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Washing machine recommendations?

baby nurse

baby nurse

Ideal_Rock
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Jan 12, 2010
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i started a thread like this a few years ago when I thought we'd be replacing our washer. Incredibly, we managed to keep it going these last few years but this time it's broken down for good.

I'd like to hear people's recommendations for a good washer, or advice on which ones to avoid.

Thanks in advance!
 
My DS has LG washer and dryer, they're much bigger than we have in the UK, and he got the stands for them, which gives extra storage and makes them an easier height to access. He's very pleased with them.
 
Hi baby nurse! I have LG front loading washer/dryer with added option of steam. I don't like the steam option in the dryer, which was COSTLY, because all it consists of is spraying the clothes with water and...NOTHING. So I get water splotted clothes. Therefore I never use the steam option, which was supposed to save me from some ironing....

I've had a lot of trouble with the washer. Its really fritzy, the motherboard goes down frequently. I thought I'd have to just walk away from all that money spent on it until I went on Youtube and a kind soul shared the fix to "LG washer won't power up." Now I have a post-it on the washer so when it refuses to power up, I have the right fix for it.

I don't like the washer because its not great at rinsing. I KNOW< I KNOW, its supposed to be water saving. Don't care, I don't want soap in my clothes, towels and bedding. I add "water plus" or extra rinses to help with this but it greatly increases wash time. It can take me up to 1 hour/20 minutes to wash one load of towels. Unacceptable.

My next washer will be a top loading model.
 
I replaced my old Whirlpool top loader with LG front loader 4 months ago. It's 4.5 cu.ft capacity which is more than enough space for my family's laundry. The main feature that I looked for in a washer was the steam/sanitize cycle. It gets almost all of the stains out without using removers. I was able to get pen and marker stains out of my son's school shirts. The high temp is really good for bedding and towels. This machine also has a turbo wash feature to speed up cycles which are typically longer on front loaders. I can get some washes done in 20min.

I looked at LG and Samsung washers because they were the top brands recommended by Consumer Reports. LG model with steam was cheaper so that's what I ended up buying.
 
We have Samsung front loaders and haven't had a single bit of problem with them. I do always get the extended warranties on most major appliances. You can hardly find an appliance that have an abundance of good reviews. It gives me peace of mind. We usually buy at Lowe's and they have the lowest priced extended warranties. I know many people who say they are a waste of money, but it works for me especially for a washer and dryer. I have seven people in my family who all use it at varying times, so they are getting quite a work out.
 
We currently have an Asko washer and dryer that came with the apartment. I can't wait for it to break down. It doesn't clean very well and the dryer is too small that my sheets come out wrinkled. It's also very loud -- most of you with larger homes probably don't deal with this. My previous apartment had a Miele washer and dryer that did a much better job with both cleaning and drying.

What I really want is a washing machine that allows me to set the water level. I think front-loaders HE machines have gone so overboard with water efficiency that they don't clean clothes very well. I remember the first time I had a front loader, my normally bright white t-shirts turned dingy. It was obvious when I visited my parents, who at the time still had an old top-loader: their years-old towels were still gleaming white (we use the same detergent and no bleach); my t-shirts looked gray in comparison.
 
I replaced our Cabrio (which only lasted 5 years) with a Speed Queen with old-fashioned electromechanical dials. It's very sturdy and works great. Clothes come out clean and very well spun out. The cycles are brief. There's no lid lock. And it's quiet!
 
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I hate, hate, hate my front loader. Its my second front loader and never again. It has mold issues like my last one. I am moving soon and in my next house I will get a top loader for sure.

One feature though that I love and will make sure I buy again is making sure the machine has a sanitize cycle for towels.

Lets just say with teenage boys, the idea of putting towels back into the linen closet that haven't been sanitized grosses me out. I run my towels on sanitize and heavy duty cycle at that!
 
My husband and I have been married 24 years and we've only owned 2 washers. Our first washer was a mid-priced GE top loader and it lasted us over 20 years! It actually still worked perfectly when we replaced it. I just wanted modern looking appliances and I REALLY wanted a front loader.

