How to choose the right washing machine for your cottage

Many of our readers have a dacha. Once upon a time, washing things in such a place had to be done exclusively by hand. However, since those times technology has stepped far forward - both in terms of its skills and in terms of accessibility. Nowadays it is not difficult to buy a washing machine for your summer house. Even if instead of a water supply you have to use the nearest water pump!

However, not everyone knows the features of such devices and what characteristics should be paid attention to. How can you avoid making a rash choice? This article will answer this question. Here we will talk about the best washing machines designed for use in the country or in the garden

Peculiarities

The peculiarity of activator-type washing machines is that they are produced only with vertical loading.
During the washing process, foaming is minimal, so it is possible to add any type of washing powder. Thanks to active mechanical action, activator-type washing machines wash heavy soiling very well, hardly break down, and are inexpensive to maintain and repair. Not all automatic washing machines are equipped with a function for refilling laundry, so in some cases it is very problematic to add forgotten items. Activator-type washing machines do not have this problem. At any time, you can add a portion of clothing, powder or fragrance to the drum.

If your garden house resembles a cottage with all the amenities, running water, septic tank and so on, it’s more convenient for you. I bought an automatic washing machine and don’t worry. For those who have some inconveniences, we present activator-type washing machines. An indispensable assistant in everyday life in the country.

The insides of such a machine are very simple: a tank where clothes are thrown, blades located at the bottom or side of the tank. Place your clothes in the tank, add detergent, turn it on, and the blades (activator), creating rotation, will begin to wash the clothes.

The convenience of such machines lies in the fact that it does not need anything other than electricity from every second communications. You can get water in a bucket, you can use any detergents - even grate soap. The design is so simple - that in fact there is nothing to break.

• Wash quickly.
• They save energy due to the absence of a water heating element.
• Unpretentious to laundry detergents.
• Activators are durable and reliable due to their simple design.
• Such washing machines can wring out clothes and do not emit strong vibrations.
• Versatility. The machine can be placed anywhere where there is an electrical connection.
• Cheapness. You can buy a machine with an activator at a price from 7 to 13 thousand rubles.

The most important disadvantages of activator-type washing machines are, accordingly, not a very large selection of washing programs. Modern intelligent functions are also missing, and spinning is not provided in all models (which is not critical, since laundry dries faster in the fresh air).

For those without running water

When creating new equipment, manufacturers take into account the wishes of all categories of consumers. Therefore, in order to satisfy the needs of summer residents, they have developed a whole line of devices that can work properly in country conditions. But for this, at a minimum, it is necessary to have a more or less stable supply of electricity and the ability to drain waste water.
This technique can work even without connecting to a central water supply . You just need to solve the issue of supplying water to the house from a well. Although if all this scares you, then you can turn to the experience of our ancestors and carry water for washing in buckets.

Advantages of activator-type washing machines

• Washing speed + energy saving. Due to the fact that SMAT does not use heating elements, washing occurs faster, with significantly less electricity consumption.
• Variety of detergents. You can add any types of washing powders, soap and even shampoo to SMAT. Foaming of these machines is low.
• Design. The absence of a drum belt, electric heater, and so on, makes the SMAT design easy to operate and maintain.
• No vibration during spinning. The design feature of the SMAT is that the laundry is always at the bottom, so there will be no imbalance, and therefore no large vibrations during spinning.
• Application area. SMAT can be used wherever there is electricity without connecting to communications.
• Price. Due to the simplicity of the design, prices are very, very affordable.

Milano FWМ 40 PA

With high spin speed

The machine, with a height of only 64 cm, fits well under the washbasin in the bathroom, and also does not take up much space in the dressing room or sauna.
The semi-automatic machine has two programs: washing for 15 minutes and spinning for 5 minutes. The control is mechanical, so you can set a shorter operating cycle of the device. +Pros of Milano FWМ 40 PA

1. The plastic case is shock-resistant, the washing machine can be transported in the trunk of a car;
2. the weight of the semi-automatic device is 8 kg, it can be easily moved from the room to the bathroom by a fragile woman;
3. a filter is installed to catch hair, lint, and animal hair, preventing contamination of the motor;
4. After washing, a suction pump helps drain the water.

