Do you have a front loading washing machine? You might want to take a look..

[ultrarunner]

We really could/did produce things that last in North America...

Great Grandma's Philco Refrigerator is still doing summer Duty in the Garage... guess about 1950.

 

[skipperbrown]

Up until recently, I owed 76 frontloaders at 2 coin laundries. The biggest problem with my frontloaders was oversoaping. The prevailing thought is if a little soap is a good thing, then 5 times as much soap should be better. And no matter what you tell people about the amount of soap necessary (the directions are on the side of the container), they will tell you they have been washing clothes for years and years and know more about soap than the manufacturer. I've seen soap suds overwhelm the emergency overflow and seep out the sealed door and, on one machine, end up on top of the $1500, 80 pound motor shorting it out. The second biggest problem was bra wires getting stuck in the drain. There is a reason such apparel states 'hand wash only'. And then there was the time the main drain clogged up and we found over $500 in change in 18' of 4" drain pipe.

 

[MossRoad]

+2 on Speedqueen. :thumbsup:

 

[AchingBack]

Only powdered detergents cause problems. I never use them in my front loading Kenmore, as per instructions.

 

[jwstewar]

We had this same issue with our Samsung washer. Had a hard time finding one for our washer. Then finally found it, and the gaskets along with a rear bearing. Worked for almost a year, then it started acting up again. Said, enough is enough, (after having already replaced the control board for it) we replaced the Samsung Front Load with a pair of LG w/ a top load washer. My wife is so happy, says the clothes actually smell clean again. It was fun taking the washing machine out and crushing it with the tractor.

 

[orangeandgreen]

Just removed our Samsung front loader and installed a Maytag top loader. Drum was flopping around and last load that came out was full of filings. We figured it was either bearing failure or broken spider but took the opportunity to upgrade away from the front loader and back to proven technology.
Might have to tear into the Samsung just to see what exactly is going on.

 

[Wakey]

This looks like solid advice. I'd do this once a week for a few months and then every 40 loads or so for maintenance.

We had an older repairman come out to work on a dishwasher several times. Got to talking to him about appliances and he said that 75% of his calls on front loading washers were the result of using too much detergent. He also said the mildew and smell problems some people were having were from using liquid detergent and he recommended using only HE powdered and a small amount of that. We changed from liquid to powder and have not had any problems since. His formula for cleaning the machine was to put two cups of powdered DISHWASHING detergent into the tub, fill all the dispensers (soap, bleach, and softener) with white vinegar, and run the machine on the longest, hottest cycle possible. Our new unit has a steam clean cycle but we still use the dishwashing detergent and vinegar while using it.

Most detergents today are formulated to use in cool or cold water.

RSKY

 

[Big Barn]

It was fun taking the washing machine out and crushing it with the tractor.

Be careful!

You’ll start looking around for MORE things to crush and first thing you know you’re purchasing new appliances that don’t need replacing.

 

[teejk]

Just removed our Samsung front loader and installed a Maytag top loader. Drum was flopping around and last load that came out was full of filings. We figured it was either bearing failure or broken spider but took the opportunity to upgrade away from the front loader and back to proven technology.
Might have to tear into the Samsung just to see what exactly is going on.

We got introduced to front loaders when we moved to Europe back in the 90's. We liked the fact that the wash cycle took a bit longer but the dryer time was cut in half. I guess the technology on top loaders has improved since then.

 

[ultrarunner]

I bought a home that came with a Philco Duomatic…

This is a combination front loading washer AND gas clothes dryer... worked like a charm and very heavy/solid... just load once and no transferring wet clothes..

Philco Bendix Duomatic Washer Dryer commercial - YouTube

When I was in Europe I found almost everyone had a Front Loader... a big reason is the Front Loaders there ALSO heat the water... so there is only a cold water line hook up... and Front Loaders use less Water so easier to heat.

When I have house guests from Europe they loved big American Top Loaders... no more stooping and the capacity was many times what they had back in Germany...

Another feature was you could open to add items anytime... at least with my top loader...

What is old is new...