As the family unit expands, the laundry can become a complicated affair, or certainly more so than doing laundry for one or two. Families contend with varying laundry needs, depending on the ages of the children.
Is the bigger, the better?
Depending on your family size, a capacity of 10kg or above keeps the stress at bay. Families often struggle with finding the right size. A question to ask is the frequency of laundry you prefer to do. Also, how much can your drying racks and dryer handle wet laundry at one go?
A dryer or not?
A dryer can be a lifesaver, especially for families with both working parents or do not have a helper at home. Washer dryers typically come with a smaller dryer capacity than washer capacity. Note that the capacity refers to the weight of dry clothes. Larger families might find separate washer and dryer more efficient instead.
Laundry hack
Whether during meals or fun, mess and stains are part of a growing child’s life. To prevent stains, deal with stains immediately with an instant stain remover.
Brandt’s BWF524DWA is a 12kg front-load washer suited for large families within its compact 60cm by 60cm dimensions. It is a highly water and energy efficient model, and also has a special programme for baby clothes.
Whirlpool’s SupremeCare HSCX10431 is a 10kg dryer with SteamCare and 3Dry technology for gentle, even and de-wrinkling drying. It has been awarded the maximum five-tick energy efficiency rating.
F2721HTWV from LG features a 21kg capacity with a 12kg dryer that accommodates a family of six to eight. Aside from WiFi controls to control and SmartDiagnosis to diagnose issues, it boasts features TrueSteam to reduce allergens. The washer dryer washes and dries continuously while the optional TWINWash makes washing two separate loads simultaneously possible.
Front load or top load?
When you shop for washing machines, you’ll quickly notice that there are two types: top load and front load. Each comes with pros and cons.
Tips for top-load washer
If you choose a top-load washer, go for high efficiency (HE) instead of agitator models. HE models use less water and energy, and clean your clothes better. Note that some top-load washers are too deep, so be sure that you can reach the bottom of the washing machine before purchase.
Tips for front-load washer
Front-load washers can be hard on those with knee or back pain. Make sure you’re comfortable with bending to load and unload. Also, measure your laundry area to ensure that you have room to swing open the door. If you plan to stack your washer and dryer, note that you can reach the controls comfortably.