Our Tiny Laundry Room (WonderWash + Nina Dryer Review)

Well, we found a use for the spare bathroom that we have... we've converted it into a laundry room!

The apartment that we're renting did come with a washer and dryer hook-up, but we really didn't want to spend the money to get a clunky washer and dryer (especially if we were going to just end up selling it not too far down the road).

So how did we turn our tiny spare bathroom into a laundry room? Let me introduce you to the WonderWash and the Nina Soft Spin Dryer!

Sching! *sparkle sparkle*

I ordered them both from The Laundry Alternative Inc. off of Amazon. The WonderWash was $40 and the Nina Dryer was $145, so $218.10 total including shipping, handling, and taxes. For a price comparison, some of the traditional, cheaper-end washers I found on Amazon ran at $450+ and the dryers at $560+  (not including shipping, handling, and tax) .... That's $218 vs. more than $1010. 

They were both easy to set up -- nothing at all complicated. The WonderWash needed to be assembled, but it only had a couple of pieces. Once the Styrofoam insert and motor locking piece were removed from the dryer, it was ready to go!

Here, have some stats: 

WonderWash

• Washes a 5-lb. load super clean in just a couple of minutes
• The Washing Machine Measures 12" x 12" x 16" (L x W x H) and is Environmentally Friendly, as it uses far less water than even hand washing.
• The Washing Machine Washes a 5-lb. load super clean in just a couple of minutes.

Nina Soft Spin Dryer

• Works in only 2-3 minutes. 1800 RPM spin speed. Weighs only 15 lbs, much lighter than other spin dryers. Unique built-in tall handle, allows for easier transport and less bending. Beautiful design [ehhh, I would have preferred it without the green and purple swirly bits], with new lever-free operation and self-opening lid. Quiet operation.
• 12 lb capacity for dry laundry (i.e. can dry several pairs of jeans per load). Much gentler on the clothes than a regular dryer, so your clothes will last longer (no lint).
• No special dryer hookup required, can use in many places conventional dryers can't be used.
• Over 200 times as energy efficient as a conventional dryer. Connects to any 110V outlet.

For the washing part, you just add your detergent, water, clothes; close the lid on the top and twist to make an air-tight seal; and start cranking the WonderWash! It spins around and around and agitates the dirty clothes. About 1:30 seconds to wash, then drain (it comes with a little attachment you connect at the bottom of the unit), refill with clean water, and 30 seconds to rinse. Then you wring the clothes and pop 'em in the dryer. It spins the water out of the clothes and spits in out into the pan of your choosing. 

It only takes a minute or so to dry. So, let's say it takes 30 seconds to transition between each major step... that comes to 5 minutes for one load! And the loads aren't very tiny, either. The first load I did (pictured below) included 8 shirts, 1 dress, 4 bras, and 1 little bralette. It was a 'delicates' load so it was almost completely dry when it came out of the dryer. Things like jeans and jackets are a little more damp, but they can dry overnight.

 

Also, the WonderWash is very easy to crank. If puny little me with 0% muscle can operate it, then pretty much anyone could. The Child Development major in me gets so pumped thinking about how children could get involved in helping with the laundry! 

Another great thing about this system is how active it is. Traditional washers and dryers are very passive -- so passive that I often forgot I was doing laundry! I'd leave my wet clothes sitting in the washer, meaning I'd have to wash them all over again, or I'd leave them in the dryer and they'd get all crinkly. Pas bon. Now, I just put on some music while I'm doing the laundry~

Overall, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking so save some money, save some water + energy, save time hand-washing your bras in the sink because that's one of the most annoying things ever, save the trees, save the cheerleader, save the world, etc.