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  • 1998.05.15

A 2-in-1 washer-drier is a costly home laundry appliance - it pays to find out as much information as you can to make a rational choice

Is a washer-drier the perfect solution to your laundry problem in Hong Kong's space-scarce home? Or is it really?

To find out just how well - or otherwise - a 2-in-1 washer-drier performs, the Consumer Council has tested 11 models of these home laundry appliances available in the market. The test was conducted in the laboratory of the Consumers' Association in the UK.

Results of the test were published today (May 15) in the latest (259) issue of the Council's monthly magazine 'CHOICE'.

11samples, priced from $7,000 to $8,200, were tested - six are front loaders and five top loaders. In general, the front loading models cost slightly less to buy but top loaders are more compact in size.

Ideally, a washer-drier should wash and dry well, be easy to use and reliable (frequency of breakdown that may require costly repairs and maintenance).

It should also pass stringent safety tests, use water and energy efficiently and be of a reasonable noise level (especially during the spin cycle).

The test showed variations among the models in their washing (stain removal and rinsing) performance.

On the whole, all models were judged satisfactory in their ability to remove stains (standard soils of carbon, blood, chocolate and wine were used in the test) but there were differences in how well they cleaned. For most samples, they cleaned better with cotton and synthetic laundry. But two models performed uniformly well in all three types of washing programmes - cotton, synthetic and wool..

On the other hand, the rinsing efficiency of all models was found to be unsatisfactory and left much to be desired. Consumers allergic to chemicals are advised to take precaution by reducing the detergent dosage used.

Contrary to some misbeliefs, clothings can in fact be dried completely provided that the load size is appropriate and the drying time is sufficiently long in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

On safety, five of the 11 models were found unsatisfactory in some of the moisture resistance tests. In one of the safety tests, water was poured in steadily to simulate an overflow condition caused by malfunction of the electrical inlet valve. The inside of the machine was then checked to see if any water has come into contact with electrical parts- this could cause potential electric shock or, in the worst case, electrocution.

Excessive foaming was detected in some samples while under testing even though the amount of washing powder used was in accordance with the detergent manufacturer's instructions. The excessive foaming was so serious that some models ceased to operate during the test. Consumers therefore need not use too much washing powder as this could damage the machine.

A serious deficiency of washer-driers concerns their reliability. According to a reliability survey of the UK Consumers' Association in February last year, washer-driers are among the least reliable domestic appliances. The survey did not cover the 11 models included in this test.

Nonetheless, four of the models were found to experience mechanical problems, in the course of the test, requiring repair by engineers and, in some cases, change of spare parts.

Unlike a small item which can be taken back to the shop for repair, when a large appliance such as a washer-drier breaks down, you have to arrange for a convenient time for a technician to call. More reliable products will not only save your money but also help you reduce repair hassles. Consumers should therefore give due consideration to the maintenance costs, extent of service available and service hours.

The report noted the high accumulated annual subscription fee of maintenance schemes. As suming an average annual fee of $500, the accumulated sum after 6 renewals (years) will be $3,000- nearly half of the machine price. Some agents charge according to the age of the machine and the annual fee can reach one quarter of the machine price after 10 years.

Massive seizure of toxic ceramic tableware as the law catches up on product safety

Toxic ceramic wares for holding food are being removed from the market as the law catches up on product safety

Toxic ceramic wares for holding food are being removed from the market as the law catches up on product safety.

Under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, the authorities have seized nearly 59,000 pieces of unsafe ceramic wares which were subsequently destroyed.

In the course of the recent investigation, a total of 600 types in 71 patterns of ceramic wares comprising different sizes of bowls, dishes, soy-plates and spoons, were put to test by the Government Laboratory.

The results revealed that 526 types in 38 patterns failed to be in compliance with the International Standard (ISO 6486-1981) adopted for the test.

Consumers are strongly urged to check if any of the failed models are in use at home. Full findings of these tests complete with illustrations were published in the May issue of 'CHOICE'.

Consumers should cease using these food containing utensils in the interest of their health and that of their family members. Lead is particularly harmful to the healthy development of young children.

As a result of the test findings, 11 importers and wholesalers were prosecuted and fined a total of $51,000. Nine retailers were also served written warning prohibiting the sales of such wares.

The action was taken by the Customs and Excise Department's Trading Standards Investigation Bureau in the enforcement of the law.

The concern over excessive lead in the paints of food containing ceramic wares was first brought to light by the Consumer Council in 1986.

In a test, it was revealed that 8 out of 13 samples contained lead in excess of the safety limit set by the British Standard.

Five years later in 1991, the Council retested the product and found the results equally disappointing - 13 out of 15 samples still failed the safety test.

In October 1995, the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance came into operation.

Red wine afficionados are reminded to practise moderation - for men, at no more than a full glass a day

As more people take to red wine, they are reminded to be moderate in their drinking.

A report in this May issue of 'CHOICE' suggests that according to the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), for health reasons, men should consume no more than one full glass, or more precisely 284g, per day.

For women, the daily intake should be halved, i.e. half a glass or 142g.

The report offers a timely reminder and a brief introductory guide to this wine beverage of rising popularity.

The guide covers comprehensively such matters as the grape varieties, the significance of weather, vineyards and production year as well as the different grading of wine origin and production control system among different countries.

According to the report, current studies suggest that moderate drinking is associated with lower risk for coronary heart disease in some individuals. However, high levels of alcohol intake may raise the risk for high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers and birth defects.

According to the Dietary Guideline of the FDA, children, adolescents, women who are trying to conceive or who are pregnant, individuals who plan to drive and those using medications should NOT drink at all.

You too can play a part in waste recycling

Consumers are urged to take an active part in waste reduction.

It's simple: they can do so by practising waste recycling - separating recyclables according to their materials (aluminium cans, plastic bottles and paper) and dropping them into appropriate bins for recycling.

Environmentally-conscious consumers should always bear in mind and practise in our daily life the 3R principles: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

In Hong Kong, according to a survey in 1994, 53% of commercial and industrial waste is reused or recycled but only 8% for domestic waste.

Statistics show that in 1996, 8,140 tonnes of waste was generated everyday from the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. The substantial increase in waste generation over the last 10 years is posing a severe problem to the environment. Waste reduction is critically important and necessary.

A waste recycling competition, organised by the Environmental Campaign Committee, is underway to encourage the separation of aluminium cans and paper in the housing estates.