Reton ultrasonic washing machine: a scam or really works?

Washing is a process that you cannot do without. Of course, you can constantly take things to the dry cleaner, but this is not suitable for everyone. Since ancient times, people washed clothes only with their hands. Later, a washing machine was released, which greatly facilitated this process. Now these devices have been improved to the maximum, thanks to which a person only needs to load things into the hatch, close the door and press a button. The machine will do the rest itself. Technologies do not stand still. Now ultrasound has also been used for washing, although previously it was used only in the military industry. Fabric cleaning occurs under the influence of acoustic waves that penetrate between the fibers. Is this technology effective? Reviews will help answer this question. "Retona" is an ultrasonic washing machine that works according to the described principle. Many people consider this machine an ideal alternative to hand washing. But there is also an audience that is extremely negative. Let's figure out what the Retona washing machine is. What advantages and disadvantages does it have? We will also consider recommendations that will help make washing with an ultrasonic machine as effective as possible.

What kind of miracle is this, Retona?

The manufacturer does not skimp on advertising promising phrases about his brainchild:

Here I will not give even a short extract from the multi-page text of all those battles that revolve around this ultrasonic machine (about the power at which the unit can knock out dirt and kill bacterial organisms, about the soaking time, which even without Retona can “wash” things and etc.), since everything is on the Internet...

Official response from the general designer of NPO Reton:

Microvibrations, which force the liquid to actively move through the capillary, are not the only ultrasonic effect used in Reton.

Ultrasound "Retona" has a number of other effects:

1. radiation pressure effect (ultrasound presses on any interface between two media);

2. ultrasonic wind effect (ultrasound slowly moves the aquatic environment);

3. the effect of water degassing (the same thing happens when water boils).

And we can either believe it or not...

How to use: step-by-step instructions

The algorithm for using an ultrasonic washing machine is quite simple. Since Retona operates on mains power, it is necessary that there be an electrical outlet within easy reach.

Washing with this device must be carried out according to the following instructions:

1. Water at a temperature of 60-65 degrees is poured into a deep container (preferably enameled).
2. Dissolve detergent in water. Gel is preferred over powder.
3. Place things evenly in the container so that the water completely covers them.
4. Place the Retona working element in the center at the bottom of the container with the emitter facing up.
5. The device is plugged into a 220 volt electrical outlet.
6. During washing, the items are mixed twice, having first disconnected the device from the mains.
7. Before the end of the wash, Retona is unplugged from the outlet and the clothes are taken out.
8. Washed items are first rinsed by hand or machine without spinning.
9. After use, the device is washed in running water and dried.

How long does washing take? The duration of a normal wash with light or medium soiling is about an hour. To clean heavily soiled items, longer exposure time to ultrasound and higher power (30 W) are required.

When filling the container, hot and cold water are drawn separately to reduce the number of air bubbles that prevent the propagation of ultrasound in the water.

TEST RESULTS

After 16 hours we turned off Retona. Since we washed with and without Retona at the same time, we could compare the results. The water in the basins looked the same. Finding no visual difference in the dried samples, we decided to run two more tests, soaking and washing with Retona without using powder. Perhaps in such an experiment the influence of “Retona” will manifest itself more significantly.

The test results can be found in the photographs. In each of the photographs, an unwashed sample is laid out sequentially, soaked without powder, washed with Retona without powder, soaked with powder, washed with Retona with powder, and finally washed with an automatic machine.

What do we see? The automatic machine, as expected, is beyond competition. The washing machine, we note, was deliberately used and was very mediocre in its parameters. The fact that it washed everything was a completely expected result; no one laid claim to the laurels of a full-sized washing machine.

As for the rest... As they say, there are two news. First, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the soaking. We did not expect that two of the four stains (ketchup and red wine) would practically “disappear”, and the third (oil with soot) would lighten so much. The second news is that samples treated with Retona are indistinguishable from those samples that were simply soaked.

What I wash with Retona

I use Retona 3-4 times a week. Over the course of a year, my work has not gotten any worse. I wash:

• lace;
• silk;
• linen;
• knitted fabrics that stretch in the washing machine;
• daughters' blouses and socks with rhinestones;
• things with rubberized parts;
• down jackets;
• blankets;
• mahr;
• heavy blankets;
• pillows.

Knitted items do not curl or stretch, and the pile fluffs up. The sweatshirts look like new. Retona does not discolor the fabric.

The photo shows a shirt that I have been wearing for 3 months. I only wash with Retona.

How we did the test

The testing device was kindly provided by the manufacturer's representatives in Moscow.

As test samples, we used scraps of cotton fabric with four types of stains:

-Soot and ash with machine oil; -Red wine; -Grass; -Ketchup.

Each of the contaminants was evenly applied to the sample, after which the sample was dried. After this, the samples were cut into equal strips for testing.

As test tasks, we decided to try the following washing options:

-Washing with and without powder (in both options – with “Retona”); -Soaking with and without powder (without “Retona”); - Machine washable.

How to remove chewing gum from jeans

The problem in the family is chewing gum. Children often come home from the street with pieces glued to their jeans. Retona copes with the task. In 1.5 hours the clothes become clean.

