I need a new washing machine- Please Help

[washyume]

I have a Top Load Whirlpool Cabrio, bought it about 1 year and 4 months ago.
It's bad at cleaning, and to get it to at least thoroughly wet my stuff I have to do some crazy stuff that is very tedious and wastes a bunch of water. I have to soak the dirty clothes, drain and waste all the water, then start over so the machine will weigh the load heavier and give me more water. And then it doesn't even clean very well, but at least everything gets wet.

I live in a rural place.

I have had warranty repair guys over, one guy even replaced a part, but I couldn't tell that it did anything.

6 months ago or so I hired an appliance repair guy to look at my machine. He was real nice, didn't charge me a consultation fee because he said he couldn't find anything wrong with my machine, and we talked about the Energy Star subsidiaries and environmental government regulations. He recommended Speed Queen and said he had a refurbished Admiral he could sell me (which is very tempting, but I really want to be able to clean a King Comforter in the comfort of my home)

I can't recoup any of the money I paid for this machine, and I've been budgeting- I have $1200 to spend on a new washer.

There are so many washing machines out there, it's mind boggling, and you're stuck with the one you choose. Recently I went shopping and I asked every salesman at the retail stores if I didn't like the performance of the machine could I try something different till I find something that cleans. The answer was 'NO' every time.

So yesterday I started reading up on SQ real good, because of the nice repair guys recommendation. 1) Its capacity wont handle a King Comforter. 2) Everybody is poo-pooing the new 2018 model.

Now, I am prepared to give up the dream of washing a King comforter. At this point I just want something that cleans and to not waste all my money.

Please help me!!

 

[speedqueen]

Despite my username, I say throw the 2018 SQ, instead get the Maytag Commercial model MVWP575GW, it will actually clean far better than a Cabrio or the new Speed Queen.

If you don't care about buying used, I recommend looking at your local used appliance stores or on Craigslist and finding either an older top of the line Whirlpool or Kenmore direct-drive based washer. They are fine washers, are reliable and if anything breaks they are one of the most serviceable machines ever made. And if it really falls apart you have only lost <$200. You could also look at older Maytag Dependable Care models, too.

 

[lorainfurniture]

The only type of machine that will effectively wash a king comforter is a front loader.

I like the new lg fl, I own the wm3770 and it does well with my king bedding.

No top loader will wash a king comforter well. Nothing.

 

[rp2813]

You would have to go with a front loader to wash a king size comforter, and since it seems you've done a good amount of research, you know front loaders have much longer cycles than traditional top loaders.

 

I agree that the commercial Maytag is superior to the 2018 Speed Queen top loader (what isn't?), and it's cheaper too.  It seems like a no-brainer to me.

 

[washerdude]

Get a LG WM3770 with turbo wash, or a Maytag Maxima.

 

[washyume]

I'm so over the consumerist-buy-new mindset. If I can find something old and reliable I will consider it. I was looking through my local FaceBook Marketplace, but you know, I don't know what all these models are. I wouldn't mind buying something and then paying the nice locally owned appliance repair people I had over to my home to refurbish it. They are good people, I'd love to give them my money.
However, I don't know if I want to spend the time hunting down a good old timer model. That's a lot of work and time.

I've been watching Lorainfurniture's SQ videos in that other thread. I understand the 2018 models are disappointing but I'd take that performance over what I have now. (Just being positive, I do not have my heart set on a specific brand.)

I have no preference, FL or TL.

I'll check out those maytags and LG. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

My head and heart still need to have a talk about being able to wash a King Comforter.
It's nice not having to go to the ghetto to use a laundromat that smells like other people's private bits and cheap laundry musk.
Plus, I have bad memories from when I was younger and didn't own a washing machine... I learned real quick not to leave washing laundry unattended, there are disgusting thieves out there.

Wanna know how I clean my King Comforter in my Cabrio now? Pause when the water is high, grab a broom stick and churn it like butter.

 

[henene4]

LG has generally worked out their issues, so, I could only recomend them. Even if they don't last decades, they don't cost so much that they'd have to.

 

[neptunebob]

Why do so many people have king-size comforters?

It seems to me a king size bed is over size even for 2 people. Would it be possible to have 2 KS blankets instead? If you have to wash king size, you will have to get a front loader and I recommend a Whirlpool Duet.

