The answer is yes, high efficiency washers usually take longer to wash than traditional washers. This is because they use less water and energy, which means they need more time to soak and rinse the clothes. However, this does not mean that high efficiency washers are less effective or convenient. In fact, they have many benefits that outweigh the longer wash cycles. In this article, we will explain why high efficiency washers take longer to wash, what are the advantages of using them, and how to optimize their performance.
Why Do High Efficiency Washers Take Longer to Wash?
High efficiency washers are designed to use less water and energy than traditional washers. They do this by using sensors to detect the load size, soil level, and fabric type, and then adjusting the water level, temperature, and detergent accordingly. This way, they can use only the amount of water and energy that is needed for each wash cycle, saving up to 80% of water and 60% of energy compared to traditional washers.
However, using less water and energy also means that high efficiency washers need more time to wash the clothes. This is because they rely on a tumbling action to move the clothes through the water, rather than an agitator that forcefully spins the clothes. The tumbling action is gentler on the fabrics, but it also requires more time to soak and rinse the clothes thoroughly. Moreover, high efficiency washers have more wash options and features, such as steam, sanitize, and pre-wash, that can add to the wash time. Depending on the load size, soil level, and wash cycle, a high efficiency washer can take anywhere from 40 minutes to over two hours to complete a wash.
What Are the Benefits of Using High Efficiency Washers?
Despite the longer wash cycles, high efficiency washers have many benefits that make them worth using. Some of the benefits are:
They save water and energy. As mentioned earlier, high efficiency washers use up to 80% less water and 60% less energy than traditional washers. This means they can help you save money on your utility bills, as well as reduce your environmental impact. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if all the washers in the U.S. were high efficiency, they would save 3 trillion gallons of water and $18 billion in energy costs per year.
They clean better. High efficiency washers use a combination of water, detergent, and mechanical action to remove dirt and stains from the clothes. They also have higher spin speeds, which extract more water from the clothes, making them easier to dry. High efficiency washers can handle larger loads and heavier fabrics, such as blankets and towels, without compromising the cleaning performance. They also have more advanced features, such as steam and sanitize, that can kill bacteria and allergens, and remove odors and wrinkles from the clothes.
They protect the fabrics. High efficiency washers are gentler on the clothes than traditional washers, as they do not have an agitator that can damage the fabrics. They also use less detergent, which can leave residues that can cause skin irritation and fading. High efficiency washers can extend the life of your clothes, as well as keep them looking fresh and new.
How to Optimize the Performance of High Efficiency Washers?
To get the most out of your high efficiency washer, you need to follow some tips and best practices. Here are some of them:
Use the right detergent. High efficiency washers require a special type of detergent that is labeled as “HE” or “high efficiency”. This detergent is formulated to produce less suds and rinse more easily, which is essential for the low-water wash cycles. Using regular detergent can cause excess suds that can interfere with the cleaning process, damage the washer, and leave residues on the clothes.
Use the right amount of detergent. Even if you use the right detergent, you still need to use the right amount of it. Using too much detergent can cause the same problems as using regular detergent, such as excess suds, residues, and damage. Using too little detergent can result in poor cleaning and odor. To use the right amount of detergent, you need to follow the instructions on the detergent bottle, as well as the washer’s manual. You also need to consider the load size, soil level, and water hardness, and adjust the detergent accordingly.
Use the right wash cycle. High efficiency washers have many wash cycles and options that you can choose from, depending on the type and condition of the clothes. Using the right wash cycle can help you optimize the cleaning performance, as well as save time and energy. For example, you can use the quick wash cycle for lightly soiled clothes, the heavy duty cycle for heavily soiled clothes, the steam cycle for removing stains and odors, and the sanitize cycle for killing germs and allergens.
Maintain the washer regularly. Like any appliance, high efficiency washers need regular maintenance to keep them in good shape and prevent problems. Some of the maintenance tasks that you need to do are:
Clean the washer. You need to clean the washer at least once a month to remove any dirt, lint, detergent, and mold that can build up inside the washer. You can use a washer cleaner product, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, to run a cleaning cycle. You also need to wipe the door, the gasket, and the dispenser after each use, and leave the door open to let the washer dry.
Check the hoses and filters. You need to check the hoses and filters at least once a year to make sure they are not clogged, cracked, or leaking. You can replace the hoses every three to five years, or sooner if they show signs of wear and tear. You can also clean the filters by removing them and rinsing them under running water.
Call a professional. If you notice any problems with your washer, such as leaks, noises, vibrations, or error codes, you should call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem. Do not attempt to repair the washer yourself, as you may cause more damage or void the warranty.
High efficiency washers are a great choice for anyone who wants to save water and energy, clean better, and protect the fabrics. However, they also take longer to wash than traditional washers, which can be a drawback for some people. To make the most of your high efficiency washer, you need to use the right detergent, the right amount of detergent, the right wash cycle, and maintain the washer regularly. By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of high efficiency washers without sacrificing convenience or quality.
