Very Pleased
I Purchased this portable unit a week ago, it was delivered 2 days ago and I am very pleased with the purchase. I like to read reviews so this may be a little lengthy but hopefully helpful. This machine was made I believe 2/5/26 and I ordered 11 days later with no reviews however a week prior, I initially purchased a 20lb portable machine from the same vendor. The 20lb was returned because of a crack on the exterior which may have been a shipping defect but I figure if I’m paying for it, it may as well be brand new and also I don’t know if that crack would be a headache in the future or spread. I did not try to use the insurance I purchased because I believe the crack and 2 other minor items were cosmetic so I sent it back.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND AND WHY I CHOSE A MANUAL VS AUTOMATIC MACHINE: My apartment is a 4 family house with very old plumbing and less than responsive maintenance. I choose this type of portable washer as it can be used manually WITHOUT having to hook it up to a sink in case of any leaks or plumbing issues. I also work from home so I do not mind a washer of this type at this time. Beats paying $15 or more per week at the laundromat. Automatic may be more convenient for some but I don’t mind at this time.

20LB VS 26LB: I was very happy with the 20lb, it was light weight and the first time I used something like this. I could carry it, it felt like a toy and I used that one in the bathtub, filled with water from my showerhead, washed, spun, drained, rinsed, spun again, drained and hung the clothes to dry. That thing was POWERFUL and again very light to move around. It was not very noisy but much quieter on the floor as opposed to in the bathtub and because the tub is not leveled, it would move around when spinning and because of the gravity drain, it would leak a little while on the floor. So, because I sent the 20lb back and 1 X-large load of clothes at the laundromat took 4 small loads to clean, I upgraded to the 26lb . The 26lb is still lightweight but not something I would want to take in and out of a bathtub. Instructions also say not to put in the tub because the moisture will ruin the motor. What I really like about the 26lb is the sleek design and the drain pump! There is a cover to go over the knobs so you can put it in a corner and it wouldn’t look out of place and unlike the 20lb with a gravity drain, this one has a pump which I believe can go up to 39 inches high. Meaning when it’s time to drain, you’re not supposed to have to tilt it or have it lifted off of the ground to drain, the pump will do that for you automatically until all the water is drained. You can hear when it’s done.

PROS: sleek design, cost effective, size-27x17x31.5 (20lb is 25x14x28.5), washing capabilities-280W (20lb was 300W) it washes so well, spinner (NOT A DRYER)-140W (20lb was 110W) clothes are 90-95% dry in under 2 minutes

CONS: lint trap is mostly non existent, unless I’m using it wrong, the 20lb had a similar lint filter but it also had a mesh bag attached and it caught the lint. The 26lb is just a compartment and I haven’t seen any lint collected in the 4xs I used it.

ACCESSORIES TO MAKE LIFE EASIER: Dolly, I bought one with locking wheels and can be adjusted between 16″-26″. The base (or stand the machine is on) is actually 13″ X 23″ so this fits perfectly and could have actually been a bit smaller. Washer Cover, I bought one to fit both the 20lb and 26lb and it fits really good so the machine is not an eyesore and it’s concealable if need be. ABSOLUTE MUST-Mesh lint trap/filter of some type. I used a party favor mesh sleeve initially, that a fan was in and let me tell you, it collected so much lint. Dollar Tree sells mesh bags and Amazon sells mesh sleeves for the washer hose. You cannot skip this! Do Not put your hose in your sink or any drain without this and the metal drains are good but are for larger lint, hair etc. Mesh catches everything, hair, fine fibers, hair etc. Without a filter, expect to see a plumber or have trouble sooner or later, you will clog your drain. Oversized Metal Drying Rack-I have a wood rack but figured I should get a new upgraded one and now I use both for faster drying.

HOW I USE IT AND THINGS I NOTICED: I have my machine on the dolly, stored in my pantry/storage room. When I’m ready to use it, I wheel it out to the bathroom, remove the cover and lock the wheels. I plug it in and use my shower head to fill it 2/3 of the way, add a small amount of detergent, turn it on, let the water suds up a bit and then begin adding clothes. After the clothes are added, I fill up the 18lb tub close to the LARGE load line or at least cover the clothes an inch and wash for 6-15 mins depending on what I’m washing. The same 1 X-large load that I was doing at the laundromat, that took 4 loads to do with the 20lb, I did it with 2 loads on the 26lb machine! Once the wash stops, I drain, rinse the washer side and clothes (with the clothes still in it) with the shower head and then fill the tub again to rinse. Rinse for about 6-10mins with a cap of fabric softener, drain and begin spinning. I spin for 2 mins or less (cause you really only need a minute, maybe 5 for sweatshirts, blankets or hoodies) and begin hanging. Since the spinner can only fit 8lbs and the washer holds 18lbs, I find that I have to spin about 3 times as opposed to 2 times with the 20lb. This is the method of washing I’m trying out right now. There is 100% a learning curve and how you want to use it, you have to find out what works for you. I may go back to Wash, Spin, Rinse, Spin instead of Wash, Rinse, Spin. Not sure yet until I really test the quality of the finished product. I noticed the hose on this one does not come attachable to the washer but there was an extra C shaped plastic part that I couldn’t figure out at first. You thread the hose through it and are able to hang it to the washer and also drape it over the sink or tub to drain. I tried to drain in a 3lb bucket but that took 3.5 trips and made a mess. I also tried to drain in the bucket while spinning to not have the machine in the bathroom but that was also a little messy. Best bet is to use near a tub or sink and drain in there…with the mesh lint catcher attached. Don’t Forget it! Last but not least, although there is a drain pump, all the water does not automatically drain out, there will be some residual water in the hose. Once you’re done, stretch or put the hose horizontal to the floor, until the water starts to choke out and then empty in a bucket or tub/sink. I wish they would improve upon the lint catcher in the machine or add a catcher for the end of the hose or even a cap for that left over water and make the spinner a little bigger, like 10lbs. Why have a bigger washer with the same small spinner? Either way, I give it a 10 out of 10. For me, this is so handy and I don’t know why I didn’t get one years ago. Now I only have to go to the laundry with my big comforters and blankets. Small throws can fit and having it on wheels, changed the game. I also added insurance and hope this lasts a long time and I never have to use it. I will update if anything changes. If you’ve been doing research like me, looking at old YT videos or you’re second guessing, stop and get one! If automatic is for you get that one. This one is perfect for me at this time.
Update: washed another load and the best method for me, I believe is to fill, add clothes and detergent, wash for 10 mins, spin for 1 1/2 min, drain, rinse washer side, fill, add vinegar, rinse for 4-6 mins, spin and hang. Leave washer open overnight to dry. Clothes come out less stuff and amazingly clean. Hope this helps!