The Washing Machine Feature Everyone Is Talking About

It’s unwritten laundry lore that whenever you push start on a washing machine load, a single, dirty sock will appear. In the past, top loader washing machines were on the case – just lift the lid, chuck in the straggler and be on your way. Front loader washing machine owners were in a pickle though, with no option but to stash the stowaway for the next load.

Then, in 2015, the geniuses at Samsung unveiled the innovative Samsung AddWash front loader, an industry first that would allow hectic households to add items mid-cycle. Other manufacturers followed suit and the rest, as they say, is history. Hooray!

What Is ‘Add A Garment’ Front Load Washing?

If you’re upgrading to a front loader washing machine, you’ll see this function listed under different names depending on brand. Look out for:

• Pause and Add Item – LG washing machine and Westinghouse

• AddWash – Samsung washing machine

• Add a Garment – Fisher and Paykel washing machine

• Reload – Bosch washing machine

• AddLoad – Miele washing machine

They all work slightly differently (more on that next) but with the same clever result – you can throw in that rogue sock, beloved soft toy or grubby tea towel mid-wash.

“This handy feature has been a real game changer, offering so much convenience and versatility that it’s even prompted many devoted fans of the top loader washing machine to switch to a front loader,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Laundry. “It’s not surprising all of the big brands now have a version of this feature in their premium and even standard ranges.”

Here’s everything you need to know about this must-have washing machine feature and how you can make the most of it at your place.

“This handy feature has been a real game changer, offering so much convenience and versatility in the laundry that it’s even prompted many devoted fans of the top loader washing machine to switch to a front loader.” Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Laundry.

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How ‘Add A Garment’ Works

There are two options when it comes to upgrading to a front loader washing machine that accommodates last minute add-ins. The first lets you pause the wash cycle and unlock the main door. You’ll have to wait for the machine to drain a little if you’ve rushed in at the peak of its cycle, but when it’s ready to go, the door will unlock so you can flick in that forgotten school uniform. Phew!

Alternatively, opt for a door-in-door model. A godsend for busy households, these have a small hatch in the main door that allows you to immediately add or remove items (or add in-wash boosters like fabric softeners) without wasting water and time while the machine drains. Keep in mind the hatch is smaller than the main door, so larger garments or quilt covers will likely need to wait for the next wash.

Why You Need The ‘Add A Garment’ Feature

Even if you run a tight ship at home, accidents and last-minute outfit changes happen. A washing machine that syncs to your schedule means you don’t need to do an entire extra load just for the gym gear that ran through the door. That’s a water-and-energy saving you’ll celebrate at bill time.

Plus, the ability to remove garments that have snuck in amongst your whites (we see you, red undies!) can save washing disasters!

Leaving the hatch open between washes is also a great way to stop internal mould or mildew in its tracks.

Shop Washing Machines With The ‘Add A Garment’ Feature

Fisher & Paykel 8.5kg Front Load Washer

Hisense 8.5kg Front Load Washer

Other Reasons To Switch To Front Loaders

There’s plenty to love about front loader washing machines, foremost being their ability to blitz laundry loads with less water and power. By tumbling your washing through water and detergent rather than submerging it, your clothes get a thorough and gentle clean, and you get bill-time savings.

Cosy laundries also love front loaders. Want to save on floorspace? Stack your front loader and dryer. Need more storage? Pop a few baskets on top of the machine or use the surface as a workbench.  A front loader washing machine can also fit snugly in an apartment’s kitchen alcove or behind cupboard doors in a space-saving European laundry.

More Must-Have Features To Supercharge Laundry Day

Looking at front loaders? These are a few more features that make them a laundry hero:

Steam cycle: Blitz bacteria, allergens and tough stains, and smooth out post-wash wrinkles

Delay start: Schedule washes during off-peak energy periods to save on your energy bill

Auto-dosing: Fill the detergent drawer once and let the machine determine and add the perfect amount, load after load

Wi-Fi connectivity: Start a load of washing from work, or the couch, and receive an alert when it’s done

Load sensing: Automatically analyses the weight and fabric type in a load, and sets the perfect cycle and water level to get the job done

Ready to upgrade to a front loader washing machine packed with features for easy, breezy laundry days? Visit us in-store or online for the best advice and a huge range of the latest must-have washers.