Monday, December 21, 2009

tinkering with the washer

I just got my new washer!

Before we go any further, I must point out that it’s been 14 years since my family last purchased a washer. Needless to say, washer technology has vastly improved since then (apparently you don’t even load the clothes from the top anymore). Since the sellers took their washer/dryer with them, I had to get another one if I ever wanted to do anything crazy like wash my clothes. The nice washer guy even came out to install it and explain the intricacies of laundry.

Ten minutes and a few whacks later and the washer was in place. Turns out it’s a completely different system and interface than the one I’m used to using. Apparently it offers much more advantages than simply getting your clothes clean, but I couldn’t recall what they were. Maybe it’s also a toaster. I don’t know. The washer guy didn’t either.

In any case he showed me how to use the washer. My old system was too complicated (he tells me). You had one knob to turn, and when you pull on it the washer goes. But the new and IMPROVED washer no longer features the one knob system. This comes with a much easier-to-use control panel, featuring more cranks and buttons than a 747.

If you want the wash cycle to go, you must first push the power button (which inexplicably is step 9), then set the cycle, temp, spin speed, soil level, and volume of sound the beeper makes, all IN THAT ORDER. Be careful. If you push the cycle setting twice it’ll power off the washer, which would hinder you from getting your clothes washed. If you push either the temp or spin button before the cycle setting your garage door opens.

Also be aware that you have only three minutes to whiz through the 15 settings and the multiple choice test at the end. After that the washer will shut off due to “inactivity”. Once you’ve set the wash, push the start/pause button. Be aware that pushing it more than once will mess with your TiVO. Now you can sit back and relax as your clothes go through the wash.

With me so far?

Good, because I haven’t gotten to the part about the new and improved dryer yet. Stay tuned.