If there’s one chore that you cannot avoid, it’s laundry. Until public nudity becomes legal in Singapore, there’s no way to siam washing your clothes (because they will definitely stink in our climate)… and so we’re stuck with washing machines.
The question is, should you go for an everyman Samsung washing machine? Or act yi ge atas and buy a Bosch washing machine? Consider this article essential reading on the most popular washing machine brands in Singapore and what you need to know before you own one.
Contents
- Samsung washing machines
- LG washing machines
- Electrolux washing machines
- Bosch washing machines
- Panasonic washing machines
- Hitachi washing machines
- Miele washing machines
- Front load vs top load washing machines
- Other things consider when choosing a washing machine
- How to clean your washing machine
- Where to do washing machine repair
Samsung washing machines in Singapore
Despite its South Korean origins, electronics giant Samsung doesn’t need to use K-pop celebrities to sell its products. When it comes to washing machines (and phones), Samsung’s brand name sells itself.
Samsung washing machines regularly appear in lists of best washing machines to buy, and user reviews are generally positive. Many talk about how well their Samsung washing machines continue to perform, even after a decade. That’s impressive when you consider that the average life span of a modern washer is 6 to 8 years.
Apart from its reputation, Samsung washing machines are also known for great technology. Some of the names to look out for are…
- FlexWash: A 2-in-1 solution where a single washing machine incorporates a separate top-loading and front-loading washer.
- Auto cleaning function: After each cycle, the FlexWash automatically wipes residue away and will tell you when its time to run the Eco Drum Clean course to clean the inside with hot water and jets of steam.
- Ecobubble: The washing machine froths detergent with air and water before the cycle begins so that dirt can be more effectively removed.
- Air wash technology: This tech makes use of super hot air to deodorise and sanitise the laundry so they smell fresh.
- Digital inverter technology: This promises less noise, less vibrations and longer lasting performance. There’s even a 10-year warranty on the motor.
- Smart control: This lets you control and monitor your wash via an app so you can do the laundry remotely.
All this tech would be meaningless without good aftercare, so it also helps that Samsung has a repair service that’s known to be quite reliable.
Price wise, Samsung washing machines are on the more affordable side. Here’s a sample range of prices we found at megastores like Courts, Harvey Norman and Best Denki. You can often find the same model retailing at slightly cheaper online, e.g. Qoo10 and Lazada.
| Washing machine model | Retail price |
| Samsung EcoBubble WW80J54E0BW/SP | $829 |
| Samsung AddWash WW80K54E0UW/SP | $949 |
| Samsung QuickDrive Combo WD80N74FNOR/SP | $1,499 |
LG washing machines in Singapore
LG washing machines are often neck-to-neck with Samsung ones in terms of popularity. Similarly known for their reliability, LG often ranks among the top washing machines of the year.
Big families, take note – LG is also known for highly efficient top loading washing machines that have huge capacities of 12kg and larger. Many LG washing machine models also have what’s called an Inverter Direct Drive Motor, which supposedly makes the machines quieter, more reliable and gentler on fabrics. The motor itself has a 10-year warranty.
Other LG technologies to note are:
- TwinWash: Said to be the world’s first washing machine to combine both a front load and top load washer, this allows it to wash and spin two loads at the same time.
- TrueSteam: Instead of water, steam is used to remove wrinkles and odours in 20 minutes. This technology promises to steam off 99.9% of allergens.
- TurboWash: A jet spray is used for a cleaner, faster wash in under an hour, saving time, energy and water.
- 6 Motion Direct Drive: Six different motions are used so that washes can be customised for different types of clothes.
- Eco Hybrid: This makes the washing machines better able to manage electricity and water consumption.
- LG Smart app: Again, you can control your machine remotely via an app so you can do your laundry even when you’re not home.
