Category: Laundry Appliances

How to Prevent “Eaten” Socks in Your Laundry

Many of us have experienced the phenomenon of socks disappearing from our washer or dryer. Research has shown that people lose up to 15 socks each year, adding up to 1264 socks in the average lifetime. While you make joke about a laundry monster eating your socks, there are a number of reasons why your socks may have disappeared, which we’ll explore here along with how to prevent this happening.

Why Your Socks Go Missing

There is no definitive answer to why socks have a tendency to disappear during the wash. There are myriad explanations ranging from them getting trapped behind your washing machine drum to them merely being misplaced. Some of the other common causes of missing socks include your socks being stuck inside your washing machine pump because the machine was overloaded or even that dryer static has caused socks to cling to other clothing, and you don’t notice them. Contrary to the belief of some, your socks are not being sucked into an alternate dimension, and with a little care and attention, you can prevent the problem.

Don’t Overload

The first step to keeping your socks from entering the Twilight Zone is not to overload your washing machine. Overloading not only prevents proper cleaning and increases strain on the machine, but it can also allow smaller items such as socks to be pushed behind the drum or sucked into the pump.

Most washing machines specify a maximum weight capacity, but the easiest way to check if your machine is overloaded is by using one hand. Simply place your hand into the drum and check what space is left. If you can only fit your hand in, your load is full and ready to go, but if you can’t even squeeze your hand in, you’ve overloaded it, and you need to remove some items.

Keep Your Socks in Pairs

The reason socks tend to go missing in the laundry is that they are often the smallest item in the load. You can improve the chances of keeping them safe by keeping your socks in pairs. You can use binder clips or safety pins, but even rolling one sock sleeve over another will work. While this may take more time for your socks to dry, it should prevent them from going astray.

Use a Mesh Bag

Another way to protect your socks and all your smaller items is to use a mesh laundry bag. These bags are designed to allow water and detergent to pass through them while protecting your smaller and more delicate items. Just remember to zip the bag closed before you put it in the machine or you’ll still end up with socks dotted throughout the load.

Check for Missing Socks

Finally, if you do find that a sock has gone missing, don’t just ignore the issue. A sock trapped inside your washing machine or dryer could cause damage at put your home at risk of flooding. If you find you’re missing a sock when your folding your laundry, first check that it isn’t trapped in your dryer lint filter. This is the easiest issue to deal with, as while you may need to clean the lint and rewash the sock, it should just be a matter of opening the lint trap and emptying it as you should before or after each cycle.

If the sock isn’t in the dryer, check if you can see it in the drum. Often you may be able to see a piece of sock sticking out, and you may just be able to tease it out. Another thing to check is the pump overflow of your washing machine. Many models feature a small compartment on the front. This allows access to the pump trap. When you open the door, you’ll see instructions to turn a dial and release any trapped water. You may be surprised to see your rogue sock pop out with a small gush of water.

If your washing machine seems to be struggling to cope with your laundry and you’re considering an upgrade, you can explore your options with this online collection. Or you can speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

All You Need to Know About Ventless Dryers

Approximately 80% of homes in America have a clothes dryer, and if you don’t, you may find yourself collecting quarters to visit the laundromat. If you are limited for space, you may think that you are stuck using those giant machines and waiting around for an hour, but there is another option; the ventless dryer. These appliances are not considered mainstream here in America, but they have been used in Europe for decades. So, here we will explore all you need to know about these great devices.

Why Ventless Dryers are Popular in Europe

If you visit many European countries, a ventless dryer is considered standard and use it just as we would use our conventional dryers. The reason why these appliances are so prevalent in Europe is that European homes tend to be far smaller than a typical U.S home and they just cannot accommodate the large, vented dryers we have here. This means that if you have a smaller home, you can take inspiration from the Europeans and opt for a ventless dryer.

Ventless models can fit under a counter or even in a closet, provided there is proper airflow and an electric socket. If you do use your dryer in a closet, you will need to open the doors while you’re drying to maintain air circulation. Another attractive feature of a ventless dryer is that they can be stacked or placed side by side with your washer. This means that you can save space. For example, you could create a dining table over your washer and dryer in your kitchen to create an area for eating when you’re not doing laundry.

