Latest spin on washers

Washing machines are getting very smart.

"They are like a smartphone," says Tremitchell Wright, a Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science engineer. "Many have LED touch screens and there are apps to guide you to getting the best performance. They offer personal customization."

Now you can use a jean cycle so skinny jeans don't shrink, or a cycle that keeps clothes smelling fresh, even if you leave them overnight. Some models wash 31 towels at a time; others have an 18-minute option for doing one soccer uniform in a panic. A stuffed-animal setting keeps the whole family looking its best.

High-efficiency (HE) top loaders. Popularity of low-water, low-energy front loaders has spurred manufacturers to create top-loading versions with similar energy-saving technology.

Power foam. Some Samsung models mix water and air with detergent to create deep-cleansing foam. The foam distributes detergent more thoroughly for better cleaning.

Steam. A steam feature helps remove stains and eliminates pre-treating.

Air it out. Leave the door of your HE front loader open between washings to help prevent mold and mildew.

Use proper detergent. Use HE detergent if your machine is HE and always measure any detergent carefully.

1. Choose a washer based on your household size and washing needs. If you have four kids or plan to wash king-size comforters, go for a larger unit. The range is from about 3.1 to 4.7 cubic feet.

2. If you choose an HE front loader, you will have to bend down to load and unload your clothing, unless you get a matching pedestal drawer to raise it up, usually an additional $200 to $300. Or consider the new top-loading HE models.

3. For maximum performance and if you can afford it, buy a matching HE washer-dryer pair. The matching dryers are made with multiple moisture sensors to dry the load only as much as needed.

Todd Bleckley, Lowe's merchandising director for laundry appliances, recommended three levels of washing machines from the aisles at Lowe's.

Traditional agitator washer with eight cycles. Speckled porcelain wash basket resists nicks and stains. 3.1 cubic feet of capacity. $349.

Whirlpool Cabrio HE Top Load in platinum,

Model WTW8800YC

Washes up to three baskets of laundry in single load. Energy Star savings are $2,017 in lifetime water and energy costs. 4.6 cubic feet of capacity. $1,099. (Also in white, $999.)

Samsung Stackable HE Front-Load Washer in platinum, Model WF350ANP

Steam cycle option loosens soil and dirt.

Self-cleaning cycle runs hot water through spinning drum to remove dirt and detergent residue. 3.7 cubic feet. $1,099. (Also in white, $999; pedestal with drawer $229.)

14: Average life expectancy in years of top-load washers. For front loaders: 11 years. -- Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

50 percent: The amount less water Energy Star-qualified washers use vs. regular washers. -- EPA/DOE

You should do to clothes before putting them in the washer:

2. unfurl socks

3. turn sweaters and T-shirts inside out