STACK #238 August 2024

CLEAN MACHINES

TECH FEATURE

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NEW TECH CHECK The humble washing machine has come a long way from the ancient appliance that used to shudder like a space shuttle on re-entry, tangle clothes, and devour power.

D epending on the model, paired the load being washed, so the dryer can prep the right cycle. Smart washers enable loads to be scheduled, started or stopped using a smartphone app, and customised according to fabric types and levels of soiling. The laundry has become a whole lot smarter. Smart stuff Smart washers can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, or integrated into a smart home ecosystem via your Wi-Fi network, with support for voice assistants. Left home and forgotten to start the wash cycle? No problem, simply activate it using the app. washers and dryers can now talk to each other and exchange info about

The connected clean Big brands like Samsung and LG make it easy to

to detect any problems, and can even alert you when detergent is low and order more automatically. Auto dosing This handy feature

save time, energy and water with proprietary apps that offer home automation, and that extends to the laundry. Supported Samsung washers can be connected to the SmartThings app on a phone for remote control, notifications about cycles or errors, and checking on cycles in progress.

on supported washers takes the guesswork out of adding the correct amount of detergent and

fabric softener – and let’s face it, we often use more than is required. You simply fill up the dispensers and the machine will subsequently weigh the load to determine the dose required. It’s super convenient and you’ll get better wash performance, too. Some machines can accommodate a month’s worth of liquid, so just fill and forget. It’s little things like this that help make laundering easier. Steam cycles High-end machines from some brands can include a steam cycle to help eliminate bacteria and nasties, break up stubborn dirt and stains, dissolve detergent faster, and reduce wrinkles for easier ironing afterwards.

There's also a Laundry Recipe function that lets you select the type of garments

you’re washing and offers tips for getting the best wash, while the Laundry Planner will schedule start and stop times for cycles – just don’t forget to preload the machine and close the door. Similarly, LG’s ThinQ smart home platform lets you connect

and control the brand’s smart laundry appliances from almost anywhere, as well as offering an option to

Some can have sensors that weigh the load, scan the type of clothing, level of soiling and detergent dose, and then activate the optimal cycle – and there can be customised cycles for different fabrics and loads. You’ll receive a notification when the cycle is complete, as well as maintenance alerts when it’s cleaning time.

download new cycles over Wi-Fi. The app also gives you voice control for your supported LG washer and dryer, as well as energy use monitoring, smart diagnosis

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