Front Load Washing Machine?

[Momof2]

It seems I may have killed my washing machine - put in just a few too many towels, and now it won't agitate or spin. The washer is 8 years old, and I'm not sure where that fits in the typical life span of a washing machine these days. We looked at the manual that came with it, and it doesn't have any belts, so we assume its not something we can easily fix ourselves. I'll call a repairman tomorrow to get an estimate, but am seriously contemplating buying a new one.

Does anyone out there have a front load washer? Looking for opinions -both positive and negative. I've read that they're more efficient, but do they clean as well?

I'll appreciate any thoughts. Thanks.

 

[Melora]

We just recently purchased a set of front loading washer and dryer from Sears.

At first I was seriously worried that they couldn't possibly clean well as I watched how it flopped the laundry around inside of the machine.

I found in reality that my clothese have NEVER been cleaner. I can put it on "stain treat" and stains I never thought would come out are gone. The laundry seems like it is treated more gently without an agitator and may even last longer. Undies and socks are stain free.

It saves a HUGE amount of water. A top loading normal machine uses 44 gallons and water saving top loading machine uses about 22. These machines use only about half of that.

You do have to buy HE detergent but it is only a tiny bit more expensive then regular. A savings you make up for with all the water and energy saved.

 

[DVC-Don]

We bought a matched set of Maytag Neptunes more than 2 years ago. Both going without any problems. The front washer did cut our water and soap usage. And it's so quiet you hardly hear the washer running. We use regular detergent in the washer, just less of it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

We have had Maytag Neptunes since they came out, about 5 years or so ago. They are great.

Mark here on the DIS does washer repair and he said to just use regular detergent, just about half, as the HE (which we used to get) is just regular, watered down. And you do have to either use HE, or less of the regular. Good luck.

 

[Margie J]

I have had the Maytag Neptune w/d pair for a couple years. The washer is a front loader.

The washer uses much less water and less detergent and energy than my old Maytag model. I had the stats to prove it since I was part of the "Boston Washer Study" conducted by Maytag.

The washer treats the clothes gently due to it's tumbling action instead of agitation. My washer has a special optional spin cycle that can get items nearly dry before placing them in the dryer unit. It's especially good for heavy items like towels, jeans and sheets. The washer also handles delicate items well.

As for detergent, use either the HE type or less of the regular type. I always use a liquid in the new machine.

One thing, repairs are very expensive. My washer stopped spinning and draining once and I needed a computer board to be replaced. I ended up buying an extended service contract.

 

[lil mermaid]

We have the Whirlpool duet washer and dryer. We bought it about three months ago. It was really expensive, but we love it and think that it is worth it. The capacity is huge - I just washed a big comforter and dust ruffle, and they came out beautifully. You can wash something like 22 towels in it at once. As a result of the capacity, I am doing much less laundry.

The clothes get SO clean. I do use the HE detergent. It is a little more expensive.

Oh, and if you do decide to get a high efficiency or energy star machine, check with your local utilities. We got two rebates on ours - $75 from the electric company, and $125 from the water utility! This along with all of the savings in water and power really made the cost more reasonable.

I totally recommend this machine. It has all kinds of great features, some that I haven't even used yet, lol.

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

My washing machine did that and it was a simple piece to fix and cost a whopping $2.95! It's the thing that is basically a warning sign that you are overloading your machine and this goes before a major repair sets in. (repairman explained this to me)
I wish I coudl remember the name of it. I have the old part so that if it happens again I can go get it myself.

 

[cabmom]

We have the Sears deluxe set and love it. The kids like to watch the clothes get moved around inside!

 

[Leota]

We have the Duet also - I just LOVE these machines - They use less water, less power & my clothes come out cleaner, with less wear & tear (front loaders are gentler on fabric, increasing life-span of your clothes)
Mine also has the sanitary cycle, which for a germaphobe like me, is worth it in & of itself.

Once you've gone front-loader, you'll never go back......

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Have had one for about two years - and love it! Clothes do get cleaner and it's great being able to wash the comforters I used to lug down to the laundrymat!
Anyway, I was never told about HE detergent - what is it? Can someone please explain? Thanks!

