Page not found – Speed Queen https://speedqueen.com Built Better to Last Longer Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:17:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 How Much Water Does A Washing Machine Use? It Depends. https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/laundry-room/tips/how-much-water-does-a-washing-machine-use-it-depends/ https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/laundry-room/tips/how-much-water-does-a-washing-machine-use-it-depends/#respond Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:17:30 +0000 https://speedqueen.com/?p=241486 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 […]

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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.

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An On-the-Spot Decision to Rescue Leads to Forever Home https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/pet-plus/an-on-the-spot-decision-to-rescue-leads-to-forever-home/ https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/pet-plus/an-on-the-spot-decision-to-rescue-leads-to-forever-home/#respond Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:03:57 +0000 https://speedqueen.com/?p=241367 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 […]

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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.

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How to Wash Stuffed Animals https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/laundry-room/tips/how-to-wash-stuffed-animals/ https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/laundry-room/tips/how-to-wash-stuffed-animals/#respond Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:10:39 +0000 https://speedqueen.com/?p=241044 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 […]

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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!

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Removing Grease From Your Garments https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/knowledge/removing-grease-from-your-garments/ https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/knowledge/removing-grease-from-your-garments/#respond Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:23:06 +0000 https://speedqueen.com/?p=240994 Grease stains happen to the best of us. Whether it’s a few splatters of cooking oil jumping from the stovetop to your t-shirt, a stray spaghetti noodle that lands on your lap, or a mysterious stain on your sleeve after brushing up against something in the garage — we’ve got the tips to make that […]

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Grease stains happen to the best of us. Whether it’s a few splatters of cooking oil jumping from the stovetop to your t-shirt, a stray spaghetti noodle that lands on your lap, or a mysterious stain on your sleeve after brushing up against something in the garage — we’ve got the tips to make that grease lightnin’ GO-go-go (away).

Timely treatment
The first step is to act quickly. The sooner you try to get a grease stain out, the more likely you are to have success in removing it. Even if the stain has dried already, there’s still a good chance you’ll be able to remove it — but the longer it sits, the harder it will be to remove. So if you have any other greasy garments in your wardrobe that you’ve been avoiding wearing, make sure to grab those and add them to the grease treatment laundry pile. It’s better to try and remove an old grease stain 2 weeks after an incident than 2 months after.

Choose your cleaning solution
Once you’ve gathered all the garments you’re looking to treat, the next step is to buy or create a cleaning solution. Popular options include a pretreatment spray, a heavy-duty liquid detergent, or a homemade paste using equal parts powdered laundry detergent and water. Liquid dish soap is also a great cleaning agent that can help remove grease and oil stains.

Apply pre-treatment
Before applying your preferred cleaning solution, you can take an extra step to help try and extract some of the grease before washing it. Sprinkle either regular table salt or baking soda on top of the grease-stained spot and let it sit for a few minutes. This process will help to draw some of the grease out of the garment. Then take your preferred cleaning agent and gently rub in the solution with your fingertips or a white cloth. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes to break down and extract the grease.

If you decide to hand wash the garment using liquid dish soap, make sure to thoroughly rinse the spot where dish soap was applied. It’s important to make sure all of the liquid dish soap is removed from the fabric before machine washing.

Warm wash and repeat
Place your soon-to-be-grease-free garments in your Speed Queen® washer, setting the water temperature to the highest recommended temperature on the fabric tag. After running a regular wash cycle, examine the stains to see if they’ve been slightly or entirely removed. If some of the stain remains, repeat the same process.

One of the most important things to remember when treating a grease stain is to never put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. Heated drying cycles can make grease stains set into clothes even further, so we recommend letting the recently treated garments air dry in case any trace amounts of grease remain.

For more cleaning and laundry tips like how to wash a dirty sports jersey or the best ways to wash your favorite pair of jeans, be sure to check out our other great Speed Queen® blogs on The Laundry Scoop.

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Fall/Winter Cleaning Checklist https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/knowledge/fall-winter-cleaning-checklist/ https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/knowledge/fall-winter-cleaning-checklist/#respond Wed, 01 Nov 2023 14:58:57 +0000 https://speedqueen.com/?p=240976 PREPARE YOUR HOUSE FOR WINTER It’s been a long and hot summer, and now that cooler temperatures are finally arriving, it’s the perfect time to do some fall cleaning. For many of us, the colder weather means we’ll be indoors a lot more. That makes cleaning your space of clutter and tackling deep cleaning projects […]

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PREPARE YOUR HOUSE FOR WINTER

It’s been a long and hot summer, and now that cooler temperatures are finally arriving, it’s the perfect time to do some fall cleaning. For many of us, the colder weather means we’ll be indoors a lot more. That makes cleaning your space of clutter and tackling deep cleaning projects all the more important.

