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Why Doesn’t Washington Want Me to Have Clean Underwear?
A while back, we had to replace our 12-year-old washer and dryer. Our old units were as basic as it gets: toss in laundry and soap, crank the mechanical timer and, bingo, clean clothes.
Once the washer gave up the ghost, we were excited to replace those dinosaurs with sleek new “High Efficiency” models. Today’s washers and dryers come with Ferrari styling, computer consoles and more lights than a Space Shuttle dashboard. Granted, the cheapest options cost double what we paid for our old units, but finally we could embrace the brave new world of bleeding-edge laundry innovation!
“They probably won’t get your clothes as clean as your old basic washer,” the salesman told me. He added that customers complained all the time, but there was nothing he could do. Government regulators insisted on “high-efficiency” washers and dryers; manufacturers had to comply.
He was right. Our domestic duo looks a lot better, but they don’t do the job half as well as the beat-up old versions. The feds claim their regs will save you money, but water and energy costs are pennies compared to the extra dollars we blew on our Laundromat of Tomorrow. So now I’m out a couple thou and my towels smell funny.
We see this foolishness everywhere. Whether it’s washing machines, refrigerators or toasters, government regulations vastly increase the price of consumer goods while reducing their effectiveness and longevity.
Shouldn’t technology get better over time? Have you experienced this effect in our household — and is there anything we can do to let manufacturers make appliances that work?
Published in General
In addition to not using enough water the HE models don’t allow the use of hot water either. The hot setting is actually just warm.
Our first washer-dryer set lasted us 20 years. We got a new set when we moved 13 years ago.
We have had two washers and a new dryer since then. I hate the washer but don’t want a HE version. I need a new dryer but don’t want to spend the money on an inferior product. Grrr.
Given that you’re stuck with an HE machine and have to make the best of it, is it possible that some of the scummy residue on your clothes may be a result of using too much detergent for an HE machine?
Because HE machines use so little water, they’re incapable of washing away large amounts of detergent residue. It would be like shampooing your hair, and not rinsing out all the shampoo – yuck! Or as the WSJ put it:
I’m sorry for your suffering, but I find the whole “folded” bit hilarious! Both the going in and the coming out.
We leave the door to our front load washer open when not in use to allow it to air dry. If we don’t it develops a stink.
How much would you pay for an after-market washing machine upgrade? I’m just speculating here, but with the right modifications it ought to be possible to change a high efficiency washer into one that works. If the government regulates the manufacture and sale of new washing machines, it doesn’t regulate what you do in your own home afterwards. I think. Stupid commerce clause.
Is the demand for a working washing machine widespread enough? How much would you pay?
When I bought my first house, my folks gave me their old washer dryer. They were purchased in 1972. I recall playing in their boxes as a child. In 2005 I had to replace the drive belt in the dryer. The combination worked great until 2011 when some kind of sensor wouldn’t let the dryer run long enough. So I finally updated, figuring almost 40 years was good enough for an appliance. The set doesn’t work quite as well and the washer is already developing quirks.
I’m rebuilding my old style toilets, again to stay away from the mandate low flow, I have to modify my portable gas cans (how-tos are all over youtube) my dishwasher scales over my plates, I haven’t figured out how to deal with that yet. This over regulation ruining products is just so disheartening.
“High-efficiency washer” = “less-effective, more-expensive washer”.
“Organic agriculture” = “less-efficient, more-expensive agriculture”.
“Renewable energy” = “high-cost, uncompetitive energy”.
“Sustainable” = “unsustainable”.
Any questions?
To address the title of your post:
WE want you to have clean underwear!
Yet again with the inappropriate use of “we”!
I am indifferent to the state of your underwear.
I stand corrected . . . Many of us want you to have clean underwear. (Is that better?)
Much!
As we like to say in the tech world: “When all else fails, read the manual.”
We use a product called Afresh to clean out the washing machine (available at Lowes & Home Depot). How running an empty load in the washing machine with Afresh evey 2-3 month saves water is beyond my undertanding. We also keep the washing machine lid open when not in use to prevent lingering stink in clothes & towels. We plan to try TSP – thanks to whoever posted that tip!