How To Choose A Washing Machine?

Published on: 09 January 2020 Last Updated on: 29 October 2024

Not all washing machines are the same. They may all look identical but no two machines are equal in terms of capabilities, features, price, and suitability for your needs. In this article, you will know how to choose a washing machine.

When looking for a washing machine, it really pays to do your homework. From machine type to efficiency, make sure you have in-depth information about a prospective machine before buying one.

Basic things to know when buying a washing machine

For you to buy the right clothes washer, you first have to know your needs. Advance planning is crucial as it can help you choose a unit that is responsive to your requirements. Of course, you don’t want to spend on an ‘over-sized’ machine. Or, you also don’t want to buy one that isn’t able to meet your laundry needs.

Some of the essential questions to ask: How frequently you do the laundry, how dirty your clothes are, how many users are there, and what type of washing you prefer? Other considerations to look into including your space availability, energy efficiency, and preferred features.

To help you better choose the right washer and dryer; let’s check out some of the most basic considerations.

Capacity

How many will use the unit? What is the average volume of clothes needs to be washed in a day or week? Will draperies, linens, bedsheets, or comforters be cleaned in the washer?

The capacity of a clothes washer refers to the size of the washtub. It ranges from 1 cubic foot to 6 cubic feet. To give you an idea, a 5-cubic feet washer is capable of washing up to 30 bath towels of regular thickness and size. So, if you are likely to accumulate this amount of dirty clothes, then you should get a unit with a capacity no smaller than 5-cubic feet. On the other hand, if you hardly have any clothes to wash, you can opt for the smaller units.

Furthermore, if you expect to wash large items frequently, then you should opt for large-capacity washers. Take note that the size of a washing machine doesn’t define its energy requirements. Likewise, larger units don’t automatically mean they have the best features, spin speed, wash cycles, and capabilities.

Efficiency

An average American household washes about 300 loads of laundry every year. This household chore comprises a large portion of our energy and water bills. Hence, energy efficiency should be among your top concerns when choosing a clothes washer.

Make sure to check the average power and water consumption of a unit. Check if it is ENERGY STAR certified and is compliant with the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE). These two proofs guarantee that your clothes washer consumes less water and energy costs. All major brands sell units, both top- and front-load types, which bear this rating.

Available space

According to a repair technician from Tampaappliancerepair.services, improper installation due to lack of space is a major cause of washing machine troubles. So, when choosing a washing machine, space availability should be considered.

There has to be enough room for the units to open the doors completely. If you have limited space, there are combination washer/dryer and stackable models available. Front-load units require adequate clearance both in front (to allow the doors to open fully) and at the back (for the external fittings, hoses, and drain).

It is best to measure the floor area of the location before visiting the appliance store. But don’t worry as there are plenty of washing machine models (of varying dimensions) available to you.

Cleaning requirements

Every household or individual user has a unique cleaning challenge or laundry habits. Some prefer to get their clothes cleaned up perfectly. Meanwhile, others just want quick cycles so they can get on with other tasks.

Fortunately, washing machines nowadays come with a range of wash cycles and features designed to meet unique washing requirements and conditions. Aside from the generic cycle, there are units with delicate cycle intended for fabrics or specialized clothes. Some machines are even equipped with steam cleaning. Be sure to read about the unit’s features to know if they fit your needs.

Noise

Washing machines, especially the large ones, are major noise contributors. If your washing machine is located nearby the sleeping area or the living room, you want to get a quiet unit.

Be sure to check if the unit has sound dampening features such as additional insulation, vibration reduction, or improved suspension. Normally, high-speed units will come equipped with these features as they produce the most noise.

Once you’ve decided on all these basic points, you can confidently walk to the appliance store to look for an appropriate unit for your home. Of course, you still have to decide on other considerations like your budget, the color of the unit, the material used by the unit, the brand, etc.

Read Also:

Best Practices That Extend The Life Of Your Appliances

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Transform Your Garage into a Home Office

