Choose the best baby detergent for your little one

There’s not much in life that’s more exciting than welcoming a new member to your family, but a baby also introduces a whole new set of worries, concerns, and questions you might not have ever thought about before.

“What detergent should I use for my baby?”

Seems like a simple question, right? But there’s a lot to consider. Is your detergent strong enough to remove tough baby stains? Is it also able to protect your little one’s sensitive skin? After all, a baby’s skin is much more delicate than an adult’s, and a safe detergent for the baby is a safe detergent for your entire household.

Here’s some of the guidelines we recommend following when it comes to purchasing detergent for your baby:

What is the best baby detergent that’s safe and effective?

Babies are born with sensitive skin, and it’s easy for their skin to become irritated from clothing and bedding that’s washed with detergents made with harsher chemicals. Here’s a few things to keep top of mind.

Ingredients

When it comes to ingredients, you’ll want to find products that have fewer chemicals. We recommend looking for detergents that are free of optical brightener, dye, paragon, sulfate, phthalate, and phosphate—in other words, look for detergents with plant-based ingredients.

At the very least, look for detergents that are hypoallergenic, which means they should be tested to be less likely to cause allergic reactions. However, you want to make sure you’re getting the poop stains out, right? Look for plant-based enzymes as they will be safer for skin and provide the cleaning power you need.

Smell

While we recommend fragrance-free detergents to eliminate a potential irritant being introduced to your baby, this is one where you can test within your household. We understand if you enjoy having a certain scent present, but only use it if your baby isn’t irritated by it.

Look for icons on detergents for the EPA Safer Choice and USDA Biobased Product certifications. These certifications are great information shortcuts that mean a product has been vetted by the federal government and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment.

Budget

This has less to do with helping your baby’s delicate skin, and more about saving your delicate budget. Look for products that are concentrated or guarantee a lower cost per load.

Do I have to get a detergent marketed for babies?

No, but it’s a helpful way to find something that’s safer. While there are other baby-safe detergents that aren’t marketed specifically for babies, you will want to make sure they don’t have the allergens, dyes, and harsh chemicals that could affect your baby.

While free and clear detergents might work, they still could contain irritants for babies. Be sure they’re free from fragrances, dyes, and optical brighteners—if they are, then they’re good to go! And, once again, it makes sense to have your whole household switch to a safe detergent since your baby will be touching you a lot anyway.

Are laundry pods safe for babies?

Short answer, no. Laundry pods are a risk for younger children and babies because they’re easily mistaken for toys and present a safety hazard. If you are determined to use laundry pods (that follow the guidance above), please make sure they’re well out of reach for children and babies.

What about cloth diapers?

If you’re using cloth diapers for your baby, we recommend checking out this blog to get a better understanding of how to clean cloth diapers with whatever detergent you select.

We continue to meet so many passionate animal advocates serving in a variety of organizations. To honor them for their efforts, Speed Queen gifted several of these special foster moms and dads a TR7/DR7 set to help simplify laundry day and enable them to focus on providing the best possible care for their furry foster friends. Today, we’ll introduce you to Nicole in Bedford, Pennsylvania. 

There’s little doubt that Abby’s life before she was rescued by Nicole Wertz was brutal. She had recently given birth, had a broken jaw, and was dumped to fend for herself. It’s heartbreaking, and with that backstory, she had every reason not to trust humans…but that wasn’t in her nature. 

“She had the best personality,” Nicole said, noting that the Boston Terrier/Pitbull mix loved meeting others and had a gentle nature – making friends with everyone, even befriending a rabbit. 

Abby was Nicole’s first rescue and made such an impact that, shortly after her passing in 2018, Nicole decided to start a foster-based rescue in her honor – Abby’s Angels Animal Haven in Bedford, Penn. 

“I had no idea what this would grow into,” Nicole said, noting that she figured they might help 20 or 30 animals that first year; they ended the year with 78. And while she may have questioned what she got herself into, Nicole and her team have continued to grow the organization and routinely take in 100 to 150 animals a year. 

The growth of the organization sadly continues as it recently took in 17 dogs from a hoarding situation, which has also led to rising veterinary costs…already at $26,000 and growing. However, the communities they serve have been extremely supportive. 

In fact, a local appliance retailer – Martin Appliance in Altoona, Penn – recently donated a Speed Queen TR7 top load washer and matching DR7 dryer to help with the never-ending laundry. 

“[Nicole] works nonstop to make sure all their needs are met,” said Ryan Swope, sales consultant at Martin Appliance.  “They do an absolutely exceptional job providing the animals with love and care.”  

