Washer Questions

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garnet131
garnet131 Member Posts: 64
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Since we need to wash our sleeves/gloves every night, this isn't really off topic.  My washer is on its last leg and not repairable so I've been looking for a new one this past week.  Can get a great deal on one from our supplier at work, but then looked at online reviews and found many problems with that model and with the new high efficiency models in general:

Front Loader HE

  • don't handle small loads well
  • vibration/noise issues
  • problems with mold smell

Top Loader HE (no high agitator in center)

  • don't handle small loads well
  • damage/make holes in clothes  (scary thought when washing LE garments!)
  • vibration/noise issues

Because I live alone and most of my clothes are what I term "special wash," most of the loads I do are small and on the delicate cycle.  Now that I have the LE garments to do, its at least one small load every night and maybe 1-2 larger "normal" loads a week of sheets and towels/jeans so I asked the Sears salesman yesterday for the best washer for small loads and he led me to the old school high agitator models (only 3, of which only 1 is energy star rated)--thing is, it costs equal or more than a top load HE model. 

When he told me he had a past customer asking about washing LE garments, a lightbulb went off, and I thought I should check with my LE sisters to see what washer types they have and if they've had problems with the new HE washers.  I have out of town guests coming next week and need to make a decision, so any input you have will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Garnet

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited December 2011

    Garnet, I had a front load LG that died, and we replaced it with a front load Samsung. For me, it works just fine.

    The newer model doesn't have the mold, dirty gasket issues--you run a clean wash cycle every 40 washes or so.

    I do my garments, my bandages and all sorts of other stuff and it seems to work just fine.

    I use a garment bag for the delicate stuff.

    Kira

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited December 2011

    I have a front-load HE machine (Maytag) that has a terrific hand-wash cycle I use for anything I want to be super careful with. We keep the door unlatched when not in use (open just a crack) and that seems to prevent any musty/moldy odor. Have had it for about five years, trouble free. Less noisy than my old conventional washer. Our machine is very small, as we had to squeeze it into a suboptimal space, so by definition it does small loads just fine.  I cannot comment on whether a comparable but larger washer would do small loads well. --Carol

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  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited December 2011

    We've had a Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer for the last 5 years, and they seem to be doing fine. I did notice an odor when we kept the washer door closed all the time, now it's always slightly open to dry out any lingering water. I also use the prepackaged cleaners that are made for front-loading washers, and do this maybe once a month.

    Clothes are clean, even on gentle cycle, and I really like the fact that there's a rack inside my dryer, so I can put the heat on very low, and lay out all my "line dry" items to dry quickly.

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  • MiniMacsMom
    MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
    edited December 2011

    We have a front load Samsung model that we got last summer.  We do a fair amount of laundry, but I have done small loads no problem.  If I let the laundry sit for like two days without putting it in the dryer, it gets a moldy smell (I plead mommy brain after having my son :) but rewashing the load gets the smell out and my machine never carries a residual musty odor.  I do leave the door open from time to time just to let it really dry out but its not really needed.  Good luck finding your new machine!

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  • BoobsinaBox
    BoobsinaBox Member Posts: 550
    edited December 2011

    I had and loved a Frigidaire front loader.  Left it behind when I moved and miss it terribly.  It was VERY easy on clothes, got them cleaner with less water, less detergent, and much less wear and tear.  I did a lot of little loads when needed, and LOVED the hand-wash cycle.  I always dried the rubber gasket when I was through with however many loads I had, and I never in 3 years had any odor problem.  I also left the door slightly ajar after drying the gasket.  When things settle down eventually, I'll be replacing my horrible current agitator washer!!!

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  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited December 2011

    I have a top loader maytag that washes small loads with no problems. Good luck finding a great washer/dryer that fits your needs.

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  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited December 2011

    Maybe you've made your decision, but we have an older Whirlpool Duet, which is an early-generation front loader.  I have found that doing loads daily is a great preventive for the smell problems.  The Duet gets things clean and is very gentle on clothes.  

