Kris: We just LOVE our Splendid. Granted, it isn't the same as what we use at home, but having a washer/dryer makes our trips so much easier - my husband is a runner, so he needs to wash (wet, stinky) clothes daily.
If you have the newer models, they recommend to not use a dryer sheet, but a repairman told me you can use the sheets if you cut them in half first. (He said full-size dryer sheets were rarely getting stuck in the dryer vent.) We just use liquid softener, so we don't need to worry about that.
We use liquid detergent, as recommended, and it is true - you only need about 1/4 cup per load, and we almost always use the quick setting in the permanent press cycle.
If your detergent dispenser is difficult to access - here is a tip: keep detergent and softener in a squirt-top water bottle (like 16 oz size). It is super easy to squirt-in a bit of soap and no mess!
The machine will spin the heck out of your clothes. This is great for everything, except slacks and jeans. It seems to press wrinkles right INTO your pants. To stop this, we push the "half spin" button when washing pants (and many other things), then we take them out and give them a good shake (fluff 'em up) before drying. It is best to only wash/dry two or three pair of pants at a time.
Next week we are leaving on a long trip and I will be experimenting (and reporting) with the new "dryer balls". I like them in the house and am interested to see how they perform in the RV dryer - they should help with the pants-wrinkle issue.
I will put the report on my website in the next few weeks:
www.thecampingjournal.com
Happy Washing!
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