We ended up buying a Maytag Neptune set and I hate hate hate the front load washer!!! I mean I HATE it! It has never worked right or cleaned our clothes very well. It takes forever to run a load. One of the main reason I wanted a new washer was because I used cloth diapers on my youngest. It was such a pain to wash and sanitize diapers. I had to manually pour more water into the machine to wash the diapers and then add even more water to get them rinsed enough. I can't soak clothes in this machine. Now the machine won't spin if there is more than 3 or 4 items in it, so now my husband has to get a garbage bag to put all the wet clothes in. He'll manually ring out 3 or 4 pieces of clothes. Run those on spin while he manually rings out more. He moves the first set to the dryer and spins the next set. He repeats that until he finishes the entire load. We are a family of 5, so just imagine how much time he spends doing this! I make him do it because he's the stubburn one that doesn't think we need a new washing machine...ugh!

Anyway, my advice is stay away from Maytag front loaders! If you get a front loader, make sure it has a button to add more water. I think LG has that feature. I'm pretty sure I will go back to a top loader when I finally get to replace my Maytag. It pains me to say that because I love the look and idea of a front loader. But what's the point of having a washer that doesn't wash very good?
 
Call around to the repair shops and find a pre-HE model whirlpool top loader with a rebuilt transmission, belt and seals. The heavy duty model is best.
Check the tub for rusty dents from people not emptying change from pockets.
Don't overload it and use it for 25 years.
Cost around $200-$250 with the rebuilt transmission and seals.
The transmission is 110 wholesale and the seal and belt another 25.
 
I replaced a washer when we moved into our new home 2 years ago. I went for a top loader with DIALS bc what went on the machine we replaced was the control board that was all buttons. It was a cheapy that the only thing I got one model up was a tub that doesn't rust.

I wash everything with Charlie's soap and my skin has been happy with the washer and detergent combo.

Im a big fan of the customer service from Costco so I'd take a look to see if they have what you want.
 
Front load washers are disgusting. They always stink. We have a high efficiency top loader by lg. It is great but I have only had it a year. I hope it lasts a while. I do tons of laundry - family of 5 plus beach towels constantly. LG has been awesome so far.
 
Also never use anything with fragrance in a washing machine to prevent smells. Tide free and clear. We have huge problems with mildew and all mildew problems stopped when I began using fragrance frer.
 
It's interesting that anywhere washing machine question is asked, people divide into top vs front loader camps. If anyone used to be a member of GardenWeb forums, they would remember long threads on which kind made for a better washer.

I had 5 different washers in the past 21 years because of moving - 3 front and 2 top loaders. front loaders worked really well. No issues with rinsing or mildew and they always got clothes cleaner than top loaders. I just bought a new front loader because old Whirlpool top loader that came with our new house didn't wash well at all.
 
I've had front loaders for 38 years, and I've been very impressed with Ds's when I've used his.
 
I have a Fisher & Paykel top load washer. My first one was 15 years old and we replaced it 4 years ago with the same washing machine. Haven't had problems with it. I like the soak option and the fact that it's easy on our clothing. Hoping my current machine will last 15 years.
 
You guys are awesome! Thanks for sharing. Just by sheer numbers, I am going to stick with a top load washer. I've also heard that no matter what, buy the extended warranty. The new machines don't last nearly as long as the old ones. My old one lasted over 20 years. My new one has been going for about 7-8. Crossing my fingers.
 
LLJsmom said:
You guys are awesome! Thanks for sharing. Just by sheer numbers, I am going to stick with a top load washer. I've also heard that no matter what, buy the extended warranty. The new machines don't last nearly as long as the old ones. My old one lasted over 20 years. My new one has been going for about 7-8. Crossing my fingers.
Click to expand...

