How to Make the Most of Limited Living Spaces

Posted on December 22, 2015 by jenmertz

With rental rates souring over the past year, and rates expected to increase even more in 2016, many people are looking to downsize into smaller homes. Downgrading into smaller living spaces requires learning how to make the most of what space you do have. In some places, like New York City, renters live in some of the smallest apartment homes, ranging in size from 78 square feet to 450 square feet. If you are considering downgrading into a smaller home to keep your rental rates from increasing, here are a few useful tips to maximize your smaller living space.

Find Multiple Purposes for Everything

Depending on the number of rooms in a small apartment, you should look at ways in which the rooms can be used for multiple purposes, rather than one. The kitchen is a great example, as most people only consider this room for cooking and eating, which is not the case when you do not have the square footage. You can convert a section of the under-counter space to make room for a compact washer dryer combo and also make the kitchen the laundry room.

With cabinets and closets, do not overlook the dead space on the back of doors. These areas are great for adding small shelves and increasing the amount of space you have to store food, clothes, cleaning products, and so on. To maximize space inside the cabinets, use pullout bins so it is easy to access anything you put toward the back. In addition, pullout bins give you various options for storing loose items, like putting silverware and utensils in cups, rather than placing them in a drawer, and thus freeing up the drawer to store something else.

Select Furnishings That Do Not Get in the Way

The idea of having furnishings cramped into a small apartment leaves little free space. The best thing to do in smaller homes is to use furnishings that can be easily stored away or out of sight when they are not required. In cases where your living room is also your bed room, a Murphy bed or sofa bed are perfect. Both provide somewhere to sleep, but are easy to put away to recover the space.

You could also look at a fold-down kitchen table mounted to the wall with foldable chairs. When you want to eat or sit around the table, it is easy to set up, but, when it is not in use, it is not taking up space. Basically, you will want to look at your walls and ask yourself how you can incorporate furniture against the wall, or into it, to fit more furniture into the tiny apartment.

By taking the time to look at the different ways you can utilizing living spaces and discover multiple purposes for them, you will be able to live comfortably in a smaller home and keep your rental rates down. To learn more about space-saving combination washer and dryers, please feel free to contact FJS Distributors, Inc. at 800-875-1533 and speak to a representative about compact LG Washer Dryers.

Tips for Making Your Laundry Room More Efficient

Posted on December 13, 2015 by jenmertz

Whether you have a dedicated laundry room within your home or share the space as part of a utility room or basement, taking the time to organize your laundry area will make doing laundry easier. No one really enjoys having to spend their weekends or other free time doing laundry. Working in a messy laundry room causes us to procrastinate and put off doing this chore for as long as possible. By implementing the following tips, you will find you have to spend less time on laundry and more free time to spend however you desire.

Put laundry detergents and products in a location where they are easy to access and reach. Having quick access to these items will cut down on the time needed to measure and pour them into the washer. As an alternative, consider using washing pods or tablets and dryer sheets to never have to measure any liquids again.
Install a hanging rod above your washer and dryer. You can quickly hang up anything you do not want to put in the dryer or dry clothes to keep them wrinkle free. Plus, once they are hung up, you do not have to worry about folding them, which is a big time saver. If you lack space above the washer and dryer, hang the bar overhead from the ceiling.
Use a stackable washer and dryer if you are tight on space. You can free up extra space for cabinets and a laundry countertop by stacking your washer and dryer. Consider getting a ventless dryer to eliminate dryer venting, too.
Utilize free wall space. Installing a cabinet or shelving unit near the washer and dryer not only provides a great space to store laundry products, but also makes them easily accessible.

Create your own laundry tips posters and hang them on the wall. You could have a poster that deciphers all of the new laundry symbols being used on apparel and clothing, so you do not have to try to remember what they mean. On another poster, write down stain removal tips and which wash cycles to use to get them out.

