Washing Machine Dilema

Updated on September 29, 2011
M.A. asks from Lubbock, TX
15 answers

I had my high end front loader for about 5 years. I think it was a Frigidaire Affinity. I always complained of the smell, which I know is common for front loader; however, I took for granted what a great job it did on actually cleaning my clothes. I recently got a high end top loader. It is the Maytag Bravos. I have to say there is no more smell, but I hate it! My clothes do not come out clean, stains that I have pre-treated do not come out, soap residue remains, clothes are extremely wrinkled and some stretched out of shape, sheets came out in one big twisted knot. I have read up on it and because it is a water conserving machine, there is a problem with the clothes not being fully submerged. There is a power wash and bulky setting that uses more water, but the cycles are close to 90 minutes long. And even still, that does not solve the problem of how rough it is on my clothes. Sooooo, do you have a washer that you love? FYI, we own the store where we get our appliances, so there is no problem with returning and getting what I want, but we also don't want to be selling a machine that I have had such a bad experience with.

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.P.

answers from Dallas on

We bought an LG front loader when we moved back to the US 2 years ago. I LOVE it!!!! Had a front loader in the UK and was hooked, would never go back to a top loader now. The secret to it not smelling is to not close the door after you take out a load of clean clothes, otherwise mold develops. With a top loader the lid isn't sealed, so even if it's closed air is still getting in there, the front loader no air can get in with the door closed. I leave it open (not standing open, just not shut) overnight and then close it later when I think about it or go in there again.

More Answers

T.J.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

We have a Samsung front loader (I do not remember the model). It does not have a mold problem, but with all front loaders - the door needs to be left open for it to dry out the drum. There is an option on it call "Pure Cycle" made only for cleaning the machine (of course with no clothes in it). It takes a little less than an hour for the machine to clean itself with hot water. We run that option about once every two weeks.

When we were first looking for a new set, I used my Google app for barcode look up on reviews. This machine and a LG machine always came up on top of the review list.

Hope this helps :)

2 moms found this helpful

J.P.

answers from Lakeland on

I used to have the front load washer (I can't remember which brand) that we left in our house in PA. We got the Kenmore Elite top load washer and steam dryer at our new home. I got tired of the smell in the front load washer; it started after about 3 years and was time consuming to clean it after every wash. The new one doesn't have the center piece in it so the clothes don't get all tied up. So far it seems to be just as good as the front loader; we have had it for about 3 months.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.F.

answers from Tallahassee on

I got a new LG washer and dryer set about 6 months ago and I love it so far. It's a top loader and is the only high efficiency machine I've ever owned, so I can't compare it to a front loader. It does have an "Extra Rinse" button that I use pretty much every time just because I like to make sure there is no residue left in my clothes or in my machine.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Utica on

The one thing that I have heard about front loads (besides the smell) is that they really only last about 5 or so years because of the wear and tear on the drum. The weight of the water kills the drum over time and it just cant perform anymore. I do know that they sell top loads that have a small aggitator on the bottom so it still sends your clothes for a spin but it doesnt beat the snot out of the them as the ones wit the aggitator right up the middle does. When my washer craps out on me that is what I am getting next
Good Luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.G.

answers from Dallas on

We have the Magtag front loader for 5 years no smell and I don't have a smell run bleach in hot water once a month. I don't leave the door open, my DIL has a different brand and 2 boys does lots of wash and she has no problem with her front loader. Background info had a top loader for 10 years and it had a smell, and didn't clean half as well as the front loader.

A.S.

answers from Detroit on

You ladies have made me glad to have bought a non-HE top-loader!!! *JUST before the HE was required*

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.T.

answers from Victoria on

We have a top load kenmore HE washer. I hate it. It was a gift and while I can "wash" very large loads all at once. Everything seems to get wet. But thats about it...it gets wet. While it seems tha the washers are made to save water and energy they arent built to actualy clean the clothes. The HE soaps all seem to smell super powerful. I sprayed some shout on my shorts and the stain was gone but the gel like shot substance was still on my shorts ... in the same spot! My daughter picked up a poop and got it on her overalls. I should have just washed the overalls by hand in the tub with her. I ended up having to wash those twice (i dont think it was a third time but again put spray and wash on those little smudges). We also had a very hard time with our quilt. It is a heavy blanket and it would not spin all the water out. So very dissapointed as everyone seemd to say these were such wonderful machines. i miss my old 1990's machine!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Chicago on

I've had a front load washer for about 3 years now and it doesn't have a smell. I'ts a Maytag Neptune, but I wouldn't recommend it because of some mild issues we've had (the fabric softner cycle doensn't rinse the liquid into the washer & we have to use a circuit breaker).

If you get another one, leave the door open for at least 24 hours after you are finished with your wash so the inside can air-dry. This will help prevent mildew and that musty smell. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Tyler on

Wow, what an education on current washing machines. I'm hanging on to my old top-loader I've had for 10 years or more as long as I can. Thanks for the info, though.

J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

I have a Samsung but it does the same thing with knotting of the clothes but it does get them really clean. I think the knotting is just something with the water saving. I have found if I don't overload, or better put don't fill to their claim of capacity, they don't get knotted up.

I get the smell every now and then but always my fault. I forget to clean out the trap underneath. I also leave the front open but I did that with my old top loader as well to help it dry out between cycles.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.J.

answers from Dallas on

I have had the LG Tromm washer/dryer set for about five years and really like them. No issues, yet (knock on wood). We actually have had the dryer for six. We bought both on closeout/scratch n dent at a Sears outlet in Grapevine.
I do leave my washerdooropen almost all the time, though due to the typical smell thing, but not a huge deal as we have a seperate laundry room that only me and the dog see - LOL!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Dallas on

I love my front loader from LG. I don't have a smell problem...I run the clean tub cycle with bleach every month or so and leave the door open when not in use....no problems.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Dallas on

I replaced my front loader with the Bravos because of the same bad smell reason. I love my Bravos. I dont have any of the problems you do. I will use a tide stain release for really dirty loads and that is often with my two mud loving boys. I wash King size sheets and they are a little twisted, but nothing too bad. I wash 2-3 loads every day. I think the Bravos gets my close cleaner then the front loader.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.O.

answers from Dallas on

I have a Kenmore oversized top loader without the agitator. no stink, but u r right about the twisted clothes, etc.... It's not so bad as I feel the clothes are clean, but it goes with a little frustration. I usually up the temps to get everything clean.

Updated

I have a Kenmore oversized top loader without the agitator. no stink, but u r right about the twisted clothes, etc.... It's not so bad as I feel the clothes are clean, but it goes with a little frustration. I usually up the temps to get everything clean. wave of the future I think

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions