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Make your laundry more eco-friendly

Lindsey — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:15:44 +0000

: Photo: ShareGraphic

Most people do a lot of laundry, and it’s easy to see why the chemicals and energy consumption resulting from a large wash could do some harm to the environment. Your laundry is a fact of life, though, and few of us plan to go back to hand-washing for the sake of going green. The good news is that new technology provides a few other ways to make laundry day kinder to the environment.

Machine matters

When it comes time for you to buy a new washing machine, think green and go for one that cuts down on the amount of energy used for a wash. While you’re still using your older machine, select a cooler wash cycle – washing on 40°C reduces the amount of energy you use while also being gentler on your clothes. When it’s a sunny day, give your tumble drier and the environment a break by hanging your laundry on the line.

Keep it clean

Photo: Stock.Xchng

Choose cleaning products that are environmentally friendly – it’s not too difficult with most supermarkets offering options that minimise the harm done to the environment by your wash. Another option is to use EcoBalls, which are long-lasting and are also likely to save you money.

Standing by

It’s not just what you use to do your laundry, but how you use it. Leaving your washing machine and tumble drier on on standby wastes energy, so remember to switch them off completely. When it comes to loads of laundry, try to do full ones – or go for a washing machine that has a half load or economy setting. Think more carefully about your laundry habits and you’ll soon find that there are plenty of common-sense ways to reduce the amount of energy you’re using, saving both money and the environment.

Hotpoint TVM560P: Efficent and Multi-talented Air Vented Tumble Dryer

Kyle — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:58:53 +0000

A vented tumble dryer with a 6kg load capacity, it also features reverse tumble action. It has a drying time of 120 minutes and high and low heat settings also exist. Its various features are helpful as they allow the user to run the dryer in a specific way that saves water and electricity. With an energy efficiency of ‘C’ on the energy efficiency scale, the tumble dryer does not have a start delay option. Also, the dryer does not display remaining time. The dryer uses reverse action for drying and final cool cycle for minimum creasing and easier ironing while its wide opening door eases loading and unloading from the Hotpoint dryer.

With dimensions 85cm height and 59.5cm width, the vented tumble dryer from Hotpoint is a practical solution to all your laundry drying needs. A quick and efficient appliance, it has been designed to simplify your laundry work. Hotpoint TVM560P does not have Energy Savings Trust Feature and there is a timer control for drying. A freestanding appliance, it is easy to fit in any available space in the house. It is a front-loading machine which operates smoothly and at low noise levels. The tumble dryer has a noise level of 69DbA. The Hotpoint TVM560P uses electricity for its heating system and comes with Standard Manufacturer Warranty. Equipped with a cool down feature, the tumble dryer has a maximum load capacity of 6kg. Ideal for home use, the dryer has an approximate eco-cost of GBP 65.22 per year, based on electricity costs of 3 full drier cycles per week.

Hotpoint TCD970P Condenser Dryer offers a Great Way for Drying Clothes

Kyle — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:46:12 +0000

Hotpoint TCD970P is alrge capacity tumble dryer with 2 heat settings. It has a reverse tumble action that helps detangle clothes and ensures speedy drying. It is a condenser dryer with a final cool tumble and post drying options like crease-care that prevents clothes from getting creased. The tumble dryer has 4 level sensor drying that includes a ‘Bed and Bath’ airing programme, which ensures that bulky bedding and towel loads are dried easily. Particularly good for drying woollens, the tumble dryer has been awarded the Woolmark’s Silver Care award. It also has a memory function, which remembers your favourite setting. You simply need to press one button and the tumble dryer begins running your favourite programmme. It also has a big LCD screen, which displays the progress of a programme and machine status. The screen also displays whether the filter needs to be cleaned or the water reservoir needs emptying.

The tumble dryer has a cool down feature and can hold a maximum of load of up tp 6.99kg. It is an electric dryer ideal for home use. A front loadding machine, it has a maximum dryer load of 7kg and a mzximum synthetics load of 3kg. The dryer does not have a vent or a condenser hose and no exhaust position. it has sensor drying and a delay start option. Also, the Hotpoint TCD970P dryer has a lint filter light and a feature that dislays the remaining programme. The tumble dryer offers up to 160 minutes of times drying and you can delay the programme start for up to 24 hours. With a rating of C on the energy efficiency scale, the Hotpoint dryer also has a feature to display empty water light.