Convert a drawer in a cabinet to a pull-out ironing board. Ironing boards can get in the way, and finding space to store it away can be problematic, especially in smaller laundry areas. In addition, the pull-out ironing board can be used as a folding table or to lay clothes on that you want to hang up.
Create a lost socks wall board. All you need is a small section of a one by four, some paint, wood glue, and some clothes pins. Paint the board in your favorite color, glue the clothes pins to the board, and hang it on the wall in your laundry room. Whenever you cannot find matches to socks, hang the single sock on a clothes pin on the board.

Organizing your laundry room using these ideas will make doing laundry hassle-free. If you need a stack kit for your LG washer and dryer or are considering upgrading to a combination washer dryer to save even more space, please feel free to contact FJS Distributors, Inc. for assistance by calling 800-875-1533 now.

How to Make the Most of Trips to the Laundromat

Posted on December 6, 2015 by jenmertz

There are times when you are going to have to make a trip to the laundromat to do your laundry. Your washer and dryer combo could need to be serviced, and the technician cannot come until next week, yet you have laundry to wash and dry. You might be on vacation and need to do a load or two of laundry. You could be away at college, and your dormitory does not have its own laundry facilities. Regardless of your reason for having to go to the laundromat, these tips make it seem less like a punishment, and will help get you in and out as quickly as possible.

Pretreat stains and sort clothes before you leave home. Having your clothing already sorted and any stains treated saves you time once you arrive at the laundromat. It also does not hurt to check the pockets, and turn t-shirts and other articles inside out as you sort.
Only take what laundry products you need. There is no reason to lug gallon containers of laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and bleach along to the laundromat. You can premeasure the liquids and pour them into smaller sealable containers. Laundry pods or tabs are also great. You can forgo liquid fabric softener and use dryer sheets.
Choose an off time to visit the laundromat. Typically the evening hours and weekends are the busiest times at laundromats, so you may find you have to wait for washers and dryers if you go at these peak times. Rather, try to go during the day when everyone else is at work or in school, or later in the evening.
Bring a roll or two of quarters. Some laundromats now allow you to use your debit or credit card to pay for loads, but, if you are not sure if yours does, bring along plenty of quarters.

Bring something to do while you wait. Bring along a book, or download an app or music before leaving home. It is never a good idea to leave clothes unattended, and it quickly becomes boring watching the washer or dryer spin round and round.

Smell washers before using them. While it might seem gross, do you really want to wash your clothes in stinky, smelly machines? Probably not; so take the time to smell inside the washer and, if you notice any funky odors, choose a different machine.
Wipe out washers and dryers before using them. Antibacterial wipes are great for this, as you never really know what was previously washed in the machine.
Check the cycle settings before starting the machine. Make sure the washer and dryer settings are to your liking before dropping in the quarters or swiping your debit card.
Remember to bring laundry baskets and large trash bags. Whether you decide to fold your laundry or take it home and fold it later is up to you. Just make sure you have plenty of laundry baskets to put your clean clothes into. The large trash bags are to put the laundry baskets into, in case it is raining or snowing. The last thing you want is a pile of wet clothes after spending your money to dry them.

By taking the time to follow these great tips, the next time you have to visit a laundromat you will be sure to get in and out as fast as possible. If you are shopping for a new LG Washer Dryer stackable or combination model, contact FJS Distributors, Inc. now, at 800-875-1533, to speak to one of our appliance experts.

Teaching Children How to Do Laundry

Posted on November 29, 2015 by jenmertz

Deciding what is the best age to teach children how to do laundry in LG washers and dryers largely depends upon the child. Some parents start their children off when they are still toddlers in diapers. Other parents put off teaching their children until they are tweens or teens. There is no right or wrong age to start teaching children how to do laundry.

Rather, it comes down to the maturity of your child and how well they can handle responsibility. In addition, you do not have to teach them every intricacy about doing laundry overnight, unless they are leaving for college the next day, and you put off teaching them when they were younger.

