That actually makes sense, especially since modern washers have to use a lot less water.
I noticed they sometimes do a slow spin and then your clothes fall from the top to the bottom. I think it literally smacks the dirt out of the fabric! 
I also open up the door and detergent drawer to dry, but I did that before as well.
I love top loaders. I’ve always rented so mostly been stuck with front loaders but I really hate them. I don’t understand how a person is supposed to comfortably put clothes in a front loader? I basically have to kneel down and/or sit on the floor to reach into the back of them where socks go to die. But I’m also 5’10"…I am shopping for washer/dryer right now and I can’t wait to have a top loader again
Okay we have the “GE ultra fresh” I think. You don’t have to do any drying or leave it open. It spins its drum periodically for like 8 hours and vents out the front, and dries itself really well.
Pedestals really help, but I’ve always liked my top loader. And they were cheap because I don’t require a million options.
When you’re 5’2" it’s not really an issue
But if you didn’t have space for a top-loader you could raise it up on a platform!
Any thoughts on humidifiers? We need a new one as we’ve both waking up with dry sore throats and bloody noses. My preference is either very cheap or completely washable because our water is so so hard here that even using filtered water every part that can’t easily be washed ends up completely crusted with mineral deposits and then gross stuff grows on the deposits.
I saw these advertised on Instagram and they’re intriguing because the whole entire thing can be washed, but I’m skeptical because they’re just a random Instagram company.
You know, with water that hard, I might simmer a pot on the stove for an hour before bed instead (or use a slow cooker/instantpot slow cooker setting). Much easier than trying to get to all the insides of even a washable humidifier.
The problem is that we live in the desert in a three floor townhouse with bedroom on the top floor and kitchen on the bottom. Even when I make stock and have pots simmering on the stove for hours, the moisture doesn’t make it to the bedroom.
I miss having radiators.
I want to update that I finally just placed an order for a standing desk – the Fully Jarvis desk for kids. The input from people on this thread was really helpful, so thank you!!!
Slow cooker in the bedroom?
(I just think a humidifier would be super hard to clean hard water deposits out of. I’m fighting hard enough with my pourover kettle right now- little holes suck.)
I bought a Fully Jarvis desk about 6 months ago too, and I love it! I didn’t get the kids version, but did buy the 3-stage and I love that I have 4 programmable presets because my husband and I share the desk (we almost never both WFH). I also have the Fully desk chair and love that as well. For the first time in my life (I think?) I can sit ergonomically at a desk without using a footrest.
I have the humidifier that Wirecutter used to recommend (the Honeywell one), and we also have really hard water. Honestly it’s a pain in the butt to maintain.
I scrub out the bottom tray about once a month, and have to soak the filter in vinegar about once every two weeks. Even with the soaking in vinegar I end up replacing the filter ~ every 6 weeks in the winter. We use three of these humidifiers (one in each bedroom) and I really hate them.
All that said, It makes it so much more comfortable when the Santa Ana winds come through and I have a toddler who gets sick constantly, so I continue to go through this chore. I am constantly researching alternatives but haven’t found anything better.
Old- school steam vaporizers have bigger openings, I think. But apparently they are not quite as healthy for some reason?
Anyone have reccs for favorite hiking pants?
I have sized out of most things at REI 
. Looking for something lightweight that will keep my legs covered and somewhat protected from bugs and scratches. I don’t do much actually intense hiking - no all-day trips or anything. I just need something that is more suitable than jeans…
Unlikely hikers has a whole size inclusive gear lists IIRC! They’re awesome. I gotta go get kid up, but check there as a start.
I am allergic to pants, but when it gets cold enough and I am forced to not wear shorts, I really like these Prana hiking leggings I have. They have a reinforced butt and knees, and pockets on both sides. They are thick and durable, honestly more durable than lightweight hiking paints IMO.
It looks like they are on sale now now:Rockland Legging | prAna
If you want a more traditional hiking pant, the Prana Halle is also great, I have a few pairs of those and they have a big range of sizes in that specific model
Found her list!
Thank you both! This looks great.
The Prana Halle pants look good on everyone I’ve ever seen wear them, and they’re super comfy. Looking at their sizing chart, I’d say it looks pretty accurate to what I wear vs my size, maaaaaybe running a little bit small.
Forgive me if someone has already asked this but what humidifier should I get? I want one that is easy to clean. My old one got so mildew-y so fast, which led me to stop using it. Dumb.