Devoting time to a rescue organization comes with plenty of heartbreaking moments, Nicole counts the owner surrenders as among the toughest, uprooting the dog’s daily life and everything they know. However, despite the heartache that can come with the work, the joy keeps her going. 

“The best days are adoption days, “ she said, adding that watching the transformations along the way that get them to the forever homes bolsters all involved. Stories like Atlas the Pitbull, who was tied out in the yard and intentionally starved. He’s slowly battled back from 39 pounds and is now up to 72 pounds. 

Hamilton the German Shepherd’s story is another that stands out to Nicole about the resilience of dogs and their capacity to love humans. Hamilton sustained chemical burns over 70 percent of his body. Recovery was as slow as it was painful. And yet he was diligent in showing those around him not just how much fight he had in him, but also how much love and joy for life. 

“He never once had a day that wasn’t his best day,” she said. 

Those are the stories that keep Nicole and the rest of the fosters going, strengthening their unified commitment that every animal deserves a chance. She also points to the importance of fostering in giving the dogs the best opportunity for success by giving them a headstart on life in a home, versus the steep difference an animal experiences going from a shelter to a home. 

This structure has led them to have great success in placing animals with the best families. Rarely, does an adoption not stick, and that helps them keep making room to give more dogs a chance at forever homes. 

To learn more about Abby’s Angels Animal Haven, visit here. 

Speed Queen at Work 

For Nicole and Abby’s Angels, the timing of the Speed Queen equipment donation from Martin Appliance was perfect. 

“A lifesaver,” Nicole said. “The donation came at the exact right time.” 

And the wash performance of the TR7 has been helping the organization reduce costs. Obviously, the towels and blankets used in animal rescue are a tall order for cleaning. The challenges of removing excrement, urine, and vomit stains cannot be understated. 

“Normally, we’d have to throw them out,” Nicole said, adding that now, with Speed Queen’s TR7, linens are coming out clean, fresh, and stain-free. And the DR7 dryer with pet hair removal cycle has been…shall we say…well used by Nicole and other fosters. 

Dirty clothes are never ending, so no matter the size of your household, you’re bound to spend a fair amount of time doing the wash. That’s all the more reason to make your laundry area as pleasant and functional as possible. An organized laundry room can help make laundry day far less stressful and even cut the amount of time it takes to get the chore done. Here are some of our best laundry room organization tips and tricks that can help make your laundry area work better for you.

Start with cleaning out the space

Before you take on laundry room organization, take a good look at the area you’re currently using to do the wash. Because space is always a premium, it’s a good idea to declutter the area. So, ask yourself, what haven’t I used in a long time? If it’s a basket, a shelf or even  laundry detergent, if you’re not using it, it’s taking up precious space.

Think about workflow

Workflow is a buzzword used to describe the order in which you do things, and it’s an important consideration when it comes to the laundry room. So think about how you like to work. Can you reach the detergent without having to move? Is your folding area close to the dryer? What can you change to make things work better? An efficient workflow minimizes effort and steps.

Add laundry room wall organizers

Walls, even if small, are a great way to add functionality to your laundry room. When you use the walls for storing things, you get items up off the ground and open up the space. Things like irons, drying racks, brooms and mops are great things to store in laundry room wall organizers that can be mounted to the walls.

Add laundry room cabinets

Laundry room cabinets are a great way to hide items from public view. When hung over a washer and dryer, they make great storage spaces for laundry detergents, stain removers and dryer balls.

Add laundry room shelves

Laundry room shelves are one of our favorite ways to add functionality to a laundry room. One popular hack is adding a do-it-yourself shelf above the washer and dryer that can also double as a folding space. Another clever move is adding shelving by using a wire door rack over the laundry room door. It’s a great way to maximize space when tackling small laundry room organization.

Use baskets for like items

Whether you have laundry room cabinets or laundry room shelves, you can use small baskets or plastic bins to keep like-items together. Great candidates for baskets and bins include detergents, cleaning products, dryer products, clothespins and hangers, etc. Besides helping out with storage, brightly colored bins and textured or fabric baskets can add visual interest to your laundry room.

Label things

Labeling everything might seem like overkill but it’s incredibly helpful when other people use your laundry room besides you. It’s a great way to make sure things go back to the same place, and it’s also helpful if you have room enough to keep clean clothes baskets for different family members. Labels have come a long way since the simple punch out style. In fact, some labels are very attractive and can be used to help perk up the room.