I am not unusually one to purchase extended warranties but I have made an exception for washers. My current one is less than 3 years old. I paid $100 for a 4 year extended warranty and I have had to have it repaired 3 times already! The warranty paid for itself after the first service call. Smart choice going with top loader! I haven't picked my next house yet but unless there is a good machine already there I will be buying a top loader with an extended warranty as well.
 
It's the electronic controls that cause so many problems. I had a lot of trouble with both of my HE washers. The repairman pointed out that electronics and moisture don't make good companions and said the washers with the least problems are those with mechanical controls. That's why I bought the Speed Queen.
 
I have Samsung front load which came with the house. Love the color (they're red) but if I were doing the choosing and had the room for it I would have done a top load washer. My pair are stacked because I just don't have all the room I'd like in the laundry room.

Previous owners hadn't had them that long and they were still in like new condition. Thankfully I've never had issues with mildew/mold, or yucky smells. Soon as we moved in I did a cleaning cycle. Not sure if they ever did one nor did I care. I use tide free and clear pods + baking soda (I get the big 6lbs bags from BJ's) So usually 1 pod + 1 cup of baking soda for most loads.

Like clockwork I clean the filter and do a cleaning cycle once a month. Between washes I leave the door open for air circulation.
 
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread-- it's been a tremendous help! I will likely be heading to Lowes this evening with dh to look around. I've been doing laundry at a laundromat the last couple months and the idea of being able to get it done at home feels veeery luxurious: )
I think we will go with a top loader. I'm comfortable with the front loaders but my husband can't get past the thought that it will leak. And it sounds like mechanical dials are a plus as well. I hope I can find a machine that doesn't skimp on water but I suspect they're all *efficient* that way.
I'll let you know what we end up with.
 
pearlsngems said:
I replaced our Cabrio (which only lasted 5 years) with a Speed Queen with old-fashioned electromechanical dials. It's very sturdy and works great. Clothes come out clean and very well spun out. The cycles are brief. There's no lid lock. And it's quiet!
Click to expand...

Is Speed Queen it's own brand, pearlsngems? Is your clothing well-rinsed? How long have you had it?
 
Austina said:
I've had front loaders for 38 years, and I've been very impressed with Ds's when I've used his.
Click to expand...
Wow Austina! Somehow I thought front loaders were more recent than 38 Years. And no issues with water leaking, correct? Not a worry of mine, but it would be reassuring for my dh.
 
LLJsmom said:
You guys are awesome! Thanks for sharing. Just by sheer numbers, I am going to stick with a top load washer. I've also heard that no matter what, buy the extended warranty. The new machines don't last nearly as long as the old ones. My old one lasted over 20 years. My new one has been going for about 7-8. Crossing my fingers.
Click to expand...

7-8 years is impressive, LLJsmom. The washer that came with our house lasted about 20 years but the new one we replaced it with only worked well for 4 years. So frustrating..
 
Arcadian said:
I have Samsung front load which came with the house. Love the color (they're red) but if I were doing the choosing and had the room for it I would have done a top load washer. My pair are stacked because I just don't have all the room I'd like in the laundry room.

Previous owners hadn't had them that long and they were still in like new condition. Thankfully I've never had issues with mildew/mold, or yucky smells. Soon as we moved in I did a cleaning cycle. Not sure if they ever did one nor did I care. I use tide free and clear pods + baking soda (I get the big 6lbs bags from BJ's) So usually 1 pod + 1 cup of baking soda for most loads.

Like clockwork I clean the filter and do a cleaning cycle once a month. Between washes I leave the door open for air circulation.
Click to expand...

The baking soda boosts the efficiency of the detergent, Arcadian? I have heard of this before but am a bit fuzzy re the specifics...
 
baby nurse said:
The baking soda boosts the efficiency of the detergent, Arcadian? I have heard of this before but am a bit fuzzy re the specifics...
Click to expand...
Yes indeed it does!

