Washing Machine Cleaning Tips
According to Lehrman, front-loaders are the best of the three for a few reasons. The first is that they use less water, which also means they require less energy to heat the water. They also have a much faster spin cycle, which extracts more moisture from the clothes thereby requiring less time in the dryer.
However, she warns consumers need to be careful when purchasing one of these washers, “Because they spin so much faster some models can vibrate quite a bit, which is one of our testing parameters,” says Lerhman. “We rate for noise and vibration, and we started using vibration because we got a lot of complaints from readers that these washers would shake everything in the room if they were not on a concrete floor such as in a basement.”
In general, adds Lehrman, when purchasing a new washer, consumers should look for an Energy Star rating in any of the top 10 Front loading washing machines. “They will not only use less energy, but also tend to spin more water out of the laundry so that clothes spend less time in the dryer. Drying actually can be more expensive than washing clothes, especially if you wash in cold water rather than hot because you’re not paying to heat the wash water.”
Lehrman also notes there are a number of manufacturers coming out with machines that include an Eco-cycle, usually a setting that reduces energy consumption and water use. However, these cycles can’t be used on heavily soiled clothes and they also can’t be used in tandem with some of the other settings on the machine.
For those seeking the most energy efficient machines, it is important to take a look at Energy Star’s ratings.
MEF ratings
Maria Vargas, a spokesperson for Energy Star, says there are two measurements to keep in mind. The first is the Modified Energy factor (MEF), which is a metric used to compare the relative efficiencies of different clothes washers–the higher the MEF, the better. Essentially the MEF measures the energy used to run the washer, heat the water and run the dryer. The minimum MEF for an Energy Star rating is 1.8.
The other issue is the Water Factor (WF), which measures the water efficiency of the machine by calculating the gallons of water used per cubic foot of capacity per load. The minimum for an Energy Star rating is 7.5.
In general, says Vargas, an Energy Star rated washing machine will use 30 percent less energy and at least 50 percent less water than a non-rated machine. “Overall,” she says, “these ratings are intended to demonstrate not just the energy efficiency, but that they are cost-effective to use.”
Vargas also points out that with the average lifespan of washing machines having greatly expanded over the past few years, “Every time someone makes a purchase that is not Energy Star rated, it is a missed opportunity for a decade or more because these appliances last so long.”
Eco Friendly Features
It is also important to note that washing machine manufacturers are working hard to come up with the next best green innovations for their products. For example, says Heather Gordon, a spokesperson for Bosch Home Appliances, their line of energy efficient machines includes three important features.
The first is what the company calls ActiveWater. According to Bosch, this feature allows the washer to deliver the same cleaning effectiveness with 13 gallons of water that other models deliver using 400 gallons. The key technology is a sensor that calculates the amount of water required to clean the clothes. The company also has what it calls a Jet Dispenser that also uses a sensor to detect how much detergent is required based on the size of the load. The third technology is 3-D Water Flow, which circulates water through the outer drum of the washer, door nozzle and back panel. This saturates the clothes quickly and evenly reducing water use during the wash cycle.
Additionally, says Gordon, Bosch washers and dryers are made in North Carolina as opposed to overseas and the company uses recycled materials in these products. This reduces emissions during assembly and shipping.
Whirlpool also has a handful of nifty innovations for the green washer, says Doug Feingold, a spokesperson for the company. The first of these is an Eco-Monitor that provides consumers with an instant rating–from good to best–describing how eco-friendly the selected cycle settings are. There is also EcoBoost, which enhances resource efficiency by adjusting water temperatures and mechanical energy.
These are just a few of the branded innovations making their way to market, and while they may sound great, they do not come cheap. Bosch’s eco-friendly appliances range from $1,000 to more than $1,500. Whirlpool’s eco-friendly washers range from about $700 (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) to upwards of $1,400 depending on brand and model (Whirlpool also manufactures Maytag and Amana brands).
Even with rebates from manufacturers and state and federal governments, washing machines with the full range of eco features are expensive without much relief in sight.
Additional Tips
Jeans: These can be tricky to dry because denim tends to stiffen. To resolve this dilemma, put about one-half to three-quarters of a cup of distilled vinegar in the rinse cycle of the wash. The vinegar will act like a fabric softener and the smell goes away as the jeans dry. This same trick can be used for towels. You should also shake items out, just a little, before hanging them.
Sheets: These can be a problem due to their size. To keep them from dragging while on the line fold them in half–this is the only time she recommends this–and hang them on the line. Sheets are fairly thin so they should dry fine.
Dress Shirt: These can be tricky if you want to avoid ironing. Hang them with clothespins from the hem (upside down) and pull the fabric taught as you pin them on the line. You can also place the damp dress shirt on a plastic or wool hanger and hang that on the line.
Avoid Stretching: You want to be careful not to stretch clothes–especially t-shirts and cotton blouses. Hang them from the hemline or fold them across the line as flat as possible.
Vanderlinden also says that air drying is not just a warm weather strategy. Dry basements and other areas can be used as temporary drying areas through the winter and in rain.