How Ventless Dryers Work

Vented dryers pull air from the laundry room to be heated. The air is rolled around with the clothes before it is blown out the exhaust with any evaporated moisture. In order to vent this exhaust, there needs to be a hole in the wall, but this can create problems. For example, when the air is cold, your home won’t be warmed up, so the furnace needs to work harder to compensate. The reverse can also be true; if you are drying in summer, you’ve paid money to cool your indoor air only for your dryer to warm it up again.

A ventless dryer does not need exhaust. While it does pull in cool air to heat it up, it uses a heat exchanger to cool the heated air and draw the moisture into a containment chamber. This cycle is repeated until the clothes are dried. There is no need to vent any exhaust as the water is either collected in a tray or passed down the drain.

The Benefits of a Ventless Dryer

There are numerous benefits of using a ventless dryer, but the most obvious is that there is no need to punch a hole in your wall. This also means that you’re not wasting energy heating or cooling air with your HVAC system only for it to be channeled outside.

Ventless drying is also more gentle on your clothing. You’ll find that your clothes come out of the dryer cooler. Although you may enjoy that “toasty, warm” feel from your dryer, this is not great for the fabric. In fact, the heat of a vented dryer can cause over-drying and create fading, color running or shrinking.

Ventless dryers also tend to be more economical. Not only are they less expensive to install, but they typically use 30% less energy compared to traditional models. There is also less chance of clogging as there is no vent to accumulate lint and debris to create a fire risk. So, while it does take a little longer for your clothes to dry, it should have a positive impact on your energy bills.

If you’re considering a new dryer, you can explore your options with this online collection or dryers, or for further help or guidance, speak to a laundry appliance expert.

Do You Have Bad Laundry Habits?

While you may not have given it much thought, many of us have some bad laundry habits. These seemingly minor issues may be costing you money for new clothes, washing machine repairs and even higher bills. Breaking these habits can be simple, and here we have some tips to help you get started with better habits today.

Too Much Laundry Detergent

There is an assumption that more detergent means that you’ll get cleaner clothes, but this isn’t always the case. While not using enough detergent can leave your wash less than fresh, using too much can cause a residue to be left on your clothing creating a dull look. Excessive amounts of suds can also cause damage to the pump and drain on your washing machine. So, it’s important to use the right amount of the right laundry detergent. Use the recommended amounts listed on your detergent bottle and check you’re using the right product for your washing machine.

Leaving Your Wet Clothes Lingering

As soon as your load finishes washing, it is important to transfer it into your dryer. Although it is easy to forget about a laundry load, in only 8 to 12 hours, mildew and mold can start to develop on your clean clothes. This will turn a fresh load of laundry into a smelly mess overnight. If you have a load of towels or clothing slip your mind, you’ll need to rewash them, and if there is a lingering sour smell, you should add a cup of white vinegar to the load with your normal detergent.

Tossing Clean Clothing in a Laundry Basket

If you’re in the habit of simply tossing your clean clothing in your laundry basket, you are creating far more work for yourself. If you don’t hang or fold your items straight away, they’ll end up wrinkly and in need of a really good iron. If you pull your items out of the dryer and fold or hang them while they’re still warm, they’re less likely to look wrinkled, and you can avoid standing for hours of ironing.

Overloading Your Washing Machine

Whether you’re behind on your laundry or simply want to try and get your chores done a little quicker, you may be tempted to cram extra clothes into your washing machine. Some people even believe that they are conserving water or energy, but this is not the case. In fact, overloading your washing machine causes the appliance to work harder and may contribute to a breakdown. Additionally, since there is less room in the drum for the water to circulate and the detergent to agitate, you are likely to find that your clothing doesn’t come out as clean as you would like. This means that you’ll be forced to wash them again anyway. So, it is far better to adhere to the load limits detailed by the manufacturer in your user’s manual to achieve the best results.

