Decided on a Twin Tub or Suds Return, but not Finding Any!

[bobbi]

So I had posted some weeks ago about considering a washer that I have the ability to save/reuse my wash water and have more control over my washing. I LOVE the Easy Spindrier, and similar washers, as they are beautiful machines, but I am fearful about repair and parts for something of that vintage.

So I believe my first choice would be a twin tub of the largest capacity with a center agitator, like the Canadian-made Simplicity, but finding one has proved futile. The same goes for finding an automatic washer with suds return, which is my second choice.

Are there any other suggestions of places to look for a vintage twin tub like a Simplicity or an automatic machine with suds return? I have been stalking eBay and Craigslist. It's just amazing how few details people provide on used washers on Craigslist. Or does it and I am overlooking it?

I am surprised this web site doesn't have a Wanted and For Sale section.

 

[akronman]

Wanted and FOR SALE

That's what the Shoppers Square section is!

I have 2 Suds model washers, both from Craigslist, and neither seller knew or advertised that they were suds models. Use this website to research suds models so you'll know the knobs and buttons to look for on the machines for sale.
Be patient and keep looking. Be very patient.

A Kenmore/Whirlpool Suds, or Maytag Suds or GE suds from the 70's onwards will have good chances of getting parts and keeping running, and are well-built machines.

Any Easy spindrier or Hoover twin-tub or Simplicity will have some difficulty or great difficulty in finding parts, but if it's only 50 or 100 bucks and runs for now and gives you a few years of service, you're still ahead of the game on savings.
And in the meantime you can keep looking for an automatic suds model.
Patience

 

[yogitunes]

you don't actually have to have a SUDS model to save suds...

we all have done a fix up of sorts that allow the saving of wash water....may be a bit of manual attention, but who doesn't stay for the whole washing process?

a simple wringer washer can work wonders.....

A.....you can use it as a storage tub for wash water from an automatic, and then pump the water back to any automatic....

B.....or wash everything in the wringer, run clothes thru the wringer, and rinse/spin in the automatic...

C.....a few of us have several automatics lined up, and pump one into the next, right down the line.....

the advantage of B and C, is the water doesn't have time to cool down...

 

[akronman]

And

There is a re-wiring manner in which you can turn a Maytag, Kenmore, or GE into a suds-saver, but it requires moving hoses around halfway thru the cycle, etc.

 

[bobbi]

Akronman - I JUST now spotted the For Sale/Wanted section....ugh...so embarrasing!

Yes, I did see where there should be a knob/setting that says suds return or something to that effect, but usuallythe pics included in the listing aren't close enough to see the knobs and settings, and the ad is very often also rather vague. I do know that I am looking for something vintage to the 90s. From my understanding, one could special order a Maytag with suds return as late as the 90's. I will look for Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag and GE. Thank you for that info.

That's a good suggestion to take what I can find now and keep looking. Thank you.

 

[bobbi]

Yogitunes - I just don't know that I have enough time to work with a wringer washer, though I do love them. I have laundry for four people, and I do sit down and do my job between loads, so I'm not standing by the washing machine while it's running.

My laundry room isn't really a room at all: it's just a space for a washer and dryer, so I won't be able to have a string of machines in a row. But I *could* go with your B and C suggestion...if worst comes to worst. I just might do that one. Thank you for the suggestions!

 

[mrb627]

Suds-Savers

Often times, when a suds saver machine is located, the saving mechanism is either non-functional or has been gutted from the machine altogether. Too bad there isn't an off the wall company offering a conversion kit for any top loading machine...

Malcolm

 

[akronman]

Laundry room

Does your laundry room have a single or double tub, or just a drain pipe? Show us a picture or two of your current set-up.
If there;s just a drain pipe, no tub(s), and only space for one washer and one dryer, you are pretty limited in your options, frankly. SudsSaver automatics pump the soapy wash water into the usual laundry tub, then the rinse water goes down a drain pipe through the second hose, then the wash water is sucked back into the machine from the tub.

But a picture will help, and various folks on this website have come up with pretty clever solutions

 

[hippiedoll]

a suds saver maytag 208

i remember seeing a maytag A208s being listed in the shopper's square not too long ago. i would say maybe like 3 weeks or so??

if i can remember correctly, i think it was in a thread that ovrphil made for a couple of maytags. and it was the 2nd maytag posted.

so, if you'd like to try and find the sudsaver maytag. the 208 is a "standard" capacity sized washer. and if i am remembering correctly, i think that maytag 208s was in texas? not positive but i think it was in texas. you would definitely need to drive for it or have it shipped. but it was definitely an A208s (sudsaver) model.

good luck....

)

 

[yogitunes]

heres one that was listed...and the AD is still up......

Maytag A208S.......

even if you have to pay for shipping....its FREE!

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/app/4513788547.html

 

[hippiedoll]

that's the one yogitunes.....

that's the one that i was talking about. but i just couldn't find it....
LOL....

/

 

[xraytech]

Bobbi,

Where in Pennsylvania are you located?
I essentially have 2 suds savers, a Lady Kenmore I got on craigslist that needs some work, and my grams Maytag Dependable care suds saver.