Clean the laundry room regularly

Our how-to’s for whipping your laundry room into shape are handy, but if you don’t stay on top of it, all of your organization efforts can be lost. It’s important to sweep and mop the floor of your laundry room weekly, taking care to wipe down the tops of your washer and dryer to keep them free of dust and detergent. While you’re cleaning, take time to make sure things are in the right place and that you’re stocked up on laundry supplies for the coming week. It may take a bit to get used to laundry room maintenance, but you’ll appreciate how well your area functions and the time you can save during the busy week.

Is your washing machine staining clothes? It might be. If you wash your clothes with detergent and notice weird stains that were never there before, you might be dealing with detergent stains or perhaps even oil, limescale, and rust stains. After a wash, this is usually the last thing you expect, but it’s more common than you might think. However, there’s good news—there are ways you can both prevent and clean these mystery stains. 

Detergent stains on clothes 

If you’re ending up with white or blue stains on clothes after a wash, you’re probably dealing with laundry detergent or fabric softener not dissolving during the wash and creating stains. This can happen if you’re using the wrong type of detergent for your washing machine or using too much detergent or fabric softener than your washing machine is designed to use. If it’s not releasing detergent the correct way, it can quickly spill into the wash and cause potential stains. That’s why we recommend using 1-2 Tablespoons of HE detergent and putting it directly into the washing machine tub to avoid these situations. While we may not recommend the use of fabric softener, you can still add it by using the fabric softener dispenser. If using the Normal/ECO cycle, ensure the Extra Rinse option is selected or you may notice staining. Or, use white distilled vinegar instead, since there would be no risk of staining. 

These types of post-washing stains are primarily due to excessive amounts of detergent leaving behind a residue, which in turn can trap additional dirt particles and lint. Simply put, more detergent isn’t better—we recommend 1-2 Tablespoons of HE detergent. Overloading your washing machine can also cause staining problems as well due to the machine not being able to properly circulate water and detergent.  

Laundry detergent stains are obviously the exact opposite of what you want to happen after a wash, but there are solutions to help remove the stains and keep them from happening in the future. 

How to get laundry detergent stains out of clothes 

So you have a post-wash stain caused by detergent? No problem. First, check your clothing’s care label to see if there are any special instructions related to the fabric.  

Otherwise, there are a variety of products that can be used to help remove detergent stains. But, we recommend spot testing an invisible corner of your clothes to see how each treatment reacts with your garment’s materials.  

First, soak the stained clothing item(s) in warm water and let it sit. This might do the trick and lift the stain by itself. If not, then it’s worth moving to rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and baking soda. Again, check your clothing’s care label for instructions, then test these materials in an inconspicuous space on the clothing. These household materials aren’t as tough on clothing as other products, so it’s worth an attempt to see if they’ll do the job. Give it some elbow grease and some time before giving up. 

If these don’t work, then it’s time to move on to using an oxygen-based pretreatment (such as oxygen bleach). Soak the clothes in warm water, then apply an oxygen-based pretreatment directly onto the stain, rub it in, and let it sit for at least ten minutes. Afterwards, toss it into the washing machine and use a rinse cycle with warm water. If the first cycle doesn’t work, attempt it at least one more time to break up the stain. Only use the dryer once the stain is gone. 

Oil stains on clothes after washing 

If your clothes are coming out of the wash with oily spots, grease, or dark stains, then you might have an issue with your washing machine. If you are unsure of the cause and your detective work doesn’t yield any clues, contact an appliance service technician. 

In the meantime, there are solutions for helping clean your oil stained clothes. With a paper towel and baking soda, blot the stain and try to draw the oil out of the clothes. For lighter oil stains, try pretreating with dish soap. For really dark oil stains, try soaking the garment in a tub of dish soap. Be sure to rinse the dish soap from the garment before placing it in the washing machine. Then, put it in the washing machine with detergent and run a normal cycle.  

Gray stains on clothes after washing 

Do you live in an area with hard water? Then you might encounter gray stains after a wash. Hard water contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium, and when higher levels of these minerals interact with detergent, it can create gray stains. In time, this will lead to limescale buildup in your washing machine. The best long-term solution for this problem is to invest in a water softener or filter for hard water.  

To clean these stains, you can follow the cleaning directions stated above for detergent-based stains. 

Rust stains on clothes after washing 

If you’re discovering brown or orange stains on clothing, make sure your washing machine is clean of rust, and that there aren’t any rusty objects in it. Looks good? Then there might be too much iron in your water and rusted pipes bringing water into your machine. You’ll need to call a trusted plumbing professional to diagnose and address this problem.  

