You see, when I stayed at my friend's childhood home, her parents had a Whirlpool Duet. This, I learned, is a practically space-age set of appliances. Friends, I was mesmerized. I washed almost everything I brought with me just so I could use it. The washing machine has a "hand wash" cycle that is more delicate than "delicate." It was perfect for my bombshell dress. I watched the entire 20 minute cycle, completely transfixed.
The dryer is just as amazing. Readers, it has a "Quick Refresh Steam Cycle" that is genius. I put my linen suit (which was all wrinkled from traveling) in there, and it came out looking new. There's actually a water hookup for the dryer so you can steam your clothes!
Anyway, I could on. And on. But the point is that this experience practically ruined me for city living. Since I've been home, I've been ogling the cherry red version (above) and looking at real estate listings in the suburbs. Yes. I want to buy a house just so we can get this thing. It will be the most expensive washer/dryer set ever. But pre-washing fabric would actually be fun!
Are any of you so lucky to have a Duet? Also, because I'm curious, what is your garment care situation? Do you have a washer/dryer or do you depend on a laundry mat?
I have a washer/dryer but I try to use the dryer only rarely because it's not great for the environment and - oh yeah! - it's just not very good. So it's washing lines or clothes horses for me.
ReplyDeleteI have this very set! Cherry red and all! It makes washing clothes fun, pre treating a breeze and I was all my hand made clothes on the hand wash setting so as not to ruin my manicure by actually hand washing, lol! I love it, i would die if I had to go to a laundry mat, but I also have 5 children to wash for.
ReplyDeletei miss my washer/dryer! i had a set in my old house, and by "had," i mean it belonged to my roommate - so when i moved, it didn't move with me! my new house has hook-ups, and i was in the process of saving up for a (used)set, but then i had some major car problems & instead of buying a washing machine, i'm buying another car! MEH.
ReplyDeletefortunately, my boyfriend has laundry facilities in his house so i just take advantage of that :) but i miss being able to prewash my fabric the minute i get home from the fabric store!!
that set is amazing, by the way. i wish i could afford something like that. my budget is something along the lines of, oh, under $200 lol.
I know it's indigenous to America to have laundromats but I could never imagine an apartment without at least a washing machine. In our country, no matter how small, even a studio apartment will have a washing machine. Definitely not this cherry bomb perfection, but at least something that has a cold wash programme for wool and dedicates.
ReplyDeleteI have the older, and not cherry red version of that washer, and it is indeed a nice thing, particularly if you're washing a lot (I have kids).
ReplyDeleteI have an older dryer with a sensor, but not a steamer.
I love 'em both anyway. They see a lot of use.
I wish I had a washing machine and dryer in my apartment. Alas I use the coin operated community facilities, which tend to eat clothes alive, for towels, sheets and husband clothes. My own clothes I wash in the bathtub or sink.
ReplyDeleteMy husband teases me about dreaming about "Somewhere that's green," ala Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, with "a washer and a dryer and an ironing machine."
I don't have a duet, but I love my Whirlpool front loading washer and dryer (which can be stacked). I have a handwash setting on my washer (not that I use it much, but it's there) and the dryer has no heat settings and a sweater rack to lay things flat and hurry it along without heat.
ReplyDeleteMy MIL watched an entire normal cycle the first time she was visiting us. She ended up buying something very similar if not the same model.
I have a typical Whirlpool top load washer and front load dryer. I actually talked myself out of the set you are lusting for, as an over the top luxury that I wouldn't really benefit from. You've made me regret my decision!
ReplyDeleteThat said, I really only use the machines for sleep and lounge wear, undergarments, and sheets and towels. Everything else goes to the (organic) dry cleaners. Perhaps because of all of the ironing and pressing that sewing requires,but I can't stand to do it on a day to day basis!
So Gretchen, we have the Sears copy of the Whirlpool duet. It does have all kinds of cycles that do all kinds of good things.... but I am just sooooo thankful that I have a washer and dryer in my home and I don't have to go to the laudrymat!!!!!!That in it's self is a luxury!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat to meet you at the "sewing summit"!!!
I have a whirlpool (not this particular one) and i have to say i will never buy whirlpool again. i love the functions of the machine- the handwash cycle really is like handwashing- but the outside panels began rusting out 18 months after purchase. whirlpool have terrible, terrible customer service. i am stuck with this machine until it completely rusts out. it was really disappointing.
