Washing Machines
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Washing Machines > Laundering Clothes • Laundry Rooms
We have come a long way since the days of the washboard! While the
concept of the washing machine has been around for quite some time, early
models included a hand-operated stick inside a box. These machines
were certainly not the easy and efficient machines we use today. And
you can imagine that a task we hardly enjoy today was held in even lower
esteem when it required exhausting plunging, scrubbing, and wringing!
Washing machines are devices designed to clean clothes and other household textiles such as bed sheets and bath towels. These latter items, collectively known as laundry, are sorted into baskets of light colored items and dark colored items, respectively. The light colored items are loaded into the washing machine, along with detergent, and perhaps bleach. The launderer or laundress turns the appropriate dials, presses the start button, and presto! The washing machine automatically fills itself with water, agitates the laundry items to cleanse them from dirt, rinses them with fresh water, and spins them to remove excess water from them. The dark colored items are processed similarly, except that bleach is not normally used.
There are several different types of washing machines. The common
top loaders are the most economical machines and also feature the shortest
wash cycle. Top loaders feature a vertical fin located in the middle
of the tub. High-efficiency top loaders, featuring a drum without
any fin, are somewhat more expensive, but they are known for their energy
efficiency, high spin speeds, and larger capacity. Front loaders,
the most high-end washing machines, have the largest capacity, use less
water and energy, and feature gentle and quiet operation. Front
loading washing machines are usually stackable, an important benefit to
people with small laundry spaces. Some front loading machines are
purported to improve cleaning, sanitize fabrics, and remove stains via
their steam modes.
Washing machines range in price, depending upon their capacity and the
features they offer. While three water levels are the norm, some
machines boast more than four water levels. Most washing machines
have a variety of cycle and setting combinations. Some commercial
grade washing machines have extra large capacities, and washers designed
for laundromat use are usually coin operated.
Washers and matching dryers are available in various sizes, color choices, and energy efficiency ratings. Here on WashingMachines.us, you will find links to washing machine manufacturers and information resources to help you select the ideal laundry appliances for your household. In particular, you may wish to visit the U.S. federal government's Energy Star website, which describes how energy costs can be reduced by using Energy Star qualified clothes washers.
Washing Machine Manufacturers
- Kenmore Laundry Products
Laundry line includes top load and front load washers, dryers, laundry centers, and accessories.
www.Kenmore.com - Whirlpool
Offers a broad selection of front-loading and top-loading washers.
www.Whirlpool.com - Maytag
Major home appliance manufacturer offers a wide range of washing machines.
www.Maytag.com - GE Appliances
Offers high-efficiency washers, top-load washers, portable and stationary washers, and a unitized washer and dryer.
www.GEAppliances.com - Bosch Washers
Laundry appliances that are smart, high performance, and easy to use.
www.BoschAppliances.com - Amana
Super Capacity Plus washers let you fit more laundry in a load.
www.Amana.com - Frigidaire
Laundry products offering the design, convenience, and performance most requested by consumers.
www.Frigidaire.com - Miele
European design washing machines offering durability, reliability, and convenience.
www.MieleUSA.com - LG Electronics
This home appliance manufacturer offers front loading washers and combination washer/dryers.
www.LG.com
Commercial Washing Machines
- Speed Queen
Manufacturer of commercial and residential laundry equipment, including coin operated washers and tumble dryers for laundromats.
www.SpeedQueen.com - Staber
Offers energy-efficient, horizontal-axis washing machines that combine a convenient top loading design with the efficiency of a front loader.
www.Staber.com - UniMac
Provider of commercial washing machines, tumble dryers, and ironers for on-premises laundry facilities.
www.UniWash.com
Washing Machine Consumer Information
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission
Buying a Washing Machine? It's a Loaded Question. FTC consumer alert.
www.FTC.gov - Clothes Washer Energy-Use Data
Clothes washers, listed by brand or energy consumption.
www.FTC.gov
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