Home appliances have functions that differ from country to country in order to fit with the climate and the cultural habit. Also, the operation display is usually indicated only in the local language. Therefore, here is some information on how to use the most frequently used home equipment in daily life – Bathroom dryer/ventilation system and washing machine.
Bathroom dryer/ventilation system
Typically, Japanese houses have a bathroom and washroom separately. The Japanese style bathroom comprises of a dressing room 脱衣所(Datsuijo), the room to change closes, and a washing ro＄om 浴室(Yokushitu) for bathing/showering. The vanity unit is usually in the dressing room. The toilet is not inside the bathroom, separately placed in a small washroom which is called Toire トイレ” in Japanese.
In the bathroom, a dryer/ventilation system is usually equipped as the bathing area that includes the wall and floor gets wet after bathing. The wet bathroom can get black mold so easily, especially the season during early to late summer when the humidity increases, that the use of the dryer/ventilation system helps to prevent the growth of mold.
Some types of dryer/ventilation systems have a heating function that helps keep the ideal temperature of the bathroom in winter. Since most of the Japanese houses are not centrally heated, the temperature of the bathroom tends to be much lower than other rooms, and such large temperature change may cause a heart attack when bathing. Heating the bathroom beforehand will reduce the risk.
How to use the Bathroom heater/dryer/ventilation system
The equipment is usually installed on the ceiling and is operated by the controller placed on the wall.
- 暖房 (Danbo): Heat
- 乾燥 (Kanso): Dry
- 涼風 (Ryoufu): Cool air
- 換気 (Kanki): Ventilation
- 強 (Kyou): High, strong, powerful
- 弱 (Jaku): Low, weak, mild,
- 24時間換気(Niju Yojikan Kanki): 24-hour ventilation
- 一時停止(Ichiji Teishi): Pause
Press this button to stop temporarily while 24-hour ventilation is on. - 長押し停止(Nagaoshi Teishi): Press and hold to stop
The button for turning off 24-hour ventilation. Press the button and hold it for a few seconds until the light indicates off.
Using a washing machine and its dry function
In Japanese style houses, the washing machine is usually placed in the dressing room. Though hanging laundry outside is typical in Japan, which some people hesitate to do so, it is not only the way to dry your clothes at home. There are washing machines with drying function, allow you to do the laundry from washing to drying in one operation.
To find whether your washing machine has the dry function or not, see the operation panel and check if there is the button “乾燥(Kanso)” or Dry.
洗濯(Sentaku): Wash
The button for washing. After washing, take out the laundry and hang them outside to dry.
乾燥(Kanso): Dry
The button just drying. Use this function for drying wet clothes.
洗乾(Senkan) or 洗濯＆乾燥(Sentaku & Kanso): Wash & Dry
The button for washing and drying in one operation.
Tips
If you plan to buy a washing machine, consider the drying function and check specification carefully when selecting. Drum-type washing machines often come with dry function.
Water in Japan has less hardness. For proper washing, use the laundry detergent sold in Japan. Also, washing machines in Japan are generally not for high-temperature washing.