Top loading vs side loading washers

[Wakey]

I had LG email me a copy of the user manual and it shows how to clean the filter that is located behind a small door on the front bottom left of the unit,

 

[forgeblast]

We have a front loader ( I will get the model when I get home). I bought the most water efficient model they had since we are on a well.
I have found that the best way to keep it from smelling is to think about how you do your loads of laundry. We do all the colors first and then whites with bleach. That way its clean, and when the whites are done we keep the door open to let it dry out. Have not had an smell problem since we bought the machine 4 years ago.
We also do a lot of washing on the fast cycle which gets a full load done in 30 mins.

 

[dmccarty]

We have a front loader ( I will get the model when I get home). I bought the most water efficient model they had since we are on a well.
I have found that the best way to keep it from smelling is to think about how you do your loads of laundry. We do all the colors first and then whites with bleach. That way its clean, and when the whites are done we keep the door open to let it dry out. Have not had an smell problem since we bought the machine 4 years ago.
We also do a lot of washing on the fast cycle which gets a full load done in 30 mins.

On both washers, we kept the door open as much as possible. The first washer stank no matter what we did. Bleaching did not help either and we don't like to use bleech because of the septic system.

My guess is that some front loading washers have different designs and are going to stink no matter what you do. Our new washer is at least 6 months old and we do not have a stink problem. The wifey was really insistent on buying a different model to do the gasket design. What ever the difference between the two washers, the new one is not stinking.

It is a good idea to read reviews on the washers to see if people are having the stink issue.

Later,
Dan

 

[jinman]

Why do you think that front-load washers often stink, but you don't hear much about dishwashers doing the same thing? My wife uses both so often that maybe that is why neither of our appliances have much odor.:confused3:

 

[woodchuckc]

If you are not too concerned about conserving water, Speed Queen top loaders still have an agitator and are tough as nails (and are still made in the USA, if that matters). Their residential washers are basically the same mechanically as their commercial ones you see in laundromats (without the coin box). They are the last of the old style Maytag and Kenmore washers like your parents had for 25 years without needing replacement or repairs.

 

[Egbert]

Front loaders S T I N K. This is a big problem. You'll see they even sell tablets, etc, to run in plain water to kill the stench. Save yourself a lot of irritation and get a good top loader.

 

[MossRoad]

I can't get the door open on my side-loading washer. :laughing:

I was just thinking that I've never seen a side loader. Wouldn't the wall or dryer get in the way? :laughing: Ok OK sorry to poke someone in the eye but hard to resist.

 

[Scooby074]

Front loaders S T I N K. This is a big problem. You'll see they even sell tablets, etc, to run in plain water to kill the stench. Save yourself a lot of irritation and get a good top loader.

Not necessarily so.

A lot of smell or no smell comes down to the design of the gasket and spider, but more likely the operator. Some gaskets and spiders, particularly on North American models can cause smell, no doubt, but running Tide (or other such detergent), particularly liquid, in a HE front load is a recipe for disaster (smell).


We're a strong believer in Persil. Great detergent. One box lasts us 6 months with 2 kids and 2 adults, and there is absolutely NO smell in our washer. Dad and a couple friends have also been converted with the same results. We actually got onto it through dad, his Miele washer specs Persil. After using it for 3 years now, I understand why. We ran out and had to go back to Tide for a short period, you could actually feel the difference in the clothes. The clothes felt almost coated or had some residue. Its that same residue that causes the bacteria and smell I believe. Going back to regular detergent actually breaks me out.

Amazon.com: UNIVERSAL POWDER - 80 Loads Also known as PERSIL JUMBO PACK: Health & Personal Care

 

[Wakey]

I was just thinking that I've never seen a side loader. Wouldn't the wall or dryer get in the way? :laughing: Ok OK sorry to poke someone in the eye but hard to resist.

OOPS! Well, I get the joke now :laughing:

 

[MossRoad]

One question about top loaders VS front loaders .... how many times have you started a load of laundry, have the water in and its running and you find another piece of laundry that you'd like to throw in the load? Guess what? You can't do that on a front loader. On our top loader, we usually run it at the next to the fullest water setting. If we decide to add more laundry all we have to do is turn up the water setting to the fullest setting, toss in the extra laundry and close the lid and off you go. Just something to consider.