They need to be heavy because the centrifugal forces generated in the spin cycle are quite substantial.
Motor and counterweight
If we take a look under the washing machine, you'll see what makes it so heavy. Yes, that is in fact a block of concrete in the picture above. The concrete is there to balance the equally heavy electric motor, which drives a very heavy gearbox that is attached to the steel inner tub.
As washers tend to be heavier than dryers, especially when running a cycle of water and wet clothes, it's wise to have the heavier of the two units act as the base.
While you can transport a washing machine without hiring a professional moving company, it's not recommended to try moving it without any help at all. A typical washing machine weighs between 70 kg and even over 100 kg, and is too heavy and bulky to lift on your own.
Primarily because they do an incredibly poor job at both functions. They also have much shorter lifespans and are far more expensive to fix. Also most places have enough space for two machines.
Among the reasons she mentioned over email correspondence with BI were that European kitchens and bathrooms are often smaller, so a washer can fit, but not a dryer. She also said that as the housing stock in Europe is typically much older, it's sometimes difficult to vent a dryer to the outside.
Keep in mind that a small washer or dryer still weighs around 180 pounds, while a big one can weigh up to 400. Never try to move them by yourself. Always have at least one person to help you. If you're moving them down a flight of stairs, it's a good idea to ask two or even three people to lend a hand.
An appliance dolly will be essential in moving your washing machine out of your house and into the moving van. Even with multiple people around, a washing machine is still a dangerous and challenging household appliance to move by lifting only.
The biggest factor that decides whether or not an expensive washing machine is better is how efficient it is. The use of large amounts of hot water is what typically raises energy bills. More efficient washing machines will use less water and, in turn, cost you less money.
When you move your washer, first replace the shipping bolts that were originally in the back of the washer. This keeps the drum from moving inside the washer and protects it from damage. Also, make sure your washer is placed in the moving van upright. Shipping your washer on its side, front, or back can damage it.
You should always lift a washing machine with 2 people. First, decide who is will be holding the top and who will be holding the bottom of the washing machine.
A large capacity washing machine can help you get through your family's piles of clothes, comforters and towels faster on laundry day. Wash more at once and spend less time in the laundry room with more washer capacity.
You may not have used enough detergent
If too little detergent is used, there may be insufficient active ingredients to combat the hardness of the water, which in turn can affect the softness of the fibres. This may also result in poor washing results.
The Hand Truck: Your New Best Friend
It's a godsend for moving heavy appliances like your washing machine solo.
Tilt the appliance backwards slightly. Slip a thick piece of cardboard or carpet under the front legs, extending it towards the back. Wiggle the appliance forward until the back legs are on the cardboard. Enlist the help of one or two strong individuals to shuffle it out and lift it from the house.
Generally, most washing machines on the market weigh between 60 to 90 kilograms. However, larger models or ones with more features and functions can weigh over 100 kilograms. Front-Loading Washing Machines: Known for their energy and water efficiency, front-loading washers typically weigh between 65 to 90 kilograms.
We recommend that you use a qualified professional to prepare your washer and dryer for moving. If you decide to tackle this on your own, be sure to consult your machines' manuals before doing any of the following: Before moving day, your washer and dryer must be completely disconnected.
If you overload the drum, there will be less water available for the detergent to dissolve in as the clothes will soak this up. We therefore recommend that you leave a hands width gap at the top of the washing machine drum when loading. This roughly equates to filling 3/4 of the drum.
Stacking your laundry appliances frees up floor space and lets you make room for your life. It's not difficult to do, and we produce specialist stacking kits designed to help you stack your appliances safely.
After many months of testing, our editors found that the good heavily outweighed the bad with LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung and Electrolux machines. We'll check in with them over time to ensure that remains the case so you can shop confidently, knowing your investment in a new washer and dryer is a good one.
Although washer-dryer combos are space-efficient, they aren't always energy-efficient. The extended drying time and additional water usage can lead to higher utility costs, making these units less appealing for eco-conscious consumers.
When compared to a heat pump dryer, a condenser dryer can be costly and is less energy efficient. Using a closed-loop heat exchange system, heat pump tumble dryers dry clothes at a lower temperature, keeping energy usage low and providing better protection for your laundry.