Product review (5 stars): a real 5 star alternative to coin-op machines
<div id="video-block-R36TSZGK4NR8KO" class="a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block"></div><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/D1dEPWKzCZS.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81a0z19mmtS.png" class="video-slate-img-url">&nbsp;I have been using this Panda Compact Washer for almost three weeks now with both light and heavier loads with GREAT results. It is now *super* convenient to be able to do almost all of my laundry at home, plus with all costs considered the savings will be VERY significant versus using coin-op machines.

The directions it comes with are sort of vague so I've come up with a neat four step system to get a load done:

1. Wash: Fill the Panda washer with water to a little over the halfway mark, making sure the drainage hose (on the right of the machine) is UP and *securely* connected to the side of the washer unit. To fill the washer easily, I added a diverter+hose attachment to my shower head to fill the washer (<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/RapidBath-Deluxe-Dog-Bathing-System/dp/B0017JJ5QS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">RapidBath Deluxe Dog Bathing System</a>). Add soap and clothing, keeping in mind "less is more" here - once you've set the timer and see how it is going, you can always add more water, soap, and/or clothing. To turn the unit on, turn the timer from 1-15 minutes depending on how long you want to pre-soak or wash the load.

Presoaking helps; I tend to load it at night with what I've used/worn for the day, set for 3-5 minutes, leave it soaking then continue the load in the morning. Everything comes out very clean, fresh smelling and uses very little detergent.

2. Rinse: If your clothes were only lightly soiled and you want to re-use the soapy water just remove the clothes from the Panda and rinse in the tub - a large colander style basket and a hose helps here. If you will *not* be reusing the soapy water you can simply rinse the clothes by adding fresh water to the Panda washer while the hose is still in the tub for continuous drainage. This action is low tech/gravity driven - the hose must drain to a spot lower than its base.

3. Wring - or Not: If you don't want to hand wring, let the clothes sit in either the washer (drained), or tub for 5-10 minutes or more.

4. Dry: I use a&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Centrifugal-Clothes-Portable-Spin-Dryer/dp/B002GEDBIG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Centrifugal Clothes Portable Spin Dryer</a>&nbsp;to remove as much water as possible and then hang to dry.

For me, each load can hold about 2 days worth of clothes, except in the case of jeans or heavy bath towels which I have been doing in very small loads which means those articles pretty much wash by themselves. After a run through the spin dryer I hang the clothes on a&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Minky-X-Wing-Indoor-Drying-Rack-45-Feet-Total-Drying-Space-White/dp/B000N2T3CG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Minky X-Wing Indoor Drying Rack, 45-Feet Total Drying Space, White</a>&nbsp;and everything is always is dry in just a few hours time.

I have only had this washer for a couple of weeks but at this rate it will have paid for itself within 3-4 months. It seems pretty sturdy though and as you can see from how well the agitator moves it can do a really good job at cleaning the clothes as long as it is loaded properly. My only slight hesitation in recommending this unit is the unknown factor as far as how long it will last but I'm happy having saved so many trips to the laundromat already and would definitely purchase again if for some reason it fails outside the six month warranty.

For how well it functions, ease of use, and the price point I'll say I am VERY pleased with this purchase and easily give the Panda Compact Washer five stars.