We think that we know what a load of laundry is supposed to look like as it runs, but the change to high-efficiency washing machines means that things look a little different. Some people even add extra water from outside the machine until it looks saturated. Don’t do that. [More]
washers
Are Front-Loading Washers Still Mold Machines?
By 5.4.15 — Updated: 5.23.17
Newer front-loading washing machines have developed a reputation for growing mold. Lawsuits also sprouted in the front-loader market, but washing machine manufacturers were ultimately not found liable for inflicting moldy washers on the public. That might make you hesitant to buy a front-loading washer, even if you find them appealing. [More]
How To Pick Laundry Appliances With Features That Are Actually Useful
By 7.9.13
If you’ve never bought your own appliances before or the dryer you bought during the Carter administration finally died, you might find the array of features available on modern washers and dryers daunting and scary. The problem is that the machine with the most features isn’t necessarily the best one. [More]
Should GE Make My Matching Washer And Dryer Match Again?
By 6.28.13
Mary’s GE washing machine began to dance around the room, but not in a lighthearted, anthropomorphic-appliance sort of way. It was more of an irritating, the-washer-is-broken situation. Fortunately, the solution was simple. All the technician had to do was take the washer off the pedestal that’s meant to raise the appliance and make loading and unloading easier. Great, but, um…what about the dryer? [More]
GE Wants To Spend $836 For Repairs On My $500 Washer That Does The Harlem Shake
By 2.21.13
Reader Philip bought a new washer and dryer on sale last year after Black Friday. They were finally delivered when the family moved into a new house last week. When the time came for the inaugural wash, the machine made a loud banging sound and hopped around the room. GE sent a repairman who, on orders from GE, thought that gutting the washer was an ideal solution. Philip disagreed, pointing out that he would constantly fear a dryer motor fire and would prefer a new replacement, what with the washer/dryer set being newly delivered and all. GE would much rather spend more than the replacement value of the appliance. [More]
Reader Saves $400 Using YouTube To Fix Her Washer
By 10.4.11
The fable goes that the nice white-haired appliance guys are a dying breed and they’re way better than their outsourced, van-driving, retail store counterparts. But sometimes the local guy is just as bad as the guy in the store wearing the official colored shirt. When her Kenmore model 417 front-loading washer went bust-o, Jane discovered she was able to save $400 in repair costs by learning how to fix it herself from Youtube videos. [More]
New Kenmore Washer/Dryers Can Talk Directly To Tech Support
By 8.17.10
New Kenmore washer/dryers come equipped with voodoo science: when they have a service issue, you can dial the service number, press some buttons on the machine and then hold the phone up to the washer/dryer and it will transmit troubleshooting data directly through the phone to the company. “Over time, this technology will solve every problem. That’s our goal,” said a Kenmore product engineer. [More]
How To Take Care Of Your Dishwasher, Washing Machine, And Oven
By 3.15.10
My friends broke the high-efficiency (H.E.) washing machine in their new apartment last year because they were using too much soap. Alina Tugend at the New York Times says it’s a common problem–one repairman told her that “most people use 10 to 15 times the amount of soap they need.” [More]
"A Woman Has Needs. And Right Now, I Need This Wild Cherry Steam Thing"
By 9.18.08
The copy on this Best Buy ad sent in by tipster Jordan reads, “A woman has needs. And right now, I need this wild cherry steam thing.” Oh, it’s a washer. And a dryer too, you say? Golly! I’ll take two. Let me just give you some of these emerald rectangle monetary devices out of my ebony zippery pouch device here… Full size inside.
Best Buy De-Hoses Washers To Save Money?
By 8.20.08
An alleged Best Buy employee tells us that the company has stopped including inlet water hoses in some Inglis, Whirlpool and Maytag top-loading washers it sells. According to the blurry photos he sent us, employees are now supposed to push this $27 accessory hose product on customers who buy the washers. Update: we don’t know if the decision originated with the manufacturers or Best Buy.
Home Depot's Extraordinary Service Leads To Free $800 Appliance Upgrade
By 5.25.08
Michael launched an Executive Email Carpet Bomb after Home Depot twice failed to deliver an undamaged washer and dryer. Home Depot’s CEO Frank Blake quickly thanked Michael for his even-handed letter, and promised that the local store manager would make him a happy customer…
Reader Gets Lowe's To Replace Vibrating Washer
By 10.2.07
After a month of effort, Eric got Lowes to give him a washer that doesn’t shake itself to pieces. His complaint letters and phone calls to corporate had the effect of water dashing against a rock, so he turned his attention to the store manager, where he found success. Domo arigato, Mr. Vibrato!
Lowe's Installers Fail To Follow 9-Step "Easy Guide To Quick Setup," Break Washing Machine
By 9.30.07
Poor Eric. He only wanted Lowe’s to deliver and install a Bosch washing machine, a tall order for any home improvement giant. Eric chose Lowe’s to escape Home Depot’s notoriously horrible customer service, but Lowe’s installers turned out to be just as incompetent. Thanks to their shoddy workmanship, Eric new washing machine has an uncontrollable urge to shake across the room when in use.
I finally realized why it was moving; the installer did not read the “Easy guide to quick setup” booklet with only 9 steps to follow through. The most essential step which was in big bold letters stating “removing the transport bolts is VERY IMPORTANT!”.
Bosch insists that the washer is damaged, but Lowe’s refuses to deliver a replacement. Eric writes:
Federal Efficiency Standards Result In Less Efficient Washers
By 9.11.07
As of January, the Department of Energy requires washer makers to use 21% less energy, but some makers are meeting the standards by decreasing how well their products actually wash clothes, according to Consumer Reports.
What Cleans Cats Better, Front or Top-Load Washers?
By 2.21.06
“We’ve heard of people inviting their friends over to see their new washer and dryer. Who would have ever thought of that happening?” says Steven Peterson, General Electric’s marketing manager for clothes care.
