With the arrival of warmer weather, many city residents are fleeing the stuffiness of big cities closer to nature, to the countryside. In order not to spoil your holiday at the dacha, not to suppress the pleasure of unity with nature with routine, it is worth preparing for the summer in advance. For example, it wouldn’t hurt to get a washing machine. A mini washing machine for a summer house is a device that will radically change the feeling of living in the lap of nature. It will help save time, nerves and relieve the owner from hard physical labor.
Washing machines for cottages without running water
A huge number of holiday villages still do not know what water supply and sewerage are. The realities of modern times, but in any case you can’t do without washing; you need to wash regularly, in families with children several times a day.
There are many modifications of washing machines suitable for cottages without running water. Most popular:
- simple devices with an activator;
- semi-automatic;
- full automatic machines with water tank.
The choice of one model or another depends on many factors.It is important to consider the average wash volume, the availability of water sources and, of course, the amount that can be spent on the purchase.
Activator washing machine
These are the simplest and cheapest devices. Most of the actions, such as heating and supplying water, draining it, rinsing, spinning, are performed manually. Structurally, the activator machine is a plastic or metal container, inside of which (at the bottom or side) there is a rotating disk with blades; it moves the laundry, washing it. There is a hole at the bottom for draining dirty water; it is discharged through a drain hose.
Devices of this type are produced by both domestic and foreign manufacturers. There are many models on sale, it is easy to choose the best option, guided by the required power and price.
The main advantages of machines of this type:
- lowest price among other options;
- portability, most models are made of plastic, they are easy to carry and can be installed on any more or less flat area;
- ease of use, the only thing that is regulated in this machine is the washing time;
- does not require sewerage, water is drained via a drain hose.
Among domestic models, the most popular are the “Malyutka” series washing mashines. They are distinguished by a low price with quite acceptable characteristics.
Washing machine "Fairy"
A fairly popular domestic model, it was produced by Soviet industry. It has a strict design and low (about 160 W) power consumption. With a permissible load of 3 kg of laundry and a low dead weight, this is one of the best options for a summer residence.
"Assol" HRV 50-880S
Another model ideal for use in the country. The machine can wash up to 5 kg of laundry in one go, and both standard washing and delicate mode are possible. The machine allows you to wash followed by rinsing (replacing the water manually), in addition, there is a “wash only” mode, which allows you to reuse water.
"Princess"
An almost ideal mini washing machine for the dacha, fully justifying the term “portable”. It allows loading only 1 kg of laundry, but it is extremely small in size, which allows you to take it with you to the dacha and then take it back.
Semi-automatic washing machines
In the event that there is no need to carry a washing machine with you, it will always be at the dacha, it is worth considering the option of purchasing a semi-automatic machine. A distinctive feature of these machines is spinning. Most often, the machine is divided into two compartments, in one the washing is performed, in the second a centrifuge is installed. Despite the fact that rinsing will be done manually, high-quality spinning saves the owner from hard physical labor.
A semi-automatic spin washing machine has a number of significant advantages:
- some models can be connected to a water supply, eliminating the need to fill the container manually;
- there are models with a built-in heater and water temperature sensor;
- the machine not only washes for a certain time, but also performs actions according to a program that is optimal for a particular fabric;
- performs better washing due to the ability to change the direction and speed of rotation of the activator;
- has a centrifuge, which eliminates manual spinning of laundry;
- Dirty water is pumped out using a pump.
There are many similar products on the market, choosing the optimal model will not be difficult.
"Fairy" SMPA 3002N
A semi-automatic modification of the well-proven Soviet “Fairy”. The machine is made of high-quality plastic, has an attractive design, and is easy to operate. It can wash up to 3 kg of laundry in one go. One of the features of the machine is reliability. The manufacturer has taken care to avoid parameters that are critical for the equipment; it controls the water level and the weight of the laundry.
Rolsen WVL-300S
Being a full-fledged semi-automatic machine that allows you to wash up to 3 kg of laundry, this machine has very modest dimensions and weight. It is unpretentious and has an attractive design. It will look great both in the courtyard at the dacha and in the small bathroom of a small apartment.