ReplyDeleteI have free laundry, but it's a very knockabout old washer/dryer set but again it's free. The dryer's air-fluff cycle is pretty gentle, and the washer hasn't ruined any fabric in a pre-wash yet.
ReplyDeleteYou made me laugh when you mentioned watching the hand wash cycle. My partner and I recently got a new washing machine (the old one died a horrible death, ruining clothes in the process) -- a top-of-the-line top loader with a glass lid and no central agitator. We were so fascinated at the newness of it all (plus, no agitator!) that we watched the entire first cycle.
ReplyDeleteSo wait...you put the clothes in dirty and you take them out, clean and dry? That is mind blowing.
ReplyDeletep.s. I forgot to sy...
ReplyDelete"YOU REALLY BLEW MY MIND!"
I have an old Kenmore washer/dryer set that I bought used from a guy named Kenny. Yup. And he told me the things would never die. I'm pretty sure they won't either. Love em. But I'll admit, mine are a far cry from these space age machines and that dryer steaming would be a dream to have. Just think, you could pre-shrink all wools in it! Yeah, you need to get a house and move to the burbs - I can totally see you doing a commercial for Whirlpool now! Ha! Now that would be fabulous!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Sunni
I also would love this set but never in my 20 years of marriage has a washer and dryer needed to be replaced at the same time. My washer just passed away last year. It was 18. I contemplated getting the duet but my dryer is only 5 years old. I'd hate to get rid of a perfectly good dryer.
ReplyDeleteWe had a Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer. We had to sell the set when we moved. :( I miss it so much! It got my clothes so clean and was so gentle. Going back to a top loader with agitator is no fun. I highly recommend the Duet!
ReplyDeleteHeh, Gertie you are getting sucked in..... But I have to admit, I raised three kids in the country with a washer. Cloth diapers, even. Now, I have to admit that from time to time, when the weather is not cooperating or I need to do something big like blankets or quilts when it would take forever to dry them, I do a run to the laundramat to use their big equipment but we've managed so far without a dryer. On the other hand, that cherry red looks mighty 'appertizin'.
ReplyDeleteOoh I like the red! I love that there's more colours coming out instead of boring old white!
ReplyDeleteEverybody here has washing machines in the house, no matter how small the kitchen is. I don't know a soul who doesn't. And I haven't seen anything else other than a front loader since I was a kid in the 70s. UK houses are smaller generally and don't often have basements, so there isn't space for a laundry room. Top loaders aren't convenient in a kitchen where you need every worktop space.
I've got a Bosch washer, after going through 2 Indesits and a Samsung! This is quiet and reliable - you need quiet in a flat. And I have a condenser dryer in the cupboard off the kitchen, which I use mostly for towels and underwear. My partner thinks you can chuck anything in it, but I've had a few too many things shrink on me to believe that one ;)
I have an older-style Duet washer and dryer (a housewarming gift from my parents when we bought our current house almost five years ago). I love these appliances and they actually make me happy to do laundry. The extra-large capacity makes pre-washing long lengths of fabric a breeze (and I don't have to worry about them getting caught around the agitator -- like in my old top-loading model).
ReplyDeleteI have a low-end Kenmore that has a hand-wash cycle. It has four or five settings. I think hand-wash must be relatively common now on all but the cheapest washers. I use it for dyeing fabric because it allows things to sit longer in the dye bath, but still agitates occasionally so I don't have to come back and stir it.
ReplyDeleteI only use my dryer when I'm in a big hurry, though.
I feel in love with the dryer steam cycle for allergies.
ReplyDeleteI did a ton of research and decided upon buying the LG steam washer and dryer.
Lowes had a great inexpensive project for the laundry room that in my eyes would work well for a cutting, folding, washing, ironing zone. http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/A_Laundry_With_Loads_of_Style_0211.aspx
My actual laundry room remodel is posted there as well with photos of the end results. http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150315713104148.414403.701379147&l=e995df9a6a
During the time I saved money for a dryer, I literally got "hooked" on line drying. I love the smell, I love the feel, and it's so easy. I thought I was going to die without a dryer. Now I use it for primarily towels and steaming pillows and blankets.
The next addition, since I'm loving line drying is purchasing a place to line dry indoors. http://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Hanger-AH3X12-Clothes-Storage/dp/B000KM4Z5O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3CGUTOM9CARA7&colid=20SI0FZZZHII3
Last notes, I never use the hamper because I love doing the laundry so much now. My electric bill was half my neighbors and I credit line drying for that.