Here’s a look at some popular LG washing machine models and how much they cost at electronics stores in Singapore:
| Washing machine model | Retail price |
| LG 6 Motion Inverter Direct Drive Top Load Washing Machine WFT1181DD | $890 |
| LG Inverter Direct Drive TWIN Load Washing Machine TWC1409S2W | $1,099 |
| DUAL Inverter Heat Pump Front Load Washing Machine TD-H90WD | $1,899 |
Electrolux washing machines in Singapore
Electrolux washing machines regularly get good reviews for their ability to out-clean other machines, making light work of your laundry.
Electrolux offers their own extended warranty for up to 5 years, though you’ll need to pay. With that, you get free repairs, a one-time free replacement set if your washer is beyond repair and a 24/7 hotline to call for help.
Some features to look out for in Electrolux washers are:
- UltimateCare: This function gives a deeper clean while protecting the colour of your laundry.
- Load Sensor: This feature tells you if you’ve overloaded your machine so you don’t have to guess if you’re making it work harder than you should.
- Vapour Care: This feature promises to remove 99.9% of allergens which is great for families with asthma or eczema.
- Cyclonic Care: A gentler wash so your clothes will not lose their shape.
- Time Care: This reduces the wash time supposedly without compromising the cleanliness of your laundry.
Since it’s an European brand, Electrolux washing machines definitely don’t come cheap. Here are the listed prices at the big electronics stores like Harvey Norman. However, you can easily find a cheaper deal on Qoo10 or Lazada.
| Washing machine model | Retail price |
| 12kg Cyclonic Care Washing Machine EWT125WD | $899 |
| UltimateCare Washing Machine EWF14113 | $1,799 |
| Vapour Care Washing Machine EWF1497HDW2 | $1,949 |
Bosch washing machines in Singapore
High-end European home appliances brand Bosch is known to be super strict on testing and quality control. Before a Bosch washing machine leaves the factory, all 1,000 estimated parts are thoroughly tested to make sure they perform at their optimum when they get to you. Talk about German precision.
However, Bosch washing machines are rather limited in range. They typically carry only about 7kg to 9kg of laundry and come only in front loading varieties. So if you’re going through heaps of laundry each day for your family of 6, look elsewhere.
Depending on the model you get, here are some of the nicer functions that Bosch washing machines have.
- ActiveWater: This function assesses your laundry and adjusts the water volume accordingly for better water and energy efficiency.
- SpeedPerfect: This function cuts the wash cycle time so you can do your laundry in a hurry.
- EcoSilence Drive: This makes the machine extra quiet yet still efficient and very durable.
- AllergyPlus: This was developed for those who are super sensitive.
- LoadSensor: The washer senses how much laundry is in the machine and only uses as much detergent, water and energy as it needs for that specific amount.
- i-DOS’ detergent dose dispensing technology: This function releases the amount of detergent based on the machine’s calculations of your laundry load.
As you’d expect, Bosch washing machines tend to be on the pricey side. They’re definitely more expensive than Asian brands like LG and Samsung, and even some European ones like Electrolux. Be prepared to fork out at least $1,500.
| Washing machine model | Retail price |
| Serie 6 Front Load Washing Machine WAW28420SG | $1,499 to $2,999 |
| Serie 8 VarioPerfectFront Load Washing Machine WAW28480SG | $1,799 to $1,999 |
| Serie 8 ActiveOxygen Front Load Washing Machine WAW28790IL | $2,499 |
Panasonic washing machines in Singapore
Japanese electronics firm Panasonic is a popular choice in Singapore for washing machines. One big reason is the price tag – Panasonic washing machines are some of the most affordable ones here.
But it’s not just a brand for cheapskates. Known for being sturdy, Panasonic’s top load washing machines get particularly good reviews.
Also, Panasonic has great after-care service.Their washing machines come with a 90-day warranty for repairs, and night house calls are available until 9pm. Should your machine require fixing, Panasonic promises to fix it in 45 minutes. If it’s a major repair that takes over 36 hours, they’ll loan you a temporary replacement for free.