If you’re working on your fall and winter cleaning list, be sure to add these in!

CLEAN FLOORS AND RUGS

Before it gets too cold, now’s the time to give rugs a deep clean, eliminate dirt and grime, and put them outside to air them out. When the rugs are outside, it’s the perfect opportunity to clean hardwood, tile, and vinyl floors to ensure they’re looking great for the start of winter.

DUST SHELVES, FURNITURE, AND DECOR

Start by vacuuming and dusting the top of ceiling fans, lights, and cabinets to eliminate dirt and debris. Cleaning professionals usually suggest starting with the top and working down—by starting high, you’ll save yourself from performing a double cleaning from falling dust.. Next, move to dusting surfaces such as tables, shelves, and furniture.

SWAP OUT FOR WINTER

Now’s the time to store away summer clothes and jackets to make room for the heavier and bulkier winter items, and don’t forget to bring out warmer sheets and blankets for the bedrooms. Wash clothes and jackets before storing them, and do the same for the clothing items you’re bringing out for winter—best to start the season fresh.

DOG SHEDDING

Pets typically shed right before winter hits, so your house will probably be filled with hair. Bedding and blankets dedicated to your furry friends will probably be the greatest offenders. Give them a good wash so your pets can enjoy a fresh place to lay their heads for the cold days ahead. Our FF7 washer with industry-exclusive Pet Plus™ Flea Cycle can take your cleaning to the next level and help fight off potential infestation. If you’re looking for a dryer that can routinely handle a copious amount of pet hair, check out our DR7 dryer with Pet PlusTM technology.

LET THE SUN IN

With the sun hitting at a lower angle, make sure your windows are ready. Clean windows with the proper cleaning solutions—inside and outside—to optimize the natural light that can flow into your living spaces. Also, clean windows just feel better.

CHANGE YOUR FILTERS

Before the cold arrives and your heating system turns on, it’s best to check how your current furnace filter is doing. If it’s darker in color, swap it out for a new one. This is also a great time to clean out your washing machine and dryer vent. Again, you’re going to be inside a lot during the winter, and you’ll want your air (and clothes) to be as fresh as possible.

PREPARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

With the big holidays fast approaching, you’ll want to tackle your kitchen and give it a deep clean. Your kitchen is easily one the hardest-working rooms in your household, and it’s only going to do more work come the holidays. From cleaning out your refrigerator and the inside of the microwave to the oven and range, it’ll be worth it when you serve a delicious meal to family and friends. Don’t forget to clean under, behind, and on top of your refrigerator, too!

EXTERIOR CHECKUP

Once snow falls, you’re not going to want to do a bunch of chores outside. That’s why it’s important to give your house a thorough check during autumn; looking for cracks in siding or windows, turning off outdoor faucets and storing hoses inside, putting patio furniture away, raking leaves, pruning plants, and cleaning gutters.

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Radio show host comes to Ripon for VIP manufacturing tour https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/knowledge/news/radio-show-host-comes-to-ripon-for-vip-manufacturing-tour-2/ https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/knowledge/news/radio-show-host-comes-to-ripon-for-vip-manufacturing-tour-2/#respond Sun, 22 Oct 2023 15:32:06 +0000 https://speedqueen.com/?p=238959 Even those with decades of appliance industry experience and a familiarity with Speed Queen products can still be surprised by the quality of our equipment. That was the case recently when industry legend Joe “The Appliance Dr.” Gagnon drove several hours with his son, Andrew, an appliance service technician, for a VIP tour of our […]

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Even those with decades of appliance industry experience and a familiarity with Speed Queen products can still be surprised by the quality of our equipment. That was the case recently when industry legend Joe “The Appliance Dr.” Gagnon drove several hours with his son, Andrew, an appliance service technician, for a VIP tour of our Ripon manufacturing facility.

The pair learned how rolled steel and other materials come in one side of the plant—then are cut, bent, welded, molded, and coated before emerging on the other side as our commercial-quality Speed Queen washers and dryers. They also saw the company’s world-class research and development, and life-testing labs first-hand.

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Joe is the host of The Home & Appliance Show, which airs every Sunday morning on WJR in Detroit, Michigan. Each week, his show reaches more than 56,000 live listeners, with even more tuning in online. Gagnon’s advice on product recommendations and appliance repair is highly sought after—and we’re incredibly proud to have him as a longtime fan and supporter of Speed Queen products.