-Disadvantages of Milano FWМ 40 PA

1. Before rinsing, you need to replace the water.

Criterias of choice

When choosing washing machines, the buyer is guided mainly by these data:

• Energy class;
• Cheapness;
• Washing class;
• Reliability;
• Availability of the possible.

All these requirements are met by activator-type devices.

The quality of washing is usually denoted in Latin letters from A to G, where A is the highest quality of washing, and G is the lowest:

• The highest score, or “A” rating, is given to a machine whose washing class is defined as excellent (its efficiency index is 1.3).
• Very good wash o (index – from 1 to 1.3).
• A good wash is assigned class “C” (index – from 0.97 to 1).
• Normal is designated by the letter “D” (index – from 0.94 to 0.97).
• Satisfactory is “E” (index – 0.91 to 0.94).
• The bad one gets o (index – from 0.88 to 0.91).
• Very poor washing o (index – 0.88-0).

Energy consumption is also a very important requirement for a washing machine; they are also indicated in Latin letters:

• A machine with energy consumption class A++ is the most economical among all machines today. To wash 1 kilogram of laundry, the machine will consume only 0.15 kW/h.
• Class A+ is considered less economical. If you choose this washing machine, it will process a kilogram of laundry using less than 0.17 kWh.
• Machines marked class A. In this case, a little more resources are consumed - 0.17-0.19 kW per hour per kilogram of things.
• Energy consumption class B. The consumption of this class ranges from 0.19 to 0.23 kW per hour.
• Energy efficiency class C. To process one kilogram of laundry per hour, 0.23-0.27 kW will be required.
• Washing machine with energy consumption class D. Energy consumption will be 0.27-0.31 kW/h.
• Washing machines marked E. Normal consumption will be 0.31-0.35 kW per hour.
• Class F. When washing 1 kilogram of clothes, 0.35-0.39 kW will be used per hour.
• The most “wasteful” car with class G. Consumption will be more than 0.39 kW per hour.

Activator-type washing devices also differ in that, with the same tank size as an automatic machine, the overall size of the SMAT is smaller.

Prices

Washing machines offered today for dachas differ from each other not only in functionality, but also in price.
Moreover, the difference between the most budget model and the washing machine with the largest number of additional functions can reach up to 10,000 rubles. You should know that the final cost of a washing machine is determined by several factors:

• Energy class;
• Washing class;
• Availability of additional functions;
• Availability of water heating;
• Tank capacity;
• Dimensions;
• Control type;
• Manufacturer reliability.

Let's look at some examples

Fairy SMP-40N

This activator model is developed and produced in Russia. The width and height of the device are the same and amount to 69 cm, and the load capacity is up to 4 kg. The material from which the washing machine is made is plastic. The machine has two compartments: for washing and for spinning. The model does not have specialized washing programs, unless you take into account washing delicate fabrics. A huge disadvantage on some of these machines is a defective engine. But if one is caught, then the guarantee is still valid, and if no breakdowns are found in the first months, then nothing will happen to him in the future. Also in the arsenal there is no protection against leaks. The controls are purely mechanical and there is no panel lock for child safety. Advantages of the model:

• Separate compartment for spinning;
• Simple and intuitive controls;
• Available in many stores.

Disadvantages of the washing machine:

• Lack of protection against leaks;
• There is a chance to buy a defective model.

RENOVA WS-85PE

A semi-automatic model of a washing machine, which is perfect for installation in the country and in small spaces. The dimensions of the device are width 53 cm, depth 44 cm, height 87 cm. It has a large capacity - it can wash 8.5 kg of dry laundry in 1 cycle. If necessary, the machine can be easily moved from place to place.

