How to use a washing machine in Japan: Guide for Travellers and Residents

Making your laundry in Japan can become a real riddle for newcomers. Between the buttons in Japanese, the different types of machines and the rules specific to each housing, it is easy to feel lost. This guide helps you understand step by step how to use a Japanese washing machine, whether you are on a trip, installed for a few months or long-term resident.

Different types of washing machines in Japan

In Japan you will find mainly two types of washing machines: top-loading machines and front-loading machines. Front load models are often equipped with an integrated washing and drying system, while those with top load generally include only washing.

Models also vary according to their level of technology. Some machines can program laundry in advance, choose between several wash cycles, or even run a self-cleaning of the drum. Others, simpler, have only a few essential buttons.

The most common machines in rental apartments are top-loading models, which are not bulky, relatively easy to use, but require manual or air-drying.

Understand the buttons of the machine

Although each machine has its own specific features, the majority of them have similar buttons, often in Japanese. The main functions to be known include:

• Power)March/Stop. It can also be displayed in the form of “on” and “off”.
• (start / break)Start or pause washing.
• (running): Washing cycle. Press several times to scroll through the available programs.
• (standard): Standard program, most used.
• (quick): Rapid washing.
• (gentle wash): For delicate or hand washable clothes.
• (blanket): Special programme for blankets.
• : Self-cleaning the drum.
• Timer: To schedule a delayed washing.
• Water volumeWater level.
• (wash/rinse/spin): Steps of the washing cycle.

In the majority of cases, the program “… ” will be enough for your daily laundry. Don’t hesitate to use an image translator on your phone to identify buttons if you are facing a machine you don’t understand.

Launch laundry with ease

To make a standard laundry, follow these steps:

1. Open the lid and load your laundry.
2. Add the detergent to the compartment provided for this purpose (often a small drawer or a hole to the right of the drum).
3. Close the lid.
4. Press the button to turn on the machine.
5. Press to choose the desired program.
6. Press to start washing.

Some machines bent at the end of the cycle, others turn off automatically.

How to dry your laundry

Drying is often the most delicate step for foreigners in Japan, as dryers are not always available, and co-ownership rules sometimes prohibit drying laundry outside.

Integrated dryer

If you have a front-loading machine with integrated dryer function, use the following buttons:

• : Wash only.
• : Combined washing and drying.
• : Dry only.

These machines take longer than Western models, and consume more electricity, but they are convenient if you can’t dry your laundry out.

Open-air drying

In non-dryer housing, the most common method is open-air drying, indoors or on a balcony. Japanese apartments are often equipped with suspension bars or high wires. If the accommodation is prohibited on the balcony, an alternative is often provided: a drying system in the bathroom.

Dryer integrated into the bathroom

Many recent apartments in Japan haveheated ventilation systemin the bathroom, allowing to dry the hanging linen on a bar. Select the mode on the control panel and let it work for a few hours. It is an excellent solution during the rainy or winter season.

Choose and buy a Japanese laundry

Japanese leachates are available in liquid or powder, and packaging is rarely translated. Key words to identify are:

• : Laundry
• : Softening
• : Washer with integrated softener
• : Water of bleach for clothing

Products are usually sold in bottle, but flexible refills are available to reduce plastic waste. The major Japanese brands (Ariel, Attack, etc.) also offer capsules or detergents concentrated for high capacity machines.

If you prefer to use Western brands, you will find them on platforms such as Amazon Japan, Rakuten or in some specialized stores.

Drying in Japan

Drying is very common in Japan. You will find them in most residential areas. Even if the staff doesn’t always speak English, just drop off your clothes and get a ticket with the withdrawal date.

A blouse or shirt (often called “Y-shirt”) usually costs between 250 and 500 yen depending on the quality of the service and the region. Some facilities also offer express cleaning during the day.

In Tokyo, there are some presses for foreigners, but they are rare. It may be useful to have a small lexicon or to use a mobile translator.

Use an automatic laundromat

Automatic laundries are widespread in Japan, especially in residential areas or near railway stations. They are very practical in case of machine failure at home, to wash duvets or in prolonged rain.

You can find a laundry by typingin a card application. Some are even open 24 hours a day.

General operation

• Prices: about 300 to 500 yen for washing, depending on the size of the machine.
• Duration: a full cycle takes about 40 minutes.
• Dryer100 yen for 10 to 15 minutes. Japanese machines are sometimes less powerful than those in the West, so expect a little more time.
• Soap included?Some machines have integrated soap. Check the instructions not to overdose.

Recent laundries also offer innovative services such asMachines for washing sneakers,relaxation areas with Wi-Fi, orpayments by IC card (Suica, Pasmo, etc.).

Precautions by housing

Before using a machine or suspending laundry, check your rental contract. Some buildings:

• Do not suspend the linen outside (visibility from the street).
• Limit the use of the dryer to off-peak hours.
• Request regular maintenance of the machine (filter, drum).

Observing these rules helps to avoid conflicts with neighbours or the owner, especially in high-end residences or accommodation run by agencies.

Useful tips for washing clothes in Japan

• Use aWashing threadto protect delicate clothes.
• Think about starting the programat least once a month to avoid mould.
• Do not overload the machine: this reduces the efficiency of washing and accelerates the wear of the device.
• Wash the clothes separately: Japanese laundry is sometimes very powerful.
• Keep100 yen coinson you for automatic laundries or use money dispensers.

Making your laundry in Japan quickly becomes a routine once you understand the basics. Between technology machines, housing rules, specific products and drying options, the system may seem complex at first glance. But with a little practice and some tricks, you will quickly master Japanese laundry art, whether at home or in laundry.

Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.

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