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Can Your Washer Help Stop Fleas? https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/knowledge/can-your-washer-help-stop-fleas/ https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/knowledge/can-your-washer-help-stop-fleas/#respond Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:22:03 +0000 https://speedqueen.com/?p=240924 At Speed Queen, we build consumer laundry products expertly engineered to deliver long-lasting commercial performance and tested to ensure ultimate durability. However, we also know pet owners in particular are looking for machines that offer features that tackle the specific fabric care demands that tag along with our furry friends. We get it, you love […]

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At Speed Queen, we build consumer laundry products expertly engineered to deliver long-lasting commercial performance and tested to ensure ultimate durability. However, we also know pet owners in particular are looking for machines that offer features that tackle the specific fabric care demands that tag along with our furry friends.

We get it, you love your pet, but that doesn’t mean you always want to wear their hair (or smell) on your sleeve. That’s why we manufacture products like the FF7, a front load washer that has it all. Quiet operation? Yup. Fast cycle times? Absolutely. Efficient performance? Of course. Paired dryer for pet hair removal? You bet.

But what about a washer / dryer set  that can go beyond pet hair removal—one that can help stop fleas that have come in contact with your clothing, linen, and blankets? The FF7 and DF7 have you covered.

The FF7: Designed to meet the needs of pet owners

What makes the FF7 special is its game-changing Pet Plus™ Flea Cycle. For pet owners, any bit of support in the fight against fleas is beneficial. For example, if you bring home a blanket from the dog groomer and are worried it might have fleas, you can use this cycle to get rid of the fleas on the blanket before they multiply.

When used together with a flea comb, bathing with flea shampoo, and regular household vacuuming, this cycle is effective in helping get rid of the buggers, especially as a preventative measure against future infestations. That said, if you have an infestation in your house, the cycle cannot fully solve the infestation issue, but it can help prevent or slow the spread on items you put in the wash.

To address the larger issue, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it’s all about sanitation. They recommend “washing bedding, rugs, and pet bedding, and thoroughly vacuuming and sweeping floors and carpeted areas and along the edges of walls.” Speed Queen FF7 and DF7 can definitely help with washing the bedding and other articles part of the plan!

NEW WASHER FEATURE: Pet Plus™ Flea Cycle

  • An industry-exclusive cycle that has been designed and tested as a tool in fighting fleas
  • Intended to be a part of a whole-house regimen
  • Independently verified to kill fleas found as adults, larvae and eggs on launderable items*

The cycle parameters, including temperature (set to hot), soil, and spin are preset and cannot be changed. This is done as it’s the most effective parameter to stop fleas before they spread. However, results may vary depending on if your hot water supply can reach a minimum of 120 F°, if there isn’t an average load, and if the cycle is interrupted.

Stop fleas in their tracks and keep your household clean with the FF7, tested and verified to make your pet ownership experience a little more carefree—and flea free.

* The Pet Plus™ Flea Cycle was independently tested and verified to kill fleas using adult, larvae and egg life stages of Cat Flea [Ctenocephalides felis] on 9 lb AHAM loads. Individual results may vary.

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How to Correctly D­­­­ry Your Sweaters https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/laundry-room/tips/how-to-correctly-dry-your-sweaters/ https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/laundry-room/tips/how-to-correctly-dry-your-sweaters/#respond Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:58:04 +0000 https://speedqueen.com/?p=240916 During the chillier months, there’s nothing better than pulling out and wearing your favorite sweaters from your wardrobe. Whether it’s a big, chunky cable-knit sweater, a luxurious cashmere piece, or a cozy wool top, you’ll want to make sure you take extra care of them, as they tend to need more TLC than other clothing. […]

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During the chillier months, there’s nothing better than pulling out and wearing your favorite sweaters from your wardrobe. Whether it’s a big, chunky cable-knit sweater, a luxurious cashmere piece, or a cozy wool top, you’ll want to make sure you take extra care of them, as they tend to need more TLC than other clothing.

Sweaters are typically made of more delicate fibers than your typical wardrobe is made of, so you need to put in the extra effort to ensure your sweaters have a prolonged life. Drying these pieces isn’t usually as easy as throwing them in the dryer and calling it good. If you want to keep donning your favorite sweaters, you need to dry them correctly.

