Need advice on a new washing machine

13 years ago

We're in the market for a new laundry set - particularly the washing machine. We had a Kenmore HE3t set and hated dealing with the frequent reoccurence of mold (and the resultant smelly towels, etc.) and so my wife is very wary of front load machines. Within the next month, we're prepared to pull the trigger on a good quality top load set and price isn't really an issue but would prefer to spend less than $3k for the set.

Our challenge is that we both prefer the advantages of front load (capacity, energy/water use, and gentleness on clothes) and would definitely consider one provided that we were certain that it was significantly better at dealing with mold than the Kenmore set was.

We're open to all recommendations of top and front load machines - provided that there was a reasonable expectation that the FL models would be better dealing with mold. Also, our laundry room is on the 2nd floor so vibration control is a must. We're also partial to Miele and note that Miele Canada is having a $1000 off promotion for a W4802/T9802 FL pair but we have nothing independent about how its design would be better at preventing mold buildup than others.

Grateful in advance.

PS - in the early days of our FL, we weren't diligent about mold prevention techniques and are certain that this was most of the problem - but, after a few years, it's become a PITA. We're also aware that there's a class action suit underway related to this problem with Kenmore FL machines - which we have no intention of joining. IOW, we're definitely looking in the mirror here but my wife just has lost confidence in FLs.

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Comments (6)

asolo
13 years ago
Suggest posting on "laundry room" forum.
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captsmethwick
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks - will do.
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I knew when I moved into this house that the 25 year old Kenmores wouldn't last long, so I started researching then. I've read articles, reviews, and I think I've been to every store that sells appliances in a 50 mile radius. I need a top-loader due to space constraints, and I wasn't pleased with any of them. When the washer and dryer died at the end of August, I knew I had to bite the bullet and choose something, and I was going to go with the Maytag Centennial. Until I saw the LG top-loader. I looked up the reviews and they were consistently good, and they had a good repair rating by a leading consumer periodical. My budget isn't unlimited, and they were much more than I wanted to spend, but I haven't regretted it for one minute. I love them. The capacity is amazing, and the clothes come out much cleaner than any other washer I've ever owned. But you are the only one who can decide if a top or front loading machine is best for your needs. There are pros and cons to each. I strongly suggest you measure your available space, and where the necessary connections are as this may limit your choices. And then go to an appliance dealer that carries a broad range of machines and actually touch them, and look at them. Keep in mind some of the suggestions you've received here. Then go and read the reviews. It's important to see them because I found that I would find one that received okay reviews, but then when I saw it, something about it would annoy me - like the 5 settings for cold - cold, tap cold, cool cold, etc.
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Mold problem. I don;t think anyone has mentioned wash temps. playing a role in schmutz buildup in your washer outer tub. A constant use of cold water only washes with only liquid detergents and liquid fabric softener WILL cause a smelly moldy build up in the outer tub. Your front loader does not use much water so using hot and warm will not add much to your energy bills. Most modern fabrics can tolerate hotter temps. than the scaredy cat wash in cold labels imply. If a retailer is selling non pre-shrunk all cotton clothing without saying so then that is their problem, not ours. As others mentioned above first try a hot wash with bleach and then a couple citric acid hot cycles and see if that eliminates the problem, if your machine has a special cleaning cycle even better. If after this you still have to replace consider both the above Maytag as well as a Fisher Paykel wash plate top loader which unlike some washplate machines does have effective cleaning as well as Consumer Reports recommendation of frontload LG-get one with a built-in heater- which they say is very reliable for the time period they say is the cost-effective life of a modern washer, which of course is much shorter than your grandmother's 30 year old Maytag toploader. I don't know if a Miele meets your $1500 limit but they have special wool and delicate cycles and are considered by most of their owners to be the ultimate, should take everything except your king comforter. Good luck and let us know if cleaning cycles solve the smell issue.
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larsi_gw
13 years ago
Yes, please visit Laundry Room Forum. I am a regular contributor, and there are AMAZING, friendly and really informed people there. There A LOT of Miele fans, I being one of the biggest. I have had a Miele front loader for like 15+ years (several models), and I have NEVER had one issue of mold or mildew! The key to never having mold or smelly laundry is so simple and basic. When the wash machine is not being used, NEVER close the door all the way (always keep it ajar). And wash in warm, hot and sanitize water for all loads. Even delicate or fine items do perfect in warmer water. Washing in cold, does not allow skin oils to break down, and detergent enzymes are most effective in hotter water. Keep the soap tray clean and rinse of built up softenere. You'll be fine.

Btw, Miele electric dryers perform better than their only gas version!

The build quality of Miele is amazing!
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totsuka
13 years ago
I had a "musty smell" with our FL Whirlpool Duet (came with the home, 6 years old now) and I did a little reading to figure out a fix.

- I cleaned out the filter trap. Not really dirty.

- Ran a load with white vinegar, hot water. Still a bit musty so then ran a load with Borax powder soap. Smell gone for last 6 months.

- I always leave the door open and don't use cold water wash.

- I see WP pushing a "special cleaning" soap for the FL machines. A bit expensive and waste of money compared to just running vinegar or Borax soap.

- I was using liquid soap (cheaper) and not the special "HE" soap. I did catch Tide HE powder on sale at Target and tried it. Wife likes Tide better than the cheap soap I was buying so when she is around I use that. When she is gone I use H&A liquid. Always on sale at WM. I don't notice any cleaning difference and finally got my wife to admit she just likes the smell of Tide.

Tide recently went to a new formula for their powder soaps which are suppose to be "better" and require less soap. Have not tried them yet. The cost is higher too.

An article in the NYTimes a few months ago talked about how Americans have a tendency to use too much soap when washing clothes. I've played around with the amounts to use, brands, etc...

Also, the WSJ had an article talking how 15 years ago all the top loading washers did a great job and the FL (at that time) failed. Now the majority of the washers are FL with few TL available. The FL sell themselves as "saving water/electricity" as the most important feature.

I looked at the new washers at Sears and like one new TL machine that sells itself as the same efficiency as the FL. I would like a new machine (when this one breaks) that is about 4.3 cu, our current model is 4.0.
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herring_maven
13 years ago
totsuka writes: "Also, the WSJ had an article talking how 15 years ago all the top loading washers did a great job and the FL (at that time) failed."

The Wall Street Journal was wrong, if that is what it said. Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, has been testing washing machines since, like, forever, and right through the 50s, 60s, and 70s -- the years when I hung on every word -- whenever CU's washing machine test suite included both front loading and top loading machines, the front loaders usually were at the top in cleaning ability.
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maninthefridge
13 years ago
Watch this video before you decide.

Here is a link that might be useful: Frontload laundry lawsuit
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Need advice on a new washing machine

Comments (6)

asolo

captsmethwick
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Need advice on a new washing machine

Comments (6)

asolo

captsmethwickOriginal Author

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totsuka

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maninthefridge

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captsmethwick
Original Author