Choosing the Right Washing Machine

A washing machine is a household appliance that we can hardly imagine living without. A well-thought-out purchase can equip you with a washing machine that will be a faithful household assistant to you for many years to come!

Do not let price be your only criterion when you are buying a washing machine. Thinking along these lines will only lead you to purchase the most inexpensive appliance – at least at first glance. In the long run, however, it could carry much higher and unforeseen costs, as well as cause you a fair bit of frustration. For example, the lowest-cost models can consume considerably more water and electricity, and their programmes are longer and less efficient. And when not only the price – but the quality – is low, the odds of an untimely failure increase dramatically. If your inexpensive washing machine is no longer under warranty, repairing it usually does not make sense either because the relative costs would simply be too high.

Before making the purchase, it is therefore wise to acquire as much information on washing machine features as possible. Then, of course, you compare which features fit your household needs (available space, frequency of laundering, estimated financial investment, etc.) and make an informed decision about the best possible appliance to purchase.

• FRONT-LOADING WASHING MACHINES
  
  Front-loading machines are the bestselling and also most widespread (more on these conventional washing machines below).
   
• TOP-LOADING WASHING MACHINES
  
  These machines are typically smaller and, therefore, suitable for smaller spaces. They retain similar drum capacities while their external dimensions are usually significantly smaller. Loading and unloading top-loaders is easier than with conventional front-loading washing machines, which makes them a great choice for people of advanced age and anyone who finds front-loaders impractical. Their additional advantage is that the door does not heat up. A superb choice among top-loading washing machines is the WT72122 model. With A+++ energy class, 7 kg load capacity and the AquaStop safety feature that protects your home from flooding, the WR72122 model is a real winner in its category.
   
• WASHING-DRYING MACHINES
  
  If you live in a small apartment or do not have a suitable space for drying laundry, a washer dryer is probably the perfect choice. These machines combine both functions: washing and drying.

Now that we have settled on the right load capacity of our washing machine, what comes next? Purchasing a new household appliance is often a bothersome task for many people because they feel intimidated about its complex operation. But, in reality, you are the one person that truly knows your needs when it comes to doing laundry and, with some helpful tips, choosing the right appliance should be a walk in the park.

Check your preferred purchase against the following criteria:

• PreWash: Does your preferred washing machine offer this feature? Especially if you have small children, PreWash can take the hassle out of removing the most stubborn of stains.
• Washing machine noise: Average noise levels of a washing machine are measured in decibels. The higher the decibels, the louder the operation of the washing machine. Everything under 60 dB is essentially silent operation. Gorenje washing machines excel at silent operation by offering inverter PowerDrive motor, which makes sure noise levels never rise above 54 dB.
• Energy class: Machines are classified into energy classes from A to G (A being the lowest energy consumption). An additional plus (+) following the class means around a further 10% reduction in consumed energy compared to the nominally rated class. The WS947LN model with IonTech technology and A+++ (–20%) energy class is definitely one of the most efficient washing machines on the market. It is also equipped with an easy-to-read EcoEye indicator that gives you real time feedback on how efficient your chosen programme is, helping you save water and energy.
• Display screen: Most newer washing machines have a screen somewhere on the front that displays the remaining time of the wash cycle and other information.
• Protection from flooding: Some machines have an in-built safety system that automatically and mechanically shuts off the water supply in case of damage to the hose to prevent flooding.
• AquaStop: a system that guarantees complete protection. You can leave your washing machine to operate unsupervised, with no fear of flooding. The bottom of the washing machine is sealed; thus the water stays inside. A special sensor is installed at the bottom of the washing machine to detect water and closes the water supply with the help of an electric valve. The pump automatically pumps out the remaining water from the drum through the discharge hose.
• Inverter-type electric motor for silent operation: On top of silent operation, the advantage of such an electric motor is its longer lifespan and lower maintenance.
• Efficiency of the spin cycle: A washing machine’s effectiveness at ridding water from your clothes depends on the number of revolutions per minute. The most recommended washing machines spin higher than 1,200.
• Adapting to the quantity and type of laundry: Washing machines with this function auto-manage several parameters of the cycle. In addition to adapting the water consumption, they adjust the duration of washing, rinsing and spinning to the quantity of laundry.
• Variety of programmes: The majority of washing machines offer basic programmes for various types of laundry, while some of them also provide more specific programmes, such as hand-washing, washing children’s clothes, less soiled laundry, activewear, shoes, etc. Gorenje appliances also offer the AutoWash programme that automatically chooses the best programme for your load, so there is nothing else for you to do but sit back and relax.

