High-efficiency washing machines have flooded the US laundry market.  I have one and love it, but it is no secret that HE washing machines do have their drawbacks.

There are two big issues with my front loader that I battle on a regular basis:

1.)  It doesn’t use enough water with my cloth diapers, which can lead to smelly diapers.

2.)  The washer can’t sense how to spin out small loads well.  As a result, I end up with a drenched load of clothes after the final spin.  They’re clean, but soaking wet.

Why I Need to Trick My Washing Machine

With both of my issues listed above, I need more bulk inside the machine.

The cloth diapers need more bulk so the machine will empty more water into the wash and rinse cycles.

The small load needs more bulk so the machine will be weighted evenly when it does the final spin.

I’m sure you know that high-efficiency washers use sensors to do their work: they sense how much laundry is in the drum to determine how much water is needed.  So you have to trick the machine into sensing the load is bulkier and heavier.

When the load is heavier, both of my problems are eliminated.  The cloth diapers get more water, which makes them rinse cleaner and prevents the stink.  My small load of delicates spins out evenly because the machine senses more bulk in the drum.

How I Trick My Machine to Make It Do What I Want

The solution is very simple: old towels.

I have several old, thin, color-fast towels that I keep on top of my dryer for this very reason.  These towels are so old and thin that they literally do not produce lint any longer.  While they do have some color, these towels have been used and washed enough times that I know the color won’t run onto my other laundry.

The towels add enough bulk and weight to make the washer do what I need it to.  It’s a simple fix and I didn’t have to spend any money.  Win-win.

Do you have this same problem with your front-loader?  What do you do to solve it?

While doing some laundry research (dorky, I know) I came across this new washing machine, the Xeros.  And its concept is so fascinating:

It uses 90% less water than conventional washing machines. Yes, 90%. That’s pretty drastic.

According to the product’s website, this machine uses hundreds of nylon polymer beads to clean dirty clothes.  It all tumbles together in a machine that looks similar to a front-loader.

So what in the world is a polymer and what does that have to do with laundry?  According to Xeros:

The nylon polymer has an inherent polarity that attracts stains. Think of how your white nylon garments can get dingy over time as dirt builds up on the surface despite constant washing. However, under humid conditions, the polymer changes and becomes absorbent. Dirt is not just attracted to the surface, it is absorbed into the centre. This is exactly what happens when Xeros nylon beads are gently tumbled with dampened garments.

So this would mean no more detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, Oxi Clean (gasp!), or stain spray.  It would be a drastically different way of washing laundry.

The cost savings could be significant.  Even with the cost of the nylon polymer beads, the company estimates that “Xeros has the potential to save up to 30% direct operating costs.”  Keep in mind that there is hardly any water used and any tumble drying that is necessary is built into this machine.

And the washer’s operating time from start to finish is around 30 minutes.  Think how quickly you could fly through those mountains of laundry!  It could drastically change your laundry life.

Xeros is a U.K.-based company and this machine is still in its prototyping phase.  Xeros states that it won’t put its washing machine on the market until it has proven effective in the demanding commercial laundry world.  So there is no estimated pricing yet on this remarkable machine.

These two Xeros-produced videos are so interesting!  The first one is the concept of the machine.  The second video is an actual wash cycle and pay special attention to how well those stains are removed!  Unbelievable.

So if this was proven to be effective and reasonably priced, is this a washing machine you would consider purchasing?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

(No, Mama is not affiliated with Xeros in any way.  I just think it is a fabulous concept and I’d love to try it.)

This is a picture of the rubber seal lining the inside of my front-loader.

And do you see that there are socks inside of it?

No, they are not supposed to be there.  Ever.

But for whatever reason, I have to constantly fish socks from under that ring.

The problem is that there are drainage holes under the lining and if socks are blocking the holes, the water doesn’t drain well.  If you are one of those that struggles with mold growing on that seal, you don’t need any reason for the problem to worsen.

I check this seal every single time I move clothes from the washer to the dryer.  It literally takes 2 seconds to pull the seal back and take a peek underneath.  If socks and other small items consistently stay trapped there, it will cause extra wear and tear on your machine and possibly even cause it to malfunction.  And no one wants to deal with that.

