Need washer and dryer recommendations please!

[MamaBee]

Congrats @Mamabean! I love the red front loader LG washer dryer we have at the shore house. I especially love the color. The only caveat I have and you probably already know this if you already dealt with front loaders is that I find it can be mildewy smelling if I don't keep it slightly open when not in use. So that's what I do and we do not have an issue with it. I love the extra rinse cycle to wash all the detergent off and knock wood so far so good. It's over 10 years old and fingers crossed it keeps working. Hope you love your new purchase and that it gets the job done!



What color did you choose?

I’m boring! I got white! I have a white car too!

I have a front loader in my Maryland house so I know about the mildew. I keep the door open all the time. This house the washer is in the laundry room opposite the door where I take Bailey out..I can see my husband and dog banging into it!

 

[sledge]

I’m boring! I got white! I have a white car too!

I have a front loader in my Maryland house so I know about the mildew. I keep the door open all the time. This house the washer is in the laundry room opposite the door where I take Bailey out..I can see my husband and dog banging into it!

I'm late to the party and see you already decided.

Many moons back I was looking to replace my 1970's versions like @Dancing Fire's. I was going to get some front load units as they looked cool. Plus I liked the base options. Figured I might custom rig one since I'm a little over 6' tall. Yup, guy logic right there.

Anyhow, the sales rep was a girl and persuaded me to consider a top load with stainless steel tub, no agitator, a bazillion cycles (I never used), etc. Basically it had all the features of a front load but still loaded from the top. She said the advantage was no mildew issues, and also the seals in the front loads are notorious for having to be replaced. She didn't anticipate I was going to be delicate and want to fiddle with a washing machine.

I was game. She started showing me the floor model and said the new ones had color choices, even more cycles, etc. I told her to knock 30% off the floor models and those would be fine. She said they didn't negotiate but would check. Turns out the manager came over and said they were already price reduced but could take 10% off. I rejected his offer and said I'd keep looking. He asked what it took to get the business that day. I said 30% off their sales price or I was walking and spending my money elsewhere. He agreed.

Those were Maytag commercial units and were work horses. Maintenance free and just did their job. No off balance, no broken parts, no mildew, etc.

I recently upgraded. When my fiancee moved in she said hers were coming with her and mine was being sold. She has Samsung's and they are fine. I don't deal with the laundry much anymore so whatever makes her happy makes me happy. FWIW, I ended up selling them via Craigslist in about 2-3 days for about 2/3 the value I originally paid. Given all the interest, I may have priced them too low.

 

[MamaBee]

I knew I was stressed but I can’t believe I bought a top loader! It’s okay because I bought it based on the reviews..I called them to reschedule the date of delivery because I have to take my mom to her doctor that day..and they had an opening for this Saturday!! I’m fine with the top loader now because I kept picturing my husband and dog banging into it! I need to buy bling to calm down!

 

[MamaBee]

I'm late to the party and see you already decided.

Many moons back I was looking to replace my 1970's versions like @Dancing Fire's. I was going to get some front load units as they looked cool. Plus I liked the base options. Figured I might custom rig one since I'm a little over 6' tall. Yup, guy logic right there.

Anyhow, the sales rep was a girl and persuaded me to consider a top load with stainless steel tub, no agitator, a bazillion cycles (I never used), etc. Basically it had all the features of a front load but still loaded from the top. She said the advantage was no mildew issues, and also the seals in the front loads are notorious for having to be replaced. She didn't anticipate I was going to be delicate and want to fiddle with a washing machine.

I was game. She started showing me the floor model and said the new ones had color choices, even more cycles, etc. I told her to knock 30% off the floor models and those would be fine. She said they didn't negotiate but would check. Turns out the manager came over and said they were already price reduced but could take 10% off. I rejected his offer and said I'd keep looking. He asked what it took to get the business that day. I said 30% off their sales price or I was walking and spending my money elsewhere. He agreed.

Those were Maytag commercial units and were work horses. Maintenance free and just did their job. No off balance, no broken parts, no mildew, etc.

I recently upgraded. When my fiancee moved in she said hers were coming with her and mine was being sold. She has Samsung's and they are fine. I don't deal with the laundry much anymore so whatever makes her happy makes me happy. FWIW, I ended up selling them via Craigslist in about 2-3 days for about 2/3 the value I originally paid. Given all the interest, I may have priced them too low.

Those older Maytags were so great..but they changed hands and not great anymore..There were a few good ones that had good reviews but they were sold out. I’m just happy I have something..I got the three year protection plan so if it croaks I’m covered.. hopefully!