Though not as snazzy as its Korean counterparts like Samsung and LG, Panasonic washing machines do boast features such as…
- 49 mins Active Speed Wash: This uses highly concentrated foam that effectively removes dirt so wash time is shortened by almost half an hour.
- Hygiene 60ºC/90ºC: Removes 99.99% of allergen and bacteria by washing laundry at 60ºC/90 ºC
- ActiveFoam system: This allows the machine to create fine, high density foam before the wash cycle begins so the foam can separate and remove deep dirt.
- StainMaster+: With a push of a button, you can activate a scrub-wash effect for those stubborn stains.
- ECONAVI: This lets the machine detect water temperature, load amount and laundry material so it can adjust a suitable amount of water and the right wash time to save energy.
Choosing a Panasonic washing machine model is quite easy as the model names indicate size (e.g. 9kg) and the features (e.g. ActiveFoam). So you don’t need to fuss about with different specs for different models. Most of their models cost well under $1,000 too, as this price list indicates:
| Washing machine model | Retail price |
| 9kg Washer with ActiveFoam and StainMaster+ NA-F90V5 | $663 |
| 9kg Washer with ActiveFoam and 49 mins Active Speed Wash NA-129VG6 | $899 to $989 |
| 8kg Washer with Double Hygiene, ActiveFoam and 49 mins Active Speed NA-128VX6 | $999 |
Hitachi washing machines in Singapore
Hitachi washing machines don’t often appear among the top washing machines list. Still, it’s an over 100-year-old brand and their washers are known to be easy to use.
They may not come with a bazillion high-tech features, but there are decent features like Ultra Stream Wash (which lets the machine handle large loads) and Auto Self Clean (which cleans the machine at the same time as your laundry).
Hitachi products come with a 1-year warranty. As a Hitachi Customer Care Member, you get either (a) a free machine if your unit can’t be repaired within 48 hours, or (b) 1-to-1 product exchange if your machine is spoilt because of the manufacturer.
Hitachi washing machines range from affordable sub-$1,000 ones to higher end ones like their latest model. Prices are about the same across retailers, but if you buy directly from Hitachi you can get a free rice cooker or vacuum cleaner with your purchase.
| Washing machine model | Retail price |
| BW-V105AS Top Loading Ultra-Stream Wash | $829 |
| BD-90XAV Front Loading 510 Powered Inverter | $1,399 |
| BD-SG100AJ (latest model) | $2,399 |
Miele washing machines in Singapore
Miele washing machines – well, Miele anything, really – are luxury and premium quality personified. Plus, they are so beautifully designed.
For example, the signature Miele honeycomb-shaped drum surface allows your laundry to glide on a thin film of water for a gentler wash.
They also have this feature called CapDosing, which dispenses special detergents, fabric conditioners and additives in portioned capsules so it’s always just the right amount. Kind of like the laundry version of a Nespresso machine.
Naturally, Miele washing machines come with extended warranty (2 years). After that, you can extend the warranty. The factory service for Miele household appliances is supposedly top notch too.
Of course, with that kind of reputation comes a special kind of price tag. Also, because it is so exclusive, not that many places carry Miele washing machines, so you might need to buy it directly from the manufacturer. However, we found that Harvey Norman is selling one of the machines at $200 less than Miele – so it pays to shop around.
| Washing machine model | Retail price |
| W1 Front-loading washing machine With Softsteam honeycomb drum and CapDosing WKB 120 | $1,899 |
| W1 Front-loading washing machine with TwinDos and CapDosing WKG120 TDos | $1,999 to $2,199 |
| W1 Front-loading washing machine with PowerWash 2.0 and CapDosing WKF121 PWash 2.0 | $2,199 |
Front load vs top load washing machines – which is better?
