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Post by Happygoin on Feb 14, 2008 12:58:26 GMT -5
I agree, Shoesy. What a curious thread this has turned into (in a fun way). I can't imagine any everyday dirt (not including stains), NOT being clean within 30 minutes. I mean, how dirty do you get?? This must be a cultural thing...
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Post by Jody on Feb 14, 2008 13:01:43 GMT -5
American washers use so much more water than the European front loaders. My SIL has a Swedish washer , I forget the name , and I always think it's stopped filling and started it's cycle too soon. I will say though , it really gets the things clean. I'm waiting for my top loader to die , so I can get a front loader and save money and water! Our water rates are outrageous in FL.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Feb 14, 2008 13:07:56 GMT -5
Well, using several more gallons of water per load could explain why it's easier to get things cleaner in a shorter time (clothes have a lot more room to slosh around, among other things).
I've been looking at options for the house we are doing in France. I need stacking washer and dryer, and would like opinions from people in Europe as to brands/models to consider. Any thoughts?
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Post by annettecinca on Feb 14, 2008 13:50:43 GMT -5
Wow, I can't imagine ever getting all my laundry done if I had to stay home while the machine is on! I'm on the go too much! Luckily, we've never had any problems with the appliances while away, except for once when the freezer in the garage went kaput. It was full of fish and did not smell good when we got back from vacation! But that would have happened whether we were home or not, and we probably wouldn't have noticed much sooner. Unless our apartment owner has other rules in October, I'm pretty sure I'll be putting in a load of wash now and then while we're out for the day
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Post by GitteK on Feb 14, 2008 14:09:00 GMT -5
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Post by Jody on Feb 14, 2008 14:43:45 GMT -5
Miele! That's the one my SIL has! My niece insisted she buy it even though it was so expensive..and she's so glad she did!
She has her's stacked with her dryer.
I usually do my laundry first thing when I get up . Since I'm always up by 5 AM , there's really nowhere to go.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Feb 14, 2008 15:13:44 GMT -5
Thanks all for the laundry equipment pointers! Having struggled with what appear to have been "bottom of the line" versions in rental places, I think I would be willing to pay more to get good quality for something like that - especially as it's a necessity rather than a luxury! Thanks again. ;D
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Post by holger on Feb 14, 2008 15:33:00 GMT -5
Since we have gotten off topic, I will let you know that one of the four apartments on my short list has a Miele washer and dryer. Should have a decision over the weekend.
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Post by Shoesy on Feb 14, 2008 17:01:32 GMT -5
Both my washer and dryer are AEG. No complaints.
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Post by Anne on Feb 15, 2008 3:33:08 GMT -5
Becky - Miele products usually come hands down on top of the list in most household appliances quality tests . However, these products are usually quite a few hundred euros more expensive than all the other ones . So it is up to you to decide whether you need top quality AND price in your holiday home : I guess that it all depends on how many weeks per year you are going to spend there ...
Good middle-range brands are Arthur Martin Electrolux or Whirlpool . Siemens is the same as Bosch that Gitte already mentionned (same company, same upper-middle range products) .
You can buy either front or top loaders, but the first ones are supposed to be more robust (has to do with the way that the drum is mounted into the machine) . I would suggest that you buy your appliances in a specialized chain shop, i.e. Darty or Boulanger : wider choice than in supermarkets or furniture shops like But or Conforama, ~usually~ better counselling from the salesperson, good prices, excellent after-sales service .
You will find that all machines displayed for sale have a "étiquette énergie" stuck on them . This label gives an official rating to the machine in terms of electricity consumption, water consumption, noise, efficiency in washing and in spinning ...
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Feb 16, 2008 10:00:39 GMT -5
Anne, thank you so much for this comprehensive information! I have no idea what we will end up doing (fortunately, we don't have to decide just yet!) but at least I will be able to make an informed decision when the time comes. We just got plane tickets for December (will be there from 19th to 30th) so being able to wash clothes will be important . . . . Thanks again for taking the time.
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Post by susanb on Feb 24, 2008 22:28:57 GMT -5
Anne, You might know the answer to this question that has been going around and around in my head since this wash machine talk started. Do you use liquid or powder soap? What would happen if I brought a little American laundry soap with me? Would it really mess up your machine even if I used a TINY little bit? Of course it won't shorten the load time but I do have sensitive skin and use a special kind of soap. Susan
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Post by Anne on Feb 25, 2008 1:36:07 GMT -5
I use liquid soap but it is just up to everyone whether they prefer liquid or powder . I don't see how American laudry soap could possibly mess up the machine, but it may sure mess up your laundry . I especially have the rinsing in mind : since European machines use MUCH less water than American ones, it is not irrealistic to suppose that the soaps sold in Europe are formulated differently than the American ones, like they rinse more easily . There are several soaps here which advertise "sensitive skin" but that's more of a marketing thing . The one soap that is really for the very sensitive skins (the only one that paediatricians recommend for washing the clothes of children with strong eczema) is called "LE CHAT paillettes" if I recall it well . I'll check it on Thursday when I go to the supermarket .
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Post by Shoesy on Feb 25, 2008 2:01:57 GMT -5
The guy who came to install my latest washing machine said that powder was better for the machine. I'm not sure why , but now I use only powder.
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Post by Truffaut on Feb 25, 2008 8:13:23 GMT -5
Susan, I'm assuming our washer is like most other French washers in that you can program an extra rinse cycle to wash away as much detergent as possible. That might be helpful if you're sensitive.
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Post by susanb on Feb 25, 2008 10:06:55 GMT -5
Anne, Thanks for checking. I can also look when we grocery shop (not till Aug) Truffaut;GREAT IDEA Sometimes I even do that here in the winter Shoesy: Do you find that the powdwr gets mixed in as easily? Susan
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Post by suzanne on Feb 25, 2008 10:43:24 GMT -5
I found little travel size bottles of Laundry detergent (Wisk) at Target. I took a few of those and used them in the washer in our Apartment. No problem.
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Post by Anne on Feb 25, 2008 11:15:23 GMT -5
Truffaut is right, most recent machines now have a "Rinçage +" button . And I have found the soap that I was talking about : www.telemarket.fr/dynv6/produit/71080.shtml . It is mostly made of savon de Marseille and has no added perfume .
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