To clean rust stains out of clothes, blot with a paper towel, then soak the clothing in a tub of water with baking soda mixed in. Soak for at least 10 minutes, then put it in the washing machine with detergent and run a normal cycle.  

Sometimes you will see “black or brown” marks on items, which can end up being scrud (old detergent/fabric softener grime). For this, we’d recommend cleaning cycles to remove the build up that is dislodging during the cycle and leaving stains on your clothes. Cleaning cycle: Heavy Duty, Hot water, Large load (if applicable) and a washer safe cleaner of choice (like affresh or white vinegar). 

When you’re in need of a piece of clothing, dryers seem to take forever. But, realistically, dryers are pretty efficient. Typically, a dryer can finish a load of clothing in about 30 to 45 minutes, but there are a lot of variables that come into play. When trying to answer the question, “How long does a dryer take?,” you’ll want to pay attention to a few variables. Load size, type of clothing, selected settings, and dryer maintenance are all factors that can affect how long it takes to dry your clothes.

Can load size affect drying time?

If you’re wondering, “How long does a dryer take?”, load size is a key factor that affects drying time. A good rule of thumb is to only fill the dryer half way. This gives the dryer contents room to tumble, enabling air to circulate throughout the dryer and touch more of the fabric’s surface. If you’re tempted to pack your dryer full, don’t do it. You’ll find inconsistent results within the load that will lead to extended drying times.

How long does a dryer take? It depends on fabric.

Yes, what you put in the dryer has an affect on drying time. Different fabrics have different weights, absorbencies, and structures—all of which tie into the time it takes to dry. Heavier, more absorbent fabrics like towels typically take longer to dry than lighter fabrics like a cotton T-shirt. Synthetic fabrics are sometimes the fastest to dry as they typically absorb less water.

How long does a dryer take? It depends on your setting choice.

Settings control temperature and load time, so they definitely impact drying. It’s best to use higher temperatures for heavier items like towels. Low to medium heat is best for sheets and blouses and underwear. And no heat settings are great for heat-sensitive fabrics like wool. If a load of laundry is taking longer than usual to dry, check the settings to make sure they align with what’s right for the fabric.

Speaking of settings, you may sometimes find that your dryer continues to run even after the load is dry. This can happen when you’ve manually selected a dryer time that’s longer than needed or because you have Extended Tumble selected, which fluffs the clothes after they are dry to prevent wrinkling.

My dryer takes a long time to dry clothes. What should I do?

If your dryer is taking a long time to dry your laundry, there are some causes that are easy to address.  The following tips are things you can do that don’t require a great deal of technical knowledge.

Confirm the power source

A dryer can take longer to dry a load if it is operating from the wrong power source. A dryer should be connected to a 240-volt circuit to operate at full capacity. If it is connected to 120 volts, it will take much longer to dry a load.

Plugging in via extension cord also can reduce the amount of power your dryer receives, so it is not recommended for optimal operation.

Check for lint buildup

Drying is all about air circulation and if there is even a light layer of lint on the screen, it will impact circulation within the dryer. This (along with mitigating a potential fire hazard) is why you should always clean out the dryer lint filter after every load.

It’s important to note that lint can wind up in other places in your dryer besides in the lint filter, such as below the filter and under the dryer.

Be sure the dryer vent isn’t clogged

A clogged dryer vent can most certainly affect drying time. Lint builds up inside the exhaust vent and, in addition to being a potential fire hazard, it can restrict airflow in the dryer. If the vent needs cleaning, you can call a technician or, if you are comfortable, you can follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer.
2. Disconnect the vent hose from the dryer.
3. Vacuum out the vent hose from both ends, including outside.
4. Use a screwdriver to remove the exterior exhaust hood.
5. Vacuum lint from the hood entrance.
6. Replace the exhaust hood, reconnect the vent hose, and plug the dryer back in.

When working with the vent hose, make sure it is not pinched or crushed as this can restrict airflow and lengthen drying times.

Stay on top of dryer maintenance

If you’ve checked all of the above and your dryer is still taking a long time to dry your laundry it may require some regular maintenance.

Other dryer issues, like part malfunctions, can affect drying times and should be addressed by a service technician. The most common part malfunctions related to drying times are a broken heating element in an electric dryer or a solenoid malfunction in a gas dryer. If you check all of the likely causes for extended dryer times — like load size, dryer settings, and the condition of your lint traps and vents — to determine that none of these are inhibiting drying, we recommend you call a service technician. If your heating element or solenoids are malfunctioning, they will need to be replaced and a service professional best handles this. You can find a servicer near you at https://speedqueen.com/support/find-service/

When it comes to using liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets, it’s probably best to avoid both and try other alternatives. According to Consumer Reports, you should ditch fabric softener as it irritates skin, leaves residue on clothes, harms the efficacy of towels, and even damages your machine.

