Laundry/Wash days can be so tiring if you are hand washing your clothes as well as the family’s yourself.
You need to invest in a good washing machine and let it do all the hard work for you.
Think of those large curtains, jeans and bed sheets you can finally wash without even breaking a sweat. With washing machines, you have more fun time on the weekends as you can easily break your laundry chores into smaller tasks and schedule them by type, throughout the week.
Finding the Perfect Washing Machine:
Washing Machines are relatively new in the shopping lists of Nigerian households and there are certain factors to consider before buying one; such as the features of the appliance, price, your budget, your space among other things. You really need to have a clear point of view regarding the best washing machine that will suit your family’s laundry needs.
The Types:
There are basically two kinds of washing machines – the front loading machine and the top loading machine. The main difference between the two is the way you load laundry in them. Finding the perfect washing machine is not so hard, you just have to consider your convenience and the available space in your home. Each type has its pros and cons which you also need to carefully weigh before you make your choice.
The Top Loader:
As the name implies, there is an open lid on the top through which clothes are easily loaded into the machine. Top Loaders with Agitators perform the basic function of washing your clothes without too many features; however the more sophisticated high efficiency top loaders come with even better features.
They are in high demand in many households especially in Nigeria since they are less expensive than the front loaders/washers, they also come in compact sizes, some new models include front controls for convenient usage and you can use any detergent with them.
The Front Loader:
LG Front Loader
Front Loading Machines have greater advantages than the top loaders, they are more expensive but they offer better performance. Front Loaders load from the front of the machine, they require less water and detergent and they can handle heavier clothes like blankets and duvets.
These Loaders do not include agitators so you save your laundry from damage sometimes caused by the traditional top loaders on lightweight fabrics. They are gentler and operate more quietly too.
Dryer:
A dryer can either come separately or combined with either a top loading washer or front loader. After washing your clothes, you can make use of the dryer to dry your clothes. Dryers often consume a lot of power because they use heating elements and airflow to dry clothes.
The All-in-One Washer:
This is a combination of a washing machine and a dryer. This saves space in the home by giving you two appliances in one unit. It is best to buy this if you are saving money as well as space. The All-in-one washer is either semi-automatic or fully automatic.
Semi-automatic washers are generally equipped with two tubs – one for washing and the other, for drying. These are bigger in size but cost less than the fully automatic ones since you manually move the clothes from the washer to the dryer after washing.
Samsung Semi Automatic Washing Machine
Fully automatic washers are equipped with one tub, used for both washing and drying. They require a continuous flow of water but there is no need for manual intervention as the machine automatically washes and dries clothes by itself. They provide more convenience and take less space. Fully automatic washers come in both front and top loads.
Samsung Front Loading Fully Automatic Washing Machine
Power Consumption:
This is an important factor to consider. Washing machines vary in their power requirement, from as low as 80 Watts for the compact models to about 5,000 Watts for the sophisticated ones. It is a great idea to buy a washer that can be powered by a generator, to ensure your aim for buying it is not defeated. Top loaders are more generator friendly because of their sizes while front loaders and combo washers consume more power.
Capacity/Space:
Washing machines capacity ranges from 1.5kg to 15kg. The available space and amount of laundry your household generates weekly will determine the capacity you need. Washers with larger capacities usually come with more features, options and controls. A small 2.5kg top loader will be just fine for bachelors/spinsters or students, also for washing baby/toddler’s clothes while a family can make do with 4.5kg to 9kg depending on how many members are involved.
Budget:
Any amount of money invested in buying a washing machine is invested wisely because it is an essential appliance in every home. Also, a washer can be used for years without developing any issues; all you would do is call for servicing probably once in two years or longer. Think of the benefits you will enjoy once you have achieved your aim of finding the perfect washing machine for your home.
Additional Features to Look Out For:
- Brand: It is important to consider a brand or type that is easy to operate, with clear, understandable controls.
- Washtub Material: Washing machines made of stainless steel are the best but most expensive, plastic tubs are cheaper and fine for medium usage.
- Spin Speed: Generally, the faster the spin speed, the drier your clothes will be. Most machines come in the spin speed of 800–1800rpm but bear in mind that you will be paying extra to get a higher rpm.
- Quick Wash: This function reduces the washing time for small amount or light laundry.
- Anti Bacterial Wash: Removes 99.9% bacteria from your clothes.
- Automatic Drainage: This function ensures you do not have to drain manually; it also prevents your clothes from over-soaking.
- Timers: The basic timer enables you to set the time for washing. It can also serve as a delay function, to enable you soak your clothes for a while before washing starts.
- Temperature Settings: Some washing machines offer option to select hot or cold wash while some offer up to 5 different temperature settings for washing and rinsing.
- Energy Star Rating: This tells you how energy – efficient the washing machine is.
- Low Noise Level: Some washers operate more quiet than others.
- Child–Proof/Safety Lock: This prevents your kids from tampering with the machine. The safety lock prevents children from opening the lid during spin cycle.
