Some tips for how to choose a suitable washing machine?
Can you imagine your life without a washing machine? I can't! Especially in winter, the thick downcoat, sheets and duvet covers, etc. I still remember when I was young, my mom washed them by hands, and it’s too difficult to wash and dry and hang.
Nowadays every home will be equipped with a washing maching, no matter a full-automatic one, or a semi-automatic one, no matter a big house or a small apartment. A washing machine can free our hands so we can spare more time to do things we like or develop our hobbies.
You may ask “what kind of washing maching we should choose”, what brand””how’s the energy comsumption” and “what size”. This article will introduce the best time to use washing machines, how to save energy when doing washing and 2 types of washing machines.
Experts Weigh In On The Best Time of Day to Wash Your Clothes to Save Money
Which times of day are best to wash your clothes? Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of the on-demand laundry company Laundryheap, said, “The most expensive time for you to wash or dry your clothes is between 4:00pm and 7:00pm, so try to avoid using your machines between these hours, if possible."
“A handy way to cut costs when it comes to running your washing machine, is to make use of its time delay setting, which enables you to control when a cycle starts," Dimitrov continued. “Putting your washing in during the evening and setting the machine to run into the early hours of the morning could greatly reduce your electricity costs, as energy prices are lowest between 10:00pm and 5:00am.”
Tips for saving electricity through the wash
Water temperature is also worth considering when it comes to doing your laundry.
You don't have to use high temperatures for most of your washing nowadays as modern machines and good detergents are able to clean laundry with regular soiling at 30 or 40 degrees Celsius, which saves on operating costs.
That's because your machine uses more than three-quarters of the energy to heat the water.
So if you calculate it based on German electricity costs, for example, washing two loads a week at 30 degrees Celsius would save you up to €17 (RM78) per year, rather than washing at 60 degrees Celsius, according to non-profit consultancy co2online.
By using eco or eco-friendly programmes, you can save a further €33 (RM152) a year, again based on current German prices.
Prewashing accounts for €7 (RM32) per year. Meanwhile save a cool €55 (RM253) by not using the tumble dryer.
If that is not an option for you – it's tough on families with small children – then set the spin speed as high as possible beforehand during the wash cycle, as the less water your clean laundry contains, the faster it will dry.
Need a washing machine – here is what you need to know
Top-load – like mum and grandma had
I remember as a child my mum using a wringer/washer. I also remember her delight in the 60s at getting a top-load washer. These and twin-tubs were the only style of washer back then.
They have stood the test of time, offering fast washing, lower-up-front costs and are best for people who cannot bend over to load a front loader.
They have a vertical drum and a central impellor to agitate the wash. Many have simple time settings (longer the wash, the cleaner), but some have multiple programs. But these are on their way out with only four 10Kg models still available from $849 to $1649.
Pro:
- Lowest cost to buy
- No need to bend over to load, although some are too deep to unload
- Simple engineering means lower repair costs
- Easy to add more items mid-wash
- Typical wash cycle is about an hour
- Price does not equate to wash quality – all top loaders perform similarly
- Reasonably energy efficient due to shorter wash cycles but need hot water to achieve that
Con:
- Don’t wash as well as front-loaders
- Most require both hot and cold water – more expensive ones will heat the water
- Can be noisy and heavy (especially those with cement block stabilisers)
- Harsher on clothes
- Requires a high-suds (foam) detergent
- Slightly smaller capacity than front-loaders
- Once washed, the impellor spins the water out, causing creasing and wrinkles but also leaving clothes appreciably wetter than a front-loader
- Generally, larger footprints and the need to open the top and requires more vertical space
- Don’t have a flat top for a workspace or to stack a dryer
Front-loaders
Just as mum swears by her top-loader, I have used front-loaders since the 70s and would not consider anything else – if only for the dryer stackability and space utility.
All the new tech is going into front-loaders – multiple cycles (delicates, wool, tough stains, fast, superfast, active wearand more). Some have optional steam and IoT capabilities to communicate with smartphones or dryers.
Front-loaders tumble the wash – there is no impeller to tangle the clothes. So, they are easier on the clothes. They can also delay the spin cycle to leave clothes in water (reduce creases) until you need them.
They start from $495 for a 7.5Kg and go to $4999 for a 9kg Miele although you can get from 7-14Kg models. As a guide, 10kg is now the most popular size and can fit a single load of king bed sheets and bath sheets and accessories. So, it is suitable for a family of four or a very messy couple.
Pro
- From 7-14Kg capacities
- Starting price is about $500 but 10kg from $1000-2000
- Better washing performance (than a top-loader)
- Gentler on clothes
- More energy efficient
- Most can use cold water only wash and heat water if required (30-90°)
- Cheaper to run
- Use about half the water of a top loader
- More programs and options – you can even wash pillows, wool, stuffed toys and handwash items
- Higher spin-dry speeds leave clothes dryer
- Most fit a standard 600mm nook and have a top flat workspace for stacking
- Some have a hatch to add extra items during the wash
Con
- Longer cycle times from 2-3 hours, but newer models have broken the 60-minute top-loader wash cycle barrier
- Heavier
- Can vibrate due to faster spin – need a stable floor
- Can crease clothes if you use too fast a spin cycle – avoid using over 1100RPM
- Need low suds detergent
So do you have some idea what kind of washing machine you could choose now?
Here we will recommend 3 of our cost-effective washing machines
7.7 lbs Compact Laundry Washing Machine with Built-in Barrel Drain Pump
Features of this wahcing machine:
『Compact Design & Large Capacity』: This washing machine is compact and lightweight for you to move it easily. But the stainless steel honeycomb shaped inner tub can load 7.7 lbs at one time and wash many clothes for you. With a space-saving design, it is perfect for your home, apartment or even taking it for outdoor activities like camping.
『Full-Automatic Washing Machine』: Safety and Energy-Saving Design. This washing machine will give an alarm if wrong operation happens. And if washing finished or you do not press START/PAUSE in 10 minutes after pressing power, power supply will be cut off automatically. It is smart and safe for whole family.
Giantex Portable Washing Machine, Mini Washer and Dryer Combo
Features:
Both can be used as a washing machine and dryer
Portable handle on either side for easy transportation
This practical washing machine is suitable for dormitories, apartments,etc.
Clear lid makes it easy to view the progress of the laundry.
17.6 lbs Washer Spain Spinner Portable Washing Machine, Blue+ White
Features:
17.6 LBS Large Capacity: Washing tube: place clothing in the wash tub section, rated washing capacity: 11 lbs. Run the rinse cycle for the desired minutes, Rated spinner dryer capacity: 6.6 lbs (half of the washing capacity, you may spin twice).
Compact Twin Tub Washing Design : Convenient For Home Use. Have a filter net on the side of the washing barrel, which can easily filter when washing, and you could easily pull it off when cleaning the tube. Have a cover plate when you use the spin tube, can easily put above the cloths and avoid the high speed throw away. Easy assemble is required with all hardware packed in the package.
Technology has changed life, there are more and more high-tech products which will emerge in our daily life. Now you may have some better ideas how to choose a suitable washing machine for your home.
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