Not Zipping Up

The metal teeth of zippers can easily snag on your delicate items and cause damage. So, develop a new habit of ensuring that any zippers on your clothing are all the way up before they go in the wash. As an aside, this does not apply for buttons, as leaving buttons fastened on shirts and pants can actually create stress on the button and could cause them to pop off.

Putting All Your Items in The Dryer

While using a dryer is the fastest option it can also cause premature wear on clothing. Jeans and towels can benefit from always being put in the dryer as they won’t go crispy, but everything else should be hung dry where possible. You should also pay close attention to the clothing care labels and never put anything that says “line dry” in your dryer.

If you’re looking for more efficient laundry appliances, you can explore your options with this online collection or contact a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

Why Your Dryer Needs to be a Clutter Free Zone

Most of us find our laundry room end up being a bit of a dumping ground. It is very easy to leave clothing on top of the dryer, but allowing your dryer to become cluttered is a possible safety risk and could be putting your home at risk of a fire.

The Real Possibility of a Fire Hazard

While you may be diligent about emptying your lint trap, leaving clothes on top of the dryer, while you are doing multiple loads of laundry, creates a real risk of fire. If clothes are left while the dryer is running, you can not only compromise the dryer performance, but could be putting your home in danger.

Dryers produce a great deal of heat in order to dry wet clothing. This requires space so that the heat produced can safely escape. When clothing is piled on the dryer, there is a risk that they will fall off the top of the dryer and get wedged behind the appliance. This is likely to block the vents and allow heat to build up. Additionally, since most clothing materials are flammable, there is an even greater chance of an item igniting.

Safer Ways to Store Dried Clothing

If you’re dealing with multiple loads of laundry, it is inevitable that some clothing will need to be stored temporarily until they are folded and put away. Fortunately, there are safer ways to store your dried clothing without putting your laundry room at risk of a fire.
One of the easiest ways to store your dried loads is to use a laundry basket. A laundry basket on the floor near your drier can be used for clothing straight out of the dryer, or provide a place for folded clothes.

If you like to keep everything organized in your laundry room and prefer to fold everything before it is taken to your bedroom, you could set up a table. A table can provide a place to unload the dryer or fold your clothing. If you are limited space, consider a folding table that can be collapsed when you don’t need it.

Another solution is to build a shelf over your appliances. Provided both your dryer and washer are front loading, a shelf extending above the appliances can create space for laundry detergent, cleaning products, and dried clothes. You will need to ensure that there is adequate airflow space, but a shelf will provide a sturdy space to fold and store clothing without risking items blocking the vents.

Clear All the Other Clutter

It is important to bear in mind that clothing is not the only thing that can cause an obstruction and create a fire hazard in your laundry room. If your kids are in the habit of dumping book bags, shoes and other “junk” on top of the dryer, they could be creating a massive problem. So, it is good practice to ensure that your dryer is free of any clutter, particularly before you start using it. It can be a good idea to create additional storage in your laundry room so that any items have their own designated spot rather than being left on top of your dryer. This will ensure that when you do need to do laundry, you don’t need to waste time clearing a mountain of clutter to be sure it’s safe to use your dryer.

Every home has specific requirements for laundry room appliances, and there is a wide range of helpful accessories to complement your room layout.

If you’re looking for new laundry room accessories, explore your options using this online collection or contact a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

How to Choose the Finish of Your New Appliances

In the past, if you were shopping for a new appliance, the finish was a non-issue. It was very rare to find an appliance finished in anything other than white. These days, there is a massive choice of white, black, stainless steel and even colors. While white is a classic choice, it is important to find your favorite finish to ensure that your kitchen showcases your preferences and style.

When White is the Best Choice

White appliances tend to be less popular in a designer kitchen, they do provide a classic look. There are some situations where a white finish is the best choice such as when the cabinets or countertops are in a pale tone. Pale, neutral tones are complemented by clean, white appliances that allow the subtle undertones to be highlighted. Another case where white is the best choice is when you have a dark ceiling. You can create a cottage appeal with wooden beams on your kitchen ceiling, but this can also weigh down the space. So, you need light walls and white appliances to create a light and breezy aesthetic.

