HE washer question

[ceecee]

I have the LG front loader with a sanitize and a steam dryer and it uses a lot less water. The mildew smell is awful unless I leave mine wide open and dry it after each load. It also takes 45-60 min to do a load, although it does hold more than my top loader did. I don't like that I can't stop it and soak things (I used to soak whites in bleach since we have well water and they get very dull).

 

[DISdreamin']

We got a Kenmore (really LG, but with Kenmore badge) last year. I have them stacked in our teeny-tiny laundry room that serves as the main entrance for our house from the garage. We come in that way ALL the time, and I thought it would be horrible trying to keep the door ajar, but it turns out you barely need to have the door open!

My solution to making sure it is open to air out, without being open too far...a new use for those foam things you use to keep little fingers from getting slammed in doors when childproofing! I had one of them sitting around, and I just hook it on the edge of the door - and presto! The door stays open just enough to keep things fresh and dry. Do a search for foam door stop if you aren't sure what I'm refering to.

FWIW, we live in a damp climate and I'm sure the machine would be a mildew-y, moldy mess if we kept the door closed. My in-laws live in the high desert (very, VERY dry...they don't even know what dehumidifiers are there...DH asked about one at a store and they went "oh, you mean a humidifier." Um, no. LOL!). Anyways, their Whirlpool machine is about 5 years old and is a mess - nasty black crap growing on the door seal, and it smells. Yuck! They don't ever leave it open, and they're definitely paying the price.

 

[tinkermommyof3]

Got first HE washer/dryer 2 years ago. Took some getting used to but love them! The washer uses very little water, detergent and time to clean. The dryer dries so fast. Very energy efficient compared to what I was used to in the past. I do run bleach through the clean washer cycle periodically to sterilize.

 

[The Running Ann]

I have had both types of HE washers and much prefer the top loader.

We had an early edition front loader and I always struggled with the mold issue although I regularly cleaned the gasket and left the door open, etc. The open door always irritated me.

About a year ago, we moved to an LG top loader and I have been extremely pleased with it. It has seemingly resolved the mildew issues. Mine has a soak feature, which I use fairly often. Since this one is also very frugal with the water usage, I don't anticipate returning to a front loader. I can't say that I have considered the cycles particularly long. An average cotton load takes approximately 40 minutes.

 

[ilovejack02]

I have a LG set, top of line. I like it alot , but because I live in a horribly humid climate , I leave the door ajar , also leave the detergent dispenser open a bit . I always left the lid of my top washer open when I had it.

No real mold issues at all, though I can't leave wet clothes in all night, but really couldn't do that with my top loader either. Height of summer every thing needs to be moved quickly, for both types of washers.

Clothes come out almost dry and drying time is quick.

 

[MrsPete]

So I've done some research. It appears the consensus is the front loaders are more efficient and clean better than the top loader HE machines. HOWEVER there is that problem with the mildew in the front loaders. That is a BIG concern. People say you must leave the washer door open. Well my laundry room is in a place where that would be difficult. Your enter our home from the attached garage right into the laundry room and then into the kitchen. I can't imagine if a washer door was sticking out that people could easily pass. Is there a trick to how I keep it all the way back? Maybe a magnet or something? Would love to hear how you handle that and if you agree the frontHE cleans better than the topHE. Any opinions or advice is appreciated.
BTW my main goals in a new washer
1. less time to wash/dry a load
2. decreased water and energy consumption
My washer is 18 years old super noisy and uses a ton of water

I've had my front-loader machine for three years, and I don't have a problem with mildew. Of course, I followed the instructions in my manual: Once a month I run a load on the clean-the-machine-cycle with a cup of bleach. I've never used any special product to clean the machine.

I do think that having the door open where people walk by could be a problem.

 

[herdtoDisney]

I had a front-loader for 6 years, until it croaked this past summer and I got a HE top-loader.