We bought a new set about a year ago and I really like them! Ours are dark gray because I couldn't see spending extra $$ on a color, but they still look great in the utility room. And they work much better than the old set of mismatched top loading washer and dryer. Yes, they were pricy but they're much more efficient on water and energy than the old ones.
ReplyDeleteI've got a much older version of the Duet washer & dryer. None of the super-fancy settings that they have now, but it works very well. I've been fantasizing about whacking it with a wrecking ball just so I can have the newfangled ones, but I've managed to keep it at fantasy level for now. Plus, I'm not sure how I can get a wrecking ball upstairs where my laundry is.
ReplyDeleteWell, I live downtown in a Florida city, but I do have a washer and dryer (even though they are in the middle of my kitchen). We just bought a Frigidaire Affinity front-loader about two or three years ago and I LOVE IT! My dryer does not have a steam function, but I tend to throw a wet towel in with whatever I want to steam, and that seems to work okay for me. My washer also has a hand wash cycle and I love it. The only thing I do not use it for is hand-knit wool sweaters, which cannot be agitated at all. Buy yourself a house! You won't regret it! :)
ReplyDeleteI have a maytag (which is built by whirlpool, and most of the interior components are the same as a duet) that I got this summer after my washing machine ate a bunch of clothes and the dryer stopped heating.
ReplyDeleteI am in love with the super sized capacity. I have three kids, we live on a farm and there's a lot of muck that I'm faced with. I love that even as a giant load it only uses 16 gallons of water, which is huge when you use a septic system like we have.
I also love the hand wash cycle for my hand made items. I still hand wash bras old school in the sink -- I have a clean toilet plunger that I use to agitate the wash without getting my hands wet. I hand wash my hand knit wool items without the plunger so they don't felt.
I have a washer/dryer in my apartment... it's my husband! He wrestles everything down to the laundromat for me (cause I work longer hours than he does) and he always listens to my crazy instructions about prewashing various fabrics. Ain't he a doll? But we both REALLY wish we had a super fancy washer and dryer IN our apartment!
ReplyDeleteWe just got a space-age Kenmore set. We hadn't planned on getting the ones with steam, but Sears had a great deal going on and the steam ones were actually cheaper! We used the steam in the dryer for the first time over the weekend, on a tablecloth. We actually got the new machines for washing cloth diapers (we didn't realize that our old top loader would have been easier, but whatever) and I actually don't mind doing laundry every other day. Totally worth it.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to the day when i no longer have to go to the laundrymat for clean clothes, especially if all i want to do is preshrink some cloth! Our current place has hook-ups but we have neither space nor money for washer/dryer at present. My mother has a nice front-loading set (i don't recall the brand) that she has had for 3 or 4 years and loves, so i was thrilled when the laundrymat we frequent installed all new front-loaders - i always feel our clothes get cleaner with less stress on the fibers than regular top-loading agitation.
ReplyDeleteThose handwash and steam cycles are genius, especially for sewers... we just had to part with an LG (red) washer like that after moving and now I'm handwashing twice as many clothes. I'd forgotten how regular washers are so harsh even on their delicate cycle with all the aggressive spinning. You could always work your kitchen around it!
ReplyDeleteI have Whirlpool duets! I got them nearly 10 years ago and they safely moved from Texas to Northern Virginia two years ago. When we first got them my cat and I were both mesmerized by them, by the soothing sound, no longer loud and rude. My cat used to sit for hours watching the laundry through the windows. They are a win!
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Front loading washing machines are the norm in Europe and laundromats are fast disappearing right across the UK. Front loaders are very good and new ones - by Bosch for example - are very economical of both water and energy. They do tend to have good handwash equivalent programmes, as well as superfast programmes for lightly soiled items. But even in our chilly damp UK climate tumble driers are a bit less common. And with the price of electricity going up and up - and driers do use an awful lot of power- I think many people are trying to use them less and less. I've never been sure about a combined washer drier - too much to go wrong! If you get a house you might be able to line-dry - and that really does result in laundry that smells wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWe have HEs but not the super fancy one. I do like it a lot though. Pretty much everything any of us owns goes in both the washer and dryer. I'm doing laundry for 4 here and I just don't have the time or patience to sort things out. Its the folding and putting away that gets me though. I've got 4 loads staring at me at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI have basically a laundromat in our building, but it's a pain to use and expensive, so we actually are currently using a laundry service (which is amazingly, somehow cheaper than the laundromat). So for anything that needs to be done delicately, it's hand-washing in the kitchen sink and hanging it to dry on a tripod. ;)
ReplyDeleteI can totally see wanting a house just for a washer/dryer. It's one of my dreams, too!