A white finish for your appliances can also be useful if you want to create a mix and match look. A golden range hood can be a statement, but it will be too much to have this tone for all of your appliances. Having your other appliances in a white finish will allow the brass finish to stand out and be showcased.

When You Should Opt for Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has become a popular choice as a finish for appliances in recent years. There are good reasons for this as stainless steel is a neutral shade that can complement almost any color scheme. Although stainless steel is often associated with a higher purchase cost, there are some situations where it is certainly worth spending a little more.

If you have an ultra-modern home, stainless steel is a strong choice. The metallic finish creates a crisp look in a minimalist and glossy kitchen. Stainless steel can also enhance the aesthetics of wood cabinetry. The contrast between metal and wood works beautifully creating a visual break to the organic patterning of the wood.
Stainless steel can also provide a great finish if you want to create a transitional style; halfway between a contemporary and traditional kitchen. This type of decor tends to age very well and allows you to mix neutral colors and different textures.

When the Only Way is Black

Black is not only a neutral color, but it is a dramatic and bold choice. This means that it can be both a safe or risky choice depending on how it is paired with cabinetry or countertops. If you love a dramatic monochrome finish, appliances finished in black can create an instantly artistic look without any trendy colors that could clash next season.
Black appliances can also create a subtle effect when you have very dark cabinets. Dark cabinets can cause the space to appear smaller, particularly if they are broken up with white or stainless steel appliances. A black finish minimizes this effect for a sultry aesthetic.

When You Should Consider Color

Although white, stainless steel and black are considered the most common appliance finishes, there are times when a colored finish could perfectly complete your kitchen aesthetic. If you love that retro diner look, the pastel look of colored appliances with a classic checkerboard floor will be perfect. Alternatively, if you’re looking to create something special in your kitchen design, you can add a splash of character and color with a cheerful fridge or fiery range.

The right appliance finish can complete your kitchen decor, and fortunately there is a massive choice of appliances to suit your personal preferences and complement your kitchen layout.

If you’re looking for new kitchen appliances, you can explore the options with this online collection of home appliances or contact a home appliance expert for a specialized service.

Considerations for Placing Your New Laundry Set

Whether you’re upgrading your existing appliances or planning a new laundry area, the placement of your washer and dryer needs some thought and careful planning. Positioning your new appliances in the wrong spot could create problems for your daily routine, and cause inconvenience and headaches. So, here are some considerations for placing your new laundry set.

Think Space

While your existing washer and dryer may be tucked away in your basement, this may not be the right spot for your new appliances. Many homeowners find lugging loads of dirty laundry from the bedrooms upstairs all the way to the basement to be a real pain. So, it could be worth thinking about other spaces around your home that could provide the ideal location. A favorite spot for a laundry set is just off the kitchen. This can add functionality to your kitchen and prevent it from being cluttered. The kids can drop their knapsacks, jackets, and shoes in a laundry room and prevent those items from making your kitchen look untidy. You will need at least a 5×8 foot area, but larger is often better as you can maximize storage.

Ventilation Requirements

Your new washer and dryer will need to be vented, so the most practical placement is adjacent to an external wall. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent fires, particularly with a dryer. If it is not possible to place your new laundry set against an external wall, you will need to give ventilation some thought.

Is the Location Structurally Sound

While new appliances tend to be more stable than their older counterparts, there is still some vibration to consider. This means that your new placement needs to be structurally sound. If you are unsure whether your new location is suitable for supporting two new appliances, it is a good idea to have it checked by a professional contractor.

Noise

Even the best quality washers and dryers still make some noise, so you need to think about whether the noise produced will disturb you. If your new set is placed near work, sleeping or leisure areas, you will need to think about noise suppression. Ideally, you will be able to close a door on the appliances to keep in the noise when you’re doing laundry. If this is not possible, you may need to think about installing wallboard that can dampen any noise and vibrations.

Choose the Right Flooring

Before you place your new laundry set, you need to look at your floor. The floor not only needs to be level, but you also may want to sort your laundry on the floor. This means a garage with a dirt floor may not be sufficient for your needs. Ideally, your floor should be waterproof in case of any spills and look attractive to complement your new appliances.