 

[missy]

I knew I was stressed but I can’t believe I bought a top loader! It’s okay because I bought it based on the reviews..I called them to reschedule the date of delivery because I have to take my mom to her doctor that day..and they had an opening for this Saturday!! I’m fine with the top loader now because I kept picturing my husband and dog banging into it! I need to buy bling to calm down!

Haha I hear you! Here ya go. I picked these just for you @Mamabean

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo2wF70gu42/?taken-by=jewelsbygrace

And lol I am just scattered. Now I am thinking maybe it's Samsung we have at the beach house Just called my dh and he isn't sure either.
I do laundry every single day at the beach house. You'd think I would know for sure.

 

[sledge]

I knew I was stressed but I can’t believe I bought a top loader! It’s okay because I bought it based on the reviews..I called them to reschedule the date of delivery because I have to take my mom to her doctor that day..and they had an opening for this Saturday!! I’m fine with the top loader now because I kept picturing my husband and dog banging into it! I need to buy bling to calm down!

Best thing I learned as a guy....most drycleaners will do normal laundry for a minimal fee. Just ask. For a few bucks, you can be stress free and have loads of free time to do other stuff until your new units come in. And boom, guy logic saves the day again, lol.

As far as the front loads vs top loads....eh, doesn't matter at the end of the day. Mine were top loaders and were great. The fiancee's are also top loaders.

FYI, the last house I lived in had a shower door, toilet room door and double doors from master bed to the master bath area that would all clang together and interfere with each other if you weren't extra careful. How that shower door never got broke is beyond my belief. I cussed that setup a million times over. Pocket doors, or sliding barn doors would have saved so much frustration. My point is little stuff like that will annoy you beyond belief so perhaps nixing the front loads saved a bunch of frustration.

 

[missy]

Best thing I learned as a guy....most drycleaners will do normal laundry for a minimal fee

I thought this was common practice. Where we live our dry cleaners all do laundry and it is well advertised. I guess perhaps it is more a regional type of thing? So many people in NYC have their dry cleaners do their laundry I never realized it wasn't common place.

 

[MamaBee]

Haha I hear you! Here ya go. I picked these just for you @Mamabean

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo2wF70gu42/?taken-by=jewelsbygrace

And lol I am just scattered. Now I am thinking maybe it's Samsung we have at the beach house Just called my dh and he isn't sure either.
I do laundry every single day at the beach house. You'd think I would know for sure.

Did you hear a thud! I fell offf my chair!!!! They are soooooooo beautiful!
Hahaha! Thanks for making feel less like a dork...My brain is on overload right now..I have leaks in both houses I’m dealing with and other mind numbing things! I would love those earrings..I would feel MUCH better..sigh....

 

[MamaBee]

Best thing I learned as a guy....most drycleaners will do normal laundry for a minimal fee. Just ask. For a few bucks, you can be stress free and have loads of free time to do other stuff until your new units come in. And boom, guy logic saves the day again, lol.

As far as the front loads vs top loads....eh, doesn't matter at the end of the day. Mine were top loaders and were great. The fiancee's are also top loaders.

FYI, the last house I lived in had a shower door, toilet room door and double doors from master bed to the master bath area that would all clang together and interfere with each other if you weren't extra careful. How that shower door never got broke is beyond my belief. I cussed that setup a million times over. Pocket doors, or sliding barn doors would have saved so much frustration. My point is little stuff like that will annoy you beyond belief so perhaps nixing the front loads saved a bunch of frustration.

I actually asked my dry cleaner today but they don’t do it..I can find a place but they’re coming on Saturday..and I’m going to be in NJ for two days Thursday and Friday..so I think I’ll be okay..fingers crossed!

 

[MamaBee]

I thought this was common practice. Where we live our dry cleaners all do laundry and it is well advertised. I guess perhaps it is more a regional type of thing? So many people in NYC have their dry cleaners do their laundry I never realized it wasn't common place.

My son used to get his laundry done in DC..but here in Pa..where I live anyway...doesn’t have it in any dry cleaner close by.

 

[missy]

My son used to get his laundry done in DC..but here in Pa..where I live anyway...doesn’t have it in any dry cleaner close by.

Wow. LOL I never even knew how to do laundry til I got married in my thirties and my dh taught me how. Before then I always sent it out to have it done by my dry cleaners. They picked up and delivered too. The urban life.

Enjoy your trip to NJ and excited for you to get your spanking brand new washer and dryer.
And I forgot to say white isn't boring. It's a lovely choice.