Honestly-I don't think one performed better than the other. They seem to wash just the same. I decided to go with a top loader this time so I'd never have to worry about the funky gasket or mold, or moldy socks caught under the gasket...yeah, not a gasket fan

With your setup (no room for open door) are you sure you don't want a top loader? You wouldn't have that worry. Like I mentioned, I don't see a difference in cleaning, and I wash some pretty grimy stuff (our work uniforms). This top-loader itself seems so clean all the time, unlike the front loader, and I never have to do any special cleaning of it (although it does have a cycle for that).

this is a cute icon

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

We have had an LE front loaer for over 7 yrs. We had 1 problem and thankfully it was fixed just before warrenty expired.

We always have to have the dor left open. The seals have to be wiped down all the time. You wouldn't beleive the gunk left in there. The machine doesn't get the bad smell but my clothes will if I don't keep up on it.

I don't like that you can't soak and all but we are well water and septic so a HE was a must for us. They take much longer to wash and come out much more wrinkled. Also as stated, whites are not as white. I only like theat they can hold a comforter or large load.

 

[coastiewifern]

I had a front-loader for 6 years, until it croaked this past summer and I got a HE top-loader.

Honestly-I don't think one performed better than the other. They seem to wash just the same. I decided to go with a top loader this time so I'd never have to worry about the funky gasket or mold, or moldy socks caught under the gasket...yeah, not a gasket fan

With your setup (no room for open door) are you sure you don't want a top loader? You wouldn't have that worry. Like I mentioned, I don't see a difference in cleaning, and I wash some pretty grimy stuff (our work uniforms). This top-loader itself seems so clean all the time, unlike the front loader, and I never have to do any special cleaning of it (although it does have a cycle for that).

this is a cute icon

Nope I am not sure at all in fact I think I am leaning towards a top loader. If people think they clean just as well. I live in FL and mold is a problem in general. I have 2 kids with mold allergies. I don't want to deal with the problem. I think I'm going to explore a top loader set. My understand is that they spin fast just not as fast as a front loader so they may not come out quite as dry but it will be a big improvement over what I am used to. I like the idea of pre soak as well. And you think it uses less water as well......

 

[PrincessNoelle'sMom]

I just got the LG HE top loader set and they are wonderful. 10 year warranty on the motor - no belts, very quiet and the water comes from the top so clothes are very clean. The drier is supper speedy. I'm glad I spent the extra on an LG - from what I understand, they are the best out there. I was also told that the new HE toploaders will replace the front loaders in the near future. Good Luck deciding.

 

[Jedana]

We purchased an LG top loader HE washer and dryer (separately, one in October, one in November--I wish we had been able to wait until Nov on the dryer, but my dryer up and died in early October).

Our water/sewer bill has dropped from $85 for September to $65 this month. We don't water outside,

The electric went from $200 for September to $125 for December. Yeah, $125--that includes DS being home from school for almost 3 weeks, DD2 coming home for a week during the holidays (so 2 tvs/video game systems, phone/ipod rechargers + computers running constantly) and the Christmas lights on the tree and outside. I'm hoping that the meter reader didn't screw up and next month I get a bill for $300....

Anyways, I love my top loader--I leave it open after washes, and am running the washer clean cycle for the first time today. I leave the dryer open for a little bit after I'm done with laundry. Lots of humidity in Florida, and if I don't, I'm scared they will mold.

 

[coastiewifern]

I just got the LG HE top loader set and they are wonderful. 10 year warranty on the motor - no belts, very quiet and the water comes from the top so clothes are very clean. The drier is supper speedy. I'm glad I spent the extra on an LG - from what I understand, they are the best out there. I was also told that the new HE toploaders will replace the front loaders in the near future. Good Luck deciding.

Can you share the model number? Also does it have a sanitize or steam function on the washer? Or some mode for allergens.

 

[PrincessNoelle'sMom]

Can you share the model number? Also does it have a sanitize or steam function on the washer? Or some mode for allergens.

