New Washing Machine - Do You Love or Hate Yours?

Updated on July 08, 2013
K.F. asks from Hillsboro, OR
18 answers

My 12 year old washing machine is going to die any second. It is a Kenmore with an agitator and has always been fine although the capacity is not great now that we are a family of 5 (and maybe more in the future). I have looked into new ones briefly and there are a lot of mixed feelings on top loading (without the agitator) and front loading.

From what I've read, some top loaders seem to have trouble getting clothes clean and make them a tangled mess leading to holes. I've also read about some problems with front loaders not having enough water to get clothes clean (because they are uber energy efficient) and problems with mold unless you leave the door open constantly.

I have 3 kids under age 6, so I need something that cleans well, won't take me all day to do laundry and will last.

Anything I should look into or stay away from? Moms are the best critics! :)

Thanks

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B.B.

answers from Missoula on

I got a Samsung front loader in March and I love it. I have never noticed it not getting clothes clean and I keep the door closed, no mold.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I've never had a problem with my Kenmore front loader. I've never gotten holes in clothing, but they do sometimes become tangled, it's true.

The only times I feel they aren't clean enough are when I do a very full load. I often add a little vinegar or Oxyclean, and do an extra rinse. But generally, I feel they get clean.

I have NEVER gotten any mold, in five or six years of owing the machine. The instructions specifically tell you to leave the door open on the washer in between loads, so I leave the door open. And I get no mold. It doesn't need to be open wide, just a crack, so air can get in. No big deal.

Reading Sunshine's response: Interesting. I have a very sensitive nose, and would definitely notice it if my machine or clothes reeked. Sunshine -- maybe you could try a vinegar rinse on the machine every now and then? It definitely shouldn't reek.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

L.B.

answers from Phoenix on

I had Kenmore for years and still do.I love it and gets hard stains my 2 yr old puts on her clothes off

B.K.

answers from Chicago on

I had kenmores for years and swore I'd never get a front-loader. But I ended up getting one two years ago. A Samsung. I really love it and have had no problems. It gets my clothes really clean and doesn't beat them to death like my old machine.

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I love my plain old fashioned top loader with agitator.
It never smells funny and there is never any trouble adding something into it in mid cycle.
It doesn't vibrate the clothes into a tangled wrinkled mess like some of the agitator-less washers do.
Mine has an extra rinse cycle option which I love to use to make sure all soap residue is rinsed out.
I use soap very sparingly but if it's not rinsed out completely my skin will itch.

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S.F.

answers from Fargo on

I have a new LG front loading washer and I regret to say that I really don't like it. Each time I wash a load I spray the seal with bleach and wipe it thoroughly with a cloth. I always leave the door open while not in use, and I use the tub clean feature on a regular basis, yet it STILL reeks.
I am also not impressed with the cleanliness of my clothes. I often use the extra water feature, but feel it defeats the purpose of having an energy efficient washer.

I helped a friend do her laundry at the laundromat and was amazed at how clean everything got! How sad is that????

If I had it to do all over again, I would definitely get a top loader!
Good luck in your search!

@Rosebud, I use vinegar in each wash and use vinegar in the tub rinse cycle. Am I not using enough? Any tips you have are very welcome!

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Look at the Consumer Reports ratings.
That's what we did.

We recently got the Maytag Bravos XL.
Top Loader.
HE.
LOVE it.
From Sears.

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M.C.

answers from Chattanooga on

I think part of it depends on where you live for the mold problem... My grandma has a front-loader that she doesn't have to give any special treatment, and it has never molded. She lives in the North... While my uncle (living in the South) has to wipe the door dry on his or it will. (of course, it only takes a second to wipe it down so it's not a big deal.) Both of their washers got my clothes so much cleaner than my top-loader! I have had times when I will turn mine to a 'heavy soiled' setting, and wash my DD's sheets and blankets after a potty accident... only to have them still smelling like urine when they come out. Even with vinegar in the wash... which really sucks, because I wanted to do cloth diapers with my next child, so I will have to replace it before we try for another one.

