Though it only takes me about an hour total to wash, spin, and hang dry a load in my machine, each load is on the smaller side. That being said, my portable washing machine really cleans my clothes well—as well as a full-size washer would—but it uses less energy, water, and detergent. Water usage is also an important consideration in terms of conservation. “Look at how much water it uses in the wash,” says Amanda Klecker, a certified building biologist who assesses the overall health of homes. “The greenest option for sustainability is using water from the tap.” Make sure to also pay attention to the water hose, see if the nozzle will fit your sink, and check if the machine has noise control. I also recommend looking at the size of the washing drum and how many clothes it can hold. The larger the drum, the fewer washes you will need to do.

Rovsun 16.6 lb. Portable Washing Machine ($129.99)

Magic Chef Compact 0.9 cu. ft. Portable Top Load Washer ($212.08)

Panda Compact Washer 1.6 cu. ft. ($375)

Avanti 22-inch Top Loading 2.0 cu. ft. Portable Washer ($404.97)

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