Hello! New user and new machine!

[superocd]

Hello,

I am a new member to this site and coincidentally, I have a new machine. It's a LG-made Kenmore front loader, model 41162.

I scored this and got a whopping deal. It was a clearance floor model for $520 (it was originally on sale for $799-999). It just so happened that Sears gave 50% back in rewards points on clearance items so I turned around and bought a BOL Whirlpool-made $299 Kenmore dryer for just $40. In total, I paid $560 for brand new set. They don't match and are at opposite ends of the spectrum (fancy washer, basic dryer) but I don't care so much about that. After all, my OCD is in cleaning and sanitizing, not matching items

I've had it for two weeks and love the machine. I can't believe how well it cleans. I have to admit that I was sort of worried of its performance, being that for the first 20 minutes there didn't seem to be much water in the machine.

I have a few questions though. I've been visiting this site for quite some time but haven't signed up as I owned a relatively "boring" and common machine, a circa-2000 Kenmore TOL top-load washer.

So, here goes:
-I like to use bleach when possible (when washing whites). I've been looking at threads regarding bleach use in front loaders. Some say it corrodes the spider assembly, some others say that it doesn't and that it actually helps the machine. Whenever possible, I like to disinfect my laundry. Is it okay to use bleach, say, 2-3 times a week?

-My machine does not have an OxiClean dispenser. I've noticed that many other machines lack a powdered bleach dispenser. I have been putting a small scoop in the drum before loading the clothes. Of course, I do not use OxiClean if I am using liquid chlorine bleach. Is that OK?

-What is the best possible detergent to use in an LG front loader? Liquid or powder? Since getting this machine, I have been using Sears' Plus powdered HE detergent.

-I have an unopenend bag of Roma powdered detergent hiding in my laundry room cabinet. I normally use Sears Plus or Kirkland powdered detergent but scored this for cheap a while ago when I still had my Kenmore traditional top-load washer. I've heard that it works really well for being a "no-name" but I never had the chance to use it. Would it be OK to use this in a reduced amount (e.g. 2 Tbsp), or do I give it away?

-For the clean washer cycle, I have heard that 1 tbsp. of Cascade (or similar) powdered dishwasher detergent is just as good (if not better than) Affresh. Is this true?

-Does anyone own an LG/LG-made Kenmore front-load machine? How well do they hold up? What can I do to extend the life of my machine? From what I gather, the computer boards are not as bad as they used to be but there are still issues with bearings and spider assemblies.

Eventually, I want to get my dream machine, a Speed Queen rear-control front-load washer, but it is quite spendy at $1400 and I just went through a major home renovation. Before purchasing my new washer, I have read the reviews and haven't read anything about major repairs for my particular model.

I've noticed that those of you here at AW are quite knowledgeable about all sorts of machines. Some of you are more "in tune" with the product and what makes it tick better than its own manufacturer. So, if you have any advice, I would be glad to hear it!

 

[frigilux]

Welcome to AW and also to the world of the modern HE front-loader.  I'm a staunch proponent of the front-load format. It has been the daily driver in my laundry room since 1987.

Please note that there is a wide range of opinions at AW. You'll not find across-the-board agreement on anything, but that's part of the fun of this site.  It's always good to experience a number of opinions.

OK, here we go:

1) BLEACH: I use Clorox for several loads a week. I grew up in a bleach-using household and have continued that tradition. This has never caused a problem in any front-loader I've owned.  Go ahead and use it.  Note:  Use far less bleach than you might have in your top-loader.  I use 1/8 to 1/4 cup depending on the size and stain-level of the load.  Always add an extra rinse to the cycle when using bleach.  It is released into the load during the first rinse in modern front-loaders.  This is an advantage as the bleach won't counteract the effect of the enzyme cocktail found in today's detergents.

 

2) POWDERED OXI:  You can add it to the detergent in your dispenser (as long as you're using powdered detergent).  There's no harm in adding it to the load should you ever switch to liquid format.

 

3) BEST POSSIBLE DETERGENT:  Liquids make up the bulk of the market today, but many here prefer powders.  My Maytag 8100 has a multi-load auto-dosing cartridge so I switched to liquids last September.  Persil Proclean 2-in-1 and Tide Ultra Stain Release are the two top-rated cleaners by Consumer Reports. I use those; both are excellent. If you prefer powder, I'd suggest Tide With Bleach Alternative.  Your Roma is definitely not formulated for use in an HE washer.  Gift it to someone.

 

4) WASHER CLEANING PRODUCTS:  I've heard of the Cascade method, but prefer to use products specifically designed for cleaning the washer.  I've used Tide Washing Machine Cleaner and Affresh tablets.  Of the two, I prefer Affresh.