The machine is protected from water leaks, but it does not have a child lock. It has a laconic and simple design: a snow-white body and a blue lid. Mechanical control allows you to adjust 2 washing programs: gentle and normal. It is also possible to reload laundry through the main hatch if you forgot to put something in.

Advantages of the model:

• Unobtrusive sound signal at the end of the wash;
• Large tank capacity;
• Washing quality;
• Draining water through a hose.

Disadvantages of the washing machine:

• No spin.

Fairy SMP-60N
The body of the machine is made of high-strength plastic, and the internal elements are made of high-quality materials, which guarantees a long service life. Fully protected from water leakage, but there is no child lock. Scale does not build up inside the compartments of the activator machine. The activator washing method involves the presence of a disk with blades in the bottom of the main compartment of the device. The operation of such a system is to quickly rotate water along with detergents and clothes, allowing for high-quality cleaning of laundry from various contaminants.

If necessary, the device can be easily moved from place to place, thanks to its compact dimensions. The model has a vertical loading type, which has two hinged lids, each leading to its own compartment: one is a washing compartment, the second is a spinner with a centrifuge. The maximum spin speed of this model is 1350 rpm, but you can choose the spin duration. It has a mechanical control that allows you to select one of two available programs: regular washing and washing delicate fabrics. Users note the possibility of using any detergent - powder or liquid. Also does not require connection to water supply.

Advantages of the model:

• Separate compartment for spinning;
• Simple and intuitive controls;
• Big load.

Disadvantages of the washing machine:

• Lack of child protection;
• Not enough power to spin big things.

RENOVA WS-80PT

The height of this model is 89 cm and the depth is 47 cm. The RENOVA WS-80PT can be loaded up to 8 kg, and this figure is not only on par with, but even exceeds the load of some conventional washing machines. The washing machine is controlled mechanically, but this does not in any way affect the ease of operation. There is a small selection of washing modes (3 in total): normal wash, drain and delicate. But there are also additional functions. This model is recognized as an affordable solution that allows you to do laundry without unnecessary problems. It has a fairly powerful motor that ensures full rotation of the drum at any speed.

This machine uses a gentle spin system that eliminates wear and tear on items during regular washing. There is a sound notification at the end of washing. Thanks to the high energy consumption class A+, it is possible to significantly reduce energy consumption. The spin quality corresponds to category B, and the washing quality corresponds to A. Users note the ability to set the start time of washing and spinning - there are special controls for this. They also focus on easy washing of a large double duvet. The body of the device is made of plastic and is not subject to corrosion; it combines shades of gray and blue.

Advantages of the model:

• Simple and intuitive controls;
• Low power consumption;
• Easily washes bulky items;
• Large load;
• Wash and spin timer.

Disadvantages of the washing machine:

• Sufficiently large sizes for activator washing machines;
• The centrifuge is thundering.

conclusions

After comparing the technical characteristics of all four models, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• All four models can operate in at least two washing modes. But the Renova WS-85PE model does not have a spin cycle. The RENOVA WS-80PT and Fairy SMP-60N machines have the same spin speed, and the Fairy SMP-40N is only 1300 rpm;
• Fairy brand cars have the smallest dimensions - 69x36x69 cm;
• The RENOVA WS-85PE machine has the largest dimensions - 53x44x87 cm;
• The RENOVA WS-80PT model has a delayed start.

Factors and requirements

When choosing a washing machine for a summer residence, the owner should pay attention to two main points.
The first is the presence or absence of a centralized water supply. If your home is connected to the system, then you are free to choose any model that you like. If your home does not have such an opportunity, then you will have to significantly narrow the range of options from which you will choose a washing machine for your dacha.

Another important point is the requirements that the selected device must meet. If you need equipment to use during the summer season to serve the whole family, then you need to be especially careful when choosing a washing machine for your dacha. It should be a fairly functional device. It's another matter if you come to your dacha only on weekends. In this case, you can limit yourself to buying the machine with the simplest functionality.

