WASHING MACHINES – TOP LOAD OR FRONT LOAD?

Washing machines…one of life’s greatest answers to one of our regular chores.  Washing machines have been around for ages, however, they have come a long way, baby!  Washing clothes on a rock dates back to the stone ages (of course), the washboard was invented in 1797, and the every first washing machine with a drum was patented in 1851 by James King.

 

Aren’t you glad you don’t have to scrub your clothes on a rock or washboard, or run them through a wringer?  It seems nowadays, the biggest dilemma is what type of washing machine to buy…a top load or front load machine.  They aren’t really that different…they both get the job done, but I’ve listed a few facts you might find helpful when selecting your next washing machine.

Front loading machines:  Front loaders are typically more expensive than top load machines.  However, they are more energy and water efficient, using 24 gallons of water for one large load of clothes.

Some models of front load machines also come with a “steam” cycle.  This is a great cycle to use if you have clothes with tough stains.  Pre-treat the stain, and then wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Several of the reviews I have seen say this is a great thing to have with kids around; who are “stain makers”!

The biggest drawback that I have seen regarding front loading machines is the development of mold and mildew.  Click here to view a video that gives great tips on preventing this problem.

Top loading machines:  Top loaders are still great washing machines; they are less expensive than the top load machines; however, they are less water and energy efficient.  That’s not to say that they are NOT energy or water efficient, just less so.  A top loading machine uses 40 gallons of water to wash one large load of clothes.

Top loading machines don’t seem to have near the problem of mold and mildew as the front loading machines.  To clean your top loading machine, you can run the machine full of hot water, and then add 4 cups of distilled white vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda.  Allow the machine to run for about 5 minutes, then turn it off and let the water stand in the machine for about 1 hour.  Then resume the cycle and let it run its normal cycle.  This should remove any dirt or mildew smell.  Once it is finished, you might want to take a damp cloth and wipe down the inside of the machine.

If you want to find out what machines are best, click here and read a consumer report that compares several washing machines and gives their ratings.

Then if you still can’t decide, bring your laundry to Koalaty Cleaners, where we will fluff and fold it for you to your specifications!