Use a folding dryer rack. A drying rack is a simple, easy way to dry your sweaters with care. Get a horizontal drying rack with screens, as you don’t want heavier sweaters to sag and distort the shape. Typically, these kind of dryer racks can be folded up and fitted between your washer or dryer, or somewhere in your laundry room, without taking up a lot of space when you’re not using it.

Squeeze out excess water. Do this carefully. You don’t want to twist or wring out the water, as this can cause wrinkling and stretching to your sweater. It’s recommended to use a towel (see below).

Lay flat on an absorbent towel. If your sweater is holding a lot of excess water, lay the garment flat on an absorbent towel (one you aren’t worried will transfer color). Now you can roll up the sweater, squeezing out moisture as you go. Let the sweater sit this way for a bit to dry out. Now, lay the sweater on a new towel to dry and soak up the remaining water.

Hang dry. Another option is hang drying your sweater. You’ll want to make sure the hanger doesn’t have sharp or odd edges, as it can distort the shape of clothing as it dries. This would be recommended for lighter garments, as opposed to heavier ones.

Use a dryer, carefully. First, check the tags to make sure your sweater is dryer friendly. If it is, there’s a couple of tips to make sure it comes out good as new. To prevent pilling and any damage to the fibers, dry your sweaters inside out. Or if you want, you can use a mesh bag to prevent rubbing and agitation to the sweater during the cycle.

As a friendly reminder, your sweaters need a little bit of extra care when it comes to the drying process. These tips will ensure you’ll be warm and cozy during the winter months for many years to come.

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Giving Special Needs Kittens A Chance https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/culture/community/giving-special-needs-kittens-a-chance/ https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/culture/community/giving-special-needs-kittens-a-chance/#respond Tue, 26 Sep 2023 20:25:40 +0000 https://speedqueen.com/?p=240883 Since becoming the official laundry partner of Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS), we’ve gotten to meet so many passionate animal advocates.  But these heroes exist in a variety of organizations – many affiliated with BFAS. To honor them for their efforts, Speed Queen donated several of these special foster moms and dads a TR7/DR7 set […]

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Since becoming the official laundry partner of Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS), we’ve gotten to meet so many passionate animal advocates.  But these heroes exist in a variety of organizations – many affiliated with BFAS. To honor them for their efforts, Speed Queen donated 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 Jade in Red Lion, Pa.

Jade Heisey was just 8 years old when she began what would become a life-long passion of helping animals. She started by volunteering at her local shelter with simple acts – reading to dogs, walking them, sitting and chatting with them to help with socialization. Jade knew she was making a difference.

From there, Jade’s impact progressed to helping control the area cat population, becoming active in trapping, neutering/fixing, and releasing.

“This is the only thing I feel I’m meant to do,” she said of her work with animals.

It was during these early years that Jade met a Great Dane slated for euthanasia. He seemed so calm in the kennel, but he had biting issues, which made adoption a difficult proposition. The experience helped shape her views of the challenges shelters face and motivate her to want to do more.

Putting her experience to good use

As a vet tech with 10 years of clinic experience, there’s no doubt Jade has continued to make a difference in the lives of so many animals. But it still wasn’t enough. She began fostering kittens…but not just any.

“I take whatever needs the most care,” she said. That means being one of the only tube feeders for her local rescue, Centerville Pet Rescue. Thus, she’s kept plenty busy as rescues aren’t equipped to handle such special needs.

Her soft spot for these special needs kittens is clearly rooted in that Great Dane she met years ago. Because of how much care they need, many of these kittens wouldn’t have a chance without Jade’s special care and love. She believes in her heart that every animal should have a chance at finding a good home…and that belief was tested years ago when Ruby walked into her life and solidified everything she felt.

Ruby

Jade was living in Utah when, back in Pennsylvania, Ruby was slated to be euthanized and a friend reached out to her – could she take on this Bengal cat, who was considered a lost cause due to behavioral issues?

Stars aligned for this cat, as it just so happened someone was headed to Utah and could transport. That was the easy part. The next year would be trying…and that’s putting it lightly.

“She tested limits every single day,” Jade said.

As anyone who has experienced animal training or behavior challenges knows, patience is key. But that doesn’t always come easy.

Thankfully, Jade didn’t give up…even when Ruby seemingly urinated everywhere but in the litter box. Veterinarians found nothing wrong with the cat. Behaviorists didn’t identify any issues. Still, Jade’s patience continued to win out. She tried an animal communicator. She learned that Ruby, at some point, had a traumatic litter box event. Her advice for Jade was to let the cat know it’s OK to use the litter box.

