Information on Plastic Washing Machine Tubs

Porcelain Comparison

• Historically, washing machine tubs were made of porcelain or vitreous enamel. Although this was considered a durable material, it was not impervious to corrosion. Change left in pockets – as well as other hard objects - could chip fragments off the inside of the tub, which would result in rust. In addition, these washing machine tubs had an average life span of only 10 years before they would start leaking water and require replacing.

Stainless Steel Comparison

• Stainless-steel washing machine tubs are available in many high-end appliance models. The consumer information site ConsumerReports.org states that stainless-steel tubs allow for more intensive spin cycles, which can reduce the amount of water left in clothes, thereby shortening the drying time and ultimately lengthening their life. Stainless-steel tubs also resist corrosion, notes the site's online guide to washing machine features.

Plastic Washing Machine Tubs

• Plastic washing machine tubs are popular for several reasons. Plastics developer and manufacturer Borealis notes that the material is cheaper to manufacture, offers more design options and is recycled more easily than other washer-tub options. Both ConsumerReports.org and Borealis endorse the rust-resistance of plastic tubs. But the site 411HomeRepair states that plastic washing machine tubs may puncture or tear. In the event of damage, these tubs cannot be repaired, so the entire tub would need to be replaced.

Maintenance

• Plastic washing machine tubs are easy to clean and maintain. The home tips site Household Management 101 recommends using a wet cloth to remove debris from the tub, and then disinfecting the tub by running an empty cycle containing 3/4 cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Agitate the mixture in the machine for less than a minute, and then pause the cycle for at least 10 minutes to let the solution saturate and disinfect the tub. Then add the normal amount of detergent and continue the cycle as normal.