 

[MamaBee]

Wow. LOL I never even knew how to do laundry til I got married in my thirties and my dh taught me how. Before then I always sent it out to have it done by my dry cleaners. They picked up and delivered too. The urban life.

Enjoy your trip to NJ and excited for you to get your spanking brand new washer and dryer.
And I forgot to say white isn't boring. It's a lovely choice.

Thank you! My car is white and my husband’s car is black...same make..but I have the suv and he has the sedan...I’ll be getting a new car in a year or so..My hubby asked me what color would I get..yup..you guessed it right! I’m trying to find an suv that is low in the back so my old dog can jump in. He’s too heavy for me to pick him up..I don’t have many choices..because all the cargo areaa are too high..How did I transition from laundry to cars?....

 

[sledge]

Thank you! My car is white and my husband’s car is black...same make..but I have the suv and he has the sedan...I’ll be getting a new car in a year or so..My hubby asked me what color would I get..yup..you guessed it right! I’m trying to find an suv that is low in the back so my old dog can jump in. He’s too heavy for me to pick him up..I don’t have many choices..because all the cargo areaa are too high..How did I transition from laundry to cars?....

We are about to start shopping for a new SUV for the fiancee. She currently has some little Japanese clown car. I don't fit well in it and worry myself sick when she drives it, although it's been sitting for about 6 months. I have a company vehicle, so she gets to drive my 4x4 Ram. Honestly I'm not sure she would even like going back to her car. She loves my truck and how big and superior it makes her feel, plus it's completed loaded.

I'm not sure the SUV we will be purchasing yet. Lots of things have been getting tossed out -- Toyota HiLander, Toyota 4Runner, BMW, Porsche Cayenne, Jeep Cherokee SRT and Mercedes. Her dad has an S-class coupe so he's pro-Mercedes but I think they are kind of ugly myself. Trying to talk her into a Jeep Rubicon but it's probably not in the cards.

I haven't started my research yet but will soon. FWIW, my company SUV is a Ford Explorer Limited. It's pretty nice & comfy. Access into the back isn't bad. Both our pooches can make it fine. One is a choc lab and the other a weiner dog ankle biter mix.

 

[MamaBee]

We are about to start shopping for a new SUV for the fiancee. She currently has some little Japanese clown car. I don't fit well in it and worry myself sick when she drives it, although it's been sitting for about 6 months. I have a company vehicle, so she gets to drive my 4x4 Ram. Honestly I'm not sure she would even like going back to her car. She loves my truck and how big and superior it makes her feel, plus it's completed loaded.

I'm not sure the SUV we will be purchasing yet. Lots of things have been getting tossed out -- Toyota HiLander, Toyota 4Runner, BMW, Porsche Cayenne, Jeep Cherokee SRT and Mercedes. Her dad has an S-class coupe so he's pro-Mercedes but I think they are kind of ugly myself. Trying to talk her into a Jeep Rubicon but it's probably not in the cards.

I haven't started my research yet but will soon. FWIW, my company SUV is a Ford Explorer Limited. It's pretty nice & comfy. Access into the back isn't bad. Both our pooches can make it fine. One is a choc lab and the other a weiner dog ankle biter mix.

A Ford Explorer is a big car. Is her car a Mazda? My friend has one..I had to drive it when she went away on vacation so it would start up when she got back.It felt so small to me...but it’s really cute. I liked when it would say hello and goodbye!
I would like a mid size suv..but it’s so hard to find one low enough so he can jump in..My car is fine now but if something major goes on in it then I will get a new one. I would like to know what I would get if it happened now so I’m prepared when it bites the dust..kind of like my washing machine!

 

[Curby311]

My son used to get his laundry done in DC..but here in Pa..where I live anyway...doesn’t have it in any dry cleaner close by.

While I was waiting for mine to be delivered I had just gone to a laundromat. I was cursing myself for not realizing earlier that I could drop off everything, pay $20 and not endure the endless judge judy episodes on tv I had subjected myself to while waiting for my 6 loads of laundry to finish. I hope that you end up liking your new washer. I freaked myself out by going through reviews so just opted for the extended warranty so that was a good call. I know most people never end up using them but I have a gift of breaking almost everything I touch so usually I come out ahead. Products aren't made as good as they used to be these days. Enjoy your trip and your new washer!

