Someone's idea for a lifetime washing machine...

[hunter]

THE END OF SCHEDULED OBSOLESCENCE OR L’INCREVABLE

Imagine a washing machine built to last a lifetime that can be delivered by the U.P.S. guy...



(Some assembly required)

https://apartfromux.wordpress.com/2015/03/25/the-end-of-scheduled-obsolescence-or-lincrevable

I think this is a wonderful concept.

My wife and l left the first washing machine we owned behind when we moved back to California.

The second washing machine, we bought it used. It lasted a few years until the oil leaked out of the transmission. (The house we were renting was old so the oil soaked into a crack in the concrete garage floor unseen by us.)

The third washing machine we bought, all that we could afford at the time, was small. We had kids, so we gave it away after we moved to our current house, and we bought a new larger machine.

That lasted about 15 years, but rusted internally and literally destroyed itself one day on spin cycle. A bunch of clips and springs that held the machine together were either rusty steel or plastic that became brittle. When the first failed, the rest did too.

Our last machine is a new high efficiency model. We'll see how long that lasts.

It would have been nice to have only one washing machine this entire time.

[silverweb]

1. Nice!

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[Curmudgeoness]

2. I guess that I need more info

than is furnished at that site. I am not sure it is as easy as they make it sound to assemble or fix. And how much does it cost? And what is the price of all the replacement parts that you will need over the years? It all runs by computer, and you need your computer to run the thing, so what happens over that 50 year lifespan to the programming? And would it work with a computer of the future with better technology? Think of what has happened in a short period of time with computers.

I realize that I am not one to go for the newest technology until it has been around long enough to 1) know whether it really will work as advertised and 2) the price comes down.

I love the idea of it, but I have lots of questions. For now, until I have answers, I would say that the washing machine that will last the longest time would be a simple wringer washer, although they are not cheap---probably because there is not a big market for them these days.

https://www.lehmans.com/p-3046-home-queen-wringer-washers.aspx?show=all

[IrishAyes]

3. Gee, those were great questions.

And thanks for the link, too.

Since I live in such a remote area and have no car, but do an awful lot of laundry for a single little old lady. Finding affordable repairman around here could be like pulling teeth, and I want to keep the ones I have left awhile longer.

Don't laugh, but my solution (not workable for all) is to have a backup ready. The house has plenty of room at least. I have 2 washers and 2 freezers, though only 1 dryer. 3 separate ways to heat the house and since I prefer perked coffee and retail pots are hideously expensive anymore, I buy those used (5$ or less) and always keep 2 or 3 extras on hand. Variety of ways to cook. 2 microwaves also. Just one frig though. In general I don't skimp when I buy new appliances, but I don't pay for the brand either.

If push comes to shove, I know how to rough it. Manual washer? 2 plastic 5-gal jugs and a plunger. Grill? Make one with a clay pot. Temporary backup (no pun intended) camp toilet for plumbing failures? A 5-gal jug, cheap toilet seat, a john/jane bottle, and plenty of kitty litter and baking soda.

[Curmudgeoness]

6. You are lucky to have space for backups.

But...you should have a second refrigerator if you have room for other appliances. I have one of everything except that I do have a second refrigerator. I only hope that my freezer never goes out! I use it for so much, and it is almost as old as I am....and that is old. Of course, so is that second refrigerator. I sure hate the defrosting.

[IrishAyes]

4. Looks great.

But I have the same ?s as Curmudgeoness. Have you further thoughts on this, please?

[hunter]

7. The designer has grants and recognition now...

... but will any manufacturer adopt the idea?

It's the sort of thing a manufacture wouldn't get any repeat business on.

Otherwise modern low water use washing machines are in no danger of becoming obsolete.

I hated some aspects of our new low water use washing machine at first, but it is definitely saving water and energy.

[IrishAyes]

8. What did you dislike initially about your new washer?

[SoCalDem]

5. You could always go back to one of these beauties...

I order stuff from Lehmans all the time..never a washer though


Home Queen Wringer Washers
Item #32901100
10 reviews

In Stock
Today's Price: $999.00
CALL TO ORDER
No water pressure? No problem! This electric wringer washer gets your clothes clean without needing water pressure. And most importantly, you'll use less water to clean your clothes.

Saves on water – uses much less than an automatic washing machine
Requires no water pressure, and really gets clothes clean
It's the only wringer washer still available
Stainless steel tub holds 14 pounds of clothing!
Electric: 120V, 60 cycle motor, 7.5 amp (825 watt)
42 1/2" H x 24" OD, 139 lb
One-year warranty on parts only
Made in Saudi Arabia

Note: This washing machine will ship by semi truck to a freight terminal near your home. The freight is $175.00 and is prepaid when the order is placed.

[IrishAyes]

9. I've actually used one of those in my youth at the summer cabin.

Felt lucky to avoid a washboard.