Miele all the way…

On the Cloth Nappy Tree forum there is a cry for washing machine help. Freyarose’s machine has ‘totally given in’ and she’s not blaming the cloth nappies either. What she needs now is a machine that has a large drum, quick wash cycle and a fast spin…

There are a few responses but the stand out reply is from Jan3182001,

“Miele all the way.

20 min short cycle / hygiene wash for nappies plus water plus on most cycles too
quiet motor / 5 year parts and labour warranty included sometimes extended to 10 years for no extra – mine is / 24 hour delay start / tells you how long is left / can open door part way through / child lock / pillow cycle / trainers cycle / stain settings / can change temperature and spin even after programme has started / 1600 rpm and no spin options /
mine is AAA rated.”

Quite a list. Are you ‘Miele all the way’? Have any experience of washing cloth nappies? Then offer Freyarose your advice on the washing machine help thread on Cloth Nappy Tree.

TZ-UK contributors back Miele

A fellow called PS ranked Captain on the TZ-UK forum, the friendly place to discuss watches without oppressive moderation, has decided it is time to talk washing machines!

“Does anyone own a Miele – if so, what is the general experience with them in terms of reliability?”

Quite a few responses have come in and on the whole have been positive. Goat is unsure of the model number but doesn’t let that discourage him from offering his experiences to the thread,

“Very pleased with my Miele. Not sure on the model number but it was the cheapest that John Lewis sold at the time – about £500 if I recall correctly, really has been faultless.”

And maybe the most striking recommendation comes from Treebirch,

“I have had quite a bit of experience with Miele on super yachts, generally they are industry standard based on the fact they are pretty much the only machine that can run 24/7, use very little water, make minimal noise and clock up epic usage. Last year I heard of one that had done 25,000 hours, getting rolled around on a busy charter sailing boat! Impressive!”

If you want to read the full thread just click on through, or if you have an opinion to share leave a comment below.

How does a washing machine affect your clothes lifespan?

When choosing a new washing machine, it is often the case that people will be looking for specific technical capabilities of the device itself, perhaps with a focus on load size, spin speed and other attributes. However, one factor that also merits attention is whether a particular machine will cause damage to your clothing and send it to a premature bobble-covered demise, or whether it will be able to keep your clothes wearable for longer than you might otherwise anticipate.

Some items of clothing are reasonably rugged and are designed to stand up to repeat washes, but the more delicate and expensive items can be difficult and expensive to replace, frustratingly so when it has been your washing machine that has done most of the damage. As a rule of thumb it is safe to assume that if you opt for a machine that comes from a respected, established brand and pay a little more than you might for a generic, low-cost machine, you should be extending the life of your hard earned and often irreplaceable items. When looking at washing machines, there are also other clothing care considerations.

One aspect of a washing machine that can have an impact on the lifespan of your clothes is its spin speed. You might reasonably assume that machines with high spin speeds will do more damage to your clothes in the long run. However, the opposite is actually true. This is because the centrifugal force created by a higher spin speed will force the clothes up tight against the side of the drum. The lower the speed, the more likely it is that clothes will work loose and rub against each other. This friction associated with lower spin speeds damages the fabric.

Washing machines are available in both front loading and top loading form. If you choose a top loader, you will be likely to suffer shorter clothing lifespan simply because the method of removing dirt is different. Front loading washing machines use internal blades to pick up the clothes and then let the power of gravity drop them gently down once they reach the top, allowing the soap to permeate the material without causing unnecessary stress to the fabric. In top loaders, the blades spin and use mechanical force to literally beat the dirt from the clothes. This increase in force wears the fabric quickly and is consequently harsher on your least resilient garments. As you might expect, a gentler wash results in longer life for your clothes.

If thus far you are convinced that a high quality washing machine with a fast spin cycle and a front loading design is for you, there is one further consideration to take on board if you are worried about damage to your clothes. Many better quality washing machines have a variety of modes and wash cycles which can drastically alter the way in which your clothes are treated. Gentle wash cycles which use low water temperatures are ideal for fragile items and washing your delicates separately from rather more abrasive materials such as denim will further minimise friction inside the drum and keep your clothes looking and feeling brand new.

Washer dryer or washing machine and tumble dryer?

The washer dryer or washing machine and tumble dryer debate is going on at Overclockers. It began when Helpimcrap asked of washer dryers,

“So are they any good?”

There are a few different opinions on the thread and you can read them all if you click through. In regard to the washer dryer Arch thinks that Miele are the best, but are expensive.

When it comes to separates Aidman offers advice on saving space,

“I have a Miele washer & Miele dryer – they provide a bracket so you can stack them one on top of the other – has been rock solid for the past 3 years and both appliances came with a 5 year warranty.”

What is your stance? Washer dryer or washing machine and tumble dryer?

Mumsnet recommend Miele washing machines

CharlotteACavatica needs a big drum! The washing machine she is after also needs to be a work horse as it is unlikely to get a day off!

The recommendations have flown in from the Mumsnet community with a host of contributors suggesting Miele is the brand to go for in this scenario. The key phrase from CharlotteACavatica being that the machine must be able to handle ‘…the hardcore wash loads my four kids will throw its way!’

Notapizzaeater has Miele experience,

“I have a Miele and do 2-3 washes EVERY day! Tis fab and came with a 6 yr guarantee, also uses lot less water/electric than any others so cost more in the first place but should pay for itself in savings….”

Zapostrophe seconds the sentiment,

“We have had a Miele for 9 years. It is indestructible. I have two boys with a 21m gap and have been doing a daily nappy wash for the last four and a bit years, plus another wash or two on top. I worship at the foot of Miele (have a diswasher and tumble dryer too). My parents’ Miele washed my clothes when I was at primary school and it’s still going strong now I’m in my early 30s.”

While DrivenToDistraction confirms the last-long-ability of the Miele brand,

“I’ve known three teenage Mieles (MIL’s + 2 in rented houses) that have never needed repairs/spares…”

The full thread can be read here.