We live in a Chicago rental, and have a washer and dryer (luxury!), but the dryer does not have hot air. The drum turns and tumbles the clothes, but no hot air. It's better than nothing but I don't love it.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid born in the 50's...
ReplyDeletewe had a "pink" washer/dryer combined! And it was awful!!! I'm sure that they greatly improved them over the years... I just remember that while we had ours... I don't recall it ever working? I mean I was always doing laundry at the local laundry mat! Looks like the new machines have come a lllllong way... and well they needed too!
I have a set and I love the steam settings! The hand wash setting is fantastic for homesewn or vintage garments, too. But it looks like you've already discovered that. :)
ReplyDeleteCommunity coin-op. I so hate it.
ReplyDeleteWe still have the washer and dryer, both Maytag, that were in our house when we bought it. The washer is really old -- I'm guessing at least 30 years, maybe more. The dryer is a lot newer. We are perhaps bucking the trend, but we decided to hang onto them as long as possible because "they don't make 'em like that anymore." The new machines with all the computerized gizmos seem prone to break down much more easily than the old simple ones, and then they are expensive to repair. That said, we don't do a whole lot of laundry, since it's just the two of us plus occasional guest. I never wash anything by hand OR dry clean -- if it can't make it through our washing machine, it's too delicate for my life. :) Our dryer was getting to be a pain to use until we had someone come in and clean about 20 years' worth of lint out of the vent. Wow! and yuck! Now it gets stuff dry in a fraction of the time.
ReplyDeleteDryers are a bit rare over here (I'm in Italy), at least in apartment buildings, so while I have the benefit of a washing machine I hang dry everything. During the summer it only takes a couple of hours for my things to dry! Hehe =) But yeah, when I go back to the States I rediscover my love for 45-min cycles and clothes that are dry in a flash.
ReplyDeleteWe've got separate machines, but both area really good at what they do. My 8kg Bosch has the most amazing wool and delicate cycles; I virtually never have to handwash now and my Smeg condensor dryer (no longer made) does a wonderful job with no sauna being created as a result.
ReplyDeleteLOL! This brought back memories for me. :) I lived in Boston in the tiniest and most inefficient of apartments during grad school. Washer/dryer? Heck no! Had to drag the entire pile down the block to the laundromat once a week. Glad not to be doing that anymore!
ReplyDeleteI also have a washer/dryer and they're front-loaders, but, they aren't nearly as beautiful as the Duet. You know...my dryer has been acting up lately and the light doesn't work. I think I might need a new set.
ReplyDeleteThat is a bootiful washing machine - I love the colour!
ReplyDeleteHere in NZ, top-loaders seem to be the norm because we tend to have separate laundries in our houses, but we have a Bosch front loader after being converted to them when we lived in the UK. Top-loaders (especially the ones with an agitator) are so harsh on your clothes, even the gentle cycles, and I think the spin on the front loader is more efficient.
I don't believe in dryers - but then I have a lovely rotary washing line. I'd probably feel differently if I lived in an apartment!
Oh Gertie!!
ReplyDeleteI have moved the same washer and dryer from house to house...sadly! But they are Kenmore and won't die!! haha! I have had such a hard time with missing washable items which don't come out of the cycle...the wash demons are snatching them I guess... About 2 years ago, thinking I was a 'fix-it' girl decided to pop the top of the washer (BTW you can do this with the washer...)and to my surprise it didn't exactly work...haha so when the hunid South Jersey weather hit all I could smell was yucky, musty smell. so what would any woman do....try to open it again!! haha Needless to say my washer lid is pretty much unattached... I have 3 kids in college and a very frustrated person trying to get the gunk out of her washer! I would certainly purchase another but the Sear's Kenmore won't stop working and it does a great job:( I can't convince my husband we need another:( ...(even though he has been missing socks for years:) ..)
I have the Duet set and my husband joked after we bought it that I would leave him for the set! I am IN LOVE with them and I know exactly what you mean. We had our carpets cleaned shortly after we bought them and had to set up sleeping arrangements in the utility room. I was so happy when I woke up in the morning looking at my new washer/dryer.
