Pair of Vintage Twin Tubs

[diagrah]

I just joined this forum after finding it while researching a pair of washing machines I bought at an estate auction this past week. I had never seen anything like these and besides needing a washer & dryer for my home, I was fascinated by the units, and nobody else was bidding, so I bought 'em.

The washers are a Maytag Porta-Washer A50 and a Hoover twin tub model no. 0910. Both are complete, in gorgeous condition and include users manuals. I haven't had a chance to try them out but have been reading how to use them and watching videos online. They're going to be so fun to use!

In addition to the washers, I got a Maytag portable dryer, the same size as the washer but avocado green instead of white.

Apparently the previous owner used the washers regularly, despite having a 'normal' washing machine. Is there anything I should watch for when I first try them out? I am thinking of using one in the bathroom and hooking the other up in the kitchen, one to wash and one to rinse.

I can't wait to see how they work. I don't have a laundry room in my house yet so these will be excitng to use until I can afford that remodel...provided they work.

Thanks,
diane in MO

 

[akronman]

Twin tub fun

They are very hands-on machines, very capable and fun. If you have all the owners manuals, there's not much to worry about. You could also get one going with hot water, strong soap, and bleach and the other with warm water and gentler soap, do different types in clothes in each. Check the model #, I think 0910 is a dryer, not a washer. Some of the Hoovers have a rinse ability inside the spinner, many don't , but I am confused on your model number.

 

You'll probably get the floor a bit wet so it's perfect timing to do your weekly floor mop after the wash, and it's smartest and most effcient to get 2 baskets or more full of laundry together before filling these manual machines up with water, but if it's not a long walk from kitchen to bath, your idea of one as a wash and one as a rinse is pretty cool.

 

Search the archives here for more info, but the owners manual is best for sure. Take some pictures of your new toys and show us. With a quick read of the manual and one session of clothes through each, you'll probably be 99% an expert, but feel free to ask more after you start.

 

HAve Fun, and welcome to AW.org

 

 

 

[arbilab]

How fun!

Know how long since they have been operated? If long, the seals can dry out and benefit from soaking before attempting to operate. Consider what to do if they leak, like towels and a siphon hose to empty. Might start with a quart, if no puddles a couple gallons, let soak several hours. If the Hoover doesn't leak, fill to halfway up the rotor disc, there's a seal behind that.

Happy washing.

 

[vacbear58]

Soaking

Just to add to what has been written before, soak with HOT water for a few hours. And, do not be tempted to start the rotor, at least on the Hoover unless it is COMPLETELY covered with water - you and your laundry room will get VERY wet, VERY quickly

Al

 

[diagrah]

My error...

I was at work when I posted my exciting find - the Hoover is a Model 0510.

I haven't had a chance to bring them in and try them yet but plan to give them a whirl over the weekend if the world will allow me the time. The Maytag was getting regular use by the lady who owned them until she passed away a few months ago, so it hasn't been too long for that one. Not sure how long for the Hoover. Both are clean and well cared for and complete, so I'm hopeful as well as excited.

I haven't rolled the dryer out to see yet what model it is, but size-wise, it's an exact match for the Maytag A50. They're just different colors.

I'll hopefully get to try both washers out in my soon to be ex-kitchen (solo remodel - it's going slowly) which is currently housing a very sick dog who is funking up the house something fierce. I actually don't think I'll mind the wetness issue. LOL Thanks for the suggestion on the floor wash idea!

I'll get photos of the 'girls' when I haul them inside from the covered porch.