 

[MamaBee]

While I was waiting for mine to be delivered I had just gone to a laundromat. I was cursing myself for not realizing earlier that I could drop off everything, pay $20 and not endure the endless judge judy episodes on tv I had subjected myself to while waiting for my 6 loads of laundry to finish. I hope that you end up liking your new washer. I freaked myself out by going through reviews so just opted for the extended warranty so that was a good call. I know most people never end up using them but I have a gift of breaking almost everything I touch so usually I come out ahead. Products aren't made as good as they used to be these days. Enjoy your trip and your new washer!

Thank you! I also got stressed reading the reviews! I bought the extended warranty because I didn’t want to worry about repairs for three years!

 

[rainydaze]

So glad you found something Mamabean, and that it's coming sooner now! Piling up laundry with no end is sight is miserable.

 

[MamaBee]

So glad you found something Mamabean, and that it's coming sooner now! Piling up laundry with no end is sight is miserable.

The wash is soooooo bad...I am weird in that I love to do the wash...I’m like those people in the commercials that enjoy the clean smell when their clothes come out of the dryer..We have a septic system so we’re not supposed to do too many washes at one time or it will tax the system. I don’t want a geyser in my back yard! I’m going to push the envelope and just try to space them out a little!

 

[missy]

The wash is soooooo bad...I am weird in that I love to do the wash...I’m like those people in the commercials that enjoy the clean smell when their clothes come out of the dryer..We have a septic system so we’re not supposed to do too many washes at one time or it will tax the system. I don’t want a geyser in my back yard! I’m going to push the envelope and just try to space them out a little!

Haha you are not weird. I love doing the wash too. At the beach house where we have our own washer and dryer (times two because we need it lol). I do a wash practically every day at the beach at least during our cycling season because those clothes must be washed after every ride. It's so nice to have fresh towels and sheets etc and I can wash our things there every single day if I want to. In our NYC apartment the washing machine and dryers are in the building's basement and I don't like it there so my dh takes care of the laundry there. That gets done once a week when we are staying in NYC and not going to the beach so during the colder weather. I don't like doing laundry in NY but it is a different story at the shore. So no you are not weird. LOVE getting clean clothes from the washer and dryer.

When our washers and dryers were taken out of commission for many months (long story) in the NYC building we live in it was miserable and we had to make do and not do laundry as often and make more trips to the beach. I no longer trust the dry cleaners to do our laundry since I developed multiple sensitivities and need to be in control of the wash, detergent and how many rinse cycles etc and just don't trust others (besides my dh that is) to do our wash anymore.

Having a septic system makes it a bit more challenging though @Mamabean but you are making it work for you.

 

[sledge]

Interesting. I've had a few homes with septic systems, but the newer aerobic style with 3 tanks that cleans the water and has a sprinkler system for your yard. Obviously one of the tanks is a solids collector that has to be occasionally pumped from normal use.

Anyhow, not that I am a laundry fanatic but I washed once a week, all of it back to back. No issues. Maybe I got lucky?

 

[MamaBee]

Haha you are not weird. I love doing the wash too. At the beach house where we have our own washer and dryer (times two because we need it lol). I do a wash practically every day at the beach at least during our cycling season because those clothes must be washed after every ride. It's so nice to have fresh towels and sheets etc and I can wash our things there every single day if I want to. In our NYC apartment the washing machine and dryers are in the building's basement and I don't like it there so my dh takes care of the laundry there. That gets done once a week when we are staying in NYC and not going to the beach so during the colder weather. I don't like doing laundry in NY but it is a different story at the shore. So no you are not weird. LOVE getting clean clothes from the washer and dryer.

When our washers and dryers were taken out of commission for many months (long story) in the NYC building we live in it was miserable and we had to make do and not do laundry as often and make more trips to the beach. I no longer trust the dry cleaners to do our laundry since I developed multiple sensitivities and need to be in control of the wash, detergent and how many rinse cycles etc and just don't trust others (besides my dh that is) to do our wash anymore.

Having a septic system makes it a bit more challenging though @Mamabean but you are making it work for you.

Missy..I grew up in New York..was born in Prospect Heights..We moved to different places in New York until I was in my teens..lived in Woodhaven and married and left there at 21...It was a non fancy neighborhood where everyone knew their neighbors and looked out for each other..I have really nice memories living in New York..I still remember the house we lived in..I loved it as a child..It was a brownstone with really thick oak carved banisters and doors..To this day I love old wood! Memories..hahaha

 

[MamaBee]

Interesting. I've had a few homes with septic systems, but the newer aerobic style with 3 tanks that cleans the water and has a sprinkler system for your yard. Obviously one of the tanks is a solids collector that has to be occasionally pumped from normal use.