 

[washyume]

The maytag MVWP575GW has awesome reviews and videos!
Could I get away with "butter churning" the King Comforter in that tub? 3.5 usable cu ft. The batting in my comforter isn't thick and I wouldn't mind doing that once a month if the machine cleans all the other things well.

Not gonna lie, if I decided to get a FL today, I'd probably go with the LG WM3770 because I'm still holding a grudge against whirlpool and all the brands they make. They should be embarrassed about the performance of this Cabrio- it's really bad.

 

[yogitunes]

don't let them fool you.....

you can return ANY machine you purchased if you don't like its performance....

been there, done that several times.....Sears, Lowes, HomeDepot......hell, I have taken in a screwdriver and opened the machine up right there on the sales floor....

most salesmen know next to nothing of what their selling.....if you don't get satisfaction, call for a department or store manager.....if you don't get anywhere with them, write down their name and ask for the corporate number......

I have king beds, preference to a quilt versus a puffy comforter.....I can't see spending 1500.00+ on a machine to wash one item....I do get puzzled over that one....seems like buying huge tires before I buy the truck they fit on...

as mentioned.....any TLer WILL NOT fit and wash a king comforter properly...

there is the investment into a SQ Front loader......it will most likely be the last machine you will ever have to buy...

we just happen to be a bad time period, with the purchase of just about anything today, its hit or miss on a good quality, long lasting machine....

 

[panthera]

Your best bet is to

Go with a well serviced, limited guarantee Maytag or TOL Whirlpool from the days before temperatures and water levels were dumbed down. In other words, a washer which is not EnergyStar.

As for the King Size Comforter - I share a bed with at least one dog, one cat (frequently more) and a husband who will steal the covers off and under from a 110lb pit-bull without a moments hesitation. I fully understand the love of a King Size anything for the bed.

But - that should not be the decisive element in buying a washer. But a duvet cover or make one for it and then you can wash the cover every week or more often. The comforter wasn't meant to be washed all that often anyway, this will extend it's life. When it does have to be washed, a commercial laundry specializing in such bedding will do a much better job and be easier on it than any washer practical for home use.

That's how I do it in the most empty state in the Union - Wyoming.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I agree with others

ditch the comforter and get a bedspread on Amazon. Then get the machine you want. Whirlpool isn't bad. It's just that a lot of people hate the TL wash plate HE washers, others love them.

 

[washerdude]

Manufactures seem to boast the size of tubs found on TL's, when you can probably only use half of that size comfortably.

I know when we had our Inglis DD TL, we tried to wash our king size comforter, no rollover whatsoever. It just sat there and soaked basically...but so does the effect not change with still many new larger TL's. The waters there, the tub size is there, but now the agitation is too weak with a tub full of that much water, the comforter also just still floats.



Our Whirlpool Duet WFW72HEDW we owned at our previous house never had any parts replaced and was clocking in at 3 years old when we moved. Hands down best washer I ever used or owned.

Now one thing for sure that I wish my Duet had was a re-circulation spray like LG offers with turbowash on their front loaders. It would really help saturate bulky items like a comforter, and on normal loads have a consistent concentrated soupy solution hit the clothes, helping to wash clothes faster. Sometimes I just don't get why more manufactures don't do this. Maytag and WP FL's do not offer any sort of recirc. pump.

This model is the WM3570 which is the predecessor to the WM3770.

Bulky

Normal


Maytag Maxima MHW5500
Normal

Bedding Cycle

 

[washyume]

I just took some measurements, I don't have the room for FL door clearance.

I'd have to gut the laundry room and move counters and water hook ups.

 

[rp2813]

Front Loader Footprint

I had the same problem when we moved.   We included our Whirlpool Duet pair in the sale of our previous home because the laundry room where we live now wouldn't accommodate anything larger than traditional standard size machines.

 

At that time (2008) the full sized Frigidaire Affinity front load washer and companion dryer had the same footprint as standard machines, so that's what we got.  There are some things about the washer that annoy me, but it's been nine years and all I've had to replace is the pump, just about a month ago, and like all front loaders, it's superior at cleaning when compared to a top loader.   At 3.5 cf capacity, all of which is usable, it can handle everything I put in it.  That includes a puffy king size mattress pad, but I usually add extra water for that (I have a pull-out faucet on the adjacent laundry sink that facilitates this).  Whether the Frigidaire front loaders still have that same footprint, I don't know, but it's worth investigating.

 

I think a duvet/comforter cover is the answer for you.  Just wash that instead of the comforter itself.  This will afford you a wider range of choices for your next machine. 