 

5) YOUR WASHER:  LG has the best reliability ratings at CR.  Note that their list does not include Speed Queen front-loaders as they don't have enough data to provide meaningful stats for that brand. As a longtime front-load user, I'd advise to wipe the door seal.  Lift the lip and soak up any standing water with a rag.  Leave the door open after your last load of the day.  I also pull the dispenser drawer open an inch or two to keep air flowing through there.

 

Several AW members have new LGs and are pleased with their performance.  Some here absolutely detest low water-use HE front-loaders in general, but an increasing number of us find it the best format: Excellent cleaning coupled with low energy and water use. By the way, the phrase 'low energy and water use' is anathema to some at AW.  They choose to persist in believing that any appliance which does either cannot possibly provide a clean wash.  Let your great results speak for themselves.

 

Enjoy your new washer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[this post was last edited: 7/14/2016-21:37]

 

[powerfin64]

Welcome!

As a LG owner, I am going to add a few things.

I agree with Frig on mostly what he mentioned.
Now this is just my experience, But I didn't care for as well Tide with Bleach Alternative powder. I use Tide HE Turbo Powder, and like how it cleans far better. Keep in mind also, that Tide with Bleach alternative powder, has Oxygen bleach IN it, so if you use Oxi-clean with Tide with Bleach alternative, your double dosing with oxygen bleach, and will need extra rinses.

I do use also Persil 2-in-1 liquid, its the most powerful of the Persil line. Be careful of dosing! I haven't tried the new formulated persil out yet, still working on 2 bottles that first came out!

I do use Oxygen bleach at times, LA'S Totally awesome oxygen orange base cleaner powder(Dollar Tree) for $1.00 for 32oz( buy 5-6 tubs at a time.) Never fails. I have used Oxi-Clean, it works fine, but I like La's totally awesome oxygen powder better and better price.

My LG is 6 years old and never been serviced. I use clorox when needed on whites. 1/4 cup.
you shouldn't have any problems with your machine. Just use common sense, and good judgement.

 

[ea56]

Welcome! I also have an LG FL and my experience is pretty much like that of the first two replies. I wash at least 1 load a week with LCB, I use 1/3 cup, and like was mentioned before by Friglux since the bleach isn't dispensed until the first rinse it's OK to use Oxi in the load with LCB, just don't put it in the detergent cup if you are using liquid detergent. I run a clean cycle once a month. I prefer the Tide cleaner, or I sometimes just use a cup of LCB instead of a commerical cleaner.
I use Persil Pearls for whites and either Arm&Hammer liquid or Tide Turbo liquid for colors, all with excellent results.

I've used my LG for 15 months now with no problems. I have found that my personal favorite cycle is the Bulky Cycle, hot wash, average soil level and Water Plus option. I programmed this as my favorite and pretty much use it for everything, except I will sometimes lower wash temp to warm. The reason I like this particular cycle and options is because the Bulky cycle uses a higher water level and a med. spin speed. This way everything gets super clean and rinses completely. Since the spin speed is limited to med. there is never a situation where the machine won't balance and go into a spin, Once the cycle is over I run a separate ex high spin cycle so the clothes will dry in the shortest period of time. Since the first med spin removes most of the water weight there is never any problem with the ex high spin balancing.

I'm really very happy with this machine. Even though it takes longer to wash than a traditional TL the faster dry times make up for the longer wash times. Our home is all electric and our power bill went down about $12.00 to $15.00 per mo. And since California has been in a drought condition for well over 2 years now I can do my part in conserving water.
Eddie[this post was last edited: 7/15/2016-02:41]

 

[yoblount]

Welcome!

Those above have said pretty much everything I can think of. But here is a tip:
To put your machine into a spin-only cycle

Power the machine on but don't select a cycle
Press the Spin Speed button to the desired speed
Press start

My LG kenmore is 4 years old without a single problem.

Here's to many years with your new machine!

 

[vacerator]

Good to know!

Sounds like a washer I might want in the future.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I agree with everything Frigilux said

I've used bleach only with white loads going on 12 yrs in my Front load washer. And you use a very little (the bleach dispenser on mine doesn't hold much at all) I also never use cold water for anything.

 

[superocd]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I've always wanted a front loader but was weary of the complaints and questionable reliability (but most of that was from a few years past).

The HE top load machines seem to leave a lot to be desired from what I have observed. Those were out of my consideration. I used one for a week at a hotel (complimentary guest laundry, no coin-op) and my bigger loads didn't get too clean unless I used a deep fill and it wasn't bulky. Bigger loads don't seem to move a whole lot, even with a deep fill. Deep fills defeat the purpose of HE, I think. Front load machines have the laws of physics in their favor.

Speed Queen makes a great top-load machine but it didn't make sense to replace
my still-functioning Kenmore top loader with a washer that uses copious amounts of water. However, I am looking forward to the day of eventually owning a Speed Queen front load washer, but for now, I am happy with my LG-made Kenmore.