ReplyDeleteI've been lusting after one of these puppies since forever. My current sitch involves hook ups in the basement, which is great, but our w/d are ancient (craigslist). I soak/hand wash many of my handmade garments, and it's quite old at this point. The first time I'd seen advanced washing technology like these was in Russia - apartment dwellers had these compact, efficient LG and Samsung dealies that treated your clothes right, and they came out practically dry. No need for the dryer half. Nuts!
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of friends with washer/drier combo machines, and both machines now have regular driers stacked on top of them just like single-purpose washers and get sworn at frequently. It might (might) be worth it if you think the steam function is something you'd use a lot, but from all accounts the drier part is pretty useless for actually drying things -- especially bulkier things like sheets and towels.
ReplyDeleteJust don't forget that laundry is not all delicate cycles and steamed linen suits. The machine has to be able to handle the grunt work as well.
Sometimes it amazes me how different cultures can be, even when they appear so similar...
ReplyDeleteWe don't have laundry mat's in Sweden, and dry cleaning is really expensive. All houses have their own laundry-set, and all appartment buildings (both rentals and owned) have a laundry room, sizing of course differs a lot. You don't pay extra for laundry, though some landlords can put an upper limit on how many times a month you can use the room. I have access to a laundry room with two washing machines, one dryer, one "dry-cabinet" (not sure about the english term) and some other handy stuff (like a sheet stretcher). I can book it 8 times/month, which is more than I need, as a single household. Having a laundry set in the appartement would be nice, but at the same time it's so practical to get everything washed and dried in 3 hours, and then now I won't have to think about the laundry for two weeks =)
I, too, covet this washer and dryer. Right now we make do with a 13 year-old washer and dryer, which are pretty much in constant use due to having 3 kids, 2 of which are under 5. I wish I had a better set but since we move all the time it's not worth it, since I'm told that these new ones don't do well with frequent moves.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the LG all-in-one ventless washer-dryer combo! It's ventless so only requires a water hookup. I NEVER use anything but cold water for my laundry, in fear of shrinking fabric or bleeding colors, so if you are like me, it gets even easier.
ReplyDeleteThis is a common product in Europe and Japan, but us Americans resist change when it comes to laundry. They machine is often small enough it can fit in a closet. It's efficient for energy, water, and effort (my favorite).
Duet-buyers beware! The standard for regular washers and dryers is 10-15 years. Duet-style washer/dryers are only lasting 2-10 years and usually require a repair before year two has passed.
i have a red washer/dryer, though mine are LG. the dryer is the ventless one mentioned above, and both are small. they would fit under my kitchen cabinets if needed. even though we are a family of 5, they work perfect for us (i had no choice on size, because my washer/dryer hookup are in a closet in my kitchen). they are stackable too, if i want.
ReplyDeletei love this washer:
http://pinterest.com/pin/22421657/
I live in Seoul so I have a front loader that only speaks Korean (I had review all the settings watching the temperature, RPMs etc to decide what to use. :)
ReplyDeleteNo Dryer for us as electricity is really really expensive here, but our 11th floor apartment comes complete with a built-in ceiling mounted drying rack in the balcony. You can even adjust the height of the rack!
I grew up with clothes on the line outside but my husband is looking forward to the day when he can have a dryer again. I don't think the kids notice....well except when it takes 3 days for stuff to dry in the rainy season. hehe k.
I hate to be the lone dissenter, those front-loading washers do look beautiful; but I tried my niece's which sits directly on the floor (no riser "box") and you pull the laundry out almost onto the floor. Plus probably being older than most of you, I don't want to have to bend over even lower than my dryer requires. Even with a "riser" the machine wouldn't be high enough to be comfortable for my back. Also I understand a lot of them, you can't open in mid-cycle (which as a former weaver I would have needed to for certain processes)and even as a sewist I might want to interrupt the cycle; and the machine determines the temperature and cycle based on fabric weight--no thanks! My mid-line Kenmore front loader, a year old, also has the delicate and hand-wash cycles without all the cost. I do sometimes regret the agitator, but I can live with it.
ReplyDeleteJust another opinion.
Hey Gretchen! I actually own that washing machine, in red. We call it w*hore red, perks up the whole laundry situation. I love it but am not wild about the mold thing (like you need to run a load of bleach through every couple loads or it gets stinky) and it sucks when it comes to felting if you ever have need of such a thing.
