tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post6811973440763544212..comments2024-03-25T17:42:31.931-05:00Comments on From My Front Porch To Yours: Hunting for The Perfect Washing Machine & DryerPamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18283260830637529760noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-43690874615391183962013-01-03T10:14:47.350-06:002013-01-03T10:14:47.350-06:00I just wanted to pop back by and say there was one...I just wanted to pop back by and say there was one thing I don't feel I stressed enough: NEVER use liquid laundry soap or fabric softener in your new FL washer. <br /><br />This blogger ( http://giraffe-legs.blogspot.com/2012/09/homemade-laundry-soap-with-surprising.html )<br /> wrote an eye-opening post on how her smelly washer problem went away after she switched from liquid soap to a homemade powdered version. <br /><br />From everything I have read, IMHO, liquid laundry products are the major contributing factor to the smelly FL washer problems.Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-28985773437274838652013-01-02T23:04:32.042-06:002013-01-02T23:04:32.042-06:00The all-too-common complaint of front load washers...The all-too-common complaint of front load washers developing mold, mildew and funky smells is what made me drag my feet for close to 2 years before I finally broke down and bought a FL washer. I did a ton of research before buying one and came upon some interesting websites regarding this problem. My research armed me with some of the information I needed to know about the things to do(and not do) as a FL washer owner. <br /><br />One interesting theory I read over and over during my research is fabric softeners and liquid laundry<br />soaps (even HE formulas) cause, or at least contribute to the mold and mildew problem. Apparently, the oils these products contain are not adequately washed away because of the energy-saving low water levels. The oily film left behind on the washer's internal parts is thought to be enough to trap moisture and in turn, cause mold and mildew. If you are using fabric softener or liquid soap,<br />you may want to change to just white vinegar as a softener, and powdered laundry soap as soon as you get your new FL washer. There are lots of "recipes" on the internet for very cost-effective homemade powdered laundry soaps. And it only takes a tablespoon or two per load.<br /><br />I never leave wet clothes in the washer. After I finish doing laundry, I don't bother to wipe the door seal/gasket dry but I do always leave the washer door wide open (not just cracked)and open the detergent dispenser so they can dry out. Whenever I think about it, I check the folds of the gasket for hair, threads, lint or anything that can possibly trap moisture.<br /><br />Rather than leaving the washer door open, you might want to consider purchasing a little washer fan that dries out the interior of the washer. (I have no affiliation with this company--I've just read good reviews about the product so I'm considering getting one myself.) Here's the link: <br /><br />http://housewares.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=housewares&cdn=homegarden&tm=9&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_p504.6.342.ip_&tt=6&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//washerfan.com/<br /><br />In summary, I'm a consumer who is very pleased with my front load washer and (so far) I have zero mold problems. If you are willing to take a few preventative measures (and maybe change some of your laundry habits) to guard against mold, you will probably be really happy with your new front loader too.<br /><br />(Sorry I wrote a book here. :o )Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-20847948693107348222012-12-31T07:07:44.703-06:002012-12-31T07:07:44.703-06:00Ok so apparently I'm NOT new here! I got here...Ok so apparently I'm NOT new here! I got here from someone elses side bar, but then realized you are in my blog roll, lol! But I have taken a long blog break, got busy with life! Anyway, didn't want you to think I was crazy! Apparently I need to dye my hair blond again. :) I thought the title looked familiar..... ;)Kristihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13142694706893565452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-71171057001226256202012-12-31T07:02:00.061-06:002012-12-31T07:02:00.061-06:00Hi there, I am new here. I could have written thi...Hi there, I am new here. I could have written this exact post! I felt like the princess and the pea with washing machines instead of mattresses. And overall I'm not really picky, just wanted clean, non wrinkled clothes!! I had the top loader (with no agitator) like you, same problems! Wrinkled clothes and I just couldn't get used to the loonnnggg wash times. What normally would take me a few hours took me a few days. Then went to the Whirlpool front loader, my clothes always had a "smell" I'm not sure what it was. I tried less detergent, more detergent, an extra rinse and taking them out immediately, NOTHING worked! I was so discouraged! And I am one of those crazy people who actually like to do laundry (putting it away is not my favorite, lol). I ended up with a Fisher Paykel Ecosmart washer (top load) and top load dryer. I am THRILLED with it. Yes it's not as big as those huge HE top loaders, but it is done quickly, the clothes are clean and it's also an HE washer even though it still has an agitator. You can control the water level or leave it on auto. I always leave on auto unless I am washing something where I need it filled to the top.