Washing machines come in 2 main types: front load and top load. As their names suggest, a front loading washing machine requires you to open a circular door in front, while a top load washing machine has a hatch on top through which you dump your laundry.
But which should you get? There are a few things to think about.
Space: Since most of us live in cute little HDB flats, space is a major constraint. A front loading washing machine frees up vertical space, so you can use the top of the machine for other stuff, e.g. a dryer or laundry baskets.
On the other hand, if your laundry area is narrow, then a top load machine may be better. You won’t have to worry about accommodating an open washer door.
Performance: The 2 types of washing machines also perform differently. Front load washing machines are gentler on clothes, because they tumble wash them. If you have lots of delicates – lingerie, lacey stuff, sheer fabrics, chiffon – you might consider front load washing machines.
Top load machines, on the other hand, either spin your clothes in a drum or twist your clothes around a pole to rub dirt off. That makes them more suited to heavy duty fabrics that can withstand all this action. Think jeans and sturdy cotton.
Efficiency: You might have heard that top loading washing machines guzzle more water than front loading ones. It’s true that a top load washing machine requires more water to fill up compared to a front load.
On the other hand, cycle times for top loaders tend to be shorter, which saves you time. There’s also less chance of water or residue being trapped in the machine after a wash, so there’s less maintenance needed in between laundry cycles.
Safety: The final deciding factor is probably safety concerns. If you have small children in your household or the laundry is done by your ageing parents, a top loading washing machine might be the way to go.
It’s much harder for a toddler to crawl into a top load machine than a front load one. It’s also easier for people who are not so mobile to use a top loading washer – there’s a lot less bending down and stooping involved.
Other things to consider when choosing a washing machine
It’s hard to believe that there could be more considerations than just the “front load vs top load” dilemma. But there are a lot more aspects of washing machines to think about.
Capacity: If you‘re shopping for a washing machine and see weights like 5kg, 7kg or 10kg, it’s not a reference to how heavy your machine is. It’s its drum capacity or how much clothes a full load of wash can take.
As a guide, one regular outfit – top, bottom, underwear and socks – weighs about 1kg. Since washing machines work most efficiently when doing a full load, a 5kg capacity will allow you to wash 5 sets of clothing at once. That’s a week’s worth of dirty clothes if you’re single.
If you’ve got a big family, opt for a bigger capacity. And if you intend to wash your king-size comforter, you’ll need a washer with a 9kg capacity at the very least.
Spin speed: The higher the spin speed, the faster water can be extracted from your wash, the shorter the time it takes to do laundry. Normal spin speeds are usually 1,400 to 1,500rpm.
If you have a lot of heavy items to wash – sweaters, winter clothing, bedding, curtains, upholstery – then choose a machine that can go up to 1,600rpm. Machines with higher spin speeds are also handy if you’re in a hurry.
Noise level: If you have babies at home or your washer is placed near your bedroom, you might want a quieter machine. Go for washing machines rated under 50 db(A). This is as much sound as a humming refrigerator makes.
Water/energy efficiency: Look out for the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) label and the Energy Label on the washing machine. The more ticks, the more resource-efficient the machine is, and the smaller your utilities bill should be.
Extra features: These days washing machines come with as many features as there are needs. Timers and smart device compatibility make washing less of a chore by allowing you to schedule or control the laundry while you’re away.
Other nice-to-haves are a steam function for deep cleaning super dirty clothes, and a self-cleaning function so that the machine can clean itself (see next section).
Many machines have auto sensors that automatically adjust your machine’s setting depending on the load size, but you can do away with this if you are optimising your laundry anyway. (Pro tip: Get a laundry basket that has about the same capacity as your washing machine.)
Oh, this is a completely low-tech feature, but we recommend getting a machine with a lint trap. Many models have them but it’s not a universal feature. These traps catch lint from your laundry and makes cleaning your machine so much easier.