    Our washer in particular needs replacement because the computer in it is kaput (it doesn't respond to settings anymore, everything gets washed the same way), but my impression after reading durability reviews is that washers just don't last 30 years, or even 10 years, that often anymore.  Ours is 8.

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited December 2011

    Another one with a front load washer who loves it, especially the handwash cycle for LE and other delicates.  No smell at all - everything I read prior to purchase said the same thing that Blessings & others discovered - you need to leave the washer door open a little when not in use. Also, as others have said run the cleaning cycle now and then. 

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited December 2011

    I am an appliance expert...seriously. That's what I do for a living!

    I just purchased the new Maytag TOP loader without the agitator a couple of months ago. It senses the level of garments and adjusts the water accordingly. I have a HORRIBLE back and just can't bend down for both the washer and the dryer! My Maytag has a clear lid if that is any clue as to which one you find. It wasn't cheap, but oh, so worth it!! The sensors are what make it magic.

    As for front loads. If you do even a load a week you won't get that musty smell if you're on town water. Someone on well water may get it anyway. There is no way for the front loads to drain all the water out (don't know why it's still a problem...HELLO!!!!!) so any sitting water can get 'skunky'. Leave the door open when you think about it as so many have mentioned.

    The full agitators just ruin garments as they have to yank your clothes up the pole and then down again. Without the agitators, the new top loads are extremely gentle and just as efficient as the front loads. Of course, if you want pedestals you'll have to get front load.

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  • kcshreve
    kcshreve Member Posts: 1,148
    edited December 2011

    LOVING the thread - - - since I need new machines.  

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited December 2011

    Barbe is such an expert--she explained ceramic cooktops earlier.

    Kira

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited December 2011

    The joys of BCO.  I've been researching washers for a while.  Lots of good input here.

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  • garnet131
    garnet131 Member Posts: 64
    edited December 2011

    Well, after researching for about 10 days and changing my mind every 2 days, I wound up getting the first washer that our appliance rep suggested (the one he recommends for "his friends and parents.").  It's a Whirlpool HE top loader. Two different salesmen told me I should not get a front loader due to noise/vibration since I have a second floor condo. (One said, "Do you like your neighbors?") lol     

    After all my research, it seemed that EVERY brand and model had multiple horrible reviews, so I got one for the lowest price I could, figuring that if it does break down, I won't mind as much if I spent fewer $.  (Appliance lives aren't what they used to be. I got old washer when I bought condo 6.5 years ago and it was now unrepairable.)

    As Barbe talks about above, new model has no agitator and uses less water. Got it last Thursday and have used it every day. Makes strange and different sounds than the old style, but so far pleased with it. I use the delicate cycle for sleeve and glove every night, putting them in mesh bags and adding a few other items and it's working fine. 

    When I first got sleeve and glove in Sept., I washed by hand every night for a month or more, but they never dried overnight so then I'd have them on air dry for 2 hours every morning, resenting the electricity used. Since reading Binney's comments, I've been machine washing, and they dry overnight which I really like cuz I'm now mostly wearing only the black set for work and need to wash it every night. I save the "ugly beige" for wearing only at home--it looks so grungy already.

    FYI, my daughter has had a front load LG model for 2 years with no problems and likes it.

    I've never been much of a dishwasher user, preferring to do by hand, but that has changed now with LE, so next I'll be looking to replace dishwasher since the one here is older and hasn't worked right. Think my research on that will be quicker since my daughter LOVES her Bosch that replaced a shortlived new Kitchenaid. 

    Garnet

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited December 2011

    Bosch is the KING of dishwashers!!! They make dishwashers for most of the big guys, like Gageneau and Miele!!!! You have to look to see where the venting is for drying on the inside and make sure you do NOT put a plate up against it. That is one of the problems. The vent is where 99% of us would put a large platter or cutting board and it blocks the vent when you push the rack in and your dishes won't dry properly. Also, take your dish in to the store when you pick your model as the racks are very tight!! They CAN do tons of dishes, but your dishes have to fit between the tines. READ THE MANUAL. Bosch is European so they don't necessarily plan things the way we North Americans do. If you can afford it, go for the model with TWO cutlery baskets. Ours only has one (we wanted a black model) and it fills up quick. Our plates are jammed together and it cleans them EVERY time!!