Like with the maintenance of most appliances, prevention is key:

• If you wash a lot of little socks, especially baby socks (they are the worst culprits!), consider putting them in a mesh garment bag.  They won’t clog up the drain on the seal and they’ll be much easier to match!
• When transferring laundry from the washer to dryer, get in the habit of checking the seal.  It is much better to catch a stray sock immediately after it washes than two or three loads later.  It really takes only about 2 seconds to make sure nothing is hiding in there.
• Add it to your list of items to complete when you sanitize your washing machine during its monthly cleaning.  You paid a lot of money for your front-loader and you want to keep it in good shape!

I’m always on the lookout for the washer that will do everything: wash, dry, fold, sort by family member and then put them all away.

That’s not too much to ask, right?

Kenmore doesn’t think it is!

My only question is how long do we have to wait?

This offer ends January 10, 2011 – so shop fast!

Lowe’s Home Improvement is offering 20% off Energy-Star Qualified Washers and Matching Dryers which are priced at $397 or more.  There is a huge selection of washers and dryers to choose from.

When shopping, keep in mind that only washing machines qualify as energy-star certified.  Dryers are not energy-star certified because there is no energy efficient way to heat air…yet.

Just a few laundry odds and ends to start out your Monday…

• Do you make your own laundry detergent?  What about your own laundry booster?  I found an interesting post at Apartment Therapy on how to make your own scented laundry booster!
  According to the post, you can make it in large quantities and can use any fresh herbs you have on hand: lavender, basil, etc.

Maybe I’ve been living under a rock, but I was not aware there was a washer/dryer all-in-one on the market.  Ariston Appliances claims that this machine can wash up to 15 pounds of laundry and then immediately dry it.  Now that’s something to think about!  For people who have extremely limited space, this could be a great option.  Of course prices are not listed on their website, so I have no idea if this is even a financial option for most people or if it is a reliable machine.  Regardless, it’s an interesting concept!

• If you live in North Carolina and need a washing machine, keep in mind that the NC Tax Free Weekend for Energy-Star appliances is coming up: November 5-7, 2010.  Remember that only washing machines qualify as Energy-Star compliant – not dryers.  It’s just impossible with our current technology to figure out how to efficiently heat air, so dryers do not qualify.
• It seems Mrs. Meyer’s is now available at Wal-Mart!  Their pricing in the store is very similar to the prices noted on their website.Also, Mrs. Meyer’s now has their laundry detergent available in the scent of Basil.  I haven’t tried it yet, but I would assume it’s as clean and fresh as their other scents.

• You can print a coupon for $1 off at Purex Saves Green.  You have to email a coupon to a friend, but after doing so you can immediately print your coupon.  (Click on the bar code icon in the top right corner.)

Have you had an good online laundry finds lately?  Have you written any laundry posts on your blog?  Leave a link in the comments…I’d love to take a look at them!

I’ve had a few inquiries lately about storing items on the tops of one’s washer and dryer: Is it safe to store items there?  Should one use them as a folding table?  How do you keep detergent from spilling all over them if it’s where one stores laundry detergent?

(If this is what the top of your washer looks like, have no fear.  I’ll show you how to fix it on Thursday.)

There are several options in utilizing the tops of a washing machine.  Use those tops to your advantage!

Top-Loaders:

• Use the top of the washer as a quick ironing board
  If you have just a quick item to iron (like the sleeves of a shirt or a little one’s pants), just put a towel over the top of your washing machine and iron away!  This is definitely not the preferred method, but is a-okay for a quickie job.  And top-loaders are just the right height as an ironing board for me!  Before I got into an ironing routine, this is mostly how I ironed when we had a top-loader…in my younger days.
• Or use the top of the washer as a table for stain removal
  Again, drape a towel over the top of your washer so you don’t create even more of a mess.  Grab your spray pre-treater or the Blue Dawn (depending on the type of stain), an old toothbrush and all of your items that need to be treated and  use the top of your washer as a counter top.  It’s so convenient to do your stain removal right there on top of the washer.  As soon as your finished, it can just be thrown into the machine!  I really do miss this aspect of a top-loader!
• Use the top of the dryer to store your detergent and other laundry products
  The top of any dryer is an easy place to store all kinds of non-laundry related items, ie: clutter.  Make the top of your dryer a purposeful spot and dedicate its top to your detergent and other laundry products.  The top of the dryer makes detergents and such so accessible.  Also, if you’ve actually designated a use for it you’ll be much less likely to clutter it up with other items.  I must re-teach this to myself all the time, it seems!