Photo before:

Photo after:

Positive and negative aspects of the device

Like other household appliances, this type of washing machine has its pros and cons. The positive aspects include:

1. Ergonomic body. Probably the biggest advantage over classic washing machines. Even the most ultra-compact models cannot compete with a device that easily fits in a pocket.
2. Low cost. Such a device can be easily purchased at any hardware store. Its cost usually does not exceed twenty-five dollars. For the same money you will not be able to purchase even individual parts for a washing machine.
3. Economical. The electricity consumed by an average washing machine is enough to wash clothes three hundred times with an ultrasonic device.
4. Reliable design. The internal structure of the device does not have complex electronic systems, so it is quite difficult to break it. Critical damage to the case or power supply can disrupt operation. With careful handling, an ultrasonic washing machine can last for several decades.

Having listed the advantages, we cannot ignore the disadvantages of this “miracle” of high technology:

1. Poor quality of washing.
2. Lack of functions such as spinning and rinsing. If we can still argue about the quality of washing, then the need to manually wring out and rinse things can be a serious disadvantage for many.
3. The need to change the position of linen in the pelvis. To improve the quality of washing, it is necessary to periodically turn things over and change their position. This again leads us to the idea that the need for manual labor overrides many of the positive aspects of the ultrasonic device.

Advantages and disadvantages

Owners of an ultrasonic machine note the following advantages::

• Small size and weight. It is portable, convenient to take with you to the country or on a business trip.
• It works silently.
• Gentle wash. It does not deform things, so it is well suited for woolen items and delicate fabrics.
• Low price. "Retona" is much cheaper than conventional washing machines.
• Disinfection. Ultrasound disinfects things, so it will be very useful for washing children's clothes.
• Color update. Many housewives note that after washing with an ultrasonic machine, the colors on the fabric become brighter.
• Economical energy consumption in comparison with standard SMAs.
• Saving detergents. This machine can be used without powder or using regular laundry soap.

This method is not suitable for many people for the following reasons:

• It will not replace a full machine wash with a spin and rinse cycle. This will have to be done manually.

• The need for participation. In order for all the laundry to be washed, it must be constantly stirred (every 15-20 minutes).

"Retona"

IS THE PURCHASE JUSTIFIED?

The purchase of devices such as "Retona" can be justified if there is an indicator by which washing with it is preferable. We tried to find such an indicator. Obviously, this indicator cannot be the washing time. It will take at least two hours to wash 1 kg of laundry. The washing machine will wash 5 kg at once... and after a couple of hours it will produce well-wrung, almost dry laundry.

You won't skimp on ease of use either. There are significantly more hassles with a “tablet” than with a stationary washing machine. There is also no gain before soaking and hand washing. Light stains will come off perfectly without Retona, but especially dirty areas will still have to be washed, rinsed, and squeezed.

Is it economical to use washing powder? Not at all. It is recommended to pour 20-30 liters of water per 1 kg of laundry so that the laundry floats freely. This implies the consumption of 100-150 g of powder per 1 kg of laundry. A washing machine consumes approximately the same amount for 5 kg of laundry. Compared to hand washing, there will also be no gain, since when washing by hand you use the same 20-30 liters of water and the corresponding amount of powder per 3-4 kg of laundry. Another argument used in advertising - buying for washing in the country - also turns out to be untenable. In this case, it is much more reasonable to buy a small activator washing machine that costs $100-150.

Thus, no matter how much we wanted it, we could not find a reasonable application and compelling arguments for purchasing an ultrasonic washing machine.

However, there are probably people who use Retona. And some of them may even be happy. What's the secret? As we have seen, good results can be achieved using the “long soak” washing method. If it weren’t for this notorious basin with just soaked laundry, we would probably think that such a noticeable effect was achieved thanks to Retona.

Scope of application of such a machine

Due to its portability, gentle treatment of fabrics, ease of use, and the ability to use without chemicals, Retona will be very useful:

• people who often travel and go on business trips;
• summer residents who do not have access to automatic washing outside the city;

• for lovers of rhinestones, beads, sequins on clothes;
• people suffering from allergies or skin diseases.

How effective the Retona ultrasonic device is can only be understood from personal experience. But to prevent it from becoming a disappointment, it is important to understand that this device will not replace a conventional washing machine due to its limited capabilities. It is also important to remember the recommendations for use and follow safety rules.

Video

How to use

After checking the safety of the device, you need to prepare things for washing. They need to be grouped by color and material. White, black and colored shades are best washed separately. Wool, synthetics and cotton should also not be thrown into the same basin. If there are things that shed, then it is better not to mix them with the rest. If clothes are heavily soiled, it is better to treat them with a soap solution or stain remover before washing.

When things are distributed, you can start washing:

• warm water is poured into the basin;
• powder is added;
• the device is placed in the middle of the pelvis;
• laundry is evenly distributed around the plate;
• the device is plugged into the socket;
• leave for about an hour;
• the device is disconnected from the power source;
• clothes are stretched, twisted and dried.

It is advisable not to use too much laundry in the washing container. The water should completely cover all things. If large items are being washed, they should be turned over during washing. For these purposes, it is more convenient to use a machine with 2 plates. For very dirty clothes, the device can be turned on all night for up to 12 hours. After washing, the laundry must be rinsed and twisted.

How to wash a down jacket without the down getting lost

You can purchase any powder for washing. Down jackets have a water temperature limit of 30°C. That's why I don't pour hot water. I increase the washing time. Depending on the contamination, I turn on the device for 2-4 hours.