Washer/Dryer...front-loading?

[Sigurd's Mom]

I have an LG steam washer/dryer (front loader). I LOVE them. The washer has a special "Allergiene" cycle, which seems to be helping my SO with his allergies. I wash our king sized comforter without any issues, I dry it on steam and it only takes 1 cycle to dry it completely (unlike my old top loader, would take ages). I usually clean all bedding once a week, its holding up well and have had no issues. It also cleans our clothes very well, they always come out smelling fresh and feeling clean. I also clean Sigurd's pet bedding/blankets/toys on the Allergiene cycle, works wonders.

The settings:
Steam fresh: for blouses, dress shirts
Sanitary: for heavily soiled work clothes, underwear. diapers, etc
Bulky/Large: Blankets and comforters
Perm. Press: Dress pants/shirts, wrinkle free, etc
Cotton/Normal: Jeans, cotton, linen, etc
Allergiene: Cotton, underwear, bed sheets, etc
Delicate: Nylons, lacy garments
Wool/hand wash: Self explanatory
Speed wash: Lightly soiled


Pretty sure that's all the cycles on the washer. I'd recommend my set to everyone. I haven't had any issues with smell or mold, and I haven't even washed mine yet... I love all the cycles because I have so many different types of material for clothing. I'm wearing my wool sweaters and jackets a lot more now since I got the LG set.

[marksteven]

I also have a matched pair of front loaders by LG. The washer uses very little water and the dryer cut down drying time by half over my old Kenmoor top loader.

[GSDElsa]

Originally Posted By: AngelJ

I don't consider my machines to have a lot of upkeep and they do not smell at all. When I am done using them, I smiply wipe the water off the inside of the door and rubber gasket. Takes about 5 seconds and then I leave the door open about two inches. No vinegar, no bleach and we have no odor!

Yes, that works too! But it's still upkeep you don't have to do on top loaders. And that "trick" doesn't work in our house because DH doesn't seem to "remember" to wipe the gaskets down.

And I'll say OUR machine has never developed a smell....I think because we do some kind of preventative (our is bleach...yours is wiping it down). I've just read a lot about people having it get moldy and making their clothes smell, so I do that little routine so it's not a problem.

[Qyn]

I've had an Asko Asea front loader since 1994. We've still got it and the only problem was in the first year and that was because I washed some large "rag-rugs" which were way over the weight limit and created an unbalanced load once wet. The parts were replaced free of charge.

You do need to fill the machine up to the weight limit as the clothes provide the agitation, so a loosely packed machine may not clean as well - not that I have ever noticed a lack in the cleaning power when it has been under loaded. I would never choose a top loader now despite the cycle being longer with a front loader plus the water usage is definitely less. Of course all this depends on the brand of the washer.

[Smithie86]

We have a front loader in the house in Budapest. The ones there are much smaller. Do like it, but do have to keep the detergent compartment cleaned out.

We have an older (11 yr?) top loader at home here. Works well; any repair that was needed, Gabor has done (minimal).

I do the same. Use vinegar and then bleach out.

[Rika_Tula]

Heh-heh...I know you're all on the edge of your seats waiting for me to come back into this thread for an update! So, I'm pretty sure we're going for a top-loading without the center agitator...5 cu. ft. Maytag Bravos High-Efficiency.

Thanks again for all the super-helpful feedback!

[AngelJ]

My mom has one like that. I believe it's a whirlpool. She likes it except for one thing, she says that it badly twists and tangles a lot of her clothes.
Good luck with whatever you choose to buy!!!

[drkcloud4u]

I love our Bosch Nexxt 300 front loading washer. Have had it for over a year with no problems.
I put in the dog blanket on hot with minimal detergent & it came out brand new looking & smelling.
It definately saves on water which is VERY good for us as we have a septic tank.

[rokanhaus]

I love the front loaders! We have Maytags. Clothes come out so well spun that it GREATLY cuts down on dryer time. Can do bigger loads, wash bulky items, I swear the clothes come out cleaner, etc. If you live somewhere where you have to pay for water...getting front loaders is a must!

I will never buy or recommend LG. We had a brand new set and the dryer caught fire. Company was terrible to deal with but Home Depot took them back and replaced them with the Maytags.

[Rika_Tula]

Originally Posted By: rokanhausI will never buy or recommend LG. We had a brand new set and the dryer caught fire. Company was terrible to deal with but Home Depot took them back and replaced them with the Maytags.

Yikes! ...at least they took care of you!