Is fabric softener bad?

We don’t recommend it. It’s time to go beyond what’s available to purchase at the store and look for eco-friendly and cost-effective substitutes. So, if you’re looking to eliminate static or make your clothes softer, there are other options that can achieve similar results—some of them are probably sitting in your house right now.

Fabric softener vs. detergent vs. dryer sheets

Usually available in powder or liquid form, detergent is a cleaning agent that—you guessed it—cleans dirty clothes. And if you want, you can buy a detergent that’s scented or unscented.

Fabric softener and dryer sheets are the similar ones here. The end result for both is to eliminate static and help make clothes feel soft. It’s the “how” that’s different. Fabric softener is typically added during the wash cycle, and it’s a chemical compound that gets into fabric fibers and causes them to become fluffy while adding anti-static properties. Unfortunately, fabric softener can build up in your washing machine and cause problems unless you’re cleaning it a lot.

On the other hand, dryer sheets are added when you’re using your dryer to keep clothes feeling soft and static-free. Dryer sheets are coated with stearic acid, which melts in the dryer and coats clothes to provide these benefits. If you decide to use dryer sheets, remember that the dryer sheet goes on top of the clothes after loading the dryer.

What is a natural fabric softener?

Because of these and other concerns with fabric softeners and dryer sheets, some people have tried alternatives with some success. A natural fabric softener would be an option that doesn’t use chemicals to achieve anti-static and to soften clothes.

What are some fabric softeners alternatives?

Here are some eco-friendly and cost-effective substitutes for fabric softener and dryer sheets.

Aluminum Foil

Here’s an easy, affordable option made with only one item that can be found in most kitchens. Tear a sheet of aluminum foil about as large as the width of the dryer, fold corners and edges in, and then roll it into a ball shape.

Tennis Balls

For a simple substitute for fabric softener, look no further than a tennis ball. In addition to softening clothes and eliminating static, they can also help reduce wrinkles, fluff up stuffed items, and speed up dry times.

Wool Dryer Balls

This solution is similar to tennis balls. Reusable and cost-effective, wool dryer balls soften clothes by gently tumbling around clothes. After a couple years of use, you should replace it with a new one. However, if you’re feeling crafty and have a DIY spirit, you can create homemade wool dryer balls with some wool yarn and a pair of nylons.

White Vinegar

White vinegar does not always reduce static, but it has been found to soften clothes. Add one-half cup (for a large load) of white vinegar to the rinse cycle when the tub is full of water to avoid bleaching and a vinegar smell.

Air Dry

If you have the space available, consider air drying clothes to reduce the static that’s caused by fabrics rubbing together.

Water softener

Now this solution is a bit more complicated, but hard water can be a problem if you’re looking for softer clothes. Hard water leaves deposits on your clothes in the wash. Certain areas might have harder water than other areas. If you can install a water softener, it’ll help with softness.

Make your own natural fabric softener and dryer sheets

Another great alternative to store bought fabric softener and dryer sheets is to make your own with natural ingredients. Both are easy to make with just a few items. 

Natural fabric softener recipe

• 2 cups white vinegar
• 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil (favorites include lavender, lemon and tea

Method:
1. Mix vinegar and essential oil in a container with a lid
2. Shake well to mix
3. Add ¼ to ½ cup of this mixture to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.

Natural dryer sheet recipe

• Squares of cotton fabric (6 to 8 inches)
• Natural fabric softener from above
• Small bowl

Method:
Pour natural fabric softener into a bowl. Place a few fabric squares into fabric softener and let them soak until saturated. Squeeze excess liquid from each square. Lay the squares flat on a drying rack. Once dry, store the squares in an airtight container. To use, toss a sheet on top of your clothing before you start the dryer. Note that these sheets are reusable. You can use each sheet multiple times and then resoak the sheet in fabric softener when it’s no longer effective.

When you’ve decided to move on from dryer sheets and fabric softeners, the simple and affordable fabric softener alternatives will keep your clothes soft and without static.

Dryers are supposed to quietly hum as they churn and tumble your clothes. If yours starts screeching, squeaking or making loud, high-pitched squeals when operating, it’s possible your neighbor’s parrot is hiding out in your laundry room or more likely that something within the dryer requires your attention. Here are some tips for what to do about a squeaky dryer.

