Interesting BBC article about leasing washing machines

[sesteve]

Thought this might be of interest especially given some members comments on issues with new machines! What the article doesn't realise is that many of us on here are already recycling old machines and keeping them going )
S

Should we be owning our washing machines?

Think-tanks are asking if it's not better to lease appliances like washing machines to save resources.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[paulc]

In the late 50's/ early 60's my Nan used to rent a washing machine one day a week from a man who traveled round with a van full of wringer washers. You could rent a machine off him for a morning or a whole day to get your laundry done. Apparently it was a very popular service in the area of Birkenhead my Nan lived in as many people could not afford a washing machine of their own at the time. This was before my Nan bought her Parnal Spinwasher.

 

[frontloaderfan]

If durability/disposable machines are an issue in Europe, how much more is it an issue in the US, where WM's are made as disposable as the box they come in?

 

[aquacycle]

Paul, not just in the 60's, I remember in the early 90's lots of people used to rent appliances from places like Radio Rentals. I knew of several people who rented washing machines (they always had the Whirlpool Aqualine washers in Radio Rentals), TV sets, VCR's, stereo systems etc and would pay for it weekly. My Mum rented a TV set when she first moved into our house in 86, until she could afford to buy one.

 

[paulc]

Hi Chris,

Yes, I remember the rental washers of the 90's. A friend rented a Merloni made Whirlpool washer dryer. We always had a rented TV until we moved to Scotland.

 

[foraloysius]

Skala is the only chain here that has rental appliances. They are specialised in it. They used to have shops but nowadays only do business through the internet.

I never rented, thought it was too expensive. If I didn't have the money for something I bought used.

 

[launderess]

Here Is The Thing

Stop making washing machines that only last five years on average and the landfill problem would be solved.

If consumers stopped paying premium prices for cheap tat appliances word would get back and quality would improve.

So many are taken in by the bells and whistles (hundreds of cycles of which only two or three will ever be used), that they don't bother to look under the bonnet and kick the tires. If they did they would sit down and weep over the "deal" they are getting. Many consumers will still be paying off these washing machines (if purchased on credit) long after it has gone to the tip.

 

[washer111]

Great point, Launderess! You've again hit the nail right on the head

 

Although, I personally would be very (VERY) reluctant to rent a washing machine, as I would not know the history of the stuff washed in there, what temperature, etc. Did the previous lot wash lots of underwear and smelly socks in cold water, without adequate detergent or sanitizer, were polishing cloths washed on the incorrect cycles, is there mould/mildew and odd smells inside?

 

Whilst you could (theoretically) fix all this with a good boil wash, and lots of detergent and laundry sanitiser, that is a waste of resources and time... I'm not too fussed on washing my stuff in a machine that has been neglected, or used "improperly" with certain garments... 

 

[ozzie908]

Hoover single tub with hand wringer

back in the late 50's my Mother rented this from a local appliance dealer I believe she paid about 2 shillings for a day and it was brought by 8am and was collected at 5pm it was after having that my parents bought a Servis MK1 Supertwin.

Austin

 

[aquacycle]

Paul, was this the machine you're referring to?

 

[launderess]

When Major Appliances Were Just That

Therefore washing machines even used cost dear one could see the market for renting. However once "easy credit" terms came along plus credit cards/charge plates one is going to assume much of whatever historical demand there was for renting applinaces faded.

 

[paulc]

Chris.....

YES! That is the machine, so funny seeing it again.....I always thought the door looked massive in the 90's, it looks so small now!