    The noises you hear with your top load washer is the gears engaging. It is a strong machine (good choice!) so the action sounds loud.

    Also, on the dishwasher, Bosch is the quietest out there but it is all relevant. They have inuslation on the back which most units don't so they are good for an island. BUT, because they are a strong machine, again, the gears engaging seem loud. I hear my Bosch where I didn't hear my cheap model. But...only when the gears engage. Not too bad.

    Use Finish and make sure you always have a blue rinse agent in. The machines are MADE to use the rinse agent, so not using it leaves out part of the equation. When I see that my machine is in "dry" mode, I'll open the door about 6" and let it air dry. Finish is THE best out there, expensive but truly the best.

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  • garnet131
    garnet131 Member Posts: 64
    edited December 2011

    Barbe, thanks for the info. I've passed it on to my daughter also. Started looking at Bosch but need to decide what I want--black or stainless. 

    Need to get glove and sleeve out of washer now. :)

    Garnet

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited December 2011

    Barbe, you are such a great resource, we got a Bosch for our new house, and I find it a lot smaller than my old Whirlpool, but SO quiet.

    We got the black one also, and that silverware container is small 

    Thanks for the hint about the vent, I think I do put a cutting board in front of it at times.

    I buy a big bottle of rinse agent/Finish at Target, and I have the cheapest Bosch--the buttons are on the front, but we bought a house that was set up as in an in-law set up, so two kitchens--but NO dishwasher, and the upstairs, where we put it (the lower kitchen couldn't fit one in the configuration easily) is wide open. I can run the Bosch and it's like a quiet water fall.

    Barbe--you're amazing!

    Kira 

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited December 2011

    Ah shucks! I'm not amazing...just know everything about appliances, that's why I'm considered and "expert", but amazing sounds so much better!! hehehehehehe

    My buttons are on the front too. I had them integrated before (accessible only when the door is ajar) but find those ones have fewer options as the space is restricted.

    It's true about the size of the Bosch. On my cheap dishwasher, I could fit 5 coffee cups along the top. This one only holds 4 and a bit. What do I put in the "bit"??? The shallowness allows for some of the technology the machine has. For instance, it has a triple-filtration system. Big deal? YEP!!! It checks the water to see it it's clear enough for a final rinse. So no matter what you set it at, it will over-ride it if the water that is checked shows otherwise. 

    Kira, the plate tines are close together for a reason. The Bosch CAN clean plates that seem too close. Hard to believe, but I've challenged mine and it came through.

    Next appliance??

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  • garnet131
    garnet131 Member Posts: 64
    edited December 2011

    Wow--Kira and Barbe, I'm surprised that you say the Bosch capacity is smaller only because I have watched my daughter load hers several times and been literally amazed by how tight she packs it and how much she gets in, and she says they all come clean. She's trying to find her model number to give me--did say it's one with a double utensil box.  Now that Kira says it's small, I'll have to look at the silverware holders.  So far I'm just scouting online before I head out to shop...maybe this weekend.

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited December 2011

    Garnet, don't get me wrong. The CAPACITY is HUGE!!! The inside is smaller but SO well laid out that you can jam everything in and it all cleans. That's why I said that plates can touch each other but they still come out clean. I bought taller coffee cups and it fits all 5 on the top row. Easy enough to change.

    Bosch has dozens of models!! The most of any manufacturer (and even more if you count what they make for other companies). When you get over $1,000 or so, then you get the second cutlery basket. BUT, where that basket goes, you lose loading room for something else. We have learned to put our cutlery stem side down (I hate doing that) and it all fits. Never had a mark on any spoons either!

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited December 2011

    Think of it like a closet. If you just have one bar to hang clothes, that's it. Except for what you drop on the floor or throw on the shelf. BUT, if you get a closet organizer, you can hold so much more. The size is the same, but the capacity has changed.

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