by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for Direct from the Designers
Do you dread when it comes time to do the laundry? You can change your impression of this chore by choosing the right appliances! There are all kinds of washers and dryers these days, so don’t hesitate to look for an upgrade that fits your family needs and lifestyle. You might be surprised by what’s out there—here are some of the features you may want to consider.
Compact Laundry
Laundry appliances don’t have to be large to make an impact! Compact washers and dryers offer all sorts of convenience—some people use them to eliminate the hassle of going to a laundromat while others use them in addition to larger machines. If you live in an apartment or a smaller house without its own laundry facilities, a compact laundry set will help you save time and energy without eating up too much of your limited space. If you already have in-house laundry, is it optimally placed for everybody? Some homes these days—even average-sized ones—are actually designed with two laundry areas. There may be one on each floor to eliminate the stair factor, and/or one communally accessible while the other is in the master suite. This is a great way to stay on top of the laundry and make it easier for every member of the family to do their share!
All-in-One Laundry
If space is at an extreme premium or you hate having to swap the laundry from the washer to the dryer, you may like to invest in an all-in-one appliance. That’s right—you can wash and dry in the same drum! Just load up your dirty laundry and you won’t have to handle it again until it’s clean and dry. All-in-one laundry appliances have been popular in Europe and other places around the world for quite some time now, so don’t think that this is trendy, newfangled technology that may fall out of fashion. Tons of satisfied users already prefer this convenience!
Commercial-Level Strength
Have you ever forgone using your own laundry appliances to bring certain items to a laundromat? This isn’t unheard of. Whether you need the power of commercial machines to effectively clean heavily soiled clothes or to dry bulky things like bedding, there are times when residential washers and dryers don’t cut it. If this is a regular issue for you, get yourself some commercial strength! Nothing’s stopping you from purchasing a commercial set—although you probably want to look for non-coin appliances that’ll look more natural in your home—but there are also some residential models that are made to commercial-level standards. These washers and dryers feature heavy-duty components to withstand more use and challenging loads, so they’re great for families that produce a lot of laundry and tend to abuse appliances.
Specialty Features & Cycles
Doing the laundry doesn’t have to be a science anymore. Most appliances have at least a few different settings for delicates, bulky loads, etc., but they can include many more cycles tailored to whites, towels, activewear, and so on that are designed to handle these items the best way possible. That’s a great way to take the mental load off you! There are also built-in physical features that you may like, including faucets that allow you to pretreat directly in the washer, removable agitators that adjust capacity and cleaning power, and special filters that remove pet hair. Explore all the options—you may just discover something that addresses your biggest laundry concerns and will save you time and energy.
If you’re looking for the perfect washer, dryer, or laundry set, take a look at what’s available from Whirlpool® and Maytag®! They have a full range of appliances, so you’re sure to find a great solution whether you need something compact or full sized and made for a residential or commercial level of use. And with simple and smart-connected options, you can invest in something that matches your lifestyle, too. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance or visit a showroom to learn more about the possibilities!