The only time my clothes get tangled in my top-load is when I over fill it, or if I'm not paying attention, and accidentally loop my bra strap over the middle pole.

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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

had Kenmores for 25+ years. Loved them!

currently own a Maytag top-loader. HATE it.

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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

Maytag Centennial - we like it. It's a top loading HE we got from Sears from their outlet. Not had a problem with clothes being clean or with holes. Had it for most of year now. If I ever need extra help destinking gym clothes, that's where regular white vinegar comes in.

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S.P.

answers from San Diego on

We just recently had to purchase a new washer and dryer(last week actually)! After much research I too decided on the "Speed Queen" washer and gas dryer. Are they fancy, no. Are they sophisticated, with all the bells and whistles, no. But that's not what I wanted. My interest was finding a basic machine where I can adjust the water temperature and level, I can choose the detergent I want to use ( not special high efficiency suds), and lastly I wanted it to last! This brand is made built to last and after having it for a month I'm very pleased with my purchase. They are sold by independent dealers, and won't be found in the big box department stores. You can find a dealer by going to www. Speed queen.com . HTH

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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

We recently got an LG top load, no agitator washing machine. I absolutely love it! It's not the most high tech one around but it isn't the cheapest "just to get by" model. We went with that model mainly because of the review and Consumer Reports. It was the highest rated washing machine around. All of the non agitator washers are going to take slightly longer but mine cleans great. I find that my clothes are no ore or less tangled together than my old washer with the agitator. Mine has load sensing so I never seem to have a problem with the amount of water. The model we got was http://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Electronics-4-3-cu-ft-High-...

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A.K.

answers from Bloomington on

I also have Samsung front loaders & love them. Ever had any problems not getting clothes clean.

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C.D.

answers from Eugene on

We got a Maytag bravo. It has gotten great reviews. I love the large capacity but being short (5ft) I can't reach the bottom to pull small items like socks out! I have to use a step stool! Otherwise we love it. I'd never go back to a front loaded because of smelly laundry issues.

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K.A.

answers from San Francisco on

Just bought a Kenmore top loader (no agitator) 2 weeks ago. So far so good. The cycle takes longer than our old Kenmore but no problems with clothes getting tangled as someone mentioned. Brought it at Sears for $599 and got $100 rebate from electric company.

L.C.

answers from Washington DC on

We had this very discussion at church last week!
The consensus was to get the Speed Queen model that has no bells and whistles. It's huge, it cleans very well, and it has no computer that will break. They compared it to the old Maytags we all had as kids.
They all said to go to a smaller appliance store and tell them what you want. They said it will take a week or so to get it, but it will last forever and clean your clothes better than anything out there.
I currently have a 15 year old whirlpool. It's fine. Mom has a 7 year old GE that is HUGE. She does have trouble reaching the bottom, so she keeps a stool nearby. :)

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Z.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

We just bought a new washer too. I love it because the inside has a very large drum (no agitator) and it's also unbelieveably super quiet. The one thing I don't like about it is once you push the start button you can't open it again without holding the button in for three seconds. It automatically locks itself. so if you find something else that needs to be added, better off waiting.

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I just got the new front loader Samsung 3.9 cubic feet and dryer with the pedestals..... LOVE LOVE LOVE them.....

I had an old front loading Maytag and I hated it.

I wash at least 1 load a day, a lot of towels. I have 1 large basket that had to be broken down into 2 loads with the Maytag.

The ENTIRE basket will wash well in the Samsung as well as large bedding. Mine has the steamer feature as well but I haven't used it yet.

No problem with the rubber seal like with Maytag. This door does not automatically click when you close it so it has ventilation as long as you don't "click" the door closed. I have a little hand towel, I just wipe it down and leave the towel partly hanging out of the door to absorb any moisture.

My Maytag was awful so I am going the extra mile with Samsung, need to or not.

I can say we bought well because I love these machines. We got some deal at Home Depot and my total costs with everything was about $2700. I am good to go for another 12 yrs!

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