Plenty of people still ask themselves whether it is a good idea to continue using a washing machine with a broken water heater.
You could be having loads of laundry and you want to have them cleaned. Then you realize that your home’s water heater is no longer functioning.
So, Will The Washing Machine Work If The Water Heater Is Broken?
Yes. You can perfectly accomplish great cleaning results with your washing machine even if the water heater is broken. Several clothing materials can be washed with cold water.
Keep reading this guide to understand exactly why your machine can still do great cleaning work and more tips.
Does Your Washing Machine Heat Water?
Most washing machines are not designed to heat water in their process of operation.
Instead, they have hot and cold water inputs. That means you have to connect them to the hot water and cold water systems in your home.
Your washing machine can sometimes take in cold water from reservoirs in your home. If it cannot get hot water, it uses cold water to clean your clothes.
Washing your clothes with cold water has never been a problem. Not unless you want them cleaned with hot water.
Sometimes, your home water heater may develop a leak or a clog.
Leaks and clogs on the water heater compromise with water delivery into the washing machine. \If that happens, do not try to use the machine.
When there is a leak, you need to act swiftly and turn off the main water supply. For clogged parts, your washing machine is put at grave risk if it attempts to wash without water.
Some washing machines, however, have a built-in water heater that heats water to the preferred temperature during the washing process.
They are very ideal if you are in a situation where it is difficult to get hot water installation or where you find it a challenge having one.
In such cases, you need to check your user’s manual to ascertain whether you can use the washing machine if the water heater breaks down.
What Can You Wash With A Washing Machine Using Cold Water?
There are many laundries you can wash with cold water.
Cold water is perfectly safe to use for washing and cleaning purposes.
Most detergents are designed to be used with cold water as they do on hot.
Are There Any Benefits Of Running Your Washing Machine With Cold Water?
While there can be plenty of benefits of washing with cold water, it is important to know when the best time to use it is and the type of clothing material that can be washed with cold water.
Even though modern washing machines are designed, by default to use both cold and hot water, some detergents only work well in very cold water.
Here Are The Benefits Of Washing With Cold Water:
1. Cold Water Is Fine For Most Clothes
Most clothes can be washed safely with cold water.
So if your machine can no longer operate with hot water, you should never worry about using cold water. Coldwater can still be used to remove stains on clothing as you would with hot water.
So, whether it is some grass stains on your kid’s clothes or some messy makeup on your sweater, your clothes will end up in tidy and clean conditions.
2. Cold Is Suitable For Delicate Fabric
Delicate materials like silk and lace may be damaged by hot water.
Dark and colorful materials can also be compromised by hot water washing.
In this case, cold water is the best deal. Hot water tends to wrinkle and shrink certain fabric materials.
3. Some Stains Respond Better to Cold Water
Contrary to what people think, not all clothes respond to hot water.
Things like blood stains and sweat stick to most materials when washed with hot water.
Such dirt requires cold water for them to be removed efficiently.
4. Reduced Water and Energy Bills
When you use cold water, you save a lot of cash that would otherwise have been spent on heating water.
Energy costs are drastically reduced. Switching to cold water can save you dramatically.
5. Less Ruin and Shrinking On Clothes
Hot water sometimes results in the shrinking of clothes after washing.
If you resort to cold water, you avoid all these challenges. Note that only certain clothes shrink.
This should not change your reputation for using hot water. You can be okay with using cold water on clothes that shrink when exposed to hot water.
Additionally, opting for cold water saves you on electricity charges that would have been incurred through ironing.
6. Washing with Cold Water Helps to Maintain Vibrancy on Your Clothes
Coldwater does not bring about fading on your clothes.
As such, your clothes will remain vibrant and in ambient conditions. Besides, there is no possibility of wear and tear.
So, you do not have to worry about the durability of your clothing. It is well taken care of.
Scenarios When Cold Water May Not Work For Your Washing Machine
There are cases where cold water is not an ideal option altogether. Below are 3 common case scenarios.
1. Some Clothing Requires Warm Water
Some clothes require a warm heater for them to be thoroughly cleaned.
Synthetic fabric like nylon, polyester, and spandex can best be washed with hot water.
If you use cold water on such material, you may not achieve optimum cleaning results.
2. Sanitization
If you intend to sanitize your clothing, you will not achieve it with cold water.
Only warm water can be used to sanitize clothing. This is where you will not use cold water.
So, if you have someone in the family with an infectious disease and you intend to kill germs and bar further spread, you will have to use hot water in your washing machine.
3. Climate
Climate is also another factor to put into consideration.
There are some climatic zones where temperatures can freeze below 40° Celsius. It can even get lower than that during the winter months.
Certain detergents may not perform under such conditions.
Consequently, perfect cleaning of clothes may not be achieved. That prompts you to use warm water to achieve the desired cleaning level.
What You Should Not Do With a Broken Water Heater
If your washing machine has a broken water heater, there are things you should not do with it.
1. Do Not Try To Fix the Water Heater Itself
If you try to fix the water heater by yourself, you not only risk taking a significant amount of time, you also risk causing major problems like water leaks and damage.
Before you know it, you may find yourself in an uncontrollable situation.
2. Do Not Continue Using Your Washing Machine If You Suspect Any Problem
Be it a water leak, strange noises, or overheating, you should not assume this and keep using your washing machine.
You should shut it down immediately.
Situations will soon slip out of hand if you continue using them.
You need to turn off the electricity or gas supply and proceed to look for a professional technician to handle the job for you.
Wrap Up
Your washing machine is an essential home appliance.
It is an expensive and equally delicate machine.
As such, a lot of care should be accorded to it.
A broken water heater may not mean a serious problem with your machine.
Your machine should still be up and running.
You note that the damage is a high-profile situation; you need to get a professional to reverse it as soon as you can.
Related
Is It Better to Get a New or Used Washer and Dryer?
Should You Leave Your Washer Lid Open When Not In Use?
References
https://www.geappliances.com/ge/lifestyles/6-reasons-to-cold-water-wash.htm
