Top loading vs side loading washers

[dave1949]

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

That's interesting Jason. Have to give that try because our front-loader likes to have musty smell. Some of the odor comes from the washer, some comes from the drain pipe. We've been using unscented liquid All detergent. Sharon puts white vinegar in loads off and on. Boraxo seems to clean it up some too.

There is no owner accessible pump filter on our Bosch 500? I was ready to go clean it out but there is no mention of that in the owner's manual. There is a round hatch panel on the lower right front corner where the filter would normally be, but I don't know how to open it. The book says for service access only.

 

[MossRoad]

The book says for service access only.

That translates to "I must see what's inside!!!!" :laughing:

 

[deerseeker001]

that's funny but its the truth.I would have to take a look.

That translates to "I must see what's inside!!!!" :laughing:

 

[dave1949]

That translates to "I must see what's inside!!!!" :laughing:

Maybe. It has a small diameter hole that must have something to do with opening it. I poked it with a stout paper clip, nada. I didn't get curious enough to try and see what is at the bottom of the hole. Hex or torx screw maybe? I can't believe there is a filter in there or it would be user accessible like most front washers.

I don't want to break it just to find no filter, and then live with the resultant laundry boss displeasure. :laughing:

 

[Egbert]

I'm glad some have found solutions to the "musty" smell problem. I just know when we were looking about 2 yrs ago, even the sales people recommended quite firmly to stay away from the front loaders.

I say - Why adopt a problem? Top loaders don't have the problem. You can get them with or without agitators. If you interrupt to add more laundry, they will recalculate the load and adjust the water level accordingly.

 

[Wakey]

We went ahead and bought the LG WM8000 washer and matching dryer. Apparently the conversion from side load to front load carries no extra charge :thumbsup:

Also, I plan on taking a look at the Persil powder that Scooby mentioned.

Later next week I'll share how this unit cleans (dirtier than a diaper) saddle pads and winter blankets.

 

[creekbend]

We have always owned Top Loading Washers. I prefer them because of the access. Perhaps it's because I'm used to this type.

 

[Wakey]

I chose the front loader because I understand it cleans better, spins faster (shorter dry time) and uses less water and electricity.

As far as adding something after the washer starts, I'm far to **** to have forgotten something :laughing:

 

[Scooby074]

That's interesting Jason. Have to give that try because our front-loader likes to have musty smell. Some of the odor comes from the washer, some comes from the drain pipe. We've been using unscented liquid All detergent. Sharon puts white vinegar in loads off and on. Boraxo seems to clean it up some too.

There is no owner accessible pump filter on our Bosch 500? I was ready to go clean it out but there is no mention of that in the owner's manual. There is a round hatch panel on the lower right front corner where the filter would normally be, but I don't know how to open it. The book says for service access only.

Hi Dave,
Does your machine look like this? Amazon.com : Bosch Vision 500 Series DLX : WFVC6450UC 27 Front-Load Washer 4.4 cu. ft Capacity - White : Front Load Clothes Washing Machines : Appliances

If so its very similar to mine. Boschｮ 3.3 cu. Ft. Washer and 3.9 cu. Ft. Electric Dryer - White - Sears | Sears Canada however is is considerably larger..

I was warned to avoid the larger Boschs, particularly the Made in USA ones. Whats the COO of yours? Mines Made in Germany and is a full 220v unit.. Apparently they made the drum larger for the US market (Americans apparently wont buy small things, surprise!). My drum is only 3.3cuft, where the 500 model is 4.4cuft. Unfortunately making it larger also made it susceptible for other problems that the smaller ones didnt face (larger drum, more weight, therefore more load on components. Front loads were never designed to be "once a week" washers as is common in the US. They are designed to be daily washers, as is common in the EU). The salesman was really trying to push me into the larger model (same cost, more capacity and bells and whistles... Id be an idiot for not getting it!) but I stuck to my guns.

Anyways, I digress.. lol.

On my model there is a door on the front to access the cleanout. There should be on yours too. You may have to remove the front panel though. Give a search over on ApplianceJunk.com. Theyre pretty helpful and you may be able to get the actual shop manual through them. Ive gotten my manuals for my Samsung appliances and my Bosch Wash and dry via AJ.

As to Persil. There is a product that a service guy recommended to use to clean up the spider and bacteria ( I didnt need it for my washer, but I had asked what he recommended for those complaining about smells). It was called Glisten. Id recommend using that as a starting point. If you have bacteria present, then you need to be rid of it. Persil by itself likely wont do that, but it will keep the residue down that allows it to grow, once you are rid of it. Leaving the door open can help too.

Have you seen the lawsuit over front loads? I wonder how much of those complaints are detergent/user caused vs. defective design? Some detergent types are well known to eat aluminum spiders.http://www.treehugger.com/corporate...-mold-problem-front-load-washing-machine.html

 

[MossRoad]

. Apparently the conversion from side load to front load carries no extra charge :thumbsup:

Nice! :laughing: