Dirty Laundry (part 1)

So, by now if you are my friend on Facebook or you listen to Classic Hits 94.1 KQK, you know that last week I found myself in the unenviable position of needing a new washing machine. Our washing machine was like a part of the family, 18 years old. I like to think it just got tired, still wanted to work…. just too tired to agitate or spin….we knew its days were numbered. So, what washing machine to buy? As a woman, my first thought was to get one of those gorgeous, front load washers and couple it with a matching dryer in a shiny red. (And, no we were not in the market for a new dryer, but I wanted my washer/dryer to coordinate…but that is another topic for another day.)

So what to choose…front load or top load? I had heard that when it comes to front load washers, some love them, some hate them. So we took calls and posts on Facebook…I asked front load or top load…sooo many responses, here are just a few…….

Peter: Karen, we have one of those high efficiency top-loading machines. They use less water and power, of course, but they really don’t do as good a job as the machines you and I grew up with. Dang the environment. I want clean clothes.

Theresa: Love my front load…hardly takes any water, cleanest clothes ever and can’t hardly hear it (the first few months I kept going into the laundry room to make sure it was working) LOVE IT!

Jan: get front load…much easier to load looks better too!

Rachel said: Love my front loader!

Kindy: there are some reports about the front loading machines. something about the smell. i guess the water can’t drain all the way out and gets funky….

Shirley voted: front loader

Sherry: Front have mildew problems BAD!

David: The front ones are nice and stackable also – but the mildew/mold can come if you do not wipe out the bottom after EVERY washing!!! For easy… stick with a top loader!!

Terri: I listened to all the comments this morning on the radio.. If you have to buy EXTRA stuff or DO something extra to keep a front loading washing machine free from mildew… why bother! It costs enough just for the machine. My vote… TOP LOAD!!! XO

Stephanie: TOP LOAD – and let me tell you why. I know several people with front loads who have complained about molding and musty smelling clothes/towels. Plus, a few months ago, a relative told me that they can’t leave the house without unplugging theirs as the manufacturer said it can spontaneously combust. Stick to what has worked for years and years. Top load. It’s not as pretty, but I’d rather have ordinary than mold on fire. Ha.

Michelle: Karen, our front-loading expensive ***** has been a pain with the mildew issues. You have to stay on top of it and we have had to wash everything in hot to really get it clean and prevent the smell and mildew. UGH! Maybe they are making them better now?

Vicky:I have a front loader and I love it mine and I have not had a problem with mold or mildew. They did tell me that if mine did start to smell there is some stuff you can run thru wash cycle and it would take care of it. My machine has a mildew and mold sensor on it if the light come-on I am to use this cleaner they gave me. I have had mine over year and light has never came on.

Lee: Yeah, but if you drop that ONE SOCK there is not opening the door to toss it in…

Shannon: TOP LOAD!!

Robert L.: take them to the creek and beat them on a rock

Robert F.: I like the cleaners.

So, armed with that information I headed to the store….leaning toward a top loader as I prefer low maintenance……. though my dream was the matching candy apple red front loader washer/dryer. But, let me tell you, there is more to washing machine selection than just top or front load.

Coming up next blog: Washing Machines 1992 vs 2010