How To Buy A Washing Machine By The Lady Who Sells Most Major Brands!
Apr 16 '00
With all the choices out there right now for buying washing machines, I thought a word from a lady who sells most major brands might be useful!
Front load or Top Load: Do you have trouble bending over? Is your back really ready to bend that far down to do all your wash? Front loaders make that a necessity. There are top loaders that save as much energy, wash as well or better, and cost about the same, or even less.
The Tub Size: The largest tubs are superior, in that they wash the clothes more evenly, and better. Even a small wash load does far better in a large tub, as it has more room to tumble freely.
The Number of Speeds: If the washer does not say how many speeds it has, right on the front of it, you can bet it has only one speed. Consider your car having one speed. It could not slow down, it could not go faster. The fact that a machine says it has a lot of cycles, but one speed, only means that it goes the same speed for all the cycles. When it gets to perm. press, it goes the same speed, but stops, lets the clothes 'rest' and then returns to the same (only) speed that it has. The same is true for the 'delicate'. . .not very delicate at all. An excellent washer can have only 2 speeds, and the more expensive ones will have more speeds.
Is The Tub Stainless?: The best inner tubs are made of stainless. They get smoother and smoother as you use the machine. Whereas, the tubs that do not have the stainless actually get tiny 'pits' into them, from being bombarded by zippers, snaps, buttons, etc.. These 'pits' work like tiny hang nail effects on your clothing. . . not a good thing. You can dye things in the stainless without worrying about problems due to the dye. You can rest assured that it won't rust, and I like that atribute.
Extra Rinse Cycle: Many people are bothered by chemicals in soap. This extra rinse cycle usually takes away that worry.
Motor: Some washers have small motors, while others have 1/2 horsepower or 3/4 horsepower. Some motors have a lot of plastic in them, while better ones have no plastic in them at all. Some have no transmission at all!
Energy efficiency: Some washers have water saver options. Although front loaders are advertised as being the ones that use the least water, there are some top loaders that use as little. Remember, P.G.& E. didn't give one maker the energy rebate BECAUSE the washer had a water saver option button on it! This maker has a new top loading machine coming out with NO option, and will qualify for the energy rebate!
Detergent Diffusion: Most washers work by having you put the detergent into the water, expecting the water to dissolve it all, correctly. There ARE washers that have you put the detergent down the center of the agitator, so that while the tub is turning, as it fills, the detergent is already mixed with water before it hits the clothing.
Revolutions Per Minute: This can be very important and save you money. The higher the RPM, the dryer the spin cycle will leave your clothes. some washers have as high as 1000 RPM for the heavy cycle! This means that there is NO dripping when the clothes come out of the washer. It means they are nearly dry (jeans, towels, blankets, etc.). This can be found on a top loader. Watch the RPM on the delicate cycle, too. The best goes about 300 to 350 on the delicate cycle, allowing the handwash to do its job without harming the clothes, at all. The permanent press is best when it is about 700 to 750 RPM. Remember, the dryer your clothes come out of the wash, the less time they will need to be in the dryer, saving you money.
These are just the tip of the iceberg when you decide to search for the best washing machine for your special needs. But, if you start with these facts, you will find the other points of interest with no problems, I am sure! Smart shopping to you!
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calwaone
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Member: g
Location: HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CA,USA
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WIFE,MAMA, GRANDMA, FOSTER MOM, GUARDIANSHIP MOM, OWNER OF CORPORATION, TEACHER, COUNSELOR, HYPNOTHERAPIST!
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