By using the latest and most advanced technologies, Gorenje appliances guarantee the best possible user experience. The traditional nuisances that we used to associate with doing the laundry are now a thing of the past. You don’t believe us? Let us dispel any of your remaining doubts by presenting some of the washing machine features offered by Gorenje.

• SteamTech: Forget softener! Additional steam treatment at the end of the selected programme significantly reduces wrinkles, odours
• Drum illumination: LEDs light up the drum. Yes, this does give a very sleek appearance, but it primarily makes it easy to use. No more rummaging blindly for socks!
• SterilTub: Do you often wash laundry at lower temperatures? SterilTub prevents the spread of bacteria inside the drum, also getting rid of any unpleasant odours and making sure that your laundry will always smell as fresh as new.
• Four different depths: You can choose up to four different depths from the WaveActive washing machine range. This allows you to adapt your purchase to the allocated space, making this machine especially suited to smaller bathrooms.
• Speed 20':This quick wash feature allows you to wash T-shirts or other less soiled laundry in no more than 20 minutes. It is ideal to help avoid washing too frequently, as well as saving time, energy and money.
• StopAddGo: Did you forget to throw in an item or two? The StopAddGo function allows you to simply stop the washing cycle and add the (almost) forgotten garment to the drum.
• IonWash 59': This programme can quickly and gently remove up to 30% more stains than a standard cycle.
• StainExpert: This technology automatically removes up to 36 different persistent stains with a unique combination of temperature, time and water settings. Stains ranging from fruit, grease, butter, eggs and grass to tea, yoghurt and even make-up simply disappear.
• DoseAid:The most economical and skin-friendly use of detergent! The DoseAid system assists you in always figuring the right dose of detergent, regardless of how much laundry you load into the machine.

Washer dryers are the best choice for small spaces. And how do you choose a washer dryer that will withstand the test of time as well as run quietly and efficiently?

According to research, the washer dryer is the most suitable appliance for one- to two-person households. For larger families, separate appliances are a better option because they can save substantial amounts of time and energy.

The two main advantages of washer dryers:

• SPACE: Probably the best thing about these types of appliances is that they combine two machines in just one. This optimises space, perfect for people who live in small houses and apartments or who simply do not like to own too many large appliances.
• ORIGINAL PRICE: By purchasing a washer dryer, you save a considerable amount of money compared to buying two separate appliances. It is true, however, that the costs of maintenance can be higher. Furthermore, the drying cycle uses much more energy than a similar cycle in a separate tumble dryer.

This stems from the often-overlooked fact that washer dryers usually have less drying capacity than conventional tumble dryers. It takes much more space to efficiently dry the same volume of laundry than to wash it. This means that relative washing capacity is usually greater compared to drying capacity.

So when you are buying a washer dryer, bear in mind the following criteria:

• Spin speed – The higher the spinning speed, the faster and more efficient the drying.
• Warranty –Since this is one appliance performing double-duty compared to separate machines, the warranty is that much more important.
• Energy efficiency – We already mentioned that washer dryers are pricier to use and maintain. You can substantially decrease this cost by choosing an energy-efficient WD10514 Gorenje washing-drying machine.
• Versatility of programmes – Check if the washer dryer offers a good variety of different washing programmes, for example QuickWash.
• PowerDrive motor – The Gorenje PowerDrive motor is incredibly efficient, silent and powerful. It delivers optimal use of energy and can also handle large loads of laundry.

