Modern vacuum cleaners come in both handheld and upright models. The latest vacuum models include not only a set of brushes, a powder sprayer, and a liquid dispenser but also a device for washing laundry. This device consists of a dome-shaped perforated nozzle, with a tube embedded in its center. The nozzle is placed in the washing tub. Laundry is added to the tub along with a washing solution; a hose from the vacuum cleaner is attached to the top end of the tube, while the other end connects to the vacuum’s exhaust port. When the vacuum is turned on, air flows through the hose and tube, vigorously mixing the washing liquid, which helps to thoroughly clean the laundry. The same method is used for rinsing the laundry.
Electric Polishers. Electric polishers of various brands are used for quick and effective floor polishing.
Wooden or painted floors are washed and then coated with a polish (application instructions are provided on the packaging). Once the floor dries, it is polished.
As the floor begins to lose its shine, and simple polishing no longer yields results, the gloss can be restored by sprinkling crushed paraffin or block (bricketed) polishing wax on the floor, or even better—natural beeswax. After sprinkling the wax powder, the floor is polished several times with the polisher, followed by buffing with a felt pad.
Washing Machines. Using washing machines makes laundry chores easier, reduces soap and soda consumption, and extends the lifespan of clothing. Washing machines are designed for a single load of 3.3 to 6.6 lbs (1.5—3 kg) of laundry, with each wash cycle lasting 4 to 10 minutes.
Here’s a brief table of the weights of various laundry items (weights in grams): collar—15; handkerchief—30; socks—45; stockings—45; tank top—150; shirt—300; summer pajamas—400; towel—100; pillowcase—180-200; tablecloth—400; sheet—460; duvet cover—500; fluffy towel—600; fabric blanket—1300; ski suit—1600; women’s knitwear set—500; summer dress—400-600.
Before washing, laundry should be soaked in warm water for about 10 hours. The most soiled areas—collars and cuffs—should be rubbed with soap; add soda or its substitute (one tablespoon per bucket of water) to the water. After soaking, the laundry is wrung out and rinsed in warm water.
First, load white cotton and linen items into the machine, followed by silk and viscose. Finally, add wool and synthetic fiber items (like nylon and polyester). The machine should be loaded with laundry only after it has started. White items are washed for 5-8 minutes, colored items for about 5 minutes, and heavily soiled items for about 10 minutes.
After washing, items are wrung out and rinsed first in hot water, then in warm, and finally in cold water. It is not recommended to overload the machine. The machine can also be used for whitening and starching laundry.
For washing, use a solution with the following composition: for each bucket of hot water, add one tablespoon of washing soda or powder and two tablespoons of grated soap. Soap and soda should be dissolved by boiling in a small amount of water beforehand. A good product is OP-7; it does not damage fabrics and helps to better remove dirt. For whitening laundry, the product “Persol” can be used. Instructions for using these products are provided on the packaging. When washing wool, silk, and colored items in the machine, it is recommended to use the synthetic detergent “Novost.”
When using a washing machine equipped with wringing rollers, ensure that the laundry feeds evenly along the entire length of the rollers without bulging. After use, the machine should be wiped dry.
Electric Refrigerators. Electric refrigerators are divided into two groups based on their operating principle: compressor and absorption types.
For refrigerators of any system to function properly, the following rules must be followed: do not cover shelves, as this disrupts normal air circulation in the cooling chamber; the refrigerator door must be tightly closed; hot food should not be placed in the refrigerator—first, it should be cooled to room temperature; strongly scented foods should be wrapped in plastic or polyethylene bags before storing; if frost on the evaporator walls exceeds 0.2-0.24 inches (5-6 mm), it should be defrosted; fruits and vegetables should be stored in closed containers; butter should also be kept in a closed container, as it absorbs foreign odors. The interior and exterior walls of the refrigerator should be cleaned with warm water without using any powders; periodically, the refrigerator should be turned off, cleaned, wiped dry, and aired out.
Electric Stoves. Electric stoves come in open and closed types. Open-type stoves are more economical to operate but less durable and require more frequent repairs; closed-type stoves are less economical but very reliable, requiring significantly fewer repairs.
Electric Irons. Electric irons are equipped with temperature-regulating devices that allow the iron to be heated to the desired temperature. This prevents fabric scorching, especially for silk, viscose, and wool. This category also includes steam irons, which release steam through a tube in the soleplate to moisten the fabric.
Care and Repair of Household Appliances.
Proper maintenance affects the longevity and performance of the appliance, as well as its fire safety and protection against electric shock. The following care rules should be observed:
before plugging in the appliance, check the condition of the cord, plug, and socket. If the cord’s insulation is burned, that section should be either cut off or carefully wrapped with electrical tape. The cord should not have sharp bends. The power of the appliance must match the wire gauge; failing to consider this can lead to overheating and fire hazards.
It is strictly prohibited to leave appliances unattended.
If an appliance stops working, check the plug and cord for faults. To do this, connect a working cord to the appliance. If the plug and cord are functioning, unscrew the nut and inspect the connection point of the heating element to the terminals. If these parts are intact, the heating coil has likely burned out.
If the coil is burned out, carefully clean the burned ends, twist them together, and tightly clamp them with pliers; the best results come from bending a piece of copper into a terminal to clamp the joined ends. This method can also be used to connect the ends of the ribbon in an electric kettle. In an iron where the element is enclosed, connecting the burned ends does not yield positive results; in this case, the element must be replaced. If the contact pins of the iron and porcelain insulators are faulty, they should be replaced with new ones.
When reassembling repaired appliances, all connections must be tightened thoroughly; otherwise, sparking may occur at these points, causing metal surfaces to burn and disrupting contact.
Safety Measures When Using Electrical Appliances
Using electrical appliances requires adherence to certain personal and fire safety measures.
Electric current, even at household voltage levels (220 or 127 volts), can cause burns or even be fatal if mishandled. Additionally, improper handling of electrical appliances can lead to fires in the home.
Particular caution should be exercised when using electrical appliances in damp areas or in spaces with concrete floors, such as basements.
Do not touch exposed wires or uninsulated parts of electrical appliances with bare hands. It is especially dangerous to touch plumbing or heating systems simultaneously.
To avoid accidents, it is necessary to check and maintain the wiring, fixtures, plugs, switches, and electrical appliances in good condition. Do not turn electrical appliances on or off with wet hands. Do not hang clothes or other items on electrical wiring, switches, or cords. Homemade electrical appliances and portable devices should not be used in damp areas, such as bathrooms, basements, etc.
