Candidate Support Pack - Scottish Qualifications Authority

The ideal wash action will also be lost if the rotation is too fast, and work is just carried
around the outside of the cage.
The gentle action setting seen on many washing machines keeps the rotation speed the
same, but increases the dwell time between rotations.
The design of the washing machines drums will usually be one of the following:
Open Pocket Y Pocket D Pocket
The ‘open’ pocket machine is the most common. It is usually fitted with three or more
beaters to help lift and carry the work to nearly the top of the machine. The subsequent
drop and squeezing action of the work gives this type of machine the highest level of
action.
The ‘Y’ pocket drum is only usually found on larger washer extractors where it helps to
keep different classifications separate, and aids loading and unloading. Due to the limited
space inside the drum, lifters are not usually fitted. The wash action is much reduced in
this type of machine, but is adequate for light to medium soiling classifications.
The ‘D’ pocket machine is the least popular, and is usually found on side-loading
machines. Beaters are usually fitted but the wash action is very restricted.
Degree of loading
Washing machines are usually referred to by their maximum loading capacity (for
example, the 90kg machine). This figure is usually calculated using cotton sheeting as the
standard classification.
If the load is above this designated weight — (overloading) — the restricted movement
and drop of the linen will reduce mechanical action. Overloading will result in poor wash
quality.
If the load is below this designated weight — (underloading) — the work may be carried
too high in the cage and either dropped late or not dropped at all. This reduces the
mechanical action.
You may be trained to load your washing machines to a set weight, but you must take into
account how bulky an item is and how this will affect the mechanical action of the wash.
For example, you would never manage to squeeze 90kg of lightweight polyester filled
duvets into a washing machine with a maximum loading capacity of 90kg.
GC8N 22 — Laundry Operations Level 2 5.21