Borax and baking soda will boost the efficiency in your soap. Granted, you still have to use some soap but it makes what you use go so much further, and soaps these days are hard to rinse out of clothes as it is! For an L to XL load you replace half the soap with 1 cup baking soda. Its a very good brightener, natural clothing softener, and excellent for getting out funky smells (not just out of clothes but the washer too)

Borax (which is a salt of boric acid) works in the same manner. I tend to use borax more for removing heavy duty stains. Both have their place but baking soda happens to be way cheaper in bulk.

For whites I add a bit less baking soda if I'm using a bleach pod because no need to use as much there. I use bleach on whites about once a month if that helps.
 
Speed Queen is a brand that makes commercial washers, and the home washers are heavy duty as well.
https://speedqueen.com

There are videos on YouTube too.

I've had it a little over 2 years.
My clothes are very well rinsed, but there is a switch you can flip for an extra rinse cycle if you wish.

• There are not a gazillion cycles. Just 3 to wash and one to pre-soak (which empties at the end of the presoak.) I only use 2 of them 99% of the time. I don't often need a delicate cycle.
• The only temperature of rinse water is cold.
• Only one wash cycle (Heavy Duty/Permanent Press) has the option of hot, warm or cold wash water. (Heavy Duty isn't rougher, just longer if you choose to run it for the longer time.)
• Heavy Duty/Permanent Press is also the only cycle that fills the tub for the rinse part of the cycle. The other 2 cycles, Eco Normal and Light, do a combination rinse/spin that is very effective and saves water.
• You have to use He detergent.

I'm sure other models have more options-- this is the one with mechanical controls, no computer.
I'd buy it all over again.
 
Arcadian said:
Yes indeed it does!

Borax and baking soda will boost the efficiency in your soap. Granted, you still have to use some soap but it makes what you use go so much further, and soaps these days are hard to rinse out of clothes as it is! For an L to XL load you replace half the soap with 1 cup baking soda. Its a very good brightener, natural clothing softener, and excellent for getting out funky smells (not just out of clothes but the washer too)

Borax (which is a salt of boric acid) works in the same manner. I tend to use borax more for removing heavy duty stains. Both have their place but baking soda happens to be way cheaper in bulk.

For whites I add a bit less baking soda if I'm using a bleach pod because no need to use as much there. I use bleach on whites about once a month if that helps.
Click to expand...

I will do this-- thank you for sharing!
 
pearlsngems said:
Speed Queen is a brand that makes commercial washers, and the home washers are heavy duty as well.
https://speedqueen.com

There are videos on YouTube too.

I've had it a little over 2 years.
My clothes are very well rinsed, but there is a switch you can flip for an extra rinse cycle if you wish.

• There are not a gazillion cycles. Just 3 to wash and one to pre-soak (which empties at the end of the presoak.) I only use 2 of them 99% of the time. I don't often need a delicate cycle.
• The only temperature of rinse water is cold.
• Only one wash cycle (Heavy Duty/Permanent Press) has the option of hot, warm or cold wash water. (Heavy Duty isn't rougher, just longer if you choose to run it for the longer time.)
• Heavy Duty/Permanent Press is also the only cycle that fills the tub for the rinse part of the cycle. The other 2 cycles, Eco Normal and Light, do a combination rinse/spin that is very effective and saves water.
• You have to use He detergent.

I'm sure other models have more options-- this is the one with mechanical controls, no computer.
I'd buy it all over again.
Click to expand...

It's gotten excellent reviews! Now to find it locally. I live in a beautiful area but it's sort of the middle of nowhere.

I was underwhelmed by what I saw at Lowes this evening. Very few of the top loading washers there have mechanical dials. There were a couple of Maytag models with 4+star ratings-- my dh was chomping at the bit to buy one and get it over with. He said reviews were great so why not but I'd rather hear about real people's experiences. Me: "Nobody mentioned Maytag in my (rather short) thread." DH: "It's got 4.5 stars..."

So have you heard anything good/bad about Maytag washers?
 
I've only heard Maytag aren't as good as they used to be, but nothing specific.

One thing I absolutely love about the Speed Queen is that the cycles are so short. My old Cabrio had such long cycles by contrast.
And it's quiet!
 
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