Anyhow, not that I am a laundry fanatic but I washed once a week, all of it back to back. No issues. Maybe I got lucky?

I have two tanks and get it SERVICED every two years. We don’t have a sprinkler system here because of the septic..I’ve never had a problem but when we lose power we can’t run the water if you know what I mean..hahaha..We will be moving to Northern Va in a few years and I will not get another septic system. If I had a generator the pump would work and I wouldn’t worry...I don’t want to do it here because it’s a large expense and we will be moving..I’ll deal with it until then..We lose power a lot! I throw everything in the car and drive to my other house in Maryland if I know it will be out too long..

 

[missy]

Missy..I grew up in New York..was born in Prospect Heights..We moved to different places in New York until I was in my teens..lived in Woodhaven and married and left there at 21...It was a non fancy neighborhood where everyone knew their neighbors and looked out for each other..I have really nice memories living in New York..I still remember the house we lived in..I loved it as a child..It was a brownstone with really thick oak carved banisters and doors..To this day I love old wood! Memories..hahaha

OMG @Mamabean that is right in our neighborhood. LOVE it here. We have been here since 1992 (though in 1995 we moved 3 blocks). I like what I like what can I say.
And I so love the antique furniture and the quality associated with those pieces. And the old brownstones. Masterpieces really both the furniture and the brownstones. They really do not make them the same way today.

 

[MamaBee]

OMG @Mamabean that is right in our neighborhood. LOVE it here. We have been here since 1992 (though in 1995 we moved 3 blocks). I like what I like what can I say.
And I so love the antique furniture and the quality associated with those pieces. And the old brownstones. Masterpieces really both the furniture and the brownstones. They really do not make them the same way today.

 

[sledge]

In the next house I build I plan on putting in a backup generator system. Depending how elaborate you get, it doesn't have to be uber expensive. I went through some ice storms several years back and helped people wire up generators to power their essentials until the power company could restore their permanent power.

FYI, here are the two different septic systems. It sounds like you have a traditional system to me. On the aerobic I've had, I always had sprinklers but I guess there is an option to have it leach under the grass.

Somewhat funny story. When I got my first aerobic system, it was new construction and the installer was trying to convince me how great it was, how clean the water was and how I could drink it if I wanted. I dumped my drink out and handed him the cup and pointed to the sprinkler. He declined to prove his point. Several months later after I moved in, I was having a party at my place. It was hot. Girls had stripped to underwear or swim wear if they brought it and were playing in the sprinklers. When I realized what was going on, I went outside and was laughing. They asked what was so funny. I told them that was my septic sprinklers. This was followed by a shriek of EWWWW's and trample to the showers in my house.

Anyhow, the factual stuff....

This shows a pretty good overall diagram of the aerobic system. Although the second image is the style of tanks used on some of the properties I've owned that had them.

 

[MamaBee]

It’s a small world! We knew all our neighbors..Here the houses are far apart so I don’t know them all. My one neighbor and I email each other because it’s easier and she doesn’t text!

 

[MamaBee]

It’s kind of weird that I just replied to myself! Truth was I was stopped in traffic on the highway..That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! It was meant for @missy
@sledge Wow..That was the funniest story! I wouldn’t like those sprinklers because I walk Bailey on my property..I keep the area clean where he goes but I don’t walk over it. The thought of walking over even dry grass that’s been watered with septic water...

 

[sledge]

Lol suuuuurrrreeeee it was traffic @Mamabean.

Just to clarify, while I would never drink the water the whole point of the aerobic system is like a small water treatment plant where it separates solids and then uses chemicals (chlorine tablets) to clean/treat the water. While I'm not vouching for it to be drinkable, it is clear and not stinky, lol.

FWIW, in extreme situations you can drink your own urine for survival purposes to help you inch by a few extra days until help hopefully arrives.

 

[MamaBee]

Lol suuuuurrrreeeee it was traffic @Mamabean.

Just to clarify, while I would never drink the water the whole point of the aerobic system is like a small water treatment plant where it separates solids and then uses chemicals (chlorine tablets) to clean/treat the water. While I'm not vouching for it to be drinkable, it is clear and not stinky, lol.

FWIW, in extreme situations you can drink your own urine for survival purposes to help you inch by a few extra days until help hopefully arrives.

Okay @sledge..I’ll remember that when I’m in a survival mode situation..

 

[jamesallenrings]

Another option is to get a "low-tech" washer/dryer set - the ones that are more buttons and less computer. They tend to last longer than the computer ones, as a drop of water can be enough to damage the electrical system.