How to Use Your Japanese Washing Machine – Saki Corporation

Summary:
Doing laundry in Japan is easy once you understand the machine’s controls. This guide walks you through using your washing machine from start to finish, including key buttons, terminology, and helpful tips. Kanpai Japan+2Tokyo Cheapo+2

🧺 1. Identify Your Machine Type & Basic Setup

Most Japanese rental units have either a top-loading or front-loading washing machine. Real Estate Resources+1
Locate the 電源 (Power / “On/Off”) button or switch. Japan Living Guide+1
Ensure the machine is properly connected to the water faucet and drainage hose (this is usually set up by the property).

✅ 2. Step-by-Step Operation

2.1 Power On

Press the button labeled 電源 or one marked 入／切 (On / Off). Kanpai Japan+1

2.2 Load Clothes & Detergent

Place your clothes in the drum, making sure not to overload it.
Add detergent (洗剤) and, if available, fabric softener (柔軟剤). Japanese washing machines often accept cold water only. Reddit+1

2.3 Select Washing Course

Use the button labelled コース to choose a cycle. Common options:

おまかせ (Standard)
手洗い／ドライ (Delicates)
毛布 (Blanket)
急ぎ (Quick) MailMate

2.4 Adjust Water Amount/Settings (if available)

Some machines allow adjustment of water volume (水量) or timer (予約) for delayed start. MailMate+1

2.5 Start the Machine

Close the lid or door securely, then press スタート / 一時停止 (Start / Pause). The machine will proceed through wash (洗い), rinse (すすぎ), and spin (脱水). Go! Go! Nihon+1

🌀 3. Drying & After Wash Care

If your machine has a 乾燥 (Dry) function, select it.
Otherwise, hang clothes on a balcony or use indoor drying bars. Kanpai Japan
After the cycle, leave the washing machine door open a little to let moisture escape and avoid odor or mold. The Times of India

🔤 4. Translation Cheat Sheet: Common Kanji & Buttons

Japanese	Romaji	English
電源	dengen	Power On/Off
コース	kōsu	Course / Cycle
洗い	arai	Wash
すすぎ	susugi	Rinse
脱水	dassui	Spin
予約	yoyaku	Timer / Reservation
水量	suiryō	Water Volume
乾燥	kansō	Dry
入／切	iri / kiri	On / Off

💡 5. Practical Tips & FAQs

Use a laundry net (洗濯ネット) for small items or items with zippers to prevent damage. LIVE JAPAN
If you only see cold water, that’s normal for many Japanese machines — hot water may be handled elsewhere. Reddit
For bulky items like futons, consider visiting a coin laundry (コインランドリー) with larger machines. LIVE JAPAN

🧼 6. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Clean the filter or lint trap monthly.
If the machine does not start, check power, lid/door closure, and water supply.
For error codes or malfunction, please submit a maintenance request.