Spin Dryer help / recommendations?

Biddyrolo

My mums had hers 47 years (got it for my nappies) it's still going strong and she swears by it.

angel81uk

I was wondering if anyone here uses a spin dryer? I posted a thread a few weeks ago about my laundry "problems" (not being able to dry outside, not wanting to use a tumble dryer but drying on an airer casing mold/damp problems) and my good old mum mentioned that my nan used to have a spin dryer.

I was just wondering if anyone knows if the modern ones work well enough to warrant buying one? And is it the kind of thing that can be kept hidden away in a cupboard and just bought out when in use or are they too bulky/heavy for that? I don't have the floor space to have one out permanently but I've never seen one "in the flesh" so to speak to know just how big and/or heavy they are.

squeaky

Hiya,

I've added your post onto an earlier thread that should help.

Good luck

angel81uk

Thanks Squeaky, I looked in the index but I didn't think to do a search!

squeaky

angel81uk wrote:

Thanks Squeaky, I looked in the index but I didn't think to do a search!

Yeah, even I tend to check indexes first, and then do a search.

Mind you, I have an advantage - I wrote the original versions of all the indexes we have, (though the ones in the Collections have grown since then thanks to our volunteers) so I have a pretty good idea of what's available and where.

piglet29

Ive had my spin dryer for about twenty odd years now!!! Mum & dad bought it for us when our washing machine stopped spinning and with three little ones it was invaluable, i would put the washer on to wash & rinse the clothes and then get them out soaking wet, lob them in the spinner and they would come out practically dry. My spinner has had various trips in the car to dd's house, mil's and mums when they have had problems with their washing machines its been a godsend and my husband once wanted to get rid of it:eek: Its very similar to the one in the thread for comet (or was it currys?) so they havent changed much either!!!!:D

Olliebeak

Everybody I've ever spoken to says that spin dryers get out far more water than modern automatic washing machines - though spin speeds on wm's have improved greatly over the last few years. Having said that, there are probably some things that you would just not want to spin for too long in a SD - but you are in complete control of how long you spin for, not the machine! Acrylic sweaters/cardigans, delicate items that may crease too much and then can't be ironed etc - I'd be extra careful with.

Have to admit that I really miss my old Hotpoint SD - I continued to use it for quite a few years even after the lid-hinge had snapped in half!

bellaquidsin

I have a WM and a TD but would not get rid of my spin dryer. If the washing machine goes on the blink, and as my WM is 18 years old that could be any day now (ssshhh) I can always wash by hand. I use it as a previous poster suggested and spin out the water between each rinse, which takes the hard work out of hand washing. They can be stored in a cupboard and brought (wheeled) out when required. Mine is in the garage and I have to lift it up a deep step to get it in the kitchen but it is possible.

IMHO a spin dryer is something well worth while saving for a 'rainy day',

Bella.

JenniO

Hi all
I've been trying to read old posts on 'spin dryers' but it just doesn't seem to answer a question I have. Being 'American' I'm not sure what the true name is or even whether such a thing exists, but what I'm looking for is a spin dryer that you crank by hand on the top and does NOT plug into any mains. Therefore it doesn't use electricity. I really need something that gets clothes just a wee bit more dry than when it comes out of the washer and would love to know it wasn't using any electricity.

If anyone knows any makes of such a thing please let me know. I don't dare ask this on any other part of the MSE forum for the abuse that would no doubt be hurled my way.

thanks!
Jen

mudgekin

Hi JenniO, what you are looking for is a wringer or mangle. TBH I don't think they are even made now. I do remember when I first got married I had an old hotpoint washing machine given to me with a wringer on top. That was electrical though mbut my mother did have one of the old hand turned wringers when I was a child.