to be considering getting rid of the washing machine?

[flootshoot]

Or am I just mental?

My washing machine is rubbish. It doesn't clean properly and it's developed a slow leak that is causing me untold paranoia everytime I switch the fecking thing on as I live in a flat and we've had a lot of problems with leaks into the commercial premises downstairs over the years (poor insulation between floors, old pipes etc.) It's in a sort of cupboard which is a pita to get into. I could use the extra storage space. I can't begin to tell you how much I HATE hanging washing up and we have no space for clothes horses anyway so our flat constantly has washing hanging up all over the place and it takes ages to dry, esp. in winter. I can't afford a new washing machine, and I've no space for a tumble drier.

I am seriously considering getting rid of the thing and just taking a huge haul to the laundrette once a week. I'd have extra storage space, no washing hanging all over the flat and no paranoia. And TBH I hate the whole process so much I honestly can't imagine that going to the laundrette will be any worse. Plus I might start taking a book and using it as 'me' time....

It seems perfectly reasonable to me but in this day and age it seems odd to get rid of a convenience like this (although I don't class mine as a convenience).

So. AIBU?

Try not using it for a month, taking all your laundry to the laundrette in the meantime. Keep track of what you spend there. If at the end of that time you still want to get rid of the washing machine, go ahead.

I'd be tempted to do the same, leave it for a service wash and they will dry and fold it for you!

In the meantime, save up for a washer drier. I love love LOVE mine. Worth the £350. I previously had one like yours (probably worse than yours as it had no settings, just 'on' and 'off'). And washer driers are clever these days, they don't need outside air vents or anything.

I'd be thinking of replacing it rather than having to rely on laundrettes, though you could get rid, use the laundrette in the meantime, and if you really find it cheap and no hassle you might just delay replacing it until you no longer feel that way.

YANBU

It reminds me though as a teenager we used to "hang out" in a laundrette whilst waiting for our bus connection - and smoke. We'd sit round a table and there was an ashtray and everything - the owner didnt' mind, she'd greet us and smile. Imagine the smell! How things have changed. This was in another country BTW

You can make quick work of things like sheets and pillowslips in the bath - though I'm convinced you get through more powder and hot water doing it that way. (we didn't have a washing machine for a few years - I did everything by hand - this was pre-kids I hasten to add). I couldn't manage it with the amount of laundry they produce.

Don't do it - at least not yet.

I need to buy a new washing machine, so have been using a laundrette in the meantime. It's quite reasonably priced at £4 for a generous sized load, but I bring it home wet as I don't like most things dried in a dryer. I think the the dryers are quite expensive.

You can give it a go (as alark said) for a month and see how you go.

I miss the convenience of just throwing things in when they are dirty or wet.

Do you have a loft? My neighbour has her dryer up there :)

Kathy that's interesting. I used one many years ago (in a holiday apartment) and it was crap - I was told the only 2 worth buying are the Siemens and the Miele - both very expensive. What did you buy?

I'd price up how much your local launderette would cost you for you weekly wash and then work out how log it would take you to buy a new machine if you put that amount of money aside every week. You may be pleasantly surprised. Launderettes can work out very expensive.

Keep an eye on freecycle too. I gave a washing machine in fairly good condition away a while ago and I've seen others on there.

Or what about a reconditioned one. You can get one on ebay for less than #100. something like ths for drying? so you don't take up too much space?

I did years of launderette and I would not return to it. I had to recently when my machine needed repairing and did not enjoy it.

Hmm, interesting input.

My inlaws have offred us a washer but tbh it's the space issue and the leakage paranoia that's driving me mad.

I would actually be willing to give up a luxury if it meant things being easier on that front. Does anyone know how much laundry services cost (I mean the ones where someone collects and delivers...?)?

Anyhoo. I might go to the laundrette this weekend, price it up and see how conveninent it actually is....

Our laundrette is £3/load. In a 7kg machine.

The dryer is £2 for 30 minutes.

For a family of 5, that's way, way more expensive than a washing machine in the kitchen.

I have had to do with out a washing machine for weeks at a time and it was a complete pain and very expensive to use a launderette. I would do as someone else suggested and try doing with out for a month and see how you get on.

Can I just stop washing altogether?

No one in Eastenders seems to have a washing machine of their own. Look what trouble they get into by hanging round the laundrette

Just stop wearing clothes. :)

Can you not get a new one on your electricity bill over 12 months? And they'll install it and take away your old one.

Or could you get a washer/dryer and install it in the shared part of the property downstairs, using the bad pipes as an excuse.

I think you do need to get rid of the leaky one, but you may find yourself wishing you had one anyway.

yeh you can stop washing if you can buy new clothes every week(we wish).I used a launderette years ago and it was a bit expensive for the drying,which I only used in winter but it had a great social scene and I got to know lots of people because of going and if you need a bit of me time then enjoy it .

Wrt drying. I put a bar up in my airing cupboard and took out the shelves. I put the wet clothes on hangers and dry them using a small heater in the bottom of the cupboard. I can get a load dry in a couple of hours and it means I don't have washing hanging all over the house.

I have economy 7, so usually do it overnight, but even in the daytime it's cheaper than the tumble dryer/launderette dryer.

I would try to replace the existing machine with a washer/dryer. I don't use my dryer often but it is handy for emergencies or for doing towels and sheets.

Zazen - I live above a vets, not sure they've room for my washing machine (although that would be nice - wonder if they've got room for all of DH's junk memorabilia too...??

where is the leak coming from? when you say a slow leak, what do you mean? Leaks on washing machines are generally really easy to fix. Run your hands round the door seal and feel for any nicks (usually caused by Bra wires) - you can fix any holes with a puncture repair kit (or replace the door seal which costs about £30 and is easy to do). Pull the machine out and check the water feed pipes (blue and red) feel around them for moisture and check they are tight. Finally, check the (usually grey) waste pipe for damage and check that it actually goes into a proper waste pipe that points downwards!

This will solve 90% of leaks. Worth a look IMO.

I replaced my sisters door seal this weekend , saved her buying a new washer so it's worth having a go

You would regret it within a week! Without a doubt.

massivemmammaries - I am 90% sure the leak is coming from the machine itself - the door's fine, pipes are fine etc. The thing is pretty old (I'm guessing 10 years - was second hand when we got it 5 years ago).

The problem is that it's in a fitted cupboard in our bedroom (no room in kitchen) There is plumbing that feed sthrough the wall into the kitchen but the shape of the room is badly designed (i.e. DH nearly ripped the doorframe off getting the washer in), so it's nigh on impossible to get the whole thing out for a proper look. And I'm so worried about leaking into downstairs that I only use the machine when the shop's closed and I can stay in with it and keep checking it.

I think it's become such a mental block that anything seems easier - it's not remotely convinient and I just spend so much time worrying over it I'd gladly chuck it out of a window.

It will almost definitely be something and nothing ....really worth pulling it out and having a proper look. Unless the pump housing is cracked you could fix it no problem. May be leaking from a union either side of the pump or the waste pipe might need refitting. If you are thinking of scrapping it anyway, you've got nothing to lose

washing machine home repairs website

We used a similar site when our oven died - as good as new now (except it needs a clean).

Also, for washing machines they recommend cleaning the filter every 2-3 months and putting detergent through an empty hot wash every month to keep it all in good order.

I feel your pain regarding always having washing around though, drives me insane!

Too true. I will try and get DH to pull it this weekend so I can have a look. I've already fitted a new door .

If I cant fix it I may take it to the street and ask a lorry to run it over.