ReplyDeleteI have a front load washer, too. The mold/mildew problem with the large rubber lining around the door has been enough to make me regret the purchase, though. So much work to keep it from getting yucky!
ReplyDeletePlus, you have to leave the door open so that it can dry out completely. I hate having that door hanging open all the time. Then there is the safety issue with the door sticking out into what is a walkway in the room. No more front load washers for me.
Luckily, I've seen the new top loaders that have all the energy saving features without the mold/mildew problems. Can't wait to replace this machine.
Marty in KS, I am dissenting, too....the high end front loaders are not all that they are cracked up to be.
ReplyDeleteI'm on my third front-load washer and this last time, I sprung (sprang?) for the Electrolux. I love it. It's got a huge capacity and can do the gentlest of cycles. BTW, you can interrupt it midcycle unless it's in the middle of a steam process and it's got a self-cleaning cycle to prevent mold. Even with my previous cheaper front-loaders, the mildew issue was easily avoidable by wiping the folds of the seal and leaving the door open when not in use. I wish I would have paid the extra $$ for the tropical blue. At the time, I thought it would be a waste in my ugly basement, but oh well. Now I'm shopping for a dryer. My husband wants the matching dryer, but I can't see that I'd use the steam dryer much and could save hundreds going for a more basic model. Probably should have just bought the matched set all at once, but at the time, my dryer was fine.
ReplyDeleteLaundromats (or Launderettes) are definitely disappearing in the UK. Awful when your washing machine breaks down..
ReplyDeleteI have John Lewis machines, but separate. In a smallish city flat so I don't have room for a dishwasher. I found the drier wasn't as good on a combi a few years back. Did without a drier for ages, then just went mad during one wet summer. (5 children, even though they are grown up now.)It was the wet summers that did it - too warm for the heating to dry anything, air too moist for anything to dry inside. In winter the ceiling airer is fine. Great Scottish word for this horrible damp type of weather - dreich. (Apologies to proper Scots if the spelling is wrong.)
I have had matching charcoal Duets for about 5 years. They're terrific! Before that we were using used ancient hand me downs. Our water bill dropped, our electric bill dropped and our clothes last forever. The first load we did white sheets and compared them with clean sheets from the old one. I nearly cried at the dingy gray I had thought was white - then I cleaned everything in my linen closet again! I would never buy an agitator one again.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we certainly didn't pay full price for them. Sears outlets have scratch and dent appliances. I certainly didn't care if the sides of my washer and dryer were scratched up. It's the full warranty and if you wait until they have another sale on that - it's about 1/3 the tag price.
Miele also has an apartment type one that washes and dries in the same front loader. But it's pricey.
I have a washer/dryer crush on the same set! But I want them in blue. I am lucky enough to have my own washer and dryer, but the washer spins my clothes to death, so I rarely use if for handmade clothes, unless they are sturdy knits.
ReplyDeleteI know you met a million people this weekend so I don't expect you to remember everyone--but it was awesome meeting you! I am completely inspired by your classes and will probably be starting my very own bombshell dress in the near future!
What a great post! I didn't even know that appliances this nice and practical were available... thanks for opening my eyes to the possibilities! I hand wash so many of my clothes, and it would be wonderful to have some help from a machine. I also collect vintage linens, which I also hand wash and hang dry, to this could help me a lot. And that red!!! What an awesome color!
ReplyDeleteInteresting advert for a washer-dryer. Were you paid in advance or are you just hoping that your blog will get picked up on and you can cash in later?
ReplyDeleteHi Joolz, all of my advertising is on the sidebar of my blog. Not hiding anything here, just writing dorky posts about suburban fantasies!
ReplyDeleteI have a washer, and also a drier, becuase I live in the UK where it rains constantly LOL!
ReplyDeleteWe got a great front loading Kenmore washer and I love it. But we couldn't afford the drier. Still saving up. I can't believe the improvements in appliances over the past ten years alone.
