Buying a Washer

Buy a recognized brand from a dealer you trust.

Every manufacturer makes several models, ranging from deluxe programmed ones to those with a minimum of features. Regardless of the model you think you want, it is a good idea to hear the full story on all models.

Washers must be replaced more often than most appliances because they work harder. Even if it has been only six or seven years since you bought a washer, you are sure to find considerable changes. Manufacturers make every effort to keep pace with the textile industry. Today almost everything from pantyhose to raincoats can be machine laundered.

It would be almost impossible to buy a poor washer because there are so many good ones available. Manufacturers take different approaches to their appliance goals, but the end products are very similar. Your choices really boil down to 1) choosing a dealer who sells and services a brand name appliance and 2) buying the model that best suits your space and laundry needs.

The two types of wash action are tumbling and agitation.

The first automatic washers were tumblers. Tumblers load from the front and wash with a rotating tub. The tub carries clothes to the top, then drops them in the water. Because tumblers need a large tub, it is difficult to enlarge overall washer size. Because of this, capacity is only about ten pounds, but a correspondingly moderate amount of water is required.

Agitation washers load from the top. They wash with an agitator that moves back and forth, up and down in combination with a movable wash basket.

Capacity is one of the most important features of agitators. A full load for most is 18 pounds. This allows you to wash in one load what used to require two. It also means you can wash as many as four large items like sheets at one time.

Because you won't always have full loads, agitators have water level settings ranging from a few items to not quite a full load.

If you live in an apartment or don't want a large capacity washer, there are compact models that wash smaller loads and fit into limited space. Matching dryers are available for side-by-side of stacked installation.

Soaking is not passe. Many wash loads benefit from it. Some washers have an automatic soak cycle that agitates the clothes for a few minutes, soaks without agitation and then spins out the water. Some models proceed automatically to the regular wash cycle. Others must be reset.

Many homemakers have the mistaken idea that the longer the wash time, the cleaner the clothes.

Any washer you buy will have sufficient time on the dial for anything you will launder. Average times are 10 to 12 minutes for cottons and linens, six to nine minutes for wash and wear or permanent press, three to six minutes for gentle of either type and one to six minutes for specials such as silks, woolen and knits. Heavily soiled items should be washed the maximum time for each category.

Whatever your choice, buy a recognized brand from a dealer you know and trust. Be sure he is equipped to service what he sells.

• Send in the warranty card to the manufacturer.
• Read the instructions book, keep it handy and refer to it often.

For more information on buying a washer, contact your local county Extension office.