What to look for in your next washing machine

More washers are getting clothes cleaner using less energy and water. As a result, we've updated our Ratings by setting higher standards for cleaning and efficiency. That's why some washing machine scores have changed.

Meanwhile, some manufacturers have updated their washers to better adapt the cycle to the wash load, leading to greater variations in cycle time. And so, we've also adjusted the way we calculate cycle times. The biggest variation occurred with the Maytag and Whirlpool front-loaders we praised for their speed in our last report; the new times are almost double. The Maytag Maxima XL MHW­7000AW, $1,150, and the Whirlpool Duet WFW88HEAW, $1,000, are still great machines, but their wash times are more in line with other recommended front-loaders, at about 80 to 90 minutes. Regardless of the washer you choose, your cycle time can differ from ours because water temperature, the number of items you wash, and other factors affect cycle length.

So what does excellent cleaning look like now? In this report, we show and explain the differences. We do the same for gentleness, capacity, and efficiency. Some of the differences are startling: For example, the most efficient washers cost about $1,400 less to run over 10 years and use about 110,000 fewer gallons of water.

Whether you're buying a new washer or dryer or simply want to get the most out of the ones you have, our advice will help deliver the best results. And if you're considering relocating your laundry room to a more convenient area near your living spaces, read our expert moving tips.

Tired of dragging laundry to a dank and distant corner of your home? You're not alone. More than 75 percent of prospective home buyers say they prefer a first- or second-floor laundry room to one situated in the basement or garage, according to the National Association of Home Builders. But before you start sizing up that seldom-used guest bathroom or hallway closet, you need to make sure the location is ready for the retrofit. Here are the essentials.

Check the structure. Have an engineer or architect ensure that floor joists will withstand the extra weight and vibration. Older framing may require reinforcing, and there needs to be a clear path for plumbing, venting, electrical, and, possibly, gas lines.

Filling wall and joist spaces with fiberglass batts, rigid foam, or spray-in insulation will help prevent sound from traveling to adjoining rooms. Walls and ceilings made from two layers of ½-inch or  ⅝-inch gypsum wallboard vs. a single layer will help contain noise further.

Consider the added costs. Running service lines for an upper-floor laundry room can be expensive, especially because building codes require the work to be done by a licensed professional. A plumber will run new water lines, as well as an adequately sized drain line. An electrician will pull dedicated lines for the washer and dryer, including a 240-volt line if your dryer is electric.

Prevent a leak from flooding the rest of the house by building a curb across the laundry room's threshold, waterproof the floor area, and install a floor drain. Another smart option: electronic shutoff valves, which automatically stop the flow of water if they sense a leak. Check local building codes for additional requirements.

Choose the right machines. See our Ratings for washing machines that score well for noise and vibration. Short cycle times mean less overall disturbance. Front-loaders tend to operate more quietly than top-loaders, though some produce vibrations and a high-pitched whir as they accelerate into final spin. If you're retrofitting a closet or other narrow space, most front-loaders can accommodate a dryer on top; check the "stackable" column in our Ratings.

Keep your washer and dryer in top shape and enhance performance with these simple steps.

Washing machines

• Install on a level and well-supported subfloor to prevent vibration.
• Remove grit from the screens where the hoses attach to the water supply.
• Presoak heavily soiled clothes to avoid washing them twice.
• Washing one large load generally uses less energy than washing two small loads.
• Don't overload beyond the manufacturer's recommended capacity.
• Wash laundry in warm or cold water and rinse in cold, when possible.
• Heed instructions for detergent use. Too much makes the washer work harder and uses more energy.

Clothes dryers

• Clean the lint filter after each use to keep air flowing freely.
• Remove dry laundry, clean the filter, and put in the next load while the dryer is still hot. That trims the energy needed to reheat the dryer.
• Check the exhaust vent often, especially if you find that the dryer isn't sufficiently heating or takes longer than usual to dry items.
• Clean the entire exhaust duct annually to prevent clogging, which poses a fire hazard.