Why is my dryer squeaking?
There are several possible answers for why your dryer is squeaking. These include problems with the dryer belt, the drum, or the rollers. The answer to the “Why is my dryer squeaking” question could also be that the dryer is not level. Whatever the cause, it’s best to do a little investigation before calling an appliance service technician. That’s because there is a chance you’ll be able to fix the problem yourself once the cause is identified.

How to fix a squeaky dryer
If you don’t know how to fix a squeaky dryer, you’re in luck. Some of the fixes are relatively simple. To start, it’s recommended that you find the Parts Manual for your dryer which can be found in the Service tab of SpeedQueen.com by searching by model number. The Parts Manual will help you locate the parts mentioned in this blog. You’ll also need a level, a screwdriver to remove covers, an adjustable wrench, and well-fitting work gloves to protect your hands while working.

What if it’s the dryer belt squeaking?
It’s possible that the cause of the high pitched squeals you’re hearing when your dryer is turning have to do with a worn dryer belt. To determine if it is in fact the dryer belt squeaking, you’ll need to take the panel off of the dryer. This process is different depending on model but look for fasteners and screws where the top and front panels meet. Once the cover is off, you can locate the drive belt. It wraps around the outside of the dryer drum. Look at the belt and determine if it is frayed, worn, stretched or cracked. If it is, you’ll want to have it replaced by an appliance service technician.

What if it’s the dryer drum squeaking?
Another possible reason your dryer is making loud squeals and noise has to do with the dryer drum. If you hear noise, always check inside the drum for coins, paper clips or other metal objects that could have fallen out of pockets and into the drum. If there’s nothing inside, another cause of dryer drum squeaking could have to do with the dryer drum rollers and their need for lubrication. Lubricating the dryer drum rollers should be done by an appliance service technician

Squeaking caused by an unlevel dryer
One of the likeliest causes of dryer squeaking can be a dryer that’s unlevel. To determine if your dryer is unlevel, simply put your level on the front of the dryer and then on its sides. The bubble in the level should rest between the center lines on the level. If the bubble is not in the center, your dryer is not level and this could be the cause of your dryer noise.

How to level a dryer
To level your dryer, you’ll need an adjustable wrench to turn the dryer leveling feet. To raise the dryer, you’ll need to turn the feet clockwise. To lower the dryer, you’ll need to turn the feet counterclockwise. You’ll want to raise or lower the feet until the dryer is level from side to side and front to back.

Note that even if your dryer is level, the feet could be the cause of the squeaking if they are loose. If you find that the dryer is level but the feet are loose, tighten the feet and see if that makes a difference.

When in doubt, call a professional
It’s important not to run a dryer that’s squeaking as you could be causing damage to the dryer. If you are unsure of the cause and your detective work doesn’t yield any clues, contact an appliance service technician.

From the morning we wake up until bedtime, the average American family is using more than 300 gallons of water per day in their home. Simply put, that’s a lot of water, and we’re fortunate enough to have access to safe water we can do this with. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the amount of water you’re using on a daily basis.

According to the EPA, of those 300 gallons, 17% goes to washing clothes. Making an impact on both the environment and your wallet, it’s smart to think about how much water your washing machine uses—and how you can use less.

Let’s talk about how much water you’re using with your washing machine.

How much water does a washing machine use on average? It depends.

Depending on the wash cycle selected, size of load, and any additional options you choose, different amounts of water will be used by your washing machine. As a quick example, let’s say you pick the Heavy Duty Cycle with the Extra Rinse option. Then you decide to change the Soil Level—light, medium, heavy, or max—which adds or subtracts wash time for the selected cycle. Light will use the least water while max will use more.

Options such as Soak will then give you the option of soaking clothing prior to the wash cycle to help target any stubborn stains or heavily soiled clothing items. Obviously, this adds more water.

However, it’s more than just the setting you’ve chosen for the load you’re washing. A larger capacity washing machine will usually use more water than a typical washer, but that’s because it’s meant to hold more clothing. And larger loads of clothing will demand more water to fully clean.

What’s the water usage for a washing machine with an agitator?

The purpose of an agitator is to move clothes and water back and forth, and up and down, to create the maximum amount of clothing turnover for cleaning. On average, top-loading agitator washing machines typically use more water than front-loading washers. That’s why Speed Queen® washers are engineered to wash all load types while meeting the Department of Energy standards for water consumption with our Eco-Cycle.

Speed Queen® washers with agitators also have a feature that makes sure any water that goes into the machine is put to good use. Speed Queen® Perfect Wash™ links the agitator and tub to provide a gentle, but highly effective, wash action that leverages the power of water to clean. Essentially, it moves water through the clothes—providing a premium wash that safeguards clothing.