Choose the Right Appliances

Finally, you need to ensure that you choose the right washer and dryer for your home. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that combine performance and value. If you have limited space, you may need to consider whether you need appliances that can be stacked or a front loading washer that can accommodate a dryer above. Bear in mind that front loaders tend to be quieter compared to a top loader, but they still produce a high-frequency noise when entering the final spin cycle. You may also need to consider the cycle time and features.

Every home needs a different layout for laundry appliances, and there are lots of helpful accessories to meet your requirements. If you need to raise the height of your washing machine or want to stack your appliances, there are kits and pedestals to assist you.

If you’re looking for a stack kit or would like to explore your options, consider this online collection of laundry accessories or speak to a home appliance expert for specialized help.

Tips for Front Load Washers

Front load washers can offer some impressive advantages over their top loading counterparts. These advanced home appliances allow fine control over the settings, the ability to handle large loads and smartphone-enabled features. Unfortunately, if you are used to a top loading washer, you may not be aware of how to get the best out of your new appliance. So, here are some tips for your new front load washer.

Leave the Door Open

When your load is complete, you should remove the clothing as soon as possible and then leave the door slightly ajar. This promotes air circulation and can help you to avoid mold or mildew problems. Front load washers are prone to developing unpleasant smells as mold can form around a damp door seal. Leaving the door open will allow the seal to dry out and should help to prevent mold. If you do notice an issue starting to develop, don’t ignore it; this can lead to your clothes developing a musty odor. Periodically cleaning the door seal using some mild detergent will keep it odor free, just be sure to dry it using a paper towel to avoid dampness.

Use the Right Detergent

You may not get the best performance from your new front load washer if you use your old brand of detergent. While this may have been sufficient for your old top loader, front loaders require high-efficiency detergent products. Regular detergents create more suds, and this can leave a film of residue on the drum and hoses, promoting mold. This residue may also cause mechanical or electronic damage to your appliance and could potentially void your warranty. Front load washers use less water and therefore, need less detergent. You should only purchase detergent that is high efficiency or labeled “HE” for optimum results. Remember too much soap is not a good thing, so stick to the recommended amounts.

Run the Cleaning Cycle Regularly

Most manufacturers recommend running a cleaning cycle regularly to prevent any potential issues with mildew or mold. You may find that adding a commercial washer cleaning product can keep your appliance smelling fresh and looking clean, but take note of the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Plan for Ultimate Efficiency

A front load washer tends to have a longer wash cycle compared to a top loader. As this type of machine uses less water, it can take longer to get your load clean. Fortunately, the higher spin speed means shorter drying times. So, plan your laundry accordingly. Some appliances have delay timers, so you can have your load end when it is most convenient for you.

No home is complete without a great laundry appliance. The right washing machine can be a fantastic time saver and protect your clothing from damage.

If you’re looking for a new laundry appliance, you can explore the available options with this online collection of laundry appliances or speak to a home appliance expert for further help.

At What Temperatures Should You Wash Your Laundry?

Modern washing machines are equipped with a myriad of program settings, but many consumers remain confused about the temperatures that should be used for their clothing. In most cases the hotter the water, the greater the cleaning potential, but this may not be appropriate for all your clothing and could cause damage. So, here we will explore the temperatures you should be using for your laundry.

Using Hot Water

Most white clothing and linens can be washed in hot water. This will remove heavy soil and germs. Unfortunately, hot water can cause shrinkage, wrinkling, and fading of colors. If you try to wash your clothing in hot water, the colors may start to look splotchy, while delicate fabrics can lose their aesthetic appeal.

Using Warm Water

The majority of laundry can be washed using warm water. This mixture of hot and cold water provides a balance between color protection and removing soil. Some washing machines use a 50-50 ratio of hot and cold water, but newer models tend to mix 60-40. Warm water can usually be used without shrinking, wrinkling or fading.

Using Cold Water

Cold water is preferable for delicate items or bright colors that could fade or run at a higher temperature. If your items require cold water temperatures, but are dirty or heavily soiled, you will need to have a diligent pretreatment routine. You may need to pre-soak your items or wash them for longer to ensure that they are properly cleaned.