Get them involved at a young age. Most five or six year olds are delighted to help with laundry. This is a great age to have them assist with loading the machine and starting wash and dry cycles.
Teach them how to sort clothes. When your child is seven or eight, show them how to sort clothes. Have them sort their own clothes and practice this task until they are proficient. Remember to have them check pockets for items, as well as to turn whichever articles of clothing need to be turned inside out.
Show them how to use the washer and dryer. An eight-year-old is perfectly capable of selecting wash and dry cycles, and adding detergent and other laundry products by themselves. Some adult supervision may still be needed to ensure they are using the right amounts and using the right cycles, until you are satisfied they have accomplished this task.
Teach them how to hang and fold clothes. You may want to get them a folding board to help them learn how to fold shirts. It is equally important to show them which items are appropriate for the dryer, and what items need to be hung up and air dried. Nine or ten is the perfect age to teach children this task.

Teach them how to treat stains and wash items by hand. Showing your child how to treat for stains and wash items by hand is a task that is best learned between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

If you follow these suggested steps for teaching your child how to do laundry, by the time they are thirteen they will be able to wash and dry their own clothes. Most teenagers enjoy the added freedom of being able to do something for themselves, and parents appreciate not having to sort through the piles of clothes that always seems to end up on teenagers’ bedroom floors.

For other laundry tips and suggestions, or to shop for a new washer and dryer in one, or laundry sets, please feel free to call FJS Distributors, Inc. at 800-875-1533. We are a factory authorized distributor of LG and ASKO washers and dryers.

Tips for Managing Laundry over the Holidays

Posted on November 22, 2015 by jenmertz

Doing laundry is not something that ranks high on our to-do list, especially during the holiday season. There are so many other things we want to do with our weekends and free time. We have to plan and prepare holiday meals, cookies, pies and other delectable goodies for holiday parties and events. We have to spend time decorating the home from top to bottom with our favorite holiday decorations. We have to fit time in to get all of our holiday shopping completed, whether we shop online or at our local stores and shopping centers. Once all the shopping is done, we have to take the time to wrap all of our gifts.

In between all the activities, events, cooking, baking, and shopping, at some point we have to find the time to do laundry. But laundry does not have to be that one chore you put off until you run out of clothes and are wearing stretchy pants that are two sizes too small and a baggy sweatshirt. Instead, it needs to be a chore you fit in with other holiday activities to keep on top of your dirty clothes and ensure you always have your favorite festive clothing clean.

Use the Delay Wash Cycle Feature

Most modern washers or combination washer dryers have a delay start feature. Use this feature to your advantage over the holidays. You can load the washer in the morning before going to work and have it start about an hour before you get home. Once you arrive home, the clothes will be ready to go into the dryer. Or, if you have a washer dryer combo, start the cycle about two and a half hours before you get home, and your clothes will be dry and ready to fold.

Sort Clothes Ahead of Time

Pick up three or four laundry baskets and use these to sort your dirty clothes each day. You could have a white baskets for whites, a dark colored basket for darks, and a light colored basket for lights. Once a basket gets full, do a load of laundry.

Premeasure Detergents and Laundry Products

Get some small canning jars with lids, premeasure your detergent and laundry products, and stack these in your laundry room. Instead of wasting your valuable time measuring these out each time you load the machine, you just open the jar and pour the detergent or laundry product into the right slot on the washer. This tip is also great if you have tweens and teens, and want them to help by starting a load of laundry. You do not have to worry about them using an excessive amount of detergent or other laundry products, since it is premeasured.

With these great tips, you will be able to fit laundry into your busy holiday schedules and still have plenty of time to do other things. If you are looking for new LG washer and LG dryer products for holiday gifts or to treat yourself this holiday season, please feel free to contact FJS Distributors, Inc. at 800-875-1533 today and speak to a representative.

How Washer Dryer Combos Work

Posted on November 12, 2015 by jenmertz

Laundry equipment is big business in America, responsible for more than $4 billion in sales. Traditional washers and dryers still make up a healthy chunk of the market, but combination washer/dryers are making headway as the technology used in these devices continues to improve and offer better service.

Washer/dryer combo devices are a single machine that acts as both a washer and a dryer. Using a combo washer/dryer takes up less room, an important feature for people who live in apartments or homes where space may be tight. Most combination washer/dryer devices are the size of a dishwasher, making them easy to fit in laundry rooms or nooks with limited space.

