When I first started looking into portable washing machines, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve used full-size washers my whole life, and the idea of a small, lightweight machine handling my laundry seemed like a gamble. After spending some time with the INTERGREAT Portable Washing Machine, though, I can say it’s been a surprisingly practical little helper for small spaces. But like any budget-friendly appliance, it comes with its quirks.
First Impressions and Setup
The first thing I noticed is how compact and lightweight this washer really is. It weighs less than a toddler, so moving it around is not a hassle at all. That’s a big plus for apartment living or anyone who doesn’t have washer hookups. I’ve seen some folks mention that they carry it into their bathroom and just let the drain tube hang over the bathtub, and that’s pretty much the easiest way to use it.
The machine does come with hoses, but they’re quite short and a little flimsy. I quickly understood why so many people said they ended up filling it with a bucket or using a shower head instead. Personally, I used a large trash can and a small bucket to get things set up. It’s not elegant, but it works.
One issue I ran into right away was with draining. The machine does not always empty completely, and I noticed water collecting at the bottom after a cycle. Some owners even opened the back to find leftover water pooled inside the tube. It’s not a deal breaker, but it does raise concerns about mold or mildew over time if you’re not careful.
Washing Performance
Here’s where the INTERGREAT surprised me: the wash quality is genuinely good. Clothes come out looking clean and fresh, often better than I expected. One reviewer even compared it to their large LG washer and said this little unit spun water out better. I found it especially effective for small to medium loads such as T-shirts, underwear, baby clothes, or even a couple pairs of jeans.
That said, you absolutely cannot overload it. If you do, the motor struggles, the spin cycle makes a racket, and you’ll probably end up pulling half the clothes out anyway. Balance is key. I learned quickly to distribute clothes evenly around the spinner basket. If things are lopsided, it wobbles like crazy and makes you want to shut it off immediately. Once balanced, though, it spins smoothly and quietly enough that it didn’t even wake a sleeping baby in one customer’s home.
One point worth noting is that the washer itself has decent capacity, but the spinner is much smaller. That means if you wash a full tub of clothes, you’ll need to break it down into multiple spin batches. For small items like shirts, socks, and light towels, it’s perfect. For larger things like sheets or hoodies, it gets tricky. A twin sheet barely fits and tends to cause wobbling, while bigger bedding or heavy blankets are a no-go.
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.
Spin-Dry Efficiency
The spin side of this machine isn’t a dryer in the traditional sense, but it gets clothes impressively close to dry. After just one spin, my laundry was only slightly damp and air-dried within a couple of hours. That lines up with what others have experienced, and one person even mentioned their clothes were nearly ready to wear after just 20 to 30 minutes in a regular dryer.
For me, that’s a huge plus. Instead of waiting all day for line drying, I could wash, spin, hang for a bit, and be done. It’s not the same as having a full dryer, but for apartment living or small spaces, it’s much better than I expected.
Durability and Build Quality
Now, here’s where the downsides start to show. The plastic build is lightweight, but it also feels cheap in places. Some users reported receiving units with broken lids or hinges right out of the box. Others mentioned the hoses leaking or the drain tube developing cracks after only a few uses.
In my own use, I didn’t have any major breakages, but I did feel like I had to handle it carefully. It’s not a heavy-duty appliance, and I wouldn’t expect it to last for years of daily use. For occasional or light laundry, though, it seems to hold up fine.
One customer who runs a large household with plus-size clothing said theirs has lasted for months without issues, even after handling heavier jeans and hoodies. On the flip side, another person had their unit give out completely after a short time, though they did note that the seller offered a full refund, which speaks to decent customer service.
Usability and Convenience
I’ll admit, there’s a learning curve. The instructions aren’t very clear, so you might spend some time fiddling with dials and figuring things out. I had to rewash once because I forgot to switch it off “drain” mode before filling it up again. It’s one of those trial-and-error machines that you get the hang of after a few runs.
Noise levels are surprisingly manageable. During washing, it just hums along, and during spinning, it only gets loud if clothes aren’t balanced. Compared to the clunky laundromat machines I’ve used, this feels downright quiet.
Where it shines is convenience. Instead of lugging bags of clothes to a laundromat or waiting for shared building machines, I can wash at home whenever I want. That alone makes it worth considering if you live in an apartment without hookups.
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.
Value for Money
This is where I think the INTERGREAT Portable Washing Machine really earns points. For the price, it delivers a lot of utility. Sure, it’s not perfect, the hoses are short, the spinner is small, and the plastic construction isn’t top notch. But for small apartments, dorms, RVs, or even as a backup washer when your main machine breaks, it’s hard to beat the value.
Compared to dropping hundreds at the laundromat over time, this little washer pays for itself quickly. Just don’t expect it to handle heavy bedding or replace a full-size washer if you have a large family.
Final Verdict
After spending time with the INTERGREAT Portable Washing Machine, I’d sum it up this way: it’s a compact, budget-friendly washer that punches above its weight for small loads but falls short with bulkier items. I loved how clean my clothes came out and how effective the spin cycle was at getting rid of water. The convenience of being able to wash at home, even without hookups, really can’t be overstated.
On the downside, it does leave some water behind, the hoses are frustratingly short, and the spinner basket is too small for larger laundry. The plastic build also doesn’t inspire long-term confidence.
Still, for apartments, small households, or anyone tired of laundromat trips, it’s a smart little investment. If you know its limitations and use it within its comfort zone, it’s a surprisingly effective solution that makes laundry day a whole lot easier.
