Avoid using GAS and ELECTRIC !

annie123

I remember using my nans mangle dont fancy going back to it,
shirts went through twice, towels 4 times and I learn't you don't put jumpers through them.....opps

anguk

Gigervamp wrote: »

I've been looking at mangles on ebay. I'm seriously considering buying one, but they seem to go for quite a bit.

What about a spin dryer? My MIL had one and I'm often tempted to get one as the clothes come out much drier than my washing machine.

Primrose

The only problem with a mangle is that it's difficult to cope with anything with buttons or zips, which get crushed. Ideal for sheets and towels though. And I agree that generally spin driers get clothes much drier than washing machines. Does anybody know what the maximum spin speed on a spin drier is? I think the max spin speed on the latest washing machines is 1600 rpm.

whatatwit

When I used to use a spinner, stuff came out far dryer than from my washer.
Also I found you could watch the water coming out and see when it had worked its magic.

Gigervamp

No room for a spin dryer, plus it uses electric. Reason I was looking at mangles is for the times we have power cuts.

anguk

Primrose wrote: »

The only problem with a mangle is that it's difficult to cope with anything with buttons or zips, which get crushed. Ideal for sheets and towels though. And I agree that generally spin driers get clothes much drier than washing machines. Does anybody know what the maximum spin speed on a spin drier is? I think the max spin speed on the latest washing machines is 1600 rpm.

The Creda one I've been looking at has a maximum spin of 2800rpm.

I think if I had the room I'd be seriously tempted to get a twin-tub when my current washer gives up the ghost.

Olliebeak

I loved my old twin-tub when my kids were small - but still used my spin dryer as it was better than the twin-tub one! Was very sad when the day came for it to be finally 'laid to rest' by the engineer, who had acquired an automatic from another customer and let me have it for £20 (1986 or so!).

Problem with twin-tubs is that they weren't 'plumbed in' and had to be brought across the kitchen floor to the sink to do the laundry. Are today's more modern ones any different? I can't imagine finding space for a twin-tub in today's kitchens - certainly not in mine where the space for the washer is rather on the narrow side (had to be pushed into place by OH sitting on the floor with his feet on the bottom of the machine!).

They would be wonderful for water economy though - I'm on a water meter . Used to start the laundry with boiling water for nappies (pre-soaked of course), bibs, cotton vests, towels, tea towels etc, followed by ex-OH's shirts, school shirts/blouses. Even the water that was spun out in the spinner went back into the main tub of laundry.

Oh happy days!

bundance

You know those sponges which hold loads of water?
Is it possible to get a big block and put the washing on top, or on a line, above the block, so the block takes the drips?

bertiebots

I used to have a twin tub (couldnt afford an automatic) in 1989/90 and loved it . You had to remember to put the waste pipe in the sink though or you would flood the kitchen! They used far less water and I used to get all my washing done in about half an hour! I used to do whites followed by colours...all in the same water and then spin them/rinse and on the line. No waiting for 2 hours like modern machines. I do get cheased off when I rush to get the washer on because the sun (yes it has been known lol) comes out only to find it raining by the time the programme has finished! Ah the good old days.....I was only 16 btw lol! I guess I always was os............

Pandora123_2

(you do need space for it, though)