ReplyDeleteWe have a Kenmore Elite (HE3) set which is about 10 years old. Going strong. I think I bonded with my washer and dryer. My washer is pre-steam but I like it anyway. I just sold my previous washer/dryer set at a good price to some nice people who worked in the factory of the manufacturing company I worked for. They were thrilled to have a washer and dryer. There are some things that an agitator washer can do but I can now wash our queen size comforters instead of taking them to the dry-cleaners and this machine does have a delicate cycle. To keep the washer from getting gunky, I use Smelly Washer Cleaner (I got mine from Amazon) and I also leave the washer door open so that it does not mildew (no children and the cat isn't interested). This also helps prevent the drum from rusting.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I love reading blogs, you learn so much about how different life is elsewhere. In Australia we have laundries in our houses, even the smallest apartments have a cupboard that houses a washing machine, dryer and laundry tub. As I live in a house I have a seperate room (called the laundry) that has washing machine, dryer, sink, giant floor to ceiling cupboard that harbours all sorts of exceptionally useful stuff, an extra fridge/freezer and an assortment of school bags that can't possibly be put away in bedrooms (at least according to the owners of said school bags). I love spring/summer/autumn because I can hang washing out on the line (usually a large wire & steel contraption in the back yard called a Hills Hoist). I'm very picky about what goes in the dryer so in winter there is constantly clothes airers dotted around the house over heating ducts drying items deemed inappropriate for the dryer. When holidaying in the UK I struggled with piles of dirty clothes in the kitchen (where the washer/dryer was located) on washing day!
ReplyDeleteWe bought the Kenmore (by Whirlpool) front loading washer when they first came back on the seen 8 years ago. Since it was first generation design it had flaws. Eventually the build up of mildew was overpowering. I even took the whole washer apart and cleaned it with bleach to no avail, the smell still existed and would transfer to our clothes. I think we had the motherboard replaced twice. So we got rid of it and bought a top loading washer that has no electronics. We got tired of paying for expensive motherboards.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I have the Duet, and I love it! They ended up coming out with the steam for the washer also, but we got ours right before that. We do have the steam for the dryer though! I especially love the quick wash (10 minute) cycles for pre-washing fabric. :)
ReplyDeleteYou will save running costs by choosing a machine with a higher efficiency rating, although this usually has to be balanced against the higher purchase cost. Machines are graded from A to G, with A being the most efficient.
ReplyDeleteWe have a giant washer & dryer in our basement & when that breaks we will get a stacking set & move it upstairs to near our bedroom. Probably that will be a long way in the future.
ReplyDeleteI don't use the dryer much either, for linens, towels, and when we're in a hurry. But dryers are really hard on clothes, so I avoid it when possible.
I would love a red set, though! They just look so very cool & retro.
I bought a Whirlpool front loader 2 1/2 years ago that had been listed 3 years running as a Consumer Reports Best Buy., and the matching gas dryer. Watching my water, electric, and gas bills go way down after replacing my appx 30-yr old Kenmores was great. Having to have the computer-controlled motor replaced when it died 9 months after the 1 -year warranty ended, not so great. Kind of eliminated my $savings on utilities....I wish one machine could combine the features & energy savings of new machines with the durability of older, all-mechanical machines. Oh, and the mold or smell issue w/front loaders: use less detergent (you really don't need much), wipe around the seal after unloading, and leave the door open after doing a load, and you won't have any problems
ReplyDeleteyou will not need a machine with a large wash capacity. You will also be using the machine less frequently so it should last much longer.
ReplyDeleteNice to read your blog I also have Whirlpool duets! I got it about 10 years ago and they safely moved from Florida to London two years ago. you can place it your laundry pair virtually anywhere and be assurance of balanced performance and vibration control. The washer takes into account where it’s installed and adapts to improve its balance over time. A built-in accelerometer and dual-ring ball-balancing keep the wash basket centered at all times.
ReplyDeleteThis comment is waaay after the original post (came across your blog yesterday Gertie and adore it!) But I've got an old, cheapo, apartment-provided-for-us washer and dryer. Top loader. No delicate cycle with the bare bones. Bummer for me! But my whole point was that for top loaders (since I have no experience with front loaders) putting vinegar, a bottle or two of the small sizes or a "goodly" amount if you keep a gallon on hand (we do) and running a large load with no detergent will usually help with smell problems. Run it hot if you can. Vinegar is a wonderful, natural cleaning product. We also use it in our dishwasher instead of one of those "no more spots" products. Again because of our cheap apartment provided appliances those don't work. It is also amazingly cheaper than products specifically for those things. I'm sure it would work for front loaders, minus the rubber seal deal since that's a different issue.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I would love a washer like that. Even one with just a delicate cycle. Like Gertie, one day I will have a house. Hardwood floors and good appliances.
This is nice information blog. Thanks for Sharing.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThis is nice information blog. Thanks for Sharing.