Kenmore HE4t-Clothes Bully! HELP!

[Babysmaid]

I replaced my Maytag Neptune, front loader with the Kenmore HE4t, front loader. The Kenmore leaves clothes looking beaten, faded and spots of pilling. Anyone have the same problem? Anyone have the Whirlpool 9400 (twin to HE4t), or the LG, 0532? I need to return Kenmore and need another washer ASAP! HELP!

Thanks!

 

[partscounterman]

Babysmaid

I have the earlier HE3t machine and DO NOT have the problems you describe. The only thing I can think of it that the baffles in the tub are scratched or roughened up somehow. Sorry to hear of the trouble you are having. I really like these machines myself. Hope you can find a fix to this

David

 

[whirlcool]

Clothes Bully

Have you tried layering the clothes on top of each other, one by one while loading them in? I have heard that sometimes this helps with these front loaders.

 

[Babysmaid]

partscounterman

I have only read good things about the HE3. I have also read some negative comments about the newest HE4t. I am returning it, and exchanging it for the Whirlpool-9400. This is SO frustrating! The HE4t, is pretty rough on clothes, they look pretty worn from washing, even just once!

Thanks for the input!

 

[Babysmaid]

Whirlcool

Nope, never heard that! I never had to do anything special with the Maytag Neptune front loader, and clothes always came out great! I have 2 small children, I need to throw the clothes in and run!! =)

Thank you!!!!

 

[partscounterman]

What a vexing problem!

I'm really surprised you are having this kind of a problem. I would think that the He4t would actually be gentler than the 3t since the tub baffles are smaller. I would expect the Whirlpool 9400 to be the exact same thing

David

 

[Babysmaid]

partscounterman

Hi, I've read other negative comments about the HE4t, and a lot of positive comments about the HE3! The Whirlpool-9400(Duet) series is rating higher in Consumer Reports, than the Kenmore HE4t, for gentleness. What a racket! I really like the LG-2277, but there's not enough reliability history, and the tub doesn't look as well made. If the 9400 bombs, I will buy the LG, and the 5 year service contract for $100.00! All a pain in the butt!

Diana

 

[partscounterman]

I wonder what is different about the He4 vs the He3. I mean, how can you screw up the action on a front loader?

 

[appnut]

Diana, have you tried using Normal/Casual for your clothes (and use stain treat as needed)? What model Neptune did you have? I think I have a clue as to what's going on here. Comparing the Neptune & Hettie.

 

[Babysmaid]

appnut

I used the Normal/Casual cycle, and chose cold water! I used the stain treatment once, too much soap, I wouldn't do it again for sure! I experimented with many different cycle/water/spin combinations. I had the MAH4000, and if I can't find a machine that can emulate it, I am going to have it repaired! With the Maytag I almost always used the Colors cycle, and chose cold water. Everytime I look at the things washed by the HE4t, I cringe! The clothes look awful after one washing! Frankly, I am nervous about the purchase of the Whirlpool-9460. I can't see how it is going to be much better, but so many on a couple of other forums swear by them, we'll see! We observed an LG-2277, and it rotates for about 3 seconds, the Kenmore about 7. I wonder if that makes any difference?

 

[Mago9]

Goodhouse keepings best washing machines

After doing 70 loads of laundry in 14 of the newest washers, the Good Housekeeping Institute found a few favorite top loaders and front loaders.

Front-loading washers have a wider selection of cycles and are gentler on clothes, but require a longer wash cycle for a good cleaning. Top loaders are usually much less expensive and have a shorter wash cycle, but their agitation motion is not as gentle on clothes. Top loaders also require more water, which may mean higher energy costs over time.

If appliance color takes top priority, the front-loading Kenmore HE4T ($1499; 888-536-6673; www.sears.com) is the one for you. This energy saver performed excellently and is available in a range of colors including White, Graphite, Pacific Blue, Sedona and Champagne.

If you've got a big family, the top-loading GE Profile Harmony ($1099; 800-626-2005; www.geappliances.com) is a good choice. It had the largest capacity of the models tested thanks to its no-agitator design (holding 20 towels in one load) and had outstanding wash results.

The top-loading Amana NAV 8800 ($549; 800-843-0304; www.amana.com) was the best washer for those on a budget, making up in washing power what it lacks in extra features.

http://www.nbc4i.com/family/4688090/detail.html

 

[foraloysius]

Here's the link to the Good Housekeeping test.

http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeeping/consumer/appliances/articles/0,,284518_671876-1,00.html

 

[frigilux]

Babysmaid---Wow, I use a front-loader because they're so gentle on clothes! There must be something wrong in the tub of your machine. Since switching to a FL washer, I've never lost a button off a shirt or had collars or cuffs wear out. In fact, I have a beloved around-the-house shirt which is almost worn through in places. It's been washed hundreds of times. It would have been ripped to shreds by now, had I been washing it in a 180-stroke-per-minute top-loader.

Best of luck to you! When you get your machine fixed (or a new one) you'll love your FL'er.

 

[Babysmaid]

Thank you..

Thanks to all of you...The Whirlpool arrives tomorrow! We'll see how it goes!

 

[Babysmaid]

Whirlpool 9460!

I am SO much happier with the Whirlpool 9460! My HE4t could've been a lemon, and glad to be rid of it! So far, 11 loads in the Whirlpool, and 100% satisfied!

Thanks!

 

[whirlcool]

Instant Faucet

I really liked that "Instant Faucet" feature on the Amana listed in the Good Housekeeping article. Great for installations where you don't have a laundry tub nearby!