Working from home is becoming more and more popular and widely spread, and in the times of the global pandemic, for some, it is even becoming a necessity. If you live with your family – parents, partner, kids, pets – this can be a really challenging task, especially if you do not have a separate work and study room. However, you can turn to alternative ways and make your own working space. Experts say it is important to have different spaces in which you sleep, eat and work, so even if you could have the privacy of your bedroom during the day, it is better for your mental health and efficiency to have a separate room which would serve as a home office. Transforming your garage could be a perfect solution for you, and here is how to do it, as suggested to us by experts at Dlouhy Garage Doors of San Diego. Start from the Basics In its original condition, your garage is probably not suitable for living or working, and in general spending a lot of time there, especially not during all seasons. That is why it’s important to adjust is well to the new purpose. Start from the floor, which is in most cases bare concrete. Replace it with the wood floor or carpet tiles and make it warmer and more comfortable. Insulation might be one of the major issues, so make sure you focus on that. Walls and windows will need additional insulation so you can use your home office for the whole year. Make It Cozy and Practical Once you’ve got your floor and walls settled, you can actually start thinking about the furniture and all the things you are going to need. Start with the desk and chair, as well as the shelves and other storage space you will need for your office. Except for being practical, your new office should also be cozy and you should be comfortable working there. So, you might want to pay attention to the overall style of the place, as well as the colors you choose. It does not necessarily have to be all sleek and modern, you can also add some vintage style and add a touch of warmth to your new workplace. Go for the neutral colors and try not to clutter the office too much with decorations, but rather give it a neater and simpler look, as it will be easier for you to focus. Another important point in this transformation process is the garage door. Chances are that your garage door is not suited to the new purpose, so you might want to call in garage door installers to replace it. Even if you stop using it as an office at some point, it can still be used as a space for hanging out, so why not make it livable for the long term. Think of the Light and Safety Replacing the garage door may have more than one dimension and purpose. It will certainly have an impact on insulation, as well as safety, and lighting, too. You can replace the old garage door with a set of glass panels and a regular door and thus ensure natural lighting for your workplace. It is really great to have it in the office and it’s much better for your eyesight as well as for your mood. Of course, do not forget the artificial lights as well and make sure the place is overall well lit. You can also consider installing a glass slide door, and thus improve the overall ventilation in the room which is also very important. However, if you prefer privacy, consider putting a regular door and sandblasted glass which will prevent anyone from seeing inside, and also prevent you from being distracted by the activities going on in front of your new office. Read Also: Top tips for inspecting and maintaining your garage 10 Pro Tips To Minimize Commercial Door Repair & Maintenance Cost

6 Upgrades to Make Your Bedroom Seem Like a Luxury Hotel

Most people love the luxury hotel experience. The bed is large and comfortable, the robes are ultra soft and the toiletries smell like a dream. With just a few days to indulge in all the comforts, you may not even get to try all the features of the shower or tub. When you return to your regular digs, you find yourself missing the hotel experience. But what if you could recreate the luxury experience at home? Read on for six tips on how to do so. 6 Upgrades to Make Your Bedroom Seem Like a Luxury Hotel Source Egyptian Cotton Bed Linens: You may want to start with the bed. Look for genuine Egyptian long staple cotton bedsheets and duvet covers to make sinking into bed feel like a dream. Get a thread count of 300 or more and a breathable cotton duvet for the ultimate in softness. Stick to white linens to really recreate the hotel look. Luxury hotels know crisp whites convey a feeling of freshness and cleanliness so you would do well to follow their lead. Purchase a Hotel Grade Mattress: If you want to go all in, get a new mattress. Many hotels actually get their mattresses made exclusively for them so it’s not your imagination – they really do feel more comfortable. With mattresses, you will almost certainly get a high-quality one if you are willing to pay more. With a little research, you may also be able to get an actual hotel bed. For example, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts sells its Sealy mattresses. Choosing the right mattress can make a huge difference in the quality of your sleep. Get Cozy Lighting: Luxury hotels know how to use the right lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. Swap your bright lights for lamps and sconces with low-wattage, warm bulbs. Not only does this instantly relax you but it puts you in the mood to sleep. Of course, there will be times when you need brighter lights in your bedroom. Try to install the right balance of ambient, task and accent lighting to keep things practical. Add Some Nice Touches to Your Bedside Table: It’s easy for the bedside table to become cluttered with to-do lists and receipts. However, hotels are known for their clutter-free surfaces. Pare down to the bare essentials and a couple personalized items. You may need a lamp, an alarm clock, and a décor item. This can a photo of your partner or family, a small piece of artwork or a vase of fresh flowers. You can also opt for a beautifully scented candle or a gratitude journal or devotional. You can add a small luxurious hand cream as well so you can use it as part of your bedtime ritual. Give Your Feet A Treat with Fluffy Rugs: This is a small touch but it can make a lot of difference. When you get out of bed in the morning, your feet will feel like they are enveloped in a soft cloud. If you can’t make large-scale changes to your bedroom just yet, a plush rug can make a big difference in the interim. Consider placing small sheepskin rugs at each side of your bed. Your bare feet will thank you, especially during the colder months. Invest in Luxe Bathrobes: Some hotels sell their soft fluffy bathrobes since guests often love them so much that they try to take them. If you have a favorite hotel, check to see if they can send you one. Otherwise, search your local home store or online for a hotel or spa-quality bathrobe. It may be a splurge but it can help you to keep that luxurious holiday feeling going for a little bit longer. You may not live in the lap of luxury but with a few choice purchases, you can make your bedroom much comfier. If you’re craving the hotel experience, take our advice and get started on some of these upgrades. Read Also: How To Make Your Home Look Like A Splendid Hotel? Preparing To Stay In A Luxury Apartment On A Vacation

