Do it Yourself: [DIY] Washing Machine

12 November 2012

[DIY] Washing Machine

Hi All,

This isn't so much a question as a comment for anyone looking for a new washing machine.

After years of less than satisfactory results using a high end machine from a well known brand, my washer quit pumping out the water. Not worth fixing since I have wanted to replace it for years; just haven't gotten to it. Based on anecdotal reports from those I'm acquainted with, I was pretty sure I was going to go with front load. Did my research, and narrowed it down to a few brands. Stopped at a big box store last Sunday after church; the guy was not as helpful as I would have hoped, so moved on to a second big box store. Got more help, narrowed down my brand choice, and got delivery on Wednesday.

I insisted on getting the "steam" wash feature, even though I was told by three salesMEN, that it was not very useful. The manufacturers' websites contradicted that, so I was going to be better safe than sorry for a differential of only $100.00.

I want everyone to know that the "steam" wash is fabulous!! I put the discharge hose into a plastic tub on the floor so that I could collect the washwater, just to see whether or not it would be dirty. I started with a load of THREE polar fleece sweatshirts using the Heavy Duty cycle. These are mine: 5'8"/140 lbs, so they are NOT large garments. The washwater was heavily suspended with dirt, as was the rinsewater, though it was slightly lighter in color. Since I was going to have to put them through a second wash, I decided to try out the "steam" wash cycle. The washwater that discharged from this cycle was dirtier than the first, as was the rinsewater. When I emptied the tub, there was silt in the bottom of the tub. It was evident that the steam feature really DID dislodge more ground in dirt than the regular Heavy Duty cycle. Since the water was still so dirty, I gave the sweatshirts another wash. I have done the same with every load I have done. The towels were surprisingly clean; I did not get the massive amount of dirt out of them that I did out of my everyday clothing. It was shocking how much dirt was clinging to the fibers of the clothes that had just been washed last week. These front load machines really are more effective at cleaning than most top load, although I know there are some excellent top loaders out there now.

Anyway, I knew my old machine was not cleaning, but didn't expect to get as much dirt out as I did. The upshot is that the front load is VERY effective. I am finally getting clean clothes.

The "steam" wash option may not be for everyone. The cycle takes over two hours. I prefer clean over speed, so it works for me.

I will purposely not include the brand name, since some people are very sensitive to the inclusion of what they perceive to be surreptitious advertising.

Christine-Mpls