Today's Topic: Boot Or No Boot?

[launderess]

Many if not most domestic H-axis front loaders have the rubber boot/seal around the porthole on the washer. However commercial units and some domestic brands like Asko do away with the boot in favour of other methods of creating a seal.

Talk amoungst yourselves.

 

[arbilab]

Much time as I spent watching the Wascomat 30# softmount I can't remember whether it had a boot or not. Can tell you it never struggled to balance.

 

[qualin]

I think machines which lack a boot most likely have better longevity. I think its also probably a better design.

Unfortunately, not very many manufacturers use it. There is probably a reason why!

 

[rolls_rapide]

James Dyson commented that a conventional door seal was like a slimy condom. His Contrarotator machines therefore had the Asko style of seal.

I haven't had problems with conventional seals, yet I keep seeing friends and relatives with mould peppered seals. It must be to do with not properly ventilating the machine after use.

 

[launderess]

Well that and not using proper amounts of detergent and hot water washes.

Moulds grow on the greasy gunk that builds up on door seals if wash water isn't strong enough to keep them suspended and rinsed away.

Oh and it could also have allot to do with over use of fabric softeners as well.

The one complaint persons seem to have about "bootless" domestic washing machines is that the odd small item such as an infant's sock can slip between the tubs and perhaps clog the pump. On a commercial washer without a pump the things would simply flush down the drains and or become caught in any trap set up in the "pit". Indeed laundromat owners tell they often find various odd small items there such as coins, etc....

 

[qualin]

You know, I don't think I could ever figure out why washer manufacturers never sold gravity drain machines. My parents place had a floor drain and ran the drain hose to it. It worked just fine.

The GE Filter-Flo seemed to be OK with it, but the Whirlpool my parents replaced it with had siphoning problems, so they had to put in a trap. Is it just a matter of cost?

 

[mikeklondon]

No Boot

I have only ever had one machine without a boot and that was an AEG many years ago and it was fantastic. wish they still made something like it now. One thing that I'm confused about is the H Axis machines v FL
my understanding has always been that an H- eaxis is a top loader with a drum action n the uk Philips made one and so did Miele a long time ago. can someone explain what's an H axis and what's a FL

 

[launderess]

Asko

IIRC still makes all it's washing machines without a boot, not sure about anyone else.

 

[ronhic]

Launderess

...yes, they still do.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Boots

Mike its all in the terminology, H-Axis washing machines cover our front loaders and those top loaders like the Phillips and Staber. We just call our auto washers front loaders although they are H-Axis, if you asked jo public about H-Axis washers most wouldnt have a clue what you where talking about!!

The V-Axis machines are those like US top loaders and even our twintubs,vertical drums loading from the top..

Boots, never had a problem with any have used, again like other see many which are peppered with mold etc...The Asko`s and Maytag Asko`s along with the ISE washing machines are still produced with no door boots or gaskets, they do offer more usable space in the drum....I wonder when Gorenje will start to use the feature.

 

[mikeklondon]

H-Axis `v` V-Axis

Thanks Mike
That makes it clear

 

[jetcone]

I've been thinking of

a Bi machine. H-axis and V-axis at the same time. Like those station wagons with tailgates that opened as a door or a gate. It could be done now with all the electronic controls. the user determines which door they want to use. It would definitely be bootless.
Saw one in an ancient patent from the 1940's once, thought it was pretty cool!

 

[wft2800]

Necroposting again!

Jetcone, I've seen something similar to what you describe (albeit not tilting-axis, just two different points of access) with Electrolux barrier machines - instead of hatches in two opposing sides of the machine, you have a conventional front-loader which is installed side-on to the wall, and has one side hatch, so a bit like what you describe. The WB5180H model is one such.

I'm not sure how practicable a tilting-axis machine might be... sealing would likely be a nightmare.

 

[launderess]

Many if not most

Commercial/industrial side loading washer have two doors:

 

[johnrk]

Question:

When did front loading boots start having the mildew problem to begin with?

The first I ever heard about it was what, about 20 years ago or so when the Neptune problem hit the national news.

Westinghouse made all those cool oval window washers for many years but I never heard anything about mold or mildew.

Was the problem always there and we just didn't hear of it because not many FL's were made, or was it a design change, etc.?

 

[henene4]

Mold in the EU

I can't really say much about the US, but in the EU, there are usually the same few factors at pay that cause the mold problem:

1) Machines aren't allowed to air out. For example, in London city, most machines are right in the kitchen. Leaving the door open is a tripping/bumping hazzard and thus, doors are always shut.
2) Low temperatures. You won't believe how many machine not once in their life heat beyond 100°F.
3) Overloaded short cycles. Lots of people think stuffing the drum on the quick cycle will clean well enough.
4) Residue buildup that is somehow never taken care of until after it's to late.

 

[johnrk]

You're Right,

Factors for Deutschland are different than in the US-

 

[jeff_adelphi]

Early mildew problems,

My brother and I saw Westinghouse FL washers with mildew problems in the 60's  and 70's. It was not a common as today, as hotter water and better detergent were used then.

 

[wft2800]

Hotter water? AFAIK those WHs, like modern machines, could achieve temps no higher than about 60c. Better detergent? Absolutely incorrect. The detergents back then were crap - dirt couldn't be held in suspension properly, and they were chock full of phosphates!