 

 

 

[ea56]

Melissa

I had a 2010 Cabrio that I was very unhappy with too. And I’ve had a kingsize down comforter that is almost 35 years old now and I’ve managed to wash it in every washing machine I’ve ever owned. Some did a better job than others, but never the less I have always been able to wash this comforter and other king size bedding with no problem. Yes, in a TL there isn’t alot of turn over, but then just how dirty is a comforter really getting anyway, unless you have someone that is having number two accidents on the comforter just about any washer that is large enough to hold the comforter and get it thouroughly saturated, rinsed and spun out will do an adequete job. Also, as mentioned by Panthera, use a duvet cover, and you will almost never have to actually launder the comforter.

I also have the same limitaitons as you regarding the depth of my laundry closet, the only FL that will fit in my closet is either an LG or a SQ. I tried the LG, didn’t like it.

In Dec. 2016 I bought a Maytag Centennial MVWC415EW from Lowes. The capacity is 3.6 cu ft. and this washer has been completely trouble free. It washes anything I put in it flawlessly, never unbalances is fairly quick, most all loads I wash with hot water on heavy soil level and they are done in 50-55 mins. And our kingsize comforter and bedspreads are no problem, I wash them on the Bulky cycle and they come out beautifully. So, I think that you would probably very happy with the new Maytag Commercial machine that has received extensive coverage here on AW. And the hot water is really hot, not lukewarm.

And like Martin said, if you are really unhappy with any new appliance, any store will take it back in exchange as long as you don’t wait too long. Salesman will tell you otherwise, but when push comes to shove most stores would rather have a satisfied customer, that will return to THEIR store for future appliance purchases. If they refuse to take back a purchase that the customer is dissatisfied with, its pretty much a foregone conclusion that this dissatisfied customer will make their next large purchase elsewhere and they know it. The key is to be reasonable and polite, these two attributes will go along way getting you what you want.

So good luck to you with your new washer purchase.
Eddie[this post was last edited: 1/5/2018-14:20]

 

[washyume]

@washerdude, that 1st video of the Cabrio, that's how all my loads perform in the machine, not just a comforter. There is no agitation at the top.

Before I figured out how to trick the machine into giving me more water, I often pulled items out, after the cycle was done, that had never been touched by water.

The last straw to break the camel's back. Just a couple weeks ago I pulled out a place mat that had a thin 1/2" square smear of refried bean paste still on it after the cycle was done, and after I had done the whole water dance. I took it over to the sink and it washed off in less than 2 seconds.

 

[yogitunes]

oddly enough, most washing instructions for a comforter are gentle wash and soak....basically its what these machines do.....although not exactly recommended to wash one in these machines....

going by your information, guessing you have a Regular size Cabrio(belt drive), as there is also a Cabrio XL(direct drive) version as well...

but going by the age of your machine, does it not have the Deep Water Wash feature?

I have both...2010 models...first rule, the NORMAL cycle uses the least amount of water on either machine....best for about all mini loads only....

on the Regular version, found two ways of making it function better......before the load starts, take a gallon of water and saturate the clothing, the machine thinks it weighs more, and of course adds more water( mixing your detergent into this water has an added benefit of presoaking the clothes before the washing starts)......or I wait until the filling stops, and pour in 3 to 5 gallons more water with a bucket....

on the XL version, Normal for mini loads, Towel/Colors for medium loads, and Sheets for a large loads.....

one feature the XL offers is a waterfall sprinkler to saturate the load as well during wash and rinse...

removing the restrictor in the water valve allowed for a faster water flow and fill...mainly just the HOT side, as it allowed a warmer temp....but basically all I ever did get was a 10 degree drop in water temp, but my water heater is set at 160....10 degrees is not much of a drop....

thanks goes out to our own JoeyPete for the vid....but this is his machine, which he made a video almost 3 years ago....on the Deep Wash cycle....plenty of water has been added.....

 

[washyume]

I included a picture of my Cabrio's model and serial number. I hope it uploads.

I keep my machine on bulky setting, deep setting, and presoak.
I start off presoaking every load, set a timer for 10 minutes and then start over so it will weigh the load heavier.

I should give some credit, the machine do better with tiny loads.

After watching your video:
My machine does not give that much water without forcing it to give me more water.

I washed a small load of mixed stuff this morning and took a picture mid cycle. Settings: mixed, normal, no presoaking/restart business.

picture added to post.