What happens if you run a washing machine without water?

It’s not going to work. Once the washing machine realizes water is not entering into the drum, it will stop working before the washing cycle begins. Some older washing machines and top-loading washers may run without water, but do not do this as it can harm the integrity of the machine.

What if my washing machine water is not stopping?

If this occurs, either turn off the machine’s current cycle, turf off the water line to the machine, or turn off the machine’s power to stop water from coming in. Once it’s stopped, it’s time to figure out what’s going wrong. From defective water inlet valves or a water level pressure switch to clogged or kinked supply hoses, there’s a variety of situations that might lead to this. We recommend contacting a professional to diagnose the issue and solve the problem.

Is something wrong if my washing machine water will not fill?

Possibly. A washing machine that is not filling with water could be indicative of a larger maintenance issue. Here’s a quick article to help you figure out what to do in this situation. However, if there’s some water, it’s probably that your washing machine doesn’t need much water to function. Newer washing machines—especially high-efficiency (HE) washing machines—simply use less water and do not fill the drum as much as you would think. For more information, read this Consumer Report.

What can you do to use less water?

Sometimes it’s hard to manually figure out exactly how much water is appropriate for the load you’re washing. We get it, we’re all human. However, that’s why Speed Queen® offers washing machines that feature options to make the task a little easier.

• Our machines feature the option to use less water with our Eco Cycle options—saving water, using less energy, and meeting Department of Energy standards.
• Take the guesswork out of saving water with our Auto Fill option, guaranteeing that every load will always have enough water. This smart design continually checks to make sure there’s enough water to get the most effective wash, without increasing wash time.

There are also actions you can take to help reduce the water and energy you’re using.

• Wear most of your clothes more than once to wash them less. Underpants and exercise gear are the exception.
• Skip extra rinse cycles to reduce water usage by a large amount.
• Run only full loads to both save on energy consumption and decrease water usage—washing multiple smaller loads uses more water than fewer large loads. But, be careful to not overload your machine.
• Reduce energy consumption and hot water use by using cold wash whenever possible.
• If your machine allows for it, use a HE laundry detergent as they’re specifically designed to clean better using less water.
• Maintain your washing machine to keep it running as smoothly as possible.

Looking to find a water saving washing machine?

While the water you use during washing is more complicated than simply pressing a single button, there are a whole slew of ways you can reduce your consumption of water depending on your needs. It all starts with the knowledge of how to do this, then implementing it in your life how you see fit.

If you’re looking for a new machine that can help, update your washer to a newer, better cleaning, more efficient model like the Speed Queen® TR7 washer.

In the world of rescue, it sometimes seems like the animal finds the human. A seemingly simple confluence of events combines, and those four paws walk, right into someone’s life…whether they were truly ready or not.

That was the case for Speed Queen’s Content and Media Relations Manager, Randy Radtke. While telling the amazing stories of dedicated individuals active in fostering for rescues, often through the special animals they opened their homes to, seeds were planted that he may be ready to adopt.

“Because I wanted another Vizsla running partner, I had started looking at breeders,” Randy said, adding that after meeting fosters and their house guests, he began to seriously ponder rescuing a dog.

“Nobody warned me that when you mention to someone who works in rescue that you may be ready to adopt, they are on the case faster than Perry Mason,” he joked. “I was entertaining the idea but wasn’t quite sure if I was fully ready.

Seeing spots

It wasn’t long after meeting Wendy Kaplan, who fosters for Milo’s Dog Rescue of South Florida, that the super foster set about finding Randy a companion. Where Randy was casually looking, ever the driven rescue advocate, Wendy was in full mission mode. 

Mere weeks later, a litter of pure-bred Dalmatian pups was taken in by Milo’s fosters and Wendy was convinced this was meant to be – pure-bred pups in rescue are quite rare, plus, as an avid runner in search of a high-energy dog for training, Randy was the perfect connection.

“Honestly, I had never considered a Dalmatian. So, I did my research on the breed and its history as carriage dogs,” Randy said. Meanwhile, Wendy was checking out the litter and picked out the pup who had the highest energy…this guy never quit playing and knocking over water bowls.

There was one other wrinkle to this story – Randy was up in Wisconsin and the pups were in Florida.

“I’m a classic overthinker. So, while I warmed to the Dalmatian breed, I kept questioning if I was ready for a pup. Oh, and how the heck I was going to get the pup to Wisconsin,” he said.