Hotpoint TVF760P: Fast Working Vented Dryer for large Loads

Paul — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:33:57 +0000

An efficient appliance, Hotpoint TVF760P has a drying time of 120 minutes provided the clothes are cotton ones. With dimensions, 85cm height, 59.5cm width and 58cm depth, the Hotpoint tumble dryer has a cool down feature. With a total capacity of 5.99kg, it is an electric dryer and front loading in nature. The tumble dryer can dry nearly 6kg of cotton clothes in one drying session. It has an air vented drying system and opens from the front. Available in polar white colour, it rates C on the energy efficiency scale. The tumble dryer has rear venting position and has a reverse action of drying method. It offers sensor drying and has a start timer delay of 18 hours. Sensor drying is a special feature in which the dryer electronically assesses the exact moisture level and ensures accurate drying results, prevents over drying and excessive energy consumption.

The dryer also has a final cool cycle and intermittent tumble at end of cycle that reduces creasing of the clothes. It has a wide 180 degree opening door and two drying temperatures that offer greater flexibility to the user. Other features of the tumble dryer include easily accessible filter for faster and simple cleaning and airing cycle. The Hotpoint TVF760P dryer also has a filter full indicator that indicates if it is time for the fluff filter to be emptied. A useful and reliable appliance, it will certainly simplify life by reducing your load of laundry as its quickly dries clothes in a way so that they need less ironing.

Miele WT2670: Efficient and Advanced Washer-Dryer

Paul — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:28:02 +0000

The Miele WT2670 is an amazing addition to the world of cleaning. It’s a product that will take away your heart with its performance and durability. Miele WT2670 is a washing machine/dryer with all the features you can imagine, it has got the timer, alarm, efficiency, the look and the style you would like to carry.

The machine has got a delay start to take care of your safety, as well as a washing capacity and bucket size that can hold up to 5 kg of laundry at once. Moreover, the Miele WT2670 washer-dryer also includes a time remaining display so that you can do something else without getting into calculations or looking at the watch every now and then, an anti creasing feature which means that the drum of the machine turns intermittently to avoid creasing of the cloths, a safety measure that will turn off the water supply as soon as the water is full which is usually termed as waterproof system. The energy rating label of the machine is termed as A+ by the experts that means you really have nothing to worry about and a maximum rpm of 1600 which means that the spinning speed is very high leaving the least moisture in the cloths.

The Miele washer-dryer comes with a display screen which displays the time and settings on the machine for your ease, Unbeatable garment care termed as honeycomb care in the technical world of machines, Load size and dispensing recommendation which means that the machine will indicate the amount of detergent required as per the weight.

Philips GC 4610 Azur 4600: Fine and Useful Steam Iron

Jay — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:23:21 +0000

A fine steam iron, the Philips GC 4610 Azur 4600 runs on a voltage of 220 – 240V with a frequency of 50-60 Hz. It consumes 2400 W and uses a fine spray to create steam. It has reservoir of water with a capacity of 350ml. The Double Active Calc system allows user to fill water directly from the tap. A fine spray from the steam iron helps iron out the clothes and is a unique feature of the iron. Its SteamGlide feature allows ironing even in difficult positions. The Philips steam iron also has a Steam Tip that allows the user to iron difficult positions.

This steam iron outputs steam at the rate of 40g/min whereas the rate of steam pulse is 150g/min. Vertical steaming allows steam to iron out clothes efficiently. The Stop drip system prevents dripping of water on to the clothes and formation of water spots. The Philips GC4610 Azur steam iron has a cord which is 3 metres long and a ergonomic soft grip handle. Available in white and blue colours, the outlet network cords of the steam iron allow a 360 degree rotation for maximum freedom of movement. High on performance and easy to use, this steam iron is a wise buy. User friendly and convenient to use, this steam iron will surely simplify the work of ironing.

How to Choose the Best Washer and Dryer

Lindsey — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:52:27 +0000

Washers and dryers are no longer a luxury. They are absolutely necessary in families to take care of their laundry needs. Every family today requires a washer and dryer according to their laundry needs. Each family has different needs and that is why there are so many varieties and capacities of washers and dryers available in the market. How does one choose the best washer and dryer from the host of models available in the market?

Washing machines come in two models, the front loading machine and the top loading machine. Both come with their own advantages and disadvantages. While a top loading washer is not an energy saver, a front loading washer, like the Bosch WAE28363GB has a long wash cycle. Before you think of getting yourself the best washer and dryer take into account the capacity, water efficiency, length of wash cycle, volume, programs, controls and the filtering systems in various models.