Front-Loaders:

• Install a counter top above your washer and dryer
  If you don’t own the pedestals (and even if you do), front-loaders offer you the option to have a permanent counter space above your machines.  If you are a person that wants to fold clothes standing right in front of the dryer, it offers a great spot to fold and sort prior to putting them away.  It also provides a wonderful place to store your detergents and laundry boosters.  Permanent counter tops wipe up easily and are super convenient.
• Organize your laundry room supplies
  
  I am fortunate to have a couple of shelves in my laundry room where I store my laundry supplies (scissors, black Sharpie, lint brush, old toothbrush, etc).  However if you are even more tight on space than I am, you could always store your supplies in decorative baskets on top of your machines.  They would be easily accessible while utilizing valuable space.  And for those of us that are vertically challenged, it would all be within easy reach.

On Thursday, I will share pictures of the top of my washer and dryer.  So stay tuned for a little tutorial! I’ll show you how to keep detergent and other liquids from spilling all over the tops of your machines.

What do you store on the tops of your washer and dryer?  Or do you prefer to keep the free from any and all clutter?

I don’t often post washer & dryer deals, except on holidays.  In my experience, you’ll find the best appliance deals during holiday weekends – and this weekend is no exception!  Of these listed, the rock-bottom price is the Kenmore front-loader steam washer/dryer set at Sears.  It’s a steal!

Best Buy:

Best Buy is offering 15-25% off major appliances.  Note that online prices at Best Buy’s website are lower in price. 

• Samsung 4.3 cu. ft. 9-cycle Front Load Washer w/ VRT - $599.99 (reg: $799.99) 
  Samsung 7.3 cu. ft. 9-cycle Front Load Electric Dryer - $599.99 (reg: $799.99)
• Samsung 4.3 cu. ft. 12-cycle Front Load Washer w/ VRT - $749.99 (reg: $999.99) 
  Samsung 7.4 cu. ft. 11-cycle Front Load Electric Steam Dryer - $749.99 (reg: $999.99)
• Samsung 4.3 cu. ft. 12-cycle Front Load Steam Washer w/ VRT - $824.99 (reg: $1099.99) 
  Samsung 7.4 cu. ft. 11-cycle Front Load Electric Steam Dryer - $824.99 (reg: $1099.99)
• Inglis 3.2 cu. ft. 8-cycle basic top-loading washer - $339.99 before Savings 
  Inglis 6.5 cu. ft. 5-cycle electric dryer - $329.99 before Savings
• GE 4.1 cu. ft. 23-cycle Energy Star Qualified top-load washer w/ Infuser -$424.99  after savings 
  GE 7.0 cu. ft. 8-cycle Electric Dryer - $424.99 after savings
• Whirlpool 5.2 cu. ft. 13-cycle HE top-load washer - $899.99 before savings 
  Whirlpool 7.6 cu. ft. 10-cycle electric dryer - $899.99 before savings

hhgregg:

hhgregg is offering 20-35% off all E-Star Major Appliances.  They are also offering no interest if paid in full within 24 months on everything $397 and up.  Also available is free delivery and haul-away for any appliance purchase of $487 and up.

• Samsung 4.3 cu. ft. front-load washer - $599 (reg: $899)
• Estate 2.5 cu. ft. Washer w/ Heavy Duty and Perm. Press Cycles 
  Estate  5.9 cu. ft. Electric Dryer 
  Buy the pair for $488 (reg: $659.99)
• Samsung 4 cu. ft. front load washer – 30% off at $545.99 (reg: $779.99)
• Frigidaire 4.2 cu. ft. Affinity Steam washer – 30% off at $629.99  (reg: $899.99)

Sears:

Sears is offering 20% off Energy Star qualified appliances and 15% off all other appliances.  Plus and extra 5% off of your purchase if you use your Sears card.  Their sale ends on Tuesday.

