Washers and dryers have advanced dramatically in the last 10 to 20 years. Anti-static and anti-wrinkle features, steam technology, multiple agitation directions and cold water cleaning advances have made keeping your clothes clean and in good condition even easier than ever. There have also been advances in detergents and fabric softeners that have made them more effective and safer for the environment.
The biggest innovation in washers and dryers today is steam technology. A couple of machines can clean, freshen, and sterilize your clothes without the use of harsh detergents or bleach. Clothes last longer as they are not exposed to chemicals like bleach that wear down clothes over time. The steam fully penetrates the clothes without soaking them, limiting the amount of chlorine and other chemicals found in most tap water. Removing wrinkles from clothes with steam also reduces shiny spots, burns, and wear and tear from ironing clothes, while saving time.
Steam, due to its high heat, kills bacteria and reduces allergens, such as mold and pollen. This leaves your clothes healthier. Combined with modern detergents free of dyes, fragrances and other allergens, clothes are much less likely to cause irritation or rashes. As a final step, it also enhances the action of natural and environmentally friendly detergents, so you can better protect the environment.
Advanced agitation allows the washer to spin in multiple directions, not just back and forth in half circles. Newer machines spin in four or six different directions, allowing the water and detergent to fully soak into the fabric and helping to remove dirt effectively. Since detergents work best with warm and hot water, cold water washes have never been as effective as higher temperature cycles. With this advanced agitation, cold water cycles can be just as effective as warm and hot water cycles. This saves the energy needed to heat the water, which benefits both the environment and your wallet.
The improved motors and agitation of today’s machines create quieter, more durable machines with less vibration. This means that all the energy used by the machine goes into cleaning the clothes, not moving the machine. You can also place and operate washers and dryers in areas adjacent to common areas without disrupting normal activities. The focus on style and color even means that washers and dryers can stand out as style statements that complement a home’s décor, rather than hiding them from view.