 

[Gaspode]

Hiya,

This thread made me smile because I don't think hardly *anyone* in the UK has a top loading washer - it's all front loading here!!! LOL, when I was a CM in 2000 it took a while for the idea of a top loading washer to sink in and I had to be shown how to use it properly

I say, if you do need a new washer, go for a front loading one. They are really easy to use and in my small experience (I was a CM for 6mths and we've had a top loader in the villas we've hired in FL once or twice) I really truly believe front loaders are better. A lot of good points have been put forward by 'converts' from the US in posts above!

Good luck whatever you decide, sadly washing/laundry never truly goes away does it? LOL

Cya,
Gaspode

 

[lil mermaid]

Originally posted by Yzma and Kronk
Anyway, I was never told about HE detergent - what is it? Can someone please explain? Thanks!

HE detergent is made for high efficiency machines. It has less sudsing which you need with these machines because they use so little water. Maybe your front loader is not a high efficiency machine (not all of them are this type.)

Anyway, these detergents have an "HE" symbol on the front so you know that you are buying the correct type.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by Gaspode
.......Good luck whatever you decide, sadly washing/laundry never truly goes away does it? LOL

Cya,
Gaspode

You're pretty perceptive there for a person of such young years, Melissa, LOL, but so spot on. (did I say that correctly, 'spot on'? )

Ironically, I guess things come full circle. I recall my mom's first automatic washer, from the early 50's, after they got rid of the one with the wringer on top,a Bendix brand, front load. I can remember sitting, watching the clothes through the window, thought that was so cool. I don't think there was any other kind that I can recall. Here is an ad from '56.........

I do not recall my mom in a fancy dress and heels though, while doing the wash.

<img width=350 src=http://images.collectibles.goantiques.com/dbimages/MRC1599138_013010100.jpg>

 

[Gaspode]

Originally posted by Dan Murphy
You're pretty perceptive there for a person of such young years, Melissa, LOL, but so spot on. (did I say that correctly, 'spot on'? )

LOL! Yes Dan, you are right, spot on in fact I may be young but having owned a house for 18mths already I've done a heck of a lot of washing and it's certainly *not* my favourite chore

I loved the advert you showed, lol, those old adverts were so funny, women really must have loved housework back in the 50s

My Mum will always tell me about when she got married and moved from Wales to live with my Dad here in Yorkshire, he bought her a 'twin tub' because that is what his Mum had to do the laundry. My Mum as more used to her parents' automatic front loading machine (this was 1979 btw) and apparently things went very wrong with the twin tub!! So much so that she got him to buy her a front loader ASAP

Here is a 'twin tub' system:

I'm not sure if it is anything like what my Mum had though! I shall have to ask... also, I'm pretty sure she said it caught fire or flooded LOL, I shall have to verify!!

Take care all, wishing you safe laundy!
Gaspode

 

[DrTomorrow]

Do any of the front loading washer come in stackable setups? We have a condo with only a laundry closet on the mail floor. I'd love a front loader, but we have to stick with dryer-on-washer combos.

Thanks!

 

[mrsstats]

I have the front loading Friderdaire washer and dryer and I have them stacked in a closet. I have had them for 4 years and have had no problems (knock on wood). They use less water and less detergent. The clothes are cleaner and they seem to wear better.

 

[Momof2]

Thanks everyone for all the useful info. I think I'm hoping that the repairman will say its not worth fixing, because I'd definately get a front loader. If it can be fixed, hopefully it's just like Sparkly Zoe's and only costs a couple dollars! Thanks again.

 

[Margie J]

Do any of the front loading washer come in stackable setups? We have a condo with only a laundry closet on the mail floor. I'd love a front loader, but we have to stick with dryer-on-washer combos.

Thanks!

Yes, mine is the stacked w/d pair. The capacity is huge though, especially for the dryer.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

thanks lil mermaid - In fact I noticed the HE on my washer the other day, and wondered what it mean't ......duh.....now I know! Also the machine does suds up sometimes and it has a alarm type button when it does this. I guess I should have read the manual.....double duh!
Thanks again!

 

[trip]

We have front loaders but there are a couple of things I don't like. If I only want to wash one or two items you can't change the water level and if I find that one sock I dropped on the stairs right after I started the washer I can't just lift up the lid and throw if it. I haven't really noticed that my clothes are any cleaner than before. Otherwise I don't really have any problems with it.