• Kenmore 3.2 cu. ft. top-load washer – $299.99 if you use your Sears card; without card is $315.78  (reg: $399)
• Kenmore 5.9 cu. ft. electric dryer – $299.99 if you use your Sears card; without card is $315.78 (reg: $399)
• Kenmore 4.2 cu. ft. steam washer – $749.99 if you use Sears card; without card is $789.46  (reg: $1199.99)
• Kenmore 7.3 cu. ft. Steam dryer – $749.99 if you use Sears card; without card is $789.46  (reg: $1199.99)
• Kenmore 4.0 cu. ft. top-load washer – $487.99 (reg: $609.99)
• Kenmore 7.5 cu. ft. dryer – $509.99 (reg: $599.99)

So we’ve evaluated the pros and cons of regular top-loaders and today we’re going over the positives and negatives of front-loading washers.

Remember in this analysis, we are only evaluating traditional top-loaders and high-efficiency front-loading washers.

Pros of High-Efficiency Front Loading Washing Machines

• No agitator! Arguably the best selling point of HE front-loaders.  There are so many advantages to not having an agitator: clothes take less of a beating-literally, bulky items can be easily washed and retain their shape, large items can be washed, clothes come out cleaner due to the rotating action of the drum, and more space is available for clothes not housing an agitator.
• Use a small amount of water. My front-loader uses 13.5 gallons of water per wash cycle.  That’s a huge difference compared to the 40-44 gallons used by a top-loader.  Whether you’re into being a little more green, or just want to keep your water bill low…you just can’t beat 13.5 gallons.
• They are enormously energy-efficient. When doing our taxes this year, we found out that our washer can no longer be marketed as ‘energy-efficient’ come September 2010.  Since there are newer and better machines on the market, ours is considered older technology – and we just got it in 2007!  But compared to a traditional top-loader, it is hugely energy-efficient.  The energy to heat 13.5 gallons of water compared to 40 gallons of water is substantial.  Just that measurement alone makes them a huge money-saver in the utility department.
• They practically dry your clothes. It always shocks me to pull out practically dry clothes from my washer.  The amount of water the machine can extract is unbelievable.  This always helps decrease the power bill since the dryer runs for a lesser amount of time.
• Large washing capacity. Most top-loaders can only hold up to 13-14 pounds of clothes.  Most front-loaders on the market today can hold up to 18 and even 20 pounds of clothes.  A larger capacity equals fewer loads.  And fewer loads equal less money spent on energy, water, and laundry supplies.
• Many washing options. Front-loaders come with tons of cycle options.  It’s so nice to have choices.
• Laundry just seems easier. I don’t know what it is – maybe the nice control panel with numerous options.  Or the pretty look to the machine.  Or the technology.  But it seems it is just ‘easier’ to wash laundry with a nice, high-efficiency front loader.  Maybe it’s just me.

Cons of High-Efficiency Front-Loading Washing Machines

• Price! Possibly the hardest issue to swallow with the front-loaders is price.  It is easy to drop $2000-3000 on a nice washer/dryer set when you’re looking to buy a front-loader.  They are 2-3 times more pricey than a traditional top-loading set.  Even when on sale, they are out of range of many people’s budgets.
• Not for people with back problems. Unless you splurged on the pedestals, one really has to bend down low to reach into the front-loaders.  I’m only 5’3” and I am so thankfully every time I open that washer door that we purchased the pedestals too.
• Wet clothes fall on the floor. It seems practically impossible to move clothes from the washer to the dryer without some of them dropping on the floor.  They just seem to tumble out.  I don’t like clean, wet clothes on my laundry room floor.  Bleh.
• Poor soak option. Most front-loaders only have a limited soak option.  My washer only gives the option to soak for 30 minutes, which is ridiculous to me!  Most items need a couple of hours to soak.
• Long wash cycles. Front-loaders have notoriously long wash cycles.  If selecting all of the options, my machine offers a wash cycle of almost 3 hours (Heavy Duty cycle, Steam Sanitize, Steam Treat, extra rinse)!  Who has that kind of time?!
• Require High-Efficiency Detergent. It’s expensive and hopefully you can find laundry detergent on sale.  I know the controversy over using regular detergent in your high-efficiency machine.  But I’m a scaredy-cat.  And I don’t want to ruin the warranty.
• Expensive to repair. Because it is so electronic-heavy, repairs are more complex and definitely cost more money.  I speak from experience. <sigh>