<br /> Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that your not alone! I hope this new one is what your looking for, but if not, check out the Fisher paykel Ecosmart (the aquasmart has no agitator, I wanted the agitator, can't teach an old dog new tricks!) and Smartload dryer. http://www.fisherpaykel.com/product/laundry/washing-machines/?productuid=1ED195A6-9D9A-5130-4E8120BE64AB6985<br /> Good luck! And can't wait to look around your blog more. :)<br />KristiKristihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13142694706893565452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-38426443509018458872012-12-31T06:45:05.282-06:002012-12-31T06:45:05.282-06:00Sorry to hear you had problems, but so glad you sh...Sorry to hear you had problems, but so glad you shared the experience with all of us! We are reviewing new options now. We have a Whirlpool Washer and Dryer that are 7 years old. They have had a few repairs but still run like a charm. Plans are still in the works to get new front load units when we move into the house. I think I might keep the old ones as a backup though. Hope you tell us how the newest ones perform! -TonyaOur French Inspired Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07315204176168596096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-27863456112893175112012-12-30T23:25:28.313-06:002012-12-30T23:25:28.313-06:00I bought a Maytag set a few years ago and LOVE the...I bought a Maytag set a few years ago and LOVE them! I did buy the pedestal as I didn't want to be squatting down to load and unload clothes. I agree - leave your washer door open just a bit. I have never had the issue with the mildew smell because I do that. Enjoy!CamilleWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13668079526877014836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-34648903861976640782012-12-30T23:01:38.331-06:002012-12-30T23:01:38.331-06:00I didn't do any research, but found a great wa...I didn't do any research, but found a great washing machine on sale at Boscov's. The Maytag Centennial. I wanted an efficient top loader that could fill completely, because there are times i want to soak or dye things. This one has a choice of high efficiency water conservation or full emersion. It also has a clothes level sensor. I'm in love with it mainly because it doesn't need a babysitter. My old machine recently lost it's balance capability, and if could wobble itself across the basement if you didn't open and rebalance the load:) My high capacity dryer is still kickin' butt! My sister and sister-n-law both bought front loading sets and found the to get smelly. Both said they will not purchase again!!! Best of luck in your search. SewSweetVIntagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00137178363395255794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-16985142107355083852012-12-30T17:03:59.848-06:002012-12-30T17:03:59.848-06:00I hope you are happy with your front loader machin...I hope you are happy with your front loader machine.And I pray I am not hunting for a new set anytime soon.Because I don't think I will ever by a front loader again.If you don't leave the door open and the tray( the drawer that you add the soap too) it will start to get moldy.Yep we had mold in ours and I have talked to friends that have front loader machines and this happened to them as well.We can't afford a new set so we just deal with it and I add vinegar or bleach to it every so often to clean it.Hope being that yours is a newer model that they have improved.<br />xx<br />AnneAnnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09188350801843939928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-17776337111928378992012-12-30T16:50:40.760-06:002012-12-30T16:50:40.760-06:00Sorry the first one didn't work out. I have a...Sorry the first one didn't work out. I have a front loader and it's not perfect either but overall I am pretty happy. Just make sure you leave the door slightly open when you are not using it - otherwise you will end up with that awful mildew smell. Best wishes for a happy new year!<br />Cheers! - ShelleyCalypso In The Countryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10264873052810117169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-14562554497226433722012-12-30T16:22:40.906-06:002012-12-30T16:22:40.906-06:00I'm on my second set of front loaders. The one...I'm on my second set of front loaders. The one thing they never tell you is that you have to wrestle the clothes out of the washer when they are wet. So..you have to squat down there and pull. You can do it though. :) Also, front loading washers are notorious for developing mildew around the rubber gaskets. If you Google it you'll find lots of complaints about that and ideas for keeping it under control. I do like that the washer uses less water and is very efficient. Overall, I do like it...hope you do too.Staceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05728612514516285320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-11707830974744368052012-12-30T15:51:54.836-06:002012-12-30T15:51:54.836-06:00I don't know about LG but I have a GE front lo...I don't know about LG but I have a GE front load and I don't like it cuz the water doesn't dissipate all the way out and it eventually starts getting moldy and having a smell. I've only had mine for a couple of years and I'm ready to be done with them. Of course, at age 65, I don't like the bending over to get the clothes out and I thought $200 a piece for the pedestal was ridiculous. This washer also rocks and rolls when one puts it on high spin. Can't wait to hear the outcome. Thanks for sharing. Joanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17079320105957390525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-23263273641686907402012-12-30T15:14:35.841-06:002012-12-30T15:14:35.841-06:00Hopefully the new set will be better. I totally ag...Hopefully the new set will be better. I totally agree that they don't last like they used to. Our first set 20 years ago was Kenmore and they lasted for 11 years with heavy usage (most often two families.) We bought the exact same model, just newer and they lasted less than 4.5 years. The dryer never worked properly. Our third set is a Maytag Epic front load, had to have the washer motor fixed already and we have only had it 3 years. I really like the front load though. My tips: always keep the washer door slightly ajar when empty to avoid the musty smell and 3 repairmen have told us to always use way way less than the recommended on the bottle HE detergent /softeners-they don't need a lot and it can actually harm the machine. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11533933625825629350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594728572456250670.post-82215888247115749182012-12-30T14:51:06.357-06:002012-12-30T14:51:06.357-06:00How disappointing. My daughter did not have very ...How disappointing. My daughter did not have very good luck with the LG front loaders either. She sometimes ends up taking stuff to the laundromat because things take so long to dry and she has lots of clothes with three kids. My friend just purchased a Whirlpool and she loves it...it was also a top rated consumer report...It is too danged bad it has to be a trial and error situation when it comes to a big thing like appliances. It's not like taking back a mixer! Good luck- xo DianaNanaDianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14298962791700019785noreply@blogger.com