STACK #246 April 2025

TECH FEATURE

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Washers and dryers just clean and dry your clothes, right? Think again! Today’s models come packed with settings and cycles to save you time, energy, and even extend the life of your favorite outfits. From detergent auto-dosing to less power-hungry drying, these innovations make doing the laundry easier and more efficient. Here are five things that you may not know a modern washer and dryer can do. Words Bec Summer AND DRYERS 5

SURPRISING FEATURES OF MODERN WASHERS

They use a heat pump to recycle the warm air, passing it through the load to remove moisture, which is collected in a removable tank for emptying – or the dryer can be directly plumbed into an outlet hose. The remaining air is reheated and the process begins again and cycles continuously until the load is completely dry. Clothes can take longer to dry due to lower temperatures when running, but the silver lining is that heat pump dryers are much more energy efficient than vented or condenser dryers – and better for your clothes. Shorter cycles to save power and water Shorter wash cycles, like "quick” or "rapid" reduce energy consumption and generally use less water, as they don't need to fill the drum for as long. Likewise, reduced drying cycles can be achieved by using the best heat setting for the load’s fabric type. Some modern dryers also have dedicated eco-modes to optimise drying for lower power consumption. Even better, advanced smart dryers can include AI-powered sensors that continuously monitor and intelligently control the temperature and humidity in the drum. Cycles for clothing longevity Many washers have cycles that can extend the lifespan of your clothes, such as minimising wear and tear in the drum via more gentle agitation – look out for delicate, hand wash, or permanent press settings. Using lower temperatures or cold wash cycles can help to prevent dark colours from fading, as well as shrinkage. This also applies to drying cycles, where high heat can damage clothes.

Steam cycles Some premium washers and dryers can include a dedicated steam cycle. Using steam to penetrate fabric fibres helps to eliminate bacteria and nasties, break up dirt and stubborn stains, dissolve detergent faster, and reduce wrinkles for easier ironing afterwards. Plus, it keeps the washer’s drum clean and fresh. Energy efficient dryers

Auto dosing This handy feature on supported washers takes the guesswork out of adding the correct amount of detergent and fabric softener – and let’s face it, we often use more than is required. You simply fill up the dispensers and the machine will subsequently weigh the load and determine the dose required. It’s super convenient and you’ll get better wash performance, too. Some machines can accommodate a month’s worth of liquid, so just fill and forget. It’s little things like this that help make laundering easier.

That might sound like an oxymoron, but heat pump dryers are the most economical and environmentally friendly dryers available.

Handy laundry accessories

Dryer lint balls Picking lint from a dryer’s filter can be strangely satisfying, albeit time consuming. But throwing a handful of dryer lint balls in with the laundry means you won’t have to. Lint balls are typically made of compressed wool, and the microfibres catch lint, hair or fluff from clothes – perfect for pet owners!

Extension hoses Your washer’s drainage or inlet hoses do a lot of work, and your laundry would flood without them. But what if the hoses supplied with your washer don’t quite reach your laundry’s sink or drain? An extension hose attachment can easily solve the problem!

Pacifica Clothes Dryer Lint Balls (4 Pack)

Pacifica Extension Drain Hose (2m)

26 APRIL 2025

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