Those were just details for Wendy, who, in addition to being a foster hero, is also a bit of an animal transportation rockstar.

“Wendy put the full-court press on as the pups were finding homes. I had to make a call or they would likely all be spoken for after an upcoming weekend adoption event,” Randy said. “Wendy should work in sales, because she got me off the fence and forced a decision,” he said with a laugh.

The caravan home

Seemingly within hours of his approved adoption application, Wendy had pulled together a team of rescue stars to get the pup north to his new home, with a short stay in North Carolina.

“I’ve met amazing people telling foster and rescue stories for Speed Queen, but it seriously brought tears to my eyes that all these people I never met were working together to bring this guy to his forever home,” he said. “Just amazing people.”

And that’s how, the day before Halloween, in an Indianapolis Cracker Barrel parking lot, Randy met Barnabas for the first time.

Florida meets the north

After the expected adjustment period, all parties settled into a routine. However, it was a bit surprising to see how this Florida dog took to Wisconsin winters.

“Barnabas absolutely loves snow. And if it’s a fresh snow, forget about, he’s going to be flying around through every drift like a madman.” Randy said, adding that he seems unfazed by the cold.

Perhaps his true superpower is being a four-legged billboard for rescue. Wherever he goes, Barnabas’s distinctive spotted coat attracts attention, sparking frequent “meet and greets” on walks.

“So many people comment on how handsome he is; it’s crazy,” Randy said. “What I love is that these meetings give me a great opportunity to talk about his rescue background and perhaps inspire someone to rescue a dog of their own.”

Family here…and there, too

Though Barnabas left his brothers and sisters behind in Florida, he’s never far away. With the help of Stacy Billingslea from Milo’s, Randy stays in contact with the owners of his littermates, sharing photos, their adventures, and stories of their development.

“I think we are all so happy with the joy these monochromatic creatures have brought to our homes,” Randy said. “One thing I can definitely tell you is they are all living their best lives….sooooo spoiled.”

And Randy is hoping the best is yet to come as Barnabas gets closer to regular training runs. Thus far, Barnabas has been a typical high-energy Dalmatian, but has also shown some promise in holding pace in a couple one- and two-mile test runs.

“Regardless of if Barnabas develops into a high mileage training partner or not, he’s brought a great energy to the house. I am so grateful to all those that brought us together,” Randy said.

How to Wash Stuffed Animals and Plush Dolls

If your household is filled with Teddy Bears and Squishy marshmallow type stuffed animals and plush dolls, then you know just how much grime and dirt your children’s toys can collect. From daycare to parks and restaurants, they go everywhere. That’s why it’s important to periodically clean them, eliminate germs, and bring them back to life.

Before washing, make sure to look at the stuffed toy’s care label for additional instructions about the fabric and materials. If it’s extremely delicate, you may want to wash it by hand. If it’s approved for machine washing, feel free to.

Washing Machine

The washing machine should be avoided if you’re dealing with stuffed toys that have glued-on eyes or plastic parts—delicate toys can get damaged in the washing machine. Avoid premature wear and tear by considering the use of a laundry detergent that’s mild, gentler, or for sensitive skin. Then, get a mesh bag or pillow case to put the stuffed toys into to provide additional protection.

Next, use a gentle or delicate washing cycle with cold water. Normal cycles and warmer water should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. This process should eliminate germs, clean stains, and help ensure your stuffed toys last longer than ever. Looking for a more tailored treatment for your stuffed toys? Say hello to our TR product line. These models employ the Speed Queen® Perfect Wash™ system, which gently removes stains while also taking better care of fabrics.

For drying, it’s recommended to air dry stuffed toys to further reduce potential wear. However, if you’re in a pinch and need to use the dryer, use the most delicate cycle and set the temperature as low as possible—high temperatures can melt plastic parts or even burn the material. Finally, you might want to consider letting it dry in front of a fan to remove even more moisture.

Hand Wash

For those delicate (or really old) stuffed toys, it’s best to head over to the sink for a hand washing session. Fill up your sink with cool water and make use of a mild laundry detergent. Submerge the stuffed toys into the soapy water and gently squeeze them underwater to ensure soap is permeating throughout them. Again, you’re probably hand washing because you’re dealing with a delicate toy, so make sure you’re being careful with it.

Afterwards, rinse with cold water and squeeze (do not wring as this can cause damage) the detergent out. Pat with a dry towel, then let air dry. Feel free to consider the use of a fan to further remove moisture and ensure mildew doesn’t form.

Ready to play!

After giving the stuffed toys enough time to dry out, it’s time to let the fun begin again! Enjoy!