LG FH-8G1MINI2

Ultra-modern machine gun

The new product of 2018 has already earned high ratings from users: for low energy consumption, excellent washing quality and quietness.
It is expected that it will work in tandem with a large unit for washing bulky items. But if desired, a machine with a small drum can be installed separately, even mounted on a kitchen cabinet shelf (unit height - 36 cm, width 66 cm, length 60 cm). +Pros of LG FH-8G1MINI2

1. 8 washing modes, normal cleaning of fabrics from dirt, delicate mode;
2. touch control panel; There is a phone application with which you can control the washing machine;
3. equipped with protection against accidental activation or opening;
4. special sensors monitor foam level and imbalance;
5. There are indicators for error, door lock, and work cycle.

-Cons of LG FH-8G1MINI2

1. price: ranges from 33,000 rubles to 41,000 rubles.

VolTek Rainbow SM-5 White: minimal power consumption and economical use of powder

More details
The VolTek Rainbow SM-5 White activator-type washing machine is ideal for daily washing in rural areas or in urban environments where it is not possible to use more powerful automatic models. It is very economical in terms of electricity and water consumption. The machine operates in reverse, intermittent mode.

Up to 5 kg of laundry can be loaded into the washing tank . Loading is vertical, which provides additional convenience when washing. During this process, the tank lid can be opened to add forgotten items. for washing - normal and delicate . Using the latter mode, you can wash various delicate items or woolen items. It can easily replace hand washing as it washes very gently.

The washing mode is selected using the rotary switch. The machine also has a “Wash Only” function. When using this function, soapy water does not drain, so you can wash several loads of laundry in it. This significantly saves washing powder consumption . For washing in the VolTek Rainbow SM-5 White machine, you can use any type of powder. For those who often forget to turn off equipment, the automatic shutdown function will be useful: after some inactivity, the machine will turn off by itself.

A big advantage of the machine is its light weight. Thanks to its modest dimensions and light weight, it can easily be placed in even the smallest bathroom or transported from one place to another, so it is great for those who often move from apartment to apartment.

I would like to add to the list of main advantages:

• ease of connecting communications without the need to tie into the water supply or sewer system;
• minimal energy consumption;
• presence of a wash timer;
• presence of an automatic protection system.

Among the disadvantages are:

• plastic body;
• unreliable fastening of the drain hose;
• lack of spin function.

VolTek Rainbow SM-2 Blue: overload protection system and blocking sensor

More details
The VolTek Rainbow SM-2 Blue activator-type washing machine is distinguished by its economical consumption of water, detergents and electricity. It can be used where there is no centralized water supply and sewerage system. The machine does not require a mandatory connection to the water supply and does not require separate electrical wiring , which is very important for people who rent an apartment or live outside the city.

Lightweight and compact VolTek Rainbow SM-2 Blue is perfect for daily washing in small quantities. It is equipped with only the most necessary functions and has nothing superfluous. Two washing modes allow you to wash items made from various fabrics (wool, silk, cotton, etc.). The machine is equipped with a “Wash Only” function, which is performed without subsequent draining of water . This allows you to wash several loads of laundry in the same soap solution.

The transparent plastic tank is easy to clean and has good resistance to mechanical damage, as well as prolonged contact with water. It does not absorb unpleasant odors that could be transferred to the laundry during washing. A blocking sensor, as well as an automatic overflow and overload protection system, are responsible for the safe operation of the machine . At the end of the wash, the machine turns off automatically, indicating this with a sound signal.

The main advantages of the machine are:

• economical consumption of water and electricity;
• presence of an automatic protection system;
• automatic shutdown accompanied by a sound signal;
• presence of a reverse mechanism;
• presence of a wash timer.

The disadvantages include:

• plastic body;
• unreliable fastening of the drain hose;
• lack of spin function;
• small volume of washing tank.