Choosing the Correct Washing Temperature

Since there is the potential for laundry mishaps, by washing at the wrong temperature, it is important to choose the correct washing temperature. Fortunately, there are several ways to determine the correct temperature. The most obvious is to check the clothing tag. The tag will provide any laundry or care special instructions. Most clothing will be labeled with the maximum wash temperature, so check your tags before you do any laundry.

You should also pre-treat any stains. This will allow clothing to be cleaned even if you are washing in warm or cold water. Cold water is not the most effective way to remove stains, but pre-treatment can offer the only solution for delicate fabrics that have become stained. You may need to be patient, as some pre-treatment takes time, but it is important to try to remove any stains before washing to ensure that they are as clean as possible.

If you are unsure about the washing temperature, you may want to try soaking your clothes in cold water before washing. Soaking can vary from five or ten minutes to overnight, but the tougher the stain, the longer you will need to soak the item. Soaking can help create a thorough clean even if you can only risk using a cold water cycle on your washing machine.

Checking Your Washing Machine Water Temperature

If you are still running into laundry issues, you may find that the water temperature of your washing machine is not accurate. In this type of scenario, a candy thermometer can be a useful tool. Check the temperatures of the hot, warm and cold water coming out of the machine. Hot water is typically 10 degrees colder when it arrives at your washing machine compared to leaving your water heater. Generally, hot water is 130ºf or above, while warm water is between 100ºf and 90ºf. Cold water is between 80ºf and 60ºf. If your water temperature drops below 60ºf, your clothes are not likely to be properly cleaned. If your washing machine is not delivering the correct temperature of water, your machine may need servicing or be ready for an upgrade.

Finding the Right Washing Machine

Now that you know about the ideal washing temperatures for your laundry, you have the basic knowledge you need to choose the right washing machine. If you’re ready to find the perfect washing machine for your home, consider starting your search with this collection of washing machines or contact a home appliance expert for specialized service.

Which Type of Dryer is Right for Your Home?

The laundry room is the command center of the contemporary living space, providing your home with a steady supply of clean clothes, bedding, towels, and more. There are various types of washers to start your laundry process and you can’t get the job done without a powerful dryer.

Today’s dryers come with a host of advanced functions and innovative features that ensure your items are ready for use after each dry cycle, but finding the right dryer for your laundry room can be tough. There are two common types of dryers — gas and electric — each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide which type of dryer is right for your home, we’ve gathered some helpful information on both gas dryers and electric dryers.

Gas Dryers

Gas dryers have been popular models for decades, as they offer high heat levels and fast spin speeds that provide the exact results many homeowners require.

Gas dryers use a dedicated gas line as a power source, and as a result heat up quickly and dry items faster than their electric counterparts. These fast cycles make the unit more energy efficient and help the dryer treat fabrics more gently. Generally speaking, gas dryers are also less expensive to operate than electric models, though this will ultimately depend on the cost of utilities in your area.

If strong heat and fast cycles are your top priorities, then a gas dryer is an excellent choice. However, these appliances also come with a few drawbacks. On average, gas dryers come at a higher cost than electric dryers. These units also need to be vented to the exterior for proper heat management, meaning you may have to invest in a vent kit for your appliance. Moreover, the gas connections that these units require can make them difficult to install, often requiring professional service for proper installation. If your laundry space does not have a proper gas line, then you won’t be able to add one of these units to your home.

Electric Dryers

 Electric dryers tend to be the more popular type of dryer nationwide (in California Gas Dryers are the best sellers however), with a broad range of models available from a host of premium appliance brands.

Electric dryers draw power from a 240-volt outlet, which can be found in most laundry spaces. If your space does not have the proper outlet, you can easily add a 240-volt converter to the room. As a result, these appliances are easier to install than gas models. In fact, some electric dryers do not need to be vented to the exterior, making them the ideal choice for spaces where venting is impossible. Best of all, electric models tend to be less expensive than gas units, offering a wider selection for budget-conscious homeowners.

