Check out this link regarding the Duet washer

[mark_wpduet]

I guess we need to stop blaming frigidaire and the aluminum spider. Looks like WP uses the same thing and here is a link to prove what can happen with pictures of a Duet tub after five years. Based on what I read in the link, Whirlpool warranties the tub for ten years since the spider is not sold separately unlike frigidaire who wont honor the warranty on the tub EVEN though you can't buy JUST the spider.

http://www.fixya.com/support/t1254687-duet_washer_very_loud_when_spinning

 

[animasinsulinpu]

WP Duet

Thanks, Mark. My Duet is 5 yrs. old now. NO problems whatsoever. LOVE your link to that site!!!....Bill in Az....

 

[mark_wpduet]

YW

I don't have any problems either. I did hear a little bit of a slight squeaking sound during one of the rinses as the tub would rotate back and forth. It wasn't very noticeable though but I still heard it. Oh well, only time will tell. I think these machines are definitely worth it if we can get at least ten years out of them. Did u see that spider! ARGGHH!

 

[norfolksouthern]

Disposable appliances...

I was talking to a used appliance dealer earlier today, and he told me that manufacturers are engineering their machines for shorter lifespans, say, an estimated 5 years or so. He was adamant about not selling a newer washer because he was concerned about whether or not it would last the duration of his standard warranty period. Besides the spider on front loaders, the current crop of direct drive Whirlpools and Kenmores have plastic transmissions and other parts that are vulnerable to wear, according to him. In spite of the plastic transmission, I would probably still trust the top loader for longevity more than I would the Duet.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[johnb300m]

there's always the option of a 'transmissionless' GE Hydrowave top loader.
i'm really interested in those.

 

[passatdoc]

chlorine bleach

I never use chlorine bleach, only OxyClean (or equivalent). I remember reading here a few years ago when someone posted that chlorine bleach would speed degradation of the spider. Anyone else agree? What about borax, is it safe to use with an aluminum spider?

 

[mark_wpduet]

Oxy Clean

I read that someone stated (on another forum) that their repairman said "Oxy Clean" caused theirs to corrode.

 

[dnastrau]

Oxy Clean is bad?

I thought that oxygen bleach is what the Europeans use instead of chlorine bleach. These machines are made by Bauknecht of Germany. When we bought ours two years ago everyone on the 'net said chlorine bleach was what you should avoid to prevent this. Who is right?

Andrew S.

 

[launderess]

Oxygen Bleaches

Per say aren't going to cause harm, but OxyClean and other cheap "oxygen bleaches" are anywhere from 25% to 75% sodium carbonate (washing soda), which is a very corrosive substance indeed. IIRC, Oxyclean is either 50% or 75% washing soda, perhaps somewhere in between, but it is not pure sodium percarbonate, or even 80%.

Tip, if one picks up a container of oxygen bleach and it feels very dense, then it is more likely than not heavy on washing soda, just pick up a box of the stuff to compare.

Both sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate work best in alkaline solutions. However to an extent sodium percarbonate can provide on it's own due it being made from washing soda. In any case the pH of wash water is normally quite well taken care of by the washing powder, most of which contain varying amounts of sodium carbonate.

When possible always purchase straight sodium percarbonate or perborate. Ecover makes an oxygen bleach that is pure sodium percarbonate, and one can order either of the above from chemical supply stores in bulk.

L.