The Benefits of Washing Clothes in an Eco Friendly Way

The great climate change debate continues and we are all urged to change our lifestyles for the sake of the planet. Saving the planet is quite a tall order but if we all do something to reduce our demands on the planet’s resources, the total effect could add up to something significant.

The added bonus is that these efforts can save us money (to spend in an environmentally responsible way of course!). The beauty of eco-friendly ways is that even small changes to our normal routines do add up; switching the light off when we leave the room and turning the tap off whilst we brush our teeth, for example. Sorting waste for recycling requires a little more effort, but can be satisfying in a “putting things in order” sort of way and the effort of making a compost heap has a certain “mud pie” appeal. Some people, once they have the “eco” bug, find they have to take it to the maximum by doing away with all personal possessions and going off to live as one with nature; others go completely Vegan and refuse to have anything to do with PVC but for most of us baby steps are all we can manage so let us consider the benefits of washing clothes in an eco friendly way:

Wash with a full load.

It stands to reason that you will use less energy and water if you organise your washing regime so that you always put in a full load every time you use your washing machine. There, that is not too hard.

Wash at lower temperatures.

Pay attention to the washing instructions on clothes and use the temperature recommended. Some modern synthetics can be washed at temperatures as low as 30 degrees C, saving energy.

Use Eco friendly detergents.

Eco-branded detergents use plant-based rather than oil-based ingredients and they do not contain phosphates, which cause harm if released into water courses in large amounts. People with sensitive skin will appreciate these detergents as they are less likely to cause skin irritation. At the moment these products will not save money, only the planet.

Replace your old machine.

Energy efficiency ratings for new machines now go up to A++ for the most energy efficient. Fuzzy logic technology senses what is going on in the machine and adjusts water, temperature, detergent and spin speeds for the best and most efficient wash. If you must tumble dry, then opt for a washer with a high spin speed to lessen the drying load. Some machines boast a “bubble” wash system to improve wash performance and “nano-silver” technology to kill bacteria so lower temperatures can be used. Steam is used by some for energy efficiency and killing bacteria. Watch out too for the new generation of washing machines supposed to be launched by the end of this year. The technology involved has been developed over a period of 30 years at Leeds University. Clothes are first dampened then loaded into the machine there small plastic beads act as the cleaning agent. The beads are then removed and can be re-used many times. Much less water, electricity and detergent is required than with conventional machines and we get to save the planet.

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.

Miele Fashion Prize entry deadline approaching

The deadline for entries to the Miele Fashion Prize 2010 is fast approaching, but if you’re yet to enter, there is still time.

If you believe you can put together a design for a spectacular fashion masterpiece inspired by Miele’s washing machine garment care programs then you have until the 31st July to get your entry in. The winning designer will not only see their creation made a reality by Jasper Garvida, but they’ll also recieve £1000 worth of Miele appliances.

All of the details for the competition can be found in this Forever Better post and on the Miele Fashion Prize page, along with the entry form and template on which to draw your design.

Jenny the Style PA has also posted a reminder on the competition which features the 2009 winning design from Nathan Jones (pictured above),

“To enter this year’s contest, you have to design a dress which reflects one of the special fashion care programs on Miele’s laundry machines just like Nathan’s honeycomb idea. Find out more about wash cycles here.

You don’t need to be a fashion designer to take part, just grab a pen and paper and put your creativity to work. Who knows, you just might have what it takes to win.”

Indeed you might! Enter here.

Mikeyman76 recommends a Miele washing machine

OldBrock at UK Whitegoods has had a washing machine malfunction and has turned to the community for advice,

“In line with online advice it needs to be a machine I can maintain myself with access to reasonably priced spares. I would appreciate your advice please.”

The first response is from Mikeyman76 who is straight down the line,

“Buy a Miele prestiege plus.

You wont need another machine for another 20 years. Enameled case so no rust, made in Germany and quality reputation. Some of the more pricey Miele machines are offering a 10 year guarantee at the moment!!!”

Despite this firm recommendation and the guarantee, both Odom and Seamy raise the issue of the price of spares when out of warranty. The last word from OldBrock on the thread though is that,

“Reliability speaks for itself!”

Ten Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Washing Machines

The washing machine is an essential device in millions of households around the world, but most of us know relatively little about how it works. If you fall into this category, then these 10 facts about washing machines may well prove to be surprising.

1. The washing machine is the second largest consumer of water in a house, behind the WC, which takes first place, accounting for a quarter of all domestic water usage.

2. The average drum size for washing machines is 6KG, but reports suggest that most people actually under fill or over fill their machines by up to a kilogram, which means that the machine is not able to operate at maximum efficiency. Miele washing machines, even at half load, can achieve Energy Efficiency A and 20% efficiency with a full load.

3. In Europe, front-loading washing machines account for about 90 per cent of the total market, with top-loading machines being bought by just 10 per cent of consumers. This is at odds with statistics gathered in the US, where 65 per cent of people choose top-loaders, while the remaining 35 per cent prefer front-loading machines.

4. In 2009, L’Ossovatore Romano, the newspaper of the Vatican, announced that the washing machine had more to do with women’s liberation than the birth control pill or their right to work. A University of Montreal study agreed, pointing out that home appliance, including the washing machine, freed women’s time, enabling them to enter the workforce.

5. Average households run around 274 washing cycles in their machines each year and the lifespan of a standard washing machine can be 10 years or more. Higher quality machines have been known to survive for several decades. To ensure that their machines are of the highest quality, Miele put their machines through high-endurance tests to replicate the following usage; 5 washes per week for 20 years, opening and closing the door everyday for 164 years, spinning a bathmat continuously for 25 days and switch tests to ensure that the buttons work as new after 20 years.

6. Consumers are most likely to choose a washing machine that offers a spin speed of 1000rpm. This means that over the average lifetime of a machine, it will spin well over two hundred million times.

7. Although a 1200rpm and a 1400rpm washing machine may differ in price and performance on paper, tests have shown that for drying clothes, the residual dampness levels are only improved by three per cent if you opt for the fastest spin cycle. The greatest difference in performance is observable between an 800rpm and a 1000rpm machine, with a 10 per cent improvement seen when using the faster spin cycle. Miele washing machines can spin at up to 1800rpm, which saves drying time and energy when tumble drying.

8. 96 per cent of households have washing machines whilst fewer than 60 per cent have tumble dryers. Dishwashers are even less common, with less than 40 per cent of people having a machine to do the washing up for them.

9. An average load of washing will be made up of 16 different items of clothing. Some Miele washing machines are cleverly able to work out the weight load so that it can inform users on how much detergent is needed.

10. The first recognised washing machine, designed for small-scale domestic use, was invented in the nineteenth century by an American for his busy wife as a birthday present. However, it was not until 1908 that a washing machine powered by electricity was developed.

Image Credit: Vizzzual.com