More Random Musings About My AEG Lavamat

[launderess]

Haven't used the machine much as guess by habit my default is to the Miele. However the other night since it was late decided to fire up the AEG as it is more quiet thus better suited to late night washing.

Did two loads of bed linen and right away knew there was going to be problems.

This AEG starts each load with a "detection" phase where gauges load size to adjust water usage. Well for a load of three cotton percale (king) sheets and two pillow slips guess didn't weigh enough. Machine used minimal amounts of water and the jet system did not engage at all during the wash.

Rinsing was more of the same for although the unit did start using the jet system there still didn't seem to be enough water to get the job done. Was using vintage "Burst" low suds detergent so don't think that was the problem.

Then there is the fact the pillow slips bunched up inside the sheets forming a "ball". This caused the washer to have long distribution times as it tried to get things "level' for spins. Eventually it gave up and started spinning with a rock and bang from the tub hitting the cabinet. Unlike the Miele you cannot open the AEG once cycle as started beyond the "open door" light phase. With the former one would simply wait for the machine to stop spinning, open door, remove washing, put back in machine and allow it to continue. The only way to do this with the AEG is to abort the cycle and that means either starting over, or setting it to rinse only one, two or more times to get the job done.

Finally gave up and took the laundry out of machine and put it aside until the next day. Then bunged the lot into the Miele and set it to do two deep rinses then spin, which it did without complaint. Shows you what ten gallons of rinse water will do! *LOL*

It seems to me the is jet system/AEG washer relies upon absorption to activate. That is the more water a load takes the unit senses it requires thus will use the jet system in the wash. Have no problems using this machine for normal laundry such as apparel and or bath linen.

 

[frigilux]

That surprises me, Launderess. My Frigidaire also senses a "light weight" load for sheets, and initially adds too little water. But after tumbling a minute or so, it adds more water and the jet works as advertised, even for the tiniest loads---two dress shirts, for example.

I also suffer from the pillowcases-bunched-in-the-fitted-sheet syndrome, but it happens in the dryer (which tumbles in one direction), not the washer.

 

[supersuds]

In this case, the AEG is perhaps a bit too advanced. What harm could it cause to let the owner pause the cycle and redistribute the load? Hmm.

Apart from that, how did you like the Burst? I got some off of eBay but haven't used any yet.

 

[launderess]

Many front loaders especially those from Europe these days hold one's laundry "hostage" until the cycle completes. After the third rinse (I think) (you can add a fourth) the "door light" will come on before the spins and during various pulse/fluff which means you can then open the door. However this would be after the final rinse so there is little good if you need to do things sooner.

As for the Burst detergent, quite fancy the stuff. Did a few loads awhile back and with the addition of oxygen bleach cleaned very well and removed stains from a wash load that included stained table linens. Has nice "vintage" laundry detergent scent and rinses well enough.

This being a low suds detergent and not just a "HE", you need to watch dosage in order to get really good rinsing. Have no problems in the Miele, but that machine uses five gallons for washing and ten in each of the five rinse cycles.

 

[donprohel]

Laundry "hostage"

That's not completely correct: safety regulations in Europe require that the door cannot be opened if there a risk for the user, typically when there is high-level water (risk of flooding) or high temperature (risk of scalding) or spinning (well...).

Manufacturer not only must implement these safety features, but they must also add countermeasures against faults of the safety devices. Safety must be assessed and approved by an independent body.

This said, my AEG (a bit more recent indeed) allows to open the door at the very beginning of the washing phase (but not for programs using high water level) and during draining and spinning. Alternatively, it is possible to turn the machine OFF, wait until the door unlocks, open the door, and then restart the cycle from where it was stopped.

 

[launderess]

Up until a certain point after cottons/easy cares cycle starts yes, can open the door. But once the "door open" light goes out that is that.

With this machine is really hard to tell what the water level is, and know for certain so far during any wash or rinse cycle door cannot be opened.

If one turns the machine off it will abort the cycle and will have to start fresh again. This means the machine will drain out any water and start with fresh. That would be a waste of heated water and laundry products.

 

[foraloysius]

Most European washing machines have an extra option to open the door, often an extra handle is hidden behind the door of the linttrap. Older AEG's had it, not sure if newer ones have it.

 

[tomturbomatic]

There is nothing to compare to a Miele

Could you have added a couple of quarts of hot water through the detergent dispenser to increase the wash level?

Doesn't your AEG machine have a little access door, like the Miele, where you can give the emergency open rip cord a pull and pop open the door? Miele warns that there may be hot water so to drain the thing manually through the little spout down there before opening the door in case of a power failure, but for a situation like yours, that would not be a problem.

Sorry for your misfortune.

 

[mitch]

My LG holds things hotage as well

I was so frustrated with it just this week--had stated a load of linens and realized I had forgotten the pillow cases. Retreived pillow cases, trudged back down to the basement in hopes that I was quick enough to add them. No such luck--it had already started washing--I hit the pause button, holding my breath, waiting on the "snap" of the unlock relay. It just sat there, blinking the pause indicator at me.

I did not want to waste the detergent and hot H2O, so I just started it back up, shaking my head and mumbling under my breath at it. I can tell you that the water level was NOT high enough to run out if the door was opened. This machine has the internal heater and steam cycle and it takes it sweet time awaiting the magic "cool enough" temperature before you can open the door.

I have a love (like)/hate relationship with this modern "marvel". It does a very good job on the laundry, but Lord have mercy, the electronics involved and drama can be daunting! I do like having both a FL and an old school TL!

 

[donprohel]

Emergency door opening

The Italian user's manual of the "AEG ÖKO-LAVAMAT 88840 update" states that there is a "screw" beside the drain filter: turning that "screw" clockwise with a coin unlocks the door.

If it works, it is not the most comfortable way but, well...

 

[launderess]

Never Thought About Using The Emergency Door Opening

Wouldn't do it during a wash or rinse cycle, but maybe just after a spin before the machine begins filling with water. Have to check however if opening the door in this way will abort a cycle.

Thanks for the suggestions lads!

 

[foraloysius]

With older machines with smaller doors it was not a problem to open the machine during the wash, but that might be a problem with yours. But after the drain or direct after the spin should cause no problem indeed.

 

[donprohel]

User's manual

...page 39

http://www.electrolux-ui.com/2002/822/943130en.pdf

 

[logixx]

Hm, I can always open my Duet - unless the water is too hot or the level too high. Other than that, there's no "sorry, too late". Mieles tend to be fussy about opening the door once load sensing is done as they will automatically assume a full load, if you open the door once some minutes have passed.