Thanks John. I actually only run the clean cycle every 3-4 months just as a formality, but because every towels, whites, and sheets loads are run with hot water, and this machine uses true tap hot water on all cycles except Normal and Rapid Wash, it keeps itself consistently shiny without any help from me. I "deep clean" it once a month or two, but that's just by filling it manually with about an inch of warm water and a splash of all purpose cleaner, then cleaning the outside of the tub ring, around the dispensers and the cabinet with a cloth and toothbrush. I also have only exclusively used powdered Tide or Persil pearls, except for darks which get liquid Persil or Tide/Gain/Cheer. And fabric softener use is minimal, typically enough to cover the bottom of the measuring cap and that's plenty to leave a light scent and cut down on static, but never enough to ever leave a residue in the machine. I really do feel Whirlpool excelled with the last few year models of the Oasis because of the recirculation pump being used at the beginning of the rinse to clear off the basket, as well as the gradual spin it performs with a small amount of water at the bottom of the outer tub. You'll always hear it swish and gurgle the water under the basket before the drain pump kicks on to empty it out fully.
So far, in regards to what some of said about there being no need to lubricate the drive shaft for the sliding/floating basket, I can still lift on the tub and it slides up and down without any scratchiness whatsoever. So, so far so good. I've yet to have a single problem or hiccup with it since April 2015 when I got it, and it shows no signs of giving an issue any time soon.
Also, vacerator, I've never encountered a single solitary washing machine that was "entirely self-cleaning". Every single washer design I've used or had the chance to experience has needed some form of TLC to stay pristine and odor/stain free. That goes for Whirlpool/Lady K belt-drives, GE Filter and Rim Flo's, Maytag A-series and Dependable Cares, as well as the Atlantis/Performas, WP Direct-Drives of all brands and varieties, Frigidaire's pre and post-Franklin transmission designs...the list goes on. Even a Speed Queen will stink with countless washings because of the natural residue that is created and deposited on every area of the machine where water does not actively move, such as the upper area of the outer basket and tub ring. It's just naturally what happens when you're mixing water and dirt and chemicals.[this post was last edited: 8/30/2016-18:40]