Daewoo Electronics DWD-CV701 PC

For small bathrooms (2012)

An excellent option for small apartments is a washing machine, which can even be hung on the wall.
The economical unit accommodates a set of single bed linen (3 kg). The washing machine consumes little water and electricity, while performing high-quality washing of cotton and synthetic products. +Pros of Daewoo Electronics DWD-CV701 PC

1. It does not take up space on the floor, which allows you to place the washing machine in very small rooms;
2. there are several washing modes (6 main and 4 additional);
3. foaming is controlled;
4. there is protection against inclusion by children;
5. electronic intelligent control with a display on the body below;
6. It works very quietly, although the spin reaches 700 rpm - the laundry is slightly damp after washing.

-Cons Daewoo Electronics DWD-CV701 PC

1. The device body should be mounted on a solid wall that can support the weight of the machine (17 kg without linen and water).

Do-it-yourself repair: making a “Malyutka” washing machine at home

Everyone knows the feeling of disappointment when a washing machine breaks down. It would seem that you need to send the device for service and endlessly search for spare parts for repair. However, this cannot be said about the “Malyutka” mini washing machines: problems with this device cannot even be called fatal, since they are easily solved even at the amateur level. All you need to know is how to disassemble the device and study how it works.

After fixing the breakdown on the “baby”, it must be turned on no earlier than 15 minutes after the repair.

How to accurately disassemble a mini washing machine without damaging the structure

The plastic tank of household appliances is easy to disassemble, even if you don’t know where to start. We recommend watching a short video tutorial on this issue.

How to fix problems with the activator?

There are plenty of reasons for a non-working moving element (i.e. activator). If this is not a breakdown, then the following factors can cause its “unwillingness” to work.

1. Overloading the washing machine tank . Due to this, the motor cannot drive the blades, which would make the laundry rotate. Remember that you cannot exceed the specified limit of laundry, but it is better to pack it less than the norm.
2. The activator is skewed . This problem will be noticeable if suddenly after washing your clothes have scuffs or even holes. You can get rid of such a defect by installing a new activator or displacing this device (provided that it is working).
3. Foreign objects . Often threads and pieces of fabric remain in the tank from clothes. They tend to wrap around the shaft, after which the machine stops turning the motor correctly, and then the device turns off.

The mobility of the activator directly affects the washing process. If it turns slowly, the laundry will not be washed, so try to solve the malfunction in a timely manner.

“Baby” is critically afraid of blows, so even simply dropping it on the floor can affect the correct function of the device.

Why fix leaks?

If you notice that the body of your miniature assistant is starting to leak, do not ignore the problem. Over time, this phenomenon will damage the built-in operating mechanism. Just imagine what will happen if moisture gets on the electrics. It smells like a short circuit and trouble for the user. So fix the problem as soon as possible by sealing the crack or using another type of sealant.

Damage to the rubber seals can also cause leaks.

Let's prepare the Malyutka washing machine for washing

To wash even a small amount of laundry, you must properly prepare the household appliance itself for this. If the machine is not installed at the level or is overfilled, there can be no talk of any effectiveness in cleaning the laundry.

It is not recommended to use the device with the lid open.

Let's figure out what needs to be provided.

1. Let's install our “baby” on an elevated surface. Let it be a crossbar on the bathtub or shower stall. You need to make sure that water can be filled and drained without effort. If you use the device in the private sector, you just need to connect the drain hose and plug it until it is needed.
2. Make sure that the device is in a horizontal position. If the device is tilted even slightly, there is a risk of water overflowing over the sides of the tank.
3. Now that these nuances have been taken care of, you need to pour water into the tank. This can be done using a hose or bucket. You can get hot water directly from the tap, but it is not advisable to boil it, as in the process many particles are formed that can play a cruel joke on your things.

During spinning in an activator washing machine, the laundry should be neatly and evenly laid out.

If you plan to wash after wash, periodically let the washing machine rest, as it has a weak motor that can simply burn out.