I believe it is the 4800 series. There is presoak and custom setting for any type of wash...so yes I believe you can sanitze ( I haven't tried this yet - the set is only two weeks old and I'm still learning ). There is also a wrinkle care/steam setting for the dryer.

 

[PaulaSue]

A had a front loader for 6 years , nothing but problems. (left door open and used special tabs once a month to clean and still mold even after replacing seal 2 times.) Just got top HE loader, LOVE IT. I still leave the door up when not in use and it is so much bigger (went from 3.5 to 4.7, so great with 3 kids) and quite-er.

 

[3mickeymom]

I am the poster who posted about all the upkeep to keep my washer mildew /smell free. I just wanted to add that I also live a few miles inland from the beach, so it is an area with higher humidity. That might be something to keep in mind. My brother lives in the Outer Banks(high humidity) and no matter how many times he reminds his wife, she still closes the door on their washer. Their washer Stinks badly. They have the same LG model as I do. Keeping the door open is a MUST. The mold and mildew can be prevented, but you will have to leave the door open and wipe down the inside and do the cleaning cycles..

 

[Friend of Figment]

I would never buy a front load washer again...I had the Maytag Neptune and all it did was grow mold. Maytag said it was not a problem. I would clean it out with bleach every week and it would still grow black mold in the soap dispenser area. I can only imagine what was inside that I could not see! Yuck! Anyway in November I bought the LG top load washer and gas dryer and love it! It is a 4.7 capacity and I have not had one problem! My only suggestion it to get the warranty only because it has every digital function you could think of! I got a great deal on the set at Home Depot on Black friday so I am a very happy camper!

 

[coastiewifern]

We purchased an LG top loader HE washer and dryer (separately, one in October, one in November--I wish we had been able to wait until Nov on the dryer, but my dryer up and died in early October).

Our water/sewer bill has dropped from $85 for September to $65 this month. We don't water outside,

The electric went from $200 for September to $125 for December. Yeah, $125--that includes DS being home from school for almost 3 weeks, DD2 coming home for a week during the holidays (so 2 tvs/video game systems, phone/ipod rechargers + computers running constantly) and the Christmas lights on the tree and outside. I'm hoping that the meter reader didn't screw up and next month I get a bill for $300....

Anyways, I love my top loader--I leave it open after washes, and am running the washer clean cycle for the first time today. I leave the dryer open for a little bit after I'm done with laundry. Lots of humidity in Florida, and if I don't, I'm scared they will mold.

Wow that savings totally justifies the cost of new machines

 

[coastiewifern]

A had a front loader for 6 years , nothing but problems. (left door open and used special tabs once a month to clean and still mold even after replacing seal 2 times.) Just got top HE loader, LOVE IT. I still leave the door up when not in use and it is so much bigger (went from 3.5 to 4.7, so great with 3 kids) and quite-er.

Can you look at this thread and answer a few questions about your machine. Thanks
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2859864

 

[North of Mouse]

I just got the LG HE top loader set and they are wonderful. 10 year warranty on the motor - no belts, very quiet and the water comes from the top so clothes are very clean. The drier is supper speedy. I'm glad I spent the extra on an LG - from what I understand, they are the best out there. I was also told that the new HE toploaders will replace the front loaders in the near future. Good Luck deciding.

You were told by whom that the top loader would replace the front loader? I've not heard that. All the people I know that have gotten the HE top loaders have not been happy. They say the water level is too low, doesn't wash the clothes on top or rinse as well. Some even add extra water On the other hand after 12 years of HE top loader use - no noise, no odor, no mold, no extra cleaning of machine - just great performance, also with steam clean and overnight wash & dry feature (Samsung). I do, however, crack the door open between uses, but I've done that with all my machines, Just common sense to me to let it dry and air out. (My first TL was not HE - weren't available yet - bought the Samsung by recommendation and for larger capacity). I've recommended it to several. Very satisfied customer