Front-Load Washers Can Save You Money

QUESTION: I need to replace my washing machine and I’m considering a super-rinse front-loading design. I have allergies and my skin is sensitive to detergents. Are these designs miserly on water and energy?

ANSWER: Front-loading washers (horizontal-axis) are heads above top-loaders (with agitator) in cleaning, rinsing, energy, water and detergent savings. Drying time is also cut by a third because front-loaders spin-dry better.

The entire washing process is different with a front-loader. The drum spins on a horizontal axis and needs no agitator. That creates more room for large quilts, parkas and the like and gives clothes a longer life since the fabrics are not beat against the agitator thousands of times each washing.

Using a front-loader can save a typical family of four at least $100 per year in energy, water and detergent costs. For example, a superlarge American-made front-loader uses 40% less water, 65% less energy and 30% less detergent than a typical large top-loader.

With the front-loading design, clothes are gently tumbled in the water as the drum rotates. Fins in the drum are designed to ladle the sudsy water to the top and let it shower down through the fabrics. Some models have an option to gently rock wool clothes through the water.

Many front-loaders automatically determine how much water is needed for the specific load. Some have up to nine washing/temperature cycles. Detergent, bleach and softener are introduced automatically at the proper times.

Miele uses a unique microprocessor-controlled hydromatic washing action. The drum rotates at a slow 40 rpm for 5.5 seconds in the sudsing stage. It stops for 4 seconds in the soaking stage and then speeds up to 55 rpm for 5.5 seconds in the washing stage. This cycle repeats through the wash.

For people with sensitive skin, the extra-high-speed rinse and spin (up to 1,500 rpm) of the stainless steel drum is a plus. It forces out nearly all the residual detergent. Some models have an extra fourth-rinse option for extra-sensitive people and special fabrics.

Combination space-saving front-loader washer/dryers do both the washing and drying in the same unit from start to finish. You put in the dirty clothes and take out clean, dry clothes. These are popular in Europe.

Portable models are available on casters and have small built-in water heaters so only cold water is needed. A no-vent condensing dryer process is used, which pulls the moisture out of the clothes and collects it in a small pan. With a faucet adapter kit, it can be used in any room with a sink.

Write for Update Bulletin No. 651--a buyer’s guide of 15 new front-loader, top-loader and combination washer/dryers, load capacities, speeds, cycles, features, prices and operating costs. Please include $2 and a business-size self-addressed stamped envelope and mail to James Dulley, Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.

Room Size Determines Ceiling Fan Size

Q: I am planning to get a new ceiling paddle fan for my kitchen, but I do not know the proper size to purchase. The kitchen is about 10 feet by 15 feet. What size fan should I get?

A: As a rule of thumb, a 150-square-foot room requires a 42-inch diameter ceiling paddle fan for the best comfort. A 225-square-foot room needs a 48-inch fan. Odd-shaped rooms require a larger fan.

The design of the fan also effects the fan diameter needed. A smaller fan with a steep blade pitch and powerful motor can move more air than a large one with shallow blades. A ceiling-hugger mount design reduces effectiveness.

The Case of the Vanishing Ice Cubes

Q: I have a fairly new frost-free refrigerator. If I do not use the ice cubes quickly, they disappear. How does the ice evaporate and is there something wrong with the freezer section?

A: The ice does not evaporate. A little of it melts during each self-defrost cycle. Over time the ice cubes melt and are gone. Most people generally use the ice cubes long before they disappear.

If they disappear too fast, it may indicate a problem with the self-defrost system. It may be getting too hot, running too long or often. This wastes electricity. Have it checked by a qualified serviceman.

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Letters and questions to Dulley, a Cincinnati-based engineering consultant, may be sent to James Dulley, Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244. To read 150 previous columns, e-mail Dulley at https://www.dulley.com

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Front loader washes and rinses effectively in several stages

1.) Clothes soak in sudsy water

2.) Special fins pick up sudsy water

3.) Other fins ladle water to shower clothes even more

4.) Clothes gently tumble through water

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Saves space and is easy to load

Put in dirty clothes and take out clean, dry clothes

Air circulation fan for drying stage

Combination wash/no vent dryer can be located near any sink