Vimar VWM-44
Another great model for a summer house and country house. It has a low price, small dimensions, and can wash up to 4 kg in one go. It is convenient and easy to control.
Automatic washing machine with water tank
Those who are accustomed to comfort can be reassured; in the country, even in the absence of running water, you can use a full-fledged automatic machine. To do this, you need to choose models that have their own tank. Water, as a rule, has to be poured manually, but the machine will take care of all other operations from heating the water to spinning. By the way, some models have a pump with which you can “connect” the device to a well in the yard.
Machines of this type compare favorably with others of their own kind, they:
- provide the user with all the benefits that a full-fledged machine provides;
- most of these machines are universal, they can be connected to a water supply or used autonomously;
- thanks to the presence of a tank, they can work in conditions of unstable water supply;
- perform washing with minimal water consumption.
Many manufacturers are concerned about users who do not have access to a central water supply; the range of devices that can wash autonomously is quite wide.
Gorenje W 72ZX1/R+PS PL95
Quite a popular model from a world famous brand. This machine can hardly be classified as a “budget” machine, but it has excellent characteristics and is guaranteed to cope with any amount of work, suitable for a large family.
The machine is front-loading, it allows you to wash up to 7 kg of laundry in one go, and is equipped with a 100 liter tank, which guarantees that you will not have to add water during the washing process. This model is characterized by low energy consumption and has sensors that protect against excessive amounts of foam and large amounts of laundry.
Gorenje W 72ZY2/R+PS PL95
This device has characteristics similar to the previous model, but differs in power and design. The machine is perfect for a summer residence; in addition, it can be installed in apartments of houses where interruptions in water supply are frequent.
Automatic washing machines for cottages
Times are changing, civilization is gradually coming even to the most remote corners of the country. Many holiday villages are already connected to the main water supply; some craftsmen are building an autonomous water supply at home. The presence of running water in the system with sufficient pressure allows you not to limit yourself and install a full-fledged automatic machine at your dacha.
Using an automatic washing machine:
- will allow fully automated washing;
- will save time, because the machine does everything itself, it does not need supervision;
- will allow you to rationally use water and electricity.
When choosing a machine for your dacha, you should be guided primarily by your preferences. Perhaps the only thing that should be taken into account when choosing a washing machine for your dacha is its size, although it all depends on the size of the dacha itself.
ZANUSSI ZWY61005RA
This device is not compact, but it is quite convenient to use, has low energy consumption, and allows you to use water efficiently. This is a top-loading machine, the maximum weight of laundry is 6 kg.
ELECTROLUX EWT0862IDW
The device is of the same class as the previous model. A good choice for a cottage or apartment. The manufacturer has proven itself to be extremely good, which guarantees the long service life of the washing machine.
Automatic washing mashine in a country house without running water
Many summer residents, when buying a new washing mashine for their apartment, take the old one to their country house. If there is no running water, it simply gathers dust in the far corner, playing the role of a table, but in vain. It can be used for its intended purpose, you just need to ensure the flow of water and the ability to drain it.
To connect the device you will need two tanks. One will be used to supply water, the second to collect waste liquid. The shape of the tanks can be very diverse, the main requirement is a volume of at least 50 liters.
In order for the machine to operate normally without generating error messages, it is necessary to create water pressure at the inlet. This can be achieved by raising the tank as high as possible, but then difficulties will arise with filling it; it is much easier and more reliable to install a pump between the tank and the machine. A pump similar to the one that pumps water out of a washing mashine is ideal as a pump.
The pump must be synchronized with the inlet valve. When power is applied to it, water supply should begin. Accordingly, when the valve is closed, the pump will also turn off.
There will be no difficulties with draining the water; the power of the built-in pump is quite enough to pump water into the drain container; of course, it is better if it is not too high.
A trip to the country for a long time should not necessarily be associated with an escape from civilization, associated with a lot of hard work. It is enough to install a washing machine at your dacha and you will have much more time to unite with nature, and your vacation will be more enjoyable.