Using Speed Queen Washers and Dryers

August 5, 2025

Managing laundry for a large, working farm is a huge task. It's crucial that all the necessary appliances are always in good, working order.

Several loads of laundry are done here every day - clothes and towels, horse blankets and saddle pads, cleaning rags, mats, etc. To keep up with it all, I have washers and dryers dedicated to just these essentials. Aside from the machines in my homes, I have a washer and dryer pair in my stable, and two washers and dryers in my production studio building. All of them are Speed Queen units with sizable drum capacities and special cycles specifically designed for heavy duty loads. Speed Queen washers and dryers are efficient, easy-to-use and last for many years.

Enjoy these photos.

: In summer, the horses and donkeys wear protective sheets to block the sun’s strong UV rays. Here’s Bond with my female donkeys Billie and Jude “JJ” Junior after their morning in the pastures.

: The sheets and sheet neck guards not only protect them from the sun, but also from the pesky bugs that bite at their coats.

: These sheets have soft form-fitting micro mesh which is light and comfortable – even on the warmest of days.

: Because horses and donkeys love to roll when out in the pastures, these sheets are washed regularly and frequently.

: For all the heavy duty items that need to be washed around the farm, I like to use these Speed Queen washers and dryers. Speed Queen was founded in 1908 in Wisconsin by Joe Barlow and John Seelig as Barlow & Seelig Manufacturing. As young entrepreneurs, they started out by taking existing machine designs and improving them. In 1922, Speed Queen was the first company to introduce washers with nickel-copper tubs. And in 1928, they renamed the company “Speed Queen.”

: As with any washable item, it is a good idea to zip, tie, or velcro any openings, so nothing gets tangled during the washing process.

: Another good laundry room tip is to make sure the doors of the washer and dryer don’t block each other. Be sure to install front loading machine door hinges on the most convenient sides. This washer opens out to the left while the dryer swings open to the right. Doors are not in the way when unloading and loading.

: Speed Queen’s washers take all kinds of detergents – liquid, powder, and pods. I only use the gentlest unscented liquid detergents for all the washing done here at the farm.

: Speed Queen’s Pet Plus cycles are specially designed for removing hair from fabrics. It may run a little longer, but it gets the job done.

: These heavy duty model machines are also at a convenient height for loading and unloading. Speed Queen makes a variety of residential and commercial products, from 25-pound capacity tumblers to 250-pound washer-extractors, and dryers. These units in my stable are models FF7 and DR7 front loading machines.

: The dryer has a roomy drum capacity for larger loads. The dryer also includes anti-static capabilities. To prevent the dryer from overheating, always clean the screen or filter after every use, and regularly remove accumulated lint from behind the unit.

: Once the sheets are washed, they’re dried for a short time and then hung on the rack.

: Residential sized units are installed in my guest house and production building. Speed Queen offers a selection of models for various needs.

: This washer is a top loader, so its door opens up. All Speed Queen washers and dryers are well known for their durability and strong performance. These models are also very quiet.

: The tub capacity is usually measured in raw cubic feet. Various machines have different sizes to accommodate individual family needs.

: In this load, Elvira places a number of bath towels into the sizable tub, spreading them equally around the machine’s agitator.

: The liquid detergent is placed into the soap compartment. Here, it is in the center agitator.

: Speed Queen’s washer panel has easy to read options and allows one to customize the cycle for specific needs and times. Always be sure to configure the correct washer settings for a load. A regular cycle is best for sturdy and dirty items, while the permanent press setting is fine for the average load. Use hot water for white loads, warm water for the average load, and cold water for bright colors.

: This dryer is front loading and has a large drum capacity for a large load of towels or other clothes.

: Once the load is complete, Elvira places it in the dryer and selects her settings. Most dryers have settings that allow one to choose how dry the items would be. The permanent press setting has a cool-down cycle at the end to reduce wrinkling. On air fluff, the dryer circulates air but adds no heat. Bath towels should be dried completely.