When I first got my hands on the COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I’ve tested plenty of full-sized washers, and while they have the advantage of capacity and convenience, they often come with higher costs, bulkiness, and space issues. A portable washer like this one promised a different experience: compact, lightweight, and practical for smaller households or secondary laundry needs. After several weeks of use, I’ve come to see both the strengths and limitations of this little workhorse.
First Impressions and Setup
The machine itself feels sturdier than I expected for its size. At around 15 pounds, it’s light enough for me to lift into a bathtub or move around the bathroom without much effort. That portability is a huge plus if you’re living in a small apartment, a cabin, or even using it seasonally in a trailer or cottage.
Setup is straightforward: plug it in, connect the water source, and you’re ready to go. That said, I quickly discovered that the included hoses aren’t perfect. The inlet hose doesn’t fit every tap, and some customers have had to resort to shower heads or buckets to fill the washer. I had a similar experience and found that using my detachable shower head was the simplest solution. The drain hose works but is on the short side. One reviewer put it well: it does its job, but you may wish it was longer and sturdier. If you’re planning to set this machine on the floor, you may need to improvise with buckets or keep it raised slightly so it drains properly.
Washing Performance
For such a small unit, this washer impressed me with how well it cleans clothes. The agitator is surprisingly vigorous, almost too much so for delicate fabrics. I learned to wash items like wool or knits in mesh bags and keep the cycles short to avoid tangling and stretching. For everyday loads like T-shirts, jeans, socks, and even dog towels, the machine delivers excellent results.
One user mentioned that it got their clothes cleaner and fresher than their full-sized washer at home, and I can see why. Because it uses less water and requires you to avoid overloading, the clothes have more direct contact with the agitator. I also noticed that the clothes smell fresher and come out with fewer wrinkles than I expected.
The washer can handle about 10–15 pounds of clothes at once, but in practice, it’s better to keep loads smaller for the best results. Overloading leads to tangling, and it can strain the motor. A few pairs of jeans, several shirts, or a week’s worth of lighter items seem to be the sweet spot.
Spin Cycle Efficiency
The spin cycle is easily the highlight of this washer. Clothes come out almost dry after just one or two minutes. With lighter fabrics, I could hang them on a rack and have them dry in an hour or so. Heavier items like jeans needed a little more time, but they still dried significantly faster compared to air-drying straight from a wash.
Several customers were amazed at how dry the clothes felt after spinning, and I share that enthusiasm. It doesn’t fully replace a tumble dryer, especially for thick loads, but if you’re someone who usually air-dries laundry, this spin function will save hours of waiting.
You can also check out my roundup of the best portable washing machines to see which models stand out for cleaning power, efficiency, and overall performance.
Usability and Convenience
Operating the COSTWAY Portable Washer couldn’t be simpler. The controls are mechanical dials for wash time, spin time, and drain. The wash timer goes up to 15 minutes, which is more than enough for most loads. The manual draining process means you’ll need to turn the dial yourself, which some might see as inconvenient, but I didn’t mind the extra step.
One small challenge is that items tend to tangle during washing, especially longer sleeves or leggings. It’s not a dealbreaker, but I found myself shaking things out after each cycle. Another point to note is the noise level. While it’s not excessively loud, you’ll hear it churning away, which could be an issue if you’re running it late at night in a small apartment.
Durability and Build Quality
For a machine this affordable and lightweight, durability is always a question. So far, mine has held up well, and many users describe it as surprisingly tough. One reviewer even called it a “beast” after seeing how effectively it cleaned load after load. Another highlighted that it’s easy to move around without fear of damaging it.
The plastic exterior feels solid enough for household use, though the hoses and attachments could be better. Some users reported odd noises from the agitator or concerns about the flimsy hose fittings, but most agree these are minor trade-offs compared to the overall value.
Where It Excels
The COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine shines in specific situations. It’s ideal for people who don’t have easy access to a full washer, such as those living in small apartments, rural areas, or cabins. It’s also great as a secondary washer for pet items, baby clothes, or smaller weekly loads. For those tired of lugging bags of laundry to the laundromat, this machine pays for itself quickly. One customer who used it at their family cabin noted they saved both money and time compared to regular laundromat trips.
I also see this machine being particularly helpful for seniors or anyone with mobility issues. It’s light enough to move around, easy to set up, and doesn’t require bending over large tubs or dealing with heavy baskets.
Where It Falls Short
No product is perfect, and the COSTWAY washer does have its limitations.
Capacity: This isn’t a machine for large families or heavy-duty laundry. It’s best for individuals, couples, or supplemental use.
Hoses: Both the inlet and drain hoses could use upgrades. They’re short and not universally compatible.
Delicates: The agitator can be rough, making it risky for delicate fabrics without extra care.
Noise: While not overwhelming, it’s not whisper-quiet either.
Wrinkles: Clothes air-dried after spinning may come out more wrinkled than from a tumble dryer, which could mean extra ironing.
These downsides don’t outweigh the benefits, but they’re worth knowing before making a purchase.
Value for Money
This washer sits at an affordable price point, and considering its performance, I find it an excellent value. The low water and energy usage also make it economical in the long run. Several reviewers mentioned that it paid for itself within weeks by saving them trips to the laundromat. For what it costs, you get a surprisingly powerful, convenient, and reliable laundry solution.
If you’re still deciding on the right model, check out my complete washing machine buying guide for tips on capacity, features, and what really matters before you buy.
Final Verdict
After testing the COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine, I can confidently say it’s one of the best compact laundry solutions I’ve come across. It won’t replace a full-sized washer for a large household, but for singles, couples, small families, or anyone who needs a portable, efficient machine, it’s a fantastic choice. The spin cycle alone makes it worth considering, and despite minor flaws like short hoses and limited capacity, it delivers outstanding performance for the price.
If you’re looking for a small, affordable, and surprisingly effective way to keep your laundry fresh without relying on laundromats or bulky machines, the COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine is well worth considering.
