1971 lady Kenmore washer

[waterdrama]

Whirlpool Got it Right!!!

We always had Kenmore washers with the suds-saver option. Doing laundry with the suds-saver was a process I learned from an early age (imagine that). Plug the storage side of the double concrete laundry tub and you were on your way to two or even three loads of laundry using the same wash water. Rugs were the last load and probably the fourth load using that wash water.
Nothing quite like watching the suds return process in the Kenmore. The water came up through the bottom holes until the first "splish splash" from the agitator fins. Then, Mom started carefully loading clothes back into the machine. Sometimes, if there wasn't enough water pumped back from the storage tub, the machine would stop to add more water and proceed merrily through the cycle. I am not sure how other suds-saver washer returned their wash water, but I think Whirlpool probably had the best, most reliable system.
After the last load, unplug the stopper and be prepared to rinse out all that sediment from the storage tub when you are done washing.
Oh, and did I mention that wonderful "CLUNK" of the solenoid to divert the water a few minutes before draining the wash water. These are the sounds that bring back wonderful memories of great engineering. Thanks to everyone for sharing your memories, experiences, and machines.

 

[swestoyz]

John, thanks for sharing! The souped up Kenmore not only looks great (that porcelain cabinet just shines!) but the upgrades are wonderful! Did the dryer require any maintenance?

I do have an A806S hooked up with a rebuilt diverter valve in the laundry studio. I don't save suds often but if needed, it's certainly an option.

Ben

 

[bpetersxx]

oh my

Ben has the holy grail of Maytag suds savers

Does it have the bleach injector systm on the right hand side

 

[suds14]

Suds savers

Good job John, my aunt had that washer and I loved helping her wash when I was a kid. I always saved the wash water even without the suds saver and use a bucket to put the water back into the washer. Although the Kenmorere I am using now, I can bring the water back in automatically when I set the timer just past the light soil marking, the washer agitates and will suck the water back into the machine. They should bring back the suds saver because recently I have been doing my daughter in laws laundry, she is like a 2 month behind for a family of five. She has a front loader, which now I especially dislike because the water that came out my top loader washer was filthy. This was even from the load of my son's work polos and casual pants which were not dirty. The front load does not use enough water to rinse out the dirty wash water, or to clean the load properly. With that being said I could maybe use the water twice instead of for multiple loads. I just got my water bill, and it increased over $30 so saving the water does have an economical factor. Also, with the price of detergent these days you use much less with the suds saver.

David

 

[repairguy]

I look forward to getting some of the late sixties kenmore suds savers that I have rebuilt and hooked up for use.