What is the Best Choice for My Family?

Carefully evaluate the pros and cons from each type.  Which of the listed features are must-haves?  Which features can you live without?

The choice is going to be different for everyone.  And I guarantee for every person you find who loves their top-loader is another person who adores their front-loader.  Go to the home improvement store and inspect each type.  Envision washing your family’s clothes in each type and ponder whether you think it would be a good fit.

You’ll be much happier with your purchase if it is thoroughly researched and thought out.

Okay, so I’m dying to know: Do you have a top-loader or front-loader?  Do you love it or…not so much? Tell me all about it, but please remember to be kind.  Not everyone may share your opinion!

Which is the better purchase?

Believe it or not, people are extremely passionate about whether they love their top loader or front loader. And they cannot fathom why someone would choose the opposite of what they love.

So what makes one type of washing machine better than the other? There are definite pros and cons to both styles of washing machine.  Let’s take an in-depth look at both sides of the two main types of washers.

For this analysis, we’re only analyzing regular top-loading washing machines and high-efficiency front-loading machines.  The top-loading agitator-less style is on the market, but we’ll analyze that another day.

Top Loading Washing Machines:

Pros:

• Definitely the most economical of the three types.  You can buy a base model washer for as low as $350 in most home improvement stores.
• You can soak items for a lengthy period of time. This is a huge advantage to top loaders in my opinion.  You can run the tub full of water with your favorite stain remover and let it soak for days if you like.
• Cloth diapers wash better in a top loader.  Cloth diapers wash better in top loaders due to the large volume of water used.  A large volume of water helps ward off stinky dipes.
• It’s easy to throw in last minute articles. You can lift the lid on a top loader at any time during the wash cycle.  It may stall the cycle when the lid is raised, but you can throw in those forgotten socks at any point in the wash cycle.
• You can use any detergent your heart desires. You don’t have to worry if it’s high-efficiency or homemade.  Top loaders take any and all kinds.
• There are less electronic components. Less electronics = less opportunity to break.
• Easier to repair. The mechanisms are cheaper and easier to access in a top loader, making it easier to repair.
• They last forever.  Well, not forever.  But I do run into people all the time who say, “I’ve had my machine for 15 years and it’s still going strong.”  Or “I can’t get my top loader to die and I’ve had it 19 years!”  Top loaders do have the gift of longevity.

Cons:

• They use an agitator. Agitators are extremely hard on clothes.  It is a huge contributing factor in making clothes look older at a faster rate.  Even the gentle cycle can’t compare to the gentle washing of an agitator-less washer.
• Can’t wash bulky items. This is also due to the agitator.  When washing pillows or down-filled comforters or slip covers an agitator will practically ruin the item.  The agitator almost guarantees that the item will not retain its original shape.
• They use a large amount of water. Top loaders use between 40-44 gallons of  water per cycle.  That’s a huge amount of water per load.
• They use a huge amount of energy. If the machine uses a ‘warm’ or ‘hot’ wash, the water heater has to heat that 40-44 gallons of water.  That equals a huge increase on your power or gas meter.  Cha-ching.
• They make the dryer run longer. A top loader just cannot wring out the water in a load of clothes very well, regardless of how efficient its spin cycle.  Because the clothes are hanging on to more water, the dryer runs longer.  And that dryer?  It is the ultimate energy sucking appliance.  You want to run it as little as possible if you’re interested in keeping your power bill down.

Tomorrow, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of front-loading washers and then draw a few conclusions.