Washing Machines

Step up to the tub
It ain't no disgrace
Just pull up your sleeves
And get up in place
Then scoop up the water
And rub it on your face
An' go blud-dle-ud-dle-ud-dle
Ud-dle-um-dum
-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

I'm very lucky to have a reliable Maytag washing that is older than our marriage. It was made back in the days when quality mattered. When we had an energy audit the auditor told us that new machines are more energy efficient but the cost savings is not enough to justify buying a new machine.

Our machine is a top-loader, popular in 3 out of 4 households. And yet front-loading washing machines are generally more efficient and clean your clothes better. Also curiously, when I type "washing machine" into Google images, the entire first page is front-loaders. So why are top-loading machines more popular? Consumer Reports investigated and came up with these reasons:

1. Cost: Front-loading machines are 25-50% more expensive. That's a big deal killer.
2. Vibration: Front-loaders shake more and may be noisier depending on your flooring.
3. Awkward: Bending down to add or remove clothes is harder on the back.
4. Mold: The seal on front-loaders gets moldy if you wash only in cold water.

Bottom Line

The article mentions that some who have tried front-loaders change back to top-loaders. Now that I know this, I'll think I'll stick with top loaders in the future.