8 Smart House Upgrades that are Totally Worth the Money

Looking to add a little resale value to your house? Choose wisely! Some house upgrades are worth it, but not all of them are a great investment. Smart house upgrade is essential for your lovely home. Upgrade your home the right way. Increase the value of your home with smart upgrades that return your money and then some! Different ways Smart House Upgrades can make things easier for you. 8 Smart House Upgrades that Pay Off Here are some of the best ways to upgrade your home and increase the resale value. These 8 ideas are totally worth the money! 1. Clean, Fresh Paint: When a buyer walks in, they want to see bright, clean rooms. Your paint has a lot to do with how the sunlight affects a room. A fresh paint job can brighten any room in the house. You don't necessarily need to go neutral, but your choice in paint colors can affect your potential buyer's feelings about your house. If you're not selling just yet, the right colors can also help lighten your own mood. Choose a palette that you like. But, don't stop there. Make sure it compliments your home's age, style, and architecture. Check out these ideas for a modern look! 2. Modernize the Kitchen: Look at the age of your appliances and countertops. Are they in poor repair or stained? If so, you should consider replacing them. Here's a list of kitchen upgrades that you can benefit from. Newer, energy efficient appliances Countertops that suit the space Refinish cabinets Tile backsplash Sink upgrades Accent paint Save some cash! Check out dent and scratch or discontinued appliances. Discontinued tile can be used to make an attractive backsplash, too. You can get huge savings from buying these options. Look for ways to accent and offset countertops and cabinets in your kitchen for a more modern look. Check out paint pallets that give your kitchen a pop of color and make your cabinets stand out. 3. Programmable Thermostat: This is such a simple upgrade, but it gives your house a modern feel. Programmable thermostats are affordable and easy to install. Many are also easy to manage from your phone! An added bonus for installing a programmable thermostat is instant energy savings on your electric bill! 4. Upgrade Bathrooms: Ugly bathrooms can send a potential buyer out the door. Check out your bathrooms for any of these problems and fix them! Stained toilet bowls and seats Leaky faucets Outdated fixtures Old tile and paint Evidence of flooding Damaged cabinetry You can easily and affordably upgrade a bathroom by switching out any old fixtures and lighting. But, making sure the bathroom is clean and in good working order is a priority. 5. Landscaping: Ever heard of curb appeal? This house upgrade is a must. The first look a buyer has as they walk to your front door can influence their opinion about the whole house! Walk outside and check your landscaping, in the front and the back of your home. Consider these upgrades for landscaping your home. In the front: Clean, groomed lawn Flowers and shrubs that are trimmed Trees that cut back and look nice A walkway that invites people to come in In the back: A patio or deck for entertaining Trees and flowers for privacy and color Fences in good repair Clean, groomed lawn A small gardening area Your landscaping matters in the value of your property. It should be well maintained and easy to upkeep. Good landscaping invites you to come out and enjoy the outdoors! 6. Install Solar Panels: Nothing is more attractive to a potential buyer than the idea of their new home saving them money. If you've already installed solar panels, then you've given them a step up in that direction. Solar power is a responsible energy choice and it will save you money in the long run. That's good for you while you live in your home. It's great for potential buyers, too. Your new buyer will instantly save on energy costs. You've already made the investment for them! This increases the value of your home and makes the buyer more willing to pay the price you are asking. 7. New Flooring: You've got fresh paint and clean rooms, but your flooring is filthy and worn. That won't work when you sell your home. Take a look at high traffic areas, carpets, and tiles. Is anything stained, worn or broken? If so, you need to replace it. Look for neutral carpet colors. You want any type of furniture or paint to work well with your choice. Avoid white or extremely pale colors because they are so hard to maintain. If you are replacing only one room of carpet, try to make it closely match what is already in the house. Nothing looks worse than mismatched carpet. Tile can be a really affordable upgrade. It should be easy to maintain, durable and neutral. Make sure stone tile doesn't have a lot of nooks and crannies for dirt to hide. You can even get a tile that looks like wood! Take a look at options in your hardware store. Save yourself some cash! If you are replacing a whole house of carpet or tile, try to find discontinued items at your local hardware store. They may be cheaper but are still good quality and new. Another way to save is to learn to install flooring yourself. There are plenty of books at your local library and YouTube videos to teach you how. 8. Basement Improvements: Paying outright to have the basement turned into a high-class lounge might not pay off. However, putting in the time and effort to fix up and finish off your existing basement can have an amazing return on investment. If your basement is unfinished, check it out for these problems. Cracks in walls or floors Wood damage to the supporting structure Leaks and flooding damage Excessive clutter For already finished basements, here are some things to think about. Patch damaged walls and repaint Paint the ceiling bright white Replace all light bulbs Install more lighting to brighten the room Remove excess, unused furniture Go with a traditional theme Fix any problems you find and clear out the clutter. A man cave or game room may be exciting for you, but tame down your theme if it's over the top. Your potential buyer wants to see open, clean space. Let them imagine how they might use it. Upgrade Your Home, Today: If you really want to increase the resale value of your home, pick one or more house upgrades on this list. The money you invest will be worth it. Check out these interesting articles about home and garden topics! Read Also: Smart Fun Gardening: How To Take Care Of A Money Tree Why Renting A Duplex House May Be Right For You

How To Choose A Washing Machine?