washing machines

[Sabeine]

When I first moved to Sweden I remember my first experience with a Swedish washing machine. I couldn't for the life of me figure out those symbols, or the settings. I had no idea if I had actually set the machine to wash or at a rinse cycle, or if it was set for synthetics, cotton, centerfuge or what not. It was frustrating beyong belief. I have learned the way they work now, but it was a lesson in patience in the beginning.

What I am amazed at is how clean my clothes get, with so little effort. In the States I was a slave to stain removers like "Spray n' Wash" and had to use some bleach to keep my whites white. Here I toss in two of those Via tablets in a mesh baggy and my clothes get clean. I think the reason for this may be the fact that most washers in the States (top loaders) fill up with so much water that the concentration of the detergent is weakened therefore not cleaning as effectively. Here the front loaders use less water so I think the clothes get cleaner. It takes twice as long and then some, but not once have I had to use a stain remover.

Last week at a b-day party I wore a pair of white linen slacks. As luck would have it I dropped a strawberry ron the left leg and it left a large red stain. I thought my pants were ruined but thought to wash and see what happened. I thought I would have to wash it over and over, and later with bleach. I was hesitant cause the bleach would have turned the slacks a slight yellow shade. Either way I thought the slacks were doomed. When my pants were washed I was truly shocked. There is no stain at all. This was after only one wash. You can't tell there ever was a strawberry that landed on them! I don't know if it's the machine or the Via tablets or both. I was very impressed though.

Does anyone else think the front loaders are pretty nifty, or do the majority think that they take too long?

[Carolyn]

I'm personally all in favor of the longer run with less water. Even on a "small load" setting in an American machine, it wastes way too much water.

I have heard some people say, however, that they think the Swedish machines are hard on clothes and wear them out quicker, but I haven't found that so far.

[Pam]

The Swedish washer works fine for me. I had a little trouble getting the darned thing open at first, though. When I was here for a visit Mats found me sitting and pouting next to the washer. It had taken my clothes hostage and I didn't want to tell him I was too stupid to open it!
I had red wine spilled on light khaki pants early one evening. I wasn't home so nothing was to be done. When I did get home I'd had a bit of wine in my mouth also so I just tossed the pants on the floor. The next day I soaked them in cold water then washed them. It took two times but there's no sign of a stain. I was amazed.

[lisa]

My washing machine here in the uk drives me round the bend, it's absolutely useless at getting any kind of marks out unless I scrub them with Vanish first! It's one of my pet peeves!

[Natasha]

I too am impressed with the Swedish washing machines here. I never thought about much with my own clothes, but when I started doing a baby's laundry, i was really impressed. A little gross of an anology I know, but there were a few times where a poopy diaper leaked onto white or light coloured clothes and I thought I would never get it out, but they came clean everytime. However, when we were home in Canada at Christmas, there were a few things of Emma's that were ruined because the washing machine there didn't get the stain out. And now that Emma eats regular foods (and is rather messy), and loves to play in the sandbox, I'm even more amazed that her clothes get so clean!