Tiny washing machines -- any good?
December 2, 2009 3:32 PM Subscribe
My wife and I are looking for a v. small washing machine for our rented apartment. I've seen a few units which you can wheel into the closet after doing the laundry but I'm not sure how well they work. Any thoughts?
I have one I bought on Craigslist for about $60. It's great, I love it. It's a bit on the bigger side which would not have been my preference but budget was a factor for me.
posted by Salamandrous at 4:31 PM on December 2, 2009
posted by Salamandrous at 4:31 PM on December 2, 2009
The all-in-one washer are OK. They don't get stuff super-clean. As magstheaxe noted, they are a bit slow.
You might want to consider what type of apt/building you are in. Will the washer create noise/banging your neighbors can't live with?
Don't invest in this item if the building infrastructure can't take the load (pun intended!)
If your neighbor's old school dishwasher disturbs you, the washer/dryer in your apt will drive them donuts.
Or, just use it during daytime hours and don't place the unit against a wall that might vibrate disturbance to adjacent units.
Happy cleaning:)
posted by jbenben at 4:34 PM on December 2, 2009
You might want to consider what type of apt/building you are in. Will the washer create noise/banging your neighbors can't live with?
Don't invest in this item if the building infrastructure can't take the load (pun intended!)
If your neighbor's old school dishwasher disturbs you, the washer/dryer in your apt will drive them donuts.
Or, just use it during daytime hours and don't place the unit against a wall that might vibrate disturbance to adjacent units.
Happy cleaning:)
posted by jbenben at 4:34 PM on December 2, 2009
Have you cleared this with your landlord/apartment complex? If they don't allow portable washers, and the thing ever causes damage to the building, you could be liable, (and damage to your stuff may not be covered by your renter's policy if the damage was caused by something your landlord doesn't allow--just a guess here).
posted by Flipping_Hades_Terwilliger at 5:01 PM on December 2, 2009
posted by Flipping_Hades_Terwilliger at 5:01 PM on December 2, 2009
I've been considering one of these portable hand-powered clothes washers after I read about them in a different ask.mefi question.
posted by ian1977 at 6:06 PM on December 2, 2009
posted by ian1977 at 6:06 PM on December 2, 2009
Response by poster: Infrastructure wise, what should I be worried about? Our apartment is one of three in a big, 100+ old mansion, so how does that affect our mini-washer prospects?
posted by brandonjadams at 6:41 PM on December 2, 2009
posted by brandonjadams at 6:41 PM on December 2, 2009
I bought this mini washing machine and I completely love it.
It's light enough to put it away after use, but I just leave it in the bathroom. It can make a mess but only if the hoses come loose. If the spin gets off kilter it can jump around and make a noise, but generally it's quiet enough and I don't have any concerns about operating it in our turn of the century apartment.
It's a bit fiddly (being a twin tub) but it is super quick and easy. I've learnt that it only agitates well with only a few articles of clothing, rather than doing a maximum load. We still have to go to the Laundromat for sheets, towels and jeans, but my baby washing machine is perfect for t shirts, underwear, socks and delicates.
posted by bingoes at 7:03 PM on December 2, 2009
It's light enough to put it away after use, but I just leave it in the bathroom. It can make a mess but only if the hoses come loose. If the spin gets off kilter it can jump around and make a noise, but generally it's quiet enough and I don't have any concerns about operating it in our turn of the century apartment.
It's a bit fiddly (being a twin tub) but it is super quick and easy. I've learnt that it only agitates well with only a few articles of clothing, rather than doing a maximum load. We still have to go to the Laundromat for sheets, towels and jeans, but my baby washing machine is perfect for t shirts, underwear, socks and delicates.
posted by bingoes at 7:03 PM on December 2, 2009
I've been considering one of these portable hand-powered clothes washers after I read about them in a different ask.mefi question.
I have that hand-crank machine. It is fine for t-shirts, socks and undies. Not so great for jeans, towels and heavier items. Unless you really really really like wringing out your clothes by hand.
I am no help on an electric model, sorry. But I can attest that the Wonderwash is good if there is no other option and/or you want to be extremely frugal.
posted by ainsley at 8:59 PM on December 2, 2009
I have that hand-crank machine. It is fine for t-shirts, socks and undies. Not so great for jeans, towels and heavier items. Unless you really really really like wringing out your clothes by hand.
I am no help on an electric model, sorry. But I can attest that the Wonderwash is good if there is no other option and/or you want to be extremely frugal.
posted by ainsley at 8:59 PM on December 2, 2009
brandonjadams asked on Dec 2nd what infrastructure might have to do with the question...
I may be a little late, but here goes:
As I explained, your new appliance will vibrate and make noise. You say you live in an old mansion? That's AWESOME if you are keen for translating vibration and sound - wood conducts better than concrete.
If you are on the ground floor, and observe the advice to keep the unit away from walls - you should be fine. Otherwise, do the same but only use the unit during business hours.
OP - you have no idea how obnoxious a sound/vibration intrusion a washer can create. Your neighbors do not want to know what's going on in your apartment - ever. They certainly don't want their peace invaded by your laundry.
Even if the worst is, "Oh the Johnson's are doing their wash - sigh." This is not OK.
Best.
posted by jbenben at 5:09 PM on December 5, 2009
I may be a little late, but here goes:
As I explained, your new appliance will vibrate and make noise. You say you live in an old mansion? That's AWESOME if you are keen for translating vibration and sound - wood conducts better than concrete.
If you are on the ground floor, and observe the advice to keep the unit away from walls - you should be fine. Otherwise, do the same but only use the unit during business hours.
OP - you have no idea how obnoxious a sound/vibration intrusion a washer can create. Your neighbors do not want to know what's going on in your apartment - ever. They certainly don't want their peace invaded by your laundry.
Even if the worst is, "Oh the Johnson's are doing their wash - sigh." This is not OK.
Best.
posted by jbenben at 5:09 PM on December 5, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
I can speak to this model (or, at least, its earlier versions). You roll it up to the sink and attach the hoses to the faucet, and plug the cord into any nearby 120 volt outlet. This one has a good-sized tub for a compact so it's quite good for 2 or 3 people (though you won't be washing any king-sized comforters in it). It's got a nice variety of cycles so there's no worries putting in different fabrics. It's not particularly loud. And that steel tub means it's sturdy.
Mine certainly cleaned well, although it struck me as being a little slower to wash as compared to my current clothes washer. It spins out water as well as your average low-end washer or washer you find in a laundromat.
Oh, it can also be hooked up to separate hot and cold water faucets, so if you've got a washer hook-up that's handy, but you've got to have it near a sink so it can drain.
posted by magstheaxe at 4:06 PM on December 2, 2009