Washer dryer combo: A final thing to consider is whether you want a washing machine that has a dryer function. This is an option for really tight spaces (so you don’t have to hang up your clothes or get a separate dryer). But they are said to be big guzzlers of water and electricity.
How to clean your washing machine
It’s seems ironic that a machine meant to clean your clothes requires cleaning itself, but yes, your washing machine needs to be washed too.
Dirt from your laundry and detergent build-up can cause your washer to develop an odour, mould or mildew over time. That’s why you should clean your washing machine at least once a month.
Here’s a step-by-step of how to clean your top load washing machine:
- Let your machine fill with water to its maximum load.
- Add a litre of white vinegar or bleach.
- Close the lid and run the machine for a minute.
- Then, open the lid and let the vinegar solution soak for an hour.
- Take this time to remove any parts (bleach and fabric softener wells, for example) you can and soak them in a similar vinegar solution.
- Scrub the remaining nooks and crannies as well as the front and sides of the washer.
- When an hour is up, close the lid and let the washer complete its cycle
- This is the time to wipe down the lid.
- Finally, run one more wash with a cup of baking soda to neutralise the vinegar before cleaning away any residue that has been loosened or left behind by the first cycle.
- Once the second cycle is done, wipe the sides and bottom of the tub with vinegar solution to remove any last residue.
And this is how to clean your front load washing machine:
- Begin by cleaning the gasket (the rubber seal around the door) with a vinegar and water solution.
- If the rubber can be removed, do so and soak the rubber in a vinegar and water solution while you scrub out the gunk from the space left behind.
- If the stains are stubborn, soak some cloth in the vinegar solution, pack the space with it and let that sit for an hour before scrubbing out the dirt.
- Once that’s done, set your washer to the fullest load and add one litre of white vinegar or bleach.
- Run the machine for a minute before stopping it to let the solution sit in the washer.
- Take this time to wipe down the exterior of the machine.
- When an hour is up, let the washer complete its cycle.
- Next, run one more wash with a cup of baking soda to neutralise the vinegar before cleaning away any residue that has been loosened or left behind by the first cycle.
- Once the second cycle is done, wipe the inside of the tub with vinegar solution to remove any last residue.
To prolong the freshness of your washing machine, leave the lid open between washes. This lets the interior dry out thoroughly so mould can’t grow.
Where to do washing machine repair in Singapore
Should your washing machine give you grief, you can turn to the manufacturers for repairs. Retailers like Courts also offer repairs for appliances you buy from them. Other than that, washing machine repairmen are surprisingly hard to come by.
None of the handymen services portals and handymen companies lists repairing of washing machines and dryers among their expertise. Plumbers don’t do such repairs either even though they deal with water-related appliances like the water heater. Those who repair fridges often also repair air-cons but not washing machines.
But fear not, we have compiled a list of resources you can count on for washing machine repair (as well as dryers).
repairs*sg (9697 3532)
- Over 10 years’ experience
- Same day, on-site repairs
- $30 transport fee waived if you proceed with repairs
- Open on weekends and public holidays
Oriental Service Centre (6286 6796 / 6298 3381 / 9001 0950)
- Repairs household appliances including washers, dryers, dishwashers, fridges
- On site repairs
Fixwerks (6765 8890)
- All sorts of household repairs
Washing Machine Pro (8511 6346)
- Over 30 years’ experience
- Same day, on-site repairs
- $30 transport fee waived if you proceed with repairs
- 30-day warranty
Electrician Singapore (6631 8553)
- Electricians who also fix washing machines
YeoBuild HomeRepair (6746 6177)
- Nearly 40 years’ experience
- 1-year warranty
- Fixes air-cons, water heaters, autogates, fans, electrical and plumbing issues, and all kitchen appliances
Tat Hai Repair Centre (8611 7676)
- Open 24/7
- More than 40 years’ experience
- Consultation fee from $30 waived if you proceed with repairs
Which washing machine do you use? Geek out with us about your machine in the comments.
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