If your family is large, then you need a washer that can wash more clothes. Look for a washer that uses less amount of water to get the clothes washed. Find out how long it will take for your clothes to be washed. You would want a machine that washes your clothes fast and efficient. The top loaders wash clothes much faster.

Washing machines usually come with pre- programmed wash cycles and they can even determine the size of your laundry. A top loading washer is cheaper than a front loader and comes with a much faster wash cycle. It is lighter in weight and can wash large quantities of clothes. Dryers allow you to dry your clothes and they use a heat source for this. Dryers consume a lot of energy. You can going in for a gas dryer to save on the utility bills.

Why do we need utility Rooms?

Jay — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:45:41 +0000

Utility rooms are fast emerging as rooms where family members can even get together to do many chores. Home designers are incorporating utility rooms without fail in their home designs. Imagine entering a room where you can shake off all that mud that is clinging to your boots or allow your wet dog to shake off all that water that is clinging to its fur coat. Did you now that the utility room is considered to be the gatekeeper of the home? It is here that family members enter and relieve themselves of any dirt or mud that may be sticking to their shoes, boots or clothes. The utility room is placed ideally on the first floor close to the hallway so that reaching the outdoors pool or yard is easy.

Almost all designers agree that the utility room is absolutely essential and has to be designed and placed in such a way that it functions as the organisational hub. Homeowners can use this wonderful place to manage their everyday activities. It can serve as a DIY workplace, a laundry room with a large LG F1409TDS washing machine and dryer, or as simply a great storage space; especially if you have children. These rooms can be used for storing all their homework, their outdoor clothing in specially created lockers, their shoes, just about anything. Children love these utility rooms as it provides them with enough space to store all their extra belongings.

Utility rooms are very useful for doing your laundry, storing gardening equipment and for cleaning and washing pets.

Reusable Laundry gadgets – are they effective?

Jay — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:25:02 +0000

Washing clothes is no longer a difficult chore. Gone are the days when you had to buy bottles of laundry detergent or boxes and tubs of soap powder to get all your laundry done. Today, the reusable balls, rings and discs help you clean your clothes very effectively. These rings, discs and balls are filled with a special liquid that replaces detergents to do your dirty laundry.

Manufacturers of these new concepts claim that these products change the molecular structure of water, which in turn forces the dirt to be removed. It is possible to wash a load of clothes with these products saving on the washing cost.

However before you decide to take the plunge and try out the new products, it is important to do a little research first. Check out information about these products on the internet and read what other people who have used them have to say. There are some who have tried them and found them to be effective while there are others who are disappointed. They feel the products do not match up to the hype.

If you want your laundry to come out very clean then you need to follow the basic label instructions given on the garments. Always have stains pretreated before you have them laundered. Have your clothes sorted out and wash whites separately. Remember that light and medium coloured clothes need to be washed together while bright clothes and dark clothes need to be washed separately. Also before you conduct any tests using the new laundry products, you ought to make sure your washing machine is in full working order. An old and worn out washing machine for example, will not be as effective as a new Bosch WAS32466GB, and will therefore not be an accurate device for measuring how effective the laundry gadgets are. Whatever product you may use for laundering, following these basic steps is sure to be of great help.

Enhance your Utility Room with attractive Designs

Paul — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:28:43 +0000

Any modern home is equipped with a well designed utility room. The utility room can be used for various purposes. You can do your laundry here, store a lot of stuff and even get together with your family to spend some relaxing moments as you complete your chores. A utility room that is well designed helps creates a space that is very beautiful, modern and spacious.

If you are planning a home, ensure that you include a utility room that is spacious and well designed so that it accommodates all your laundry equipment like washing machine, dryer, ironing board, chairs, stools, laundry baskets and enough storage space. Getting a washer-dryer combo, like the Hotpoint WDL540, can help to further save even more space. A well designed utility room will allow you and your family to work in a single area and not only does it add value to your home it also helps improve your life. Imagine having small kids, you can have them work on art or some creative work while you are doing your laundry. This way not only do you get to finish your laundry; you also get to spend quality time with the kids.

A well designed utility room should have all these features like storage space, sinks, accessories and good décor. Incorporate laundry cabinets, closet organizers and open shelves. Lockers for school going kids will allow them to store all their knick-knacks.

Sinks are essential so you can do your laundry. Those into gardening will find having double sinks very useful. A floor sink comes in handy when giving your dog a bath or washing gardening tools. The accessories you can include are boards, clothes racks and lovely counter top for folding washed and dried clothes.