There are two basic types of washer dryer combination devices: vented and ventless. Vented units work in much the same way front-loading washers and standard dryers do. During the wash cycle, clothes are tumbled with water and soap, and then spun to remove excess water. During the drying cycle, the device sucks in air and heats it while spinning it with the clothes. During this process, steam is created, which is vented from the home.

Combo washer/dryers have been around for decades, but recent advances in technology have fueled increasing popularity for them. These laundry machines have a few advantages that consumers like, including:

Compactness – This is the primary benefit of having a combo washer/dryer. These devices take up less horizontal space than traditional washers and dryers, and less vertical space than stackable washer/dryer combos. They can easily fit in small closets or under a kitchen counter.
Portability – These machines often have wheels to make it easy to move them in and out of different rooms. They’re also designed to operate without dedicated gas or electrical outlets, making them easier to relocate than traditional machines.
Efficiency – Many combo devices have Energy Star certification, meaning that they meet standards for energy efficiency. These devices will be more efficient than many older traditional washers and dryers.

Some combination washer/dryers may not have the capacity that traditional washers and dryers have because of their compact size. However, newer models are closing the capacity gap and can handle larger loads than older versions of combo devices.

When purchasing a washer or dryer, consumers need to consider their lifestyle, laundry needs, and the space available in their homes. For many homeowners and renters, a combo device will be the right choice, as it will fill their need for a compact and energy efficient solution for washing and drying laundry. Consumers should also check out various combo brands to make sure they buy a quality device that will be durable and reliable for years to come.

FJS Distributors, Inc. sells LG Electronics washer dryer combos and Asko washers and dryers. A factory-authorized distributor, FJS Distributors has been connecting customers with top quality laundry machines for the past 15 years. LG and Asko washers and dryers are innovative products that help make doing laundry a joy rather than a chore. To learn more, call 1-800-884-8635.

Make Your Space Count with Innovative Laundry Machines

Posted on November 5, 2015 by jenmertz

As housing prices and rents rise, home space is getting more expensive. Making each square foot of your purchased home or rental count can help you get more out of your space and increase your enjoyment of your residence. Stackable washing machines and combination washer dryers make use of the vertical space that often gets unused, freeing up space for other uses.

Stackable washing machines are devices that have a washing machine on the bottom and a dryer up top. Stackables can incorporate front or top loading washers. The key benefit of stackable washing machines is that they save horizontal space, allowing the laundry area to be small enough to fit into a closet or alcove. For empty-nesters or single homeowners with minimal laundry needs, the stackable may be a great solution.

If you’re building a new home, it may be worthwhile to incorporate a stackable washer/dryer into your design. The smaller space needed for laundry will allow you to use square footage that would have been taken up by your washer and dryer for other purposes, like a larger bathroom or more space elsewhere. If you’re considering using a stackable, it may be worthwhile to purchase one that includes a front-loading washer, as these washing machines use significantly less water than a top-loading washer.

The most common varieties of stackable washing machine/dryer combos are either 27 or 24 inches wide. The 24-inch model will fit in most closets. Stackable washer-dryers will need a 220-volt power outlet, and you may need to have an electrician install this outlet in your home. Stackables may not have all of the features available on conventional washers and dryers because of the concessions product designers must make to keep these devices compact.

If a stackable washer/dryer isn’t for you, a combination washer dryer may be a better solution. Combination washer/dryers are single machines that do the job of both a washer and dryer. Because there’s only one machine, homeowners and renters save space by using a combo. These washer/dryers also use less electricity and water than conventional washers and dryers. Another key benefit of a combination washer and dryer is that it is easier on clothes because of the horizontal axis drum incorporated into its design. This design is far gentler than conventional washing machines.

With the average price per square foot for a home hovering between $104 and $130, saving space where you can makes sense. Saving space and upgrading to more energy-efficient laundry machines can help you get greater value from your home and have a positive impact on the environment. Consumers interested in stackables or combos should research brands offered by reputable vendors.