My Laundry isn’t Smart But I Am

Washer Dies After 20 Years of Dedicated Service

Last month my faithful washing machine said goodbye to me. It had been a long-term member of my household. Spanning the years since I went blind back in the late 90s when I was living in an apartment with two housemates. To the Y2K and people thinking the world was ending. Remember the excitement over that? My machine was still washing clothes through all of it. Then moving to a smaller apartment and one housemate, my washer kept right on spinning along. Next, it was the purchase of my home, the first Black president and now the pandemic.

This machine has been with me through thick and thin. Through many ups and downs. Through a couple of boyfriends and jobs. So, excuse me if I get a little sentimental for a quick minute. It is just that not many things in life have that kind of longevity. When it died I was surprised I was not distressed or dismayed. It had been two decades. Instead, I took the rational approach and reasoned my washer had served me well. All good things must end. Nothing last forever. I took it in stride. Plus, it couldn’t have happened at a more auspicious time. The 4^th of July was right around the corner. I knew that I could find a good sale on a new one. Shoot even a dryer too! And that is exactly what happened.

No Fancy Smart Appliance

I knew before going to the store I had no interest in purchasing one of those smart home appliances you connect to your phone. The fancy ones with all the bells and whistles. I had heard about them for the kitchen. Devices like rice cookers, crock pots, dishwashers and even refrigerators are all connected to your phone these days. Sorry, but those of you who read my blog and know me personally know that I am a bit old fashion. Heck, I still use a landline phone with an answering machine for all those robocalls! I don’t go run out the door and purchase the first new hot thing smoking

. I use an item until the wheels fall off. Until it is falling apart. Case in point my washing machine.

Need Knobs and Dials

So, I told the sales lady none of that smart home stuff for me. I want the old fashion washing machine and dryer with knobs and buttons. I want to be able to touch and feel my appliance. She showed me one on display that was perfect for my needs and I purchased it.

Now, you might be asking why I am so dead set against the new fancy smart home devices? Well, glad you asked because I got a couple of reasons and it is not just because I am blind. Although my disability is close to the top of the list. So, I will start there first.

As a blind person I want tactual appliances and devices. Knobs and buttons are what works best for me. I can feel them easily and mark them as well. I usually apply a product called Hi Mark that goes on wet but when dry puffs up. I use this product for all kinds of stuff like my measuring cups, microwave, thermostat, and dials on my air frier, dish washer and curling iron. I have been using it for years and it works beautifully. Plus, it comes in bright colors for the low vision folks.

Smart Machines Are Expensive

I mentioned earlier that I purchased my washer and dryer during the 4^th of July. I got a good deal but not sure that would have been the case with a smart option. Typically, smart laundry units are more expensive to purchase. And even more expensive to repair says Angie’s List. The main issue for high-tech appliance malfunction is the control board, which is the computerized system that operates the appliance. Meaning an expert repair guy or gal must come and fix the machine and it won’t be cheap.

WIFI Connection and Firmware Updates

Smart appliances are called this because of their innovative technological advancements. Appliances are connected to WIFI via a smartphone. So, if the connection isn’t working neither are the machines. This is too high tech for me. I just want to keep it simple and wash my clothes whether I got an internet connection or not.

since these appliances are connected to the internet there might be data and privacy problems. Reliable internet security protocols might not be used which could lead to people hacking into your system and other devices. And we all know the more info people have about you and me online the more that data is vulnerable. Who wants people snooping around?

My last point, about why my laundry isn’t smart, is the firmware might not be updated regularly. Smart washers and dryers can experience a lot of glitches with their apps, home hubs and connectivity. Additionally, there is no guarantee a smart washer or dryer will get firmware updates. This means if there is a problem the app and machine won’t be talking to each other and your goanna have to call that repair guy I mentioned earlier.

Is Your Laundry Smart?

You see how smart I am. Now, don’t get me wrong I appreciate technology however when it comes to some things if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Old-fashion or what they call standard machines work just fine. The bottom line is to get the clothes clean and dry. To do it in the easiest and least complicated way available. That’s what I think. Tag, it’s your turn. Do you have a smart home appliance? If so, how’s it working for you? If not would you purchase one?