Satisfying the above criteria also means that your appliance will have a longer lifespan.

Some washing machines also feature pre-washing, mostly at higher temperatures, which is particularly useful for very soiled laundry. When selecting a programme with pre-wash, we should put the right amount of detergent in the dedicated compartment of the detergent dispenser. The instructions for using detergent are usually printed on its packaging, and some of them also include a cup to measure the correct dosage.

There are many types of the various laundry detergents and products:

• POWDER DETERGENTS: These are generally intended for washing laundry at 30 to 90 °C.
• LIQUID DETERGENTS: These are suitable for washing at temperatures of 30 to no more than 60 °C. There is a wide array of detergents available, and they are dedicated to various types and colours of fabrics (darks, lights, coloureds, etc.).
• WASHING PODS: These simplify the getting the right dosage of detergent because one pod is suitable for one load and is added straight into the drum. Some combine detergent and softener in one pod.
• ECO-FRIENDLY WASHING BALLS: The “eco balls” are intended for washing laundry without adding detergent.
• COLOUR CATCHERS: These allow you to wash differently coloured textiles because they catch loose dyes that seep into the water during washes and prevent them from bleeding onto your other clothes.
• SOFTENERS: Fabric softeners soften and pleasantly scent your laundry.

In recent years, countries all around the globe have been stepping up their efforts to protect the environment. The so-called fast fashion is one of the main factors that negatively impact the state and future of our planet. Fast fashion refers to clothing and accessories that reflect the latest trends yet carry a low-price tag. This invites the consumer to fall into the trap of ceaselessly buying new garments.

Due to our often thoughtless and voracious appetite for buying clothes, which we then discard within a few years or even months, unnecessary waste is piling up in landfills around the world. In addition to buying less clothes, we can also lower our footprint on the environment by laundering them in a smart, ecologically friendly manner. Careless washing can lead to damaging our clothes and can make them look worn, hastening the time we discard them. Experts recommend that by adopting a smart approach to doing laundry, we can significantly extend the lifespan of our clothes. Studies show that as many as 9 out of 10 garments end up in landfills much sooner than they should. And what is the reason for this? Reckless shopping and too frequent or improper washing that leads to shrunken and shapeless garments with faded colours.

Below, we have collected some tips for doing your laundry responsibly:

• Less frequent washing: You will save time and money, as well as contribute to protecting the environment. Naturally, you should wash some textile products, such as underwear and socks, after every use, but this is not true for all types of laundry. We can wear products that are not in direct contact with the skin (e.g. jackets, sweaters, loose jeans) more than 5 times before we need to wash them.
• Choose gentle detergents: Washing detergents and products often contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and optical brighteners. These can irritate the skin as well as leak dangerous toxins into the environment because they are made of petrochemicals (acquired from oil or natural gas). Whenever you can, choose gentle, environmentally friendly detergents without SLS and petrochemicals.
• Avoid dry cleaning: Dry cleaners often use toxins which, despite being efficient at removing stains, are not only harmful to the skin but also to the environment.

Do you want to know how often you should wash certain types of laundry? Refer to the table below!

After every wear: underwear, socks, activewear and swimming suits.

After 1 to 2 wears: T-shirts, dresses and leggings.

After 3 to 4 wears: pyjamas and bras.

After more than 5 wears: jackets, blazers, coats and jeans.

So, let us conclude with an interesting bit of information: Numerous studies confirm that taking care of our home, making sure it is clean and tidy, and washing our laundry is supposed to positively affect our well-being! These activities reduce stress and give us satisfaction. They even reduce feelings of anxiety.

We wish that washing your laundry with Gorenje washing machines will infuse you and your home with joy one load at a time!