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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Buyers Guide - Washing Machines
ILC Reference NO 81:20:608
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Short Description
Washing machines can be divided into two major styles: top loading or front loading. It is helpful to decide which styles is easier to load and unload and then consider other features.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.
More Details
Features of front loading machines:
. Efficient and economical to run, using less water and electricity.
. Washes clothes more gently - less wear on clothing.
. Clothes are not twisted at completion of wash.
. No lint filters to remove or replace.
. Unable to interrupt wash cycle and add more clothes.
. Can be free standing, stacked below a dryer or built in under bench (therefore are space saving).
. Generally considered easier to access from a wheelchair.
. Door opening and closure may be difficult. Generally side hinged to the left, but can be hinged on either right or left or drop down.
. Opening may be small: limited access.
. Must be positioned on the floor. Not recommended for people who are unable to bend to load and unload.
. Limited load capacity.
Features of top load machines:
. Wash cycle may be interrupted to add clothes.
. Faster cycle time than front loader.
. Agitator action tends to leave clothes tangled, but this does vary from model to model.
. Usually have a lint filter to clean.
. A small capacity model, with a shallow bowl may be easier to reach into to load from a wheelchair or if bending is difficult.
. Possible to have larger capacity than front loaders.
Another possible alternative - combination washer / dryer.
. Take up space of one unit only not two.
. Front loading only.
. The drying capacity is less than the full wash capacity, so if doing a
full wash, some of the load must be removed before drying.
. Condensing dryer unit combination does not need venting.
. Generally cost more than a separate washer and dryer.
General points to consider:
. Location and space available. Allowance should be made for the door to be opened or the lid lifted. Washing machines are heavy items and require a sound floor to sit on.
. Capacity required is measured in kilograms of dry washing. The capacity does affect the overall size of the machine.
. Access and the ease of loading and unloading the washing machine will vary with design, size and height of the opening and the weight of the clothing being lifted, particularly when wet.
. Door / lid should be opened easily. The weight of the door and catch styles do vary.
. Controls should be clearly visible and able to be reached and adjusted.
Located either at the side or back of a top loader and at the front of the front loader on the top panel. Dials, push pads and buttons are available.
Some manufacturers make special "arthritic" and braille controls.
. Programmes / cycles required, ranging from delicate to heavy duty washes and spins, with different times and agitations.
. Cleaning, with a top loader, the lint filter must be reached, removed,
cleaned and replaced.
. Noise levels do vary, particularly at the beginning and end of a cycle.
. Efficiency of wash and spin. A faster spin means drier clothes, which are lighter to remove and dry more easily.
. Soap and fabric softener, should be able to be added easily, which may require reaching and opening a dispenser.
. Cost to purchase, install and run.
. Plumbing requirements, both for water inlets and outlets for waste water.
. Warranty length and conditions.
Available features:
. 1/2 load option / auto.
. Fabric softener dispenser.
. Self cleaning lint filter.
. Self heating of water for the wash.
. Touch control pads with auditory signal.
. Embossed, brailled and colour coded controls.
. Programme light indicators.
. Dynamic balance systems.
. Automatic, out of balance refill and correction setting.
. Delayed start timer.
. Auto suds saver.
Safety features: Front loading door lock with time delay opening.
- Auto cut off if lid lifted on top loader.
- Child proof controls.
- Button / coin trap.
- Mini basket for delicate wash in top loader.
For further information check Choice magazine, the Yellow Pages of the telephone book or talk to a retailer.
We are pleased to receive feedback on the information we provide...
If there is something we should add or need to change, please let us know.
These are general suggestions - if you experience considerable
difficulty in performing activities of daily living, consult an
occupational therapist at a community health centre or aged care
assessment team, or make an appointment with the ILC.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
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