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Are front loading washing machines bad?
vanity | 1-29-2014 | Servo1969

Posted on 01/29/2014 7:47:36 PM PST by servo1969

I'm planning on buying a new washer and dryer in the next few months and my wife has always wanted a front loading washer.

Everyone I talk to including my mother, my sister and my best friend's wife tells me whatever I do DO NOT get a front loading washing machine.

I have been told they get mildew-y, they leak, they tear up easily and that they just don't clean your clothes as well as a good top loader.

All my washers to date have been top loaders and, excluding a part here or there, have each lasted more than a decade. I have never paid to have a washer repaired because I do the work myself. This has made me pretty familiar with their inner workings but I've never owned a front loader and have no personal experience with them.

So, my question is to anyone who owns or has owned a front loading washer. Are they really as bad as people say? Because the impression I keep getting is that they start out fine but end up being way more trouble than they are worth.


TOPICS: Chit/Chat
KEYWORDS: front; frontloader; frontloaderwasher; machine; washer; washing
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To: servo1969

We have a Frigidaire for over 5 years without a problem. As for mildew, just leave the door open.


41 posted on 01/29/2014 8:00:57 PM PST by Blood of Tyrants (Haven't you lost enough freedoms? Support an end to the WOD now.)
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To: servo1969
We bought a top loading Sears Kenmore HE washer last early year. It was the first one we ever had without a center shaft. I was doubtful but this thing is a real champ. It only uses the exact amount of water it needs.

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)

LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)

42 posted on 01/29/2014 8:01:13 PM PST by LonePalm (Commander and Chef)
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To: servo1969

we’ve got a Frigidaire..

We like it just fine. Wipe the seal down when done and prop the door. Every 6 months the wife runs some sort of “cleaner” through it.


43 posted on 01/29/2014 8:01:49 PM PST by cableguymn (It's time for a second political party.)
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To: autumnraine

i know i have 8 more than i need after i give you a two thubs up


44 posted on 01/29/2014 8:02:40 PM PST by bigheadfred (that boy is all thumbs)
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To: fso301

They make it easier for little children to get a good bath.


works good for animals too ;)


45 posted on 01/29/2014 8:03:10 PM PST by cableguymn (It's time for a second political party.)
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To: servo1969

Had mine for 7 year and I love it (well, as much as one can love an appliance)

Got a Whirlpool as the LE were to tall to fit in my basement. (Space issues, have to stack washer & dryer)

Do a load a day, for over 7 year. Had to get it serviced one time. Change from hubby’s pockets finally blocked the drain. Do a better job of pocket screening now.


46 posted on 01/29/2014 8:03:12 PM PST by KosmicKitty (WARNING: Hormonally crazed woman ahead!!)
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To: GeronL

Like this? Does it wash clothes well?

47 posted on 01/29/2014 8:03:17 PM PST by servo1969
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To: bigheadfred

Many of the new top loaders do not have agitators.


48 posted on 01/29/2014 8:03:40 PM PST by ican'tbelieveit
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To: servo1969

They’re fine. Bought one a few years ago. The only problem I had was once I must have closed the door on some clothes and it tore the rubber gasket around the door. Costs a few hundred bucks to get fixed.


49 posted on 01/29/2014 8:04:21 PM PST by E. Pluribus Unum (The only way women can "have it all" is if men aren't allowed to have anything.)
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To: Enten
We have a Whirlpool W/D front loader set.

The design of all front loaders lends itself to trapped moisture, which is aggravated by the tight seal; the drain engineering and and dark interior (as opposed to top loaders) create a good environment for mold. Warm weather, use of too much or improper detergent and leaving a load in too long after the cycle will increase the chances that you'll get mold/mildew.

Don't worry if it happens, it's easy to fix.

The very simple solution is to order a bottle of Smelly Washer Cleaner. I have no connection to this company other than that I bought their product and it works. They also make a product for towel odor problems (from leaving them in the washer too long) and it works as well.

I bought a bottle about 2 years ago ($14.00 ?) and still have plenty left. Leave the door open on the washer so that the inside can dry out, use a little SWC, and you'll be fine.

It's worth noting that the front loader gets more speed on the spin cycle (horizontal shaft, as opposed to vertical) for better wringing and therefore less drying; it uses very little water and if you follow the directions you spend very little on detergent.

Knowing what I know, I'd buy another, and can vouch for the Whirlpool Duet.

50 posted on 01/29/2014 8:04:24 PM PST by IncPen (When you start talking about what we 'should' have, you've made the case for the Second Amendment)
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To: servo1969

Well, I remember my mother’s old Bendix, but that was 60 years ago.....yes, they were front load.
I now have the most popular washer in the Philippines. It is quite mobile, uses no electricity, hard working, and never breaks down. It is called a “Filipina”. :)
I try to switch it off, but it just keeps running and running, as long as it can find something to wash.


51 posted on 01/29/2014 8:05:18 PM PST by AlexW
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To: ican'tbelieveit; GeronL
Many of the new top loaders do not have agitators.

screw that

52 posted on 01/29/2014 8:05:29 PM PST by bigheadfred
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To: laxcoach
On top of that, every load of towels smelled like they sat in the washer too long, even if they were put in the dryer immediately.

I was just noting the other day that my clothes never have a sour smell since we changed to the front loader. Had that problem frequently with our top loader.

53 posted on 01/29/2014 8:06:33 PM PST by ican'tbelieveit
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To: servo1969

When I first married I used front loaders at the laundromat, my clothes were never as bright and clean using them. The clothes were dingy.

I was so happy when we were able to buy a washer and dryer! I will never have a machine without an agitator again, even if I need to rummage junk yards.


54 posted on 01/29/2014 8:06:44 PM PST by Irenic (The pencil sharpener and Elmer's glue is put away-- we've lost the red wheelbarrow)
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To: servo1969

Never, ever had a mildew problem with mine like others have.

But I do a load a day and a white/hot water/bleach load once a month and i do an occasional machine cleaning cycle, also with bleach.


55 posted on 01/29/2014 8:06:55 PM PST by KosmicKitty (WARNING: Hormonally crazed woman ahead!!)
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To: bigtoona

I can also fit 20 large bath towels in my front loader, so it can wash more than even the biggest top loaders which is one reason we bought the model we have. Its a whirlpool


56 posted on 01/29/2014 8:07:09 PM PST by bigtoona
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To: servo1969

Washing machine Vs. Rock
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDsuZkQ9vgM

Funny version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Obo42uQ564


57 posted on 01/29/2014 8:07:16 PM PST by Jack Hydrazine (Pubbies = national collectivists; Dems = international collectivists; me = independent conservative)
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To: LonePalm

58 posted on 01/29/2014 8:09:19 PM PST by servo1969
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To: cantfindagoodscreenname

See my reply #50 re: the mold issue.


59 posted on 01/29/2014 8:09:55 PM PST by IncPen (When you start talking about what we 'should' have, you've made the case for the Second Amendment)
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To: servo1969

I am happy with the front loading LG washer and drier that came with my new house. Dampness was an issue but figured about leaving the door open. It does a great job at washing.


60 posted on 01/29/2014 8:10:25 PM PST by Moonmad27 ("I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." Jessica Rabbit)
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