle for lightly soiled clothes instead of a full-length cycle.

Bajaj Finance offers two financing options at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India. Here is how they compare:

How to choose? Both options require you to be physically present at a partner store. The Insta EMI Card is ideal for shoppers who want to purchase across multiple categories over time. The Easy EMI Loan suits buyers looking to finance a higher-value purchase in a single transaction.

Also explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.

The process is simple and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are at the store.

• Browse models on Bajaj Mall: Compare options on Bajaj Mall before visiting a store.
• Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finance store locator to find a nearby partner outlet such as Croma, Vijay Sales, or other authorised retailers.
• Check the washing machine in person: Check the key features, specifications, size, and performance to choose the product that best suits your needs and budget.
• Choose a suitable EMI option: At checkout, ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan. Confirm available tenure options and whether your chosen model comes with a zero down payment offer.
• Complete payment and schedule installation: The in-store process is quick, and most partner stores offer installation as part of the purchase.

You can also check your loan eligibility online in advance by entering your mobile number and OTP, helping you plan your purchase better before visiting the store.

Bajaj Finance’s Smart Savings Calculator helps you unlock maximum savings every time you shop at partner stores. It brings together all available brand, dealer, and scheme offers—so you can see your total savings instantly and shop smarter with Easy EMIs.

1. Dealer offers - Grab exclusive in-store deals at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across India. Enjoy local discounts and special prices you will not find online.
2. Brand offers - Access limited-time discounts from top brands across electronics, appliances, and more. Discover brand-specific savings selected just for you.
3. Bajaj offers - Unlock exclusive Bajaj Finance deals on popular products—available only to our customers. More rewards, more value.­
4. Scheme offers - Take advantage of time-sensitive offers on select EMI schemes. Get extra benefits after paying just 3 EMIs—visible during EMI selection at checkout.