To truly understand what it feels like when the universe puts an animal and their human together, you must understand how five simple words changed two lives – “Ruby, go use the litterbox.”

Just like that, after a year of fighting for and not giving up on this cat, Jade’s connection with Ruby grew…simply seeking to understand brought two hearts closer. Looking back at all the factors that aligned to put these two together, Jade uses one word to put it all in perspective – “fate.”

“All of it lined up too well,” she said of the confluence of events that brought this tough case to her. “There’s no way this was a coincidence.’

A plethora of tools

Jade uses that experience, her vet tech background, and the learnings that come with each individual animal to guide her dealings with fosters (she estimates that she’s easily fostered more than 300 cats).

“I learned to work with them and not against them,” she said of needing to understand the unique needs of each animal.

This is the passion that drives Jade to never give up—and not just help her cat fosters but also share her knowledge with others to do the same. She strives to educate others that even special needs animals deserve the best care.

Her advice to those considering fostering is simple “just do it.” Jade directs them to speak with their local shelter or rescue organization and let them know what they are looking for. But what about that fear of letting go? How does one deal with the challenge of letting a foster leave their home?

“The feeling you get when they are adopted overpowers any feeling that you need to keep them,” she said.

To learn more about Centerville Pet Rescue, visit here or to follow Jade’s foster journey, click Here

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How to Wash a Jersey https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/knowledge/how-to-wash-a-jersey/ https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/knowledge/how-to-wash-a-jersey/#respond Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:57:22 +0000 https://speedqueen.com/?p=240693 Game on. How to keep sports jerseys looking great. Fall is jersey season. Whether you wear yours as a spectator, play in a league yourself, or you’re in charge of keeping someone else’s uniform ready to go, it’s important to know the right way to wash a jersey. From blood and sweat to food and […]

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Game on. How to keep sports jerseys looking great.

Fall is jersey season. Whether you wear yours as a spectator, play in a league yourself, or you’re in charge of keeping someone else’s uniform ready to go, it’s important to know the right way to wash a jersey. From blood and sweat to food and beverage spills, jerseys endure a lot. Here are some tips that will help you keep letters from peeling, colors from fading, stains from setting and fabric from stinking so the jersey in your care always looks and smells its best.

Read the label

Jerseys come in all kinds of fabrics and can be quite expensive. Often, they’re made from synthetic fabrics that are machine-washable, but some jerseys have embroidered letters or fabrics like wool that require extra care. That’s why when washing a sports jersey, it’s best to check the label inside the garment so you don’t miss any special instructions.

Pretreat the stains

Whether you’re dealing with a salsa spill from pre-game festivities or ground-in dirt from a tackle, jerseys are subject to the full gamut of stains. Plus, by the time the jersey finds its way to the wash, enough time has passed to allow the stain to set.

To pretreat stains, use a simple solution made from white vinegar, water and baking soda. Mix 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar together, then add 1 Tablespoon baking soda. Pour the mixture on the stain or work into the stain with a toothbrush and allow to soak for at least 30 minutes before washing. Tough stains like blood or wine require extra soaking.

Turn inside out

Before the jersey goes into the washer, turn it inside out. This exposes the side of the jersey that has had direct contact with oil and sweat so it can get a thorough cleaning. It also protects stitching, letters and numbers on the jersey from rubbing against other surfaces. If the jersey has buttons, unbutton them to reduce the chances of wrinkling.

Use vinegar to tackle odors

Depending on the age and condition of the jersey, it may be starting to retain odors. White vinegar is terrific for deodorizing smelly gear, and in small amounts, doesn’t leave them smelling like vinegar. Simply take a quarter cup of vinegar and pour it into the washing machine (or place inside the bleach dispenser). Then add the laundry detergent, as you normally would.  

Gentle detergent. Gentle cycle.

Color is key to a jersey’s beauty, so you’re going to want to use a color-safe or neutral detergent as they contain little or no bleach. Avoid fabric softeners and dry-cleaning because the chemicals can harm the fabric. You should typically wash jerseys in cold water and on a low-spin cycle to limit damage to letters or numbers on the jersey. And if you’ve got more than one jersey to wash, only wash together if they’re of similar colors.

Leave the tumbling to the players

Heat and friction are not good for a jersey as they can cause peeling or cracking of decals, numbers and letters, plus they can lead to shrinking. That said, you’ll want to avoid the dryer completely. After removing the jersey from the wash, turn it right side out and hang on a hanger to dry. Make sure to  hang in a well-ventilated area, so it’ll be ready and waiting when the next game day rolls around.

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