Washers

Can you imagine what it was like doing laundry the old fashioned way? This often meant hand-scrubbing your clothes in a tub of scalding water that you had to replenish. You would scrub the clothes with a chunky bar of soap along a metal washboard. This might have gotten the clothes cleaned but it certainly wrecked your hands. As kitchen appliances developed, so did the washing machine. Before electric washing machines were readily available, some early models operated on a small gas-powered motor. Yes, this meant that you would have to refill the tank on your washing machine. Thankfully those days are a long-gone memory because now people have access to efficient, full-service washing machines in their own homes.

Washing Machine Brands

Although some people will tell you that doing laundry is still dreary, the thing to keep in mind is that it doesn't have to be drudgery if you have a properly working washing machine. That's why you should check out the new generation of washers made available by trusted companies such as GE, Maytag, Frigidaire, Electrolux and Bosch. If you depend upon them for your stoves and refrigerators there is no reason why you can't count on them to provide a long-lasting and practical working clothes washer.

Washing Machine Considerations

What's important to consider about any washing machine is how much you can actually wash at any one given time. If you live by yourself, this might not be a huge concern, but anyone with two or more people in the household knows the importance of a big capacity washing machine. And if you've got active kids then you really need to do a lot of clothes-washing at one time!

King Size Capacity and Energy-Efficient Washing Machines

The newer models of washing machine designs can come with king-size load capacity. This means you can do as many as two baskets of clothing in one wash cycle. That's practically going to cut your laundry time in half. You also want to make sure that your washer is energy efficient. Just because you have a king-size washer doesn't mean you have to do a king-size load every time you turn it on. One of the first appliances that your electric and water companies will tell you to look at for conservation is your washing machine. Is yours considered energy efficient? You might be surprised to discover how much money is being wasted with older washing machine models. When buying a new model, look for one that regulates the water level and temperature depending on which type of laundry load you are doing. This will help cut back on your water and energy bills immensely.

Washing Cycles

Your washer should also be taking care of your clothes and not just cleaning them. This means having washing cycles that are specifically suited for different kinds of fabrics and colors. You never want to go through that horrible experience of having your washer ruin any of your clothes. Not all clothing is created equal and to get the longest wear out of them, you need to put your clothes through the proper cycle. Whether they are delicate fabrics or sturdy cotton you should have a washer that can accommodate them. You'll still have to sort out your laundry but the right cycle is the safest way to insure what you put into the machine is what you'll be getting back.

Ease of Operation

Be sure to shop around for a washing machine that is easy for you and any member of your household to operate. The easier the controls, the less excuse anyone has for avoiding the laundry. Don't let "I don't know how to work the machine" stand in anyone's way! Some models have simple knobs used for setting the wash cycles but the more advanced designs incorporate one-touch electronic controls. Just like your microwave, a few touches of the buttons and the machine is off and spinning.
A good washer should also take the stress and guesswork out of adding bleach or fabric softener to your laundry. Sure, you can just pour in your soap at the beginning of the wash and walk away. However, with the new generation of washing machines, you can load up all your additives at the beginning and a proper dispenser will dispense them at the right time in the wash cycle. Now you can load and go knowing that your clothes are being handled properly.

Rainbow Appliance Washing Machines

Over at the Rainbow Appliance website there are many varieties and styles of washing machines. Working within a budget isn't a problem when you can easily compare prices. And be sure to check out special rebate offers. You'll also be able to read customer reviews to see how specific brands rate against others. Keep your clothes clean and fresh with a new washer. Your family will thank you!
Avanti W7571 White 21'' Portable Top-Load Washer with Stainless Steel Wash Tub, Pulsating Bottom,...

Avanti W7571 White 21" Portable Top-Load Washer with Stainless Steel Wash Tub, Pulsating Bottom,...

  • Width: 20 3/4"
  • Height: 34"
  • Depth: 22 1/2"