A washing machine, like your LG washer, goes through different cycles to efficiently clean your clothes. During these cycles, it may appear to waste time by slowly spinning or sitting still, but these actions serve important purposes for optimal washing performance. Here are some reasons why your washer might seem to be taking longer or performing seemingly slow actions:
Sensing and Balancing: Modern washing machines often have built-in sensors that detect the load size and weight. Before starting the main wash cycle, the machine may spend some time spinning slowly to evenly distribute the load and ensure that the drum is balanced. This step is crucial to prevent excessive vibrations during the main wash, which could damage the machine or cause it to move around.
Pre-Soak or Pre-Wash: Some washing machines have pre-soak or pre-wash settings that involve soaking the clothes in water and detergent before the main wash cycle. This step helps to loosen dirt and stains, making the main wash more effective in cleaning the clothes thoroughly.
Detergent Dissolution: Slow spinning or sitting still at the beginning of a cycle may allow the detergent to dissolve properly in the water, ensuring even distribution of detergent throughout the load.
Agitation and Soaking: During the wash cycle, the machine may alternate between spinning and sitting still to agitate the clothes in the detergent-filled water. This process allows the detergent to penetrate the fabric fibers and remove dirt and stains effectively.
Rinse and Drain: After the main wash cycle, the washer will go through rinse cycles to remove soap and residue from the clothes. This is necessary for achieving clean and fresh-smelling laundry.
Final Spin: Towards the end of the cycle, the washing machine will perform a final high-speed spin to extract as much water as possible from the clothes. This helps to reduce drying time and save energy when using a dryer.
Energy Efficiency: Modern washing machines are designed to be energy-efficient. They may use slow spinning or intermittent pauses to reduce energy consumption during the wash process.
If you notice that the washing machine is taking excessively long or seems to be malfunctioning, it's essential to check for any error codes, ensure the load is balanced, and verify that the water supply and drainage are working correctly. If you have concerns about your LG washer's performance, it's a good idea to refer to the user manual or contact LG's customer support for assistance.