Modern electric dryers are easy to install and offer all the dry cycles you need for a fair cost, but come with a few minor disadvantages. These models typically heat up more slowly and take slightly longer to dry items than a gas dryer, using more energy in the process. As a result, an electric dryer may cost more to operate than a gas dryer, though in the end this depends on the cost of utilities in your area.

Find The Right Dryer For Your Laundry Room Today

The modern home simply isn’t complete without its own dryer. While gas dryers and electric dryers each have their advantages and disadvantages, the best dryer for your home is ultimately the one that meets your budget, your needs and your location in the country. Armed with some basic knowledge on the two common types of dryers, you’ll be in the perfect position to make an informed decision.

Ready to find the perfect new dryer for your home? Consider beginning your search with this online collection of dryers. For additional help, be sure to contact a home appliance expert.

Which Type Of Washer Is Right For Your Home?

The 21st-century home is not complete without its own set of powerful laundry appliances. The advanced and innovative features of modern laundry machines ensure your home is steadily supplied with clean clothing, bedding, and towels. But the laundry process cannot begin without a washing machine.

The task of finding a washing machine should begin with determining which type of washer is right for your home. To kickstart your washer selection process, we’ve compiled some useful information on the most common types of washers available today.

Top Load Washer

For traditional washing features and functions, consider a top load washer. Top load units fall into two primary categories — traditional top load washers and high efficiency top load washers.

Traditional top load washers feature an agitator in the unit’s washtub that provides the movement necessary for effectively washing clothes and other items. These units offer all the basic wash cycles and settings you need at an affordable price, making them an ideal choice for budget conscious homeowners.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more money, a high efficiency top load washing machine is a great choice. These models do not feature an agitator, offering more space for your items than a traditional unit. High efficiency machines also use less water, spin faster, and often feature more advanced cycle settings. Overall, high efficiency top load washers provide more modern conveniences than their traditional counterparts, and are ideally suited for the contemporary home. If you want to learn more about these powerful appliances, visit this guide to the best high efficiency top load washers of 2017.

Front Load Washer

If fast wash cycles and large wash drum capacity are your top concerns, you may want to invest in a front load washer.

Front load washing machines are loaded and unloaded through a door on the front of the appliance. This design typically offers more space than the average top load washer, allowing you to wash more items at once. The greatest advantage of a front load washer is its fast spin speeds. While faster spinning will not reduce the amount of time it takes to wash clothing, it will extract more water from your items and reduce dryer times. Compared to top load washers, front load washers tend to be more advanced, offering more innovative wash options and cycles. 

Front load washing machines are a great choice for many homes, but given their advanced designs are often more expensive than top load models. These machines will also require you to bend down to access the door for loading and unloading laundry. To alleviate this challenge, you can invest in a laundry pedestal at an extra cost.

For more on front load machines, check out this guide to the best front load washers of 2017.

Portable Washer

No home is complete without its own laundry appliances, but a full-sized washing machine isn’t the best choice for a small living space. If you live in a small house or apartment, you may want to consider a portable washer.

Portable washing machines feature a hose that attaches to a sink faucet to supply water for washing your clothes. These units are often built on rollers, allowing you to store the appliance in a convenient location while not in use. Best of all, portable washers are significantly less expensive than full-sized models, bringing quality washing capabilities to your home at an affordable price.

Obviously, the biggest downside of a portable washer is its size. These units are best used for washing small batches of clothing as opposed to heavier items like towels or bedding. With that in mind, a portable washer is still the best option for many that live in small homes.

Premium Washers In A Wide Range Of Superb Designs

The washing machine is an essential appliance in every home, and a great washer will ensure you and your family are provided with fresh and clean laundry on a consistent basis. Each type of washer has its own special advantages, and in the end, the best washer for your home is the one that best meets your needs. Whether you choose a traditional top load washer, a high efficiency top load washer, a front load washer, or a portable washer, you’ll be pleased to find a vast variety of options available on the market. Armed with some basic knowledge of each type of washer, there’s little doubt you’ll discover the perfect choice for your home.

If you want to discover a huge selection of advanced and innovative machines, consider exploring this online collection of washers today.