Whirlpool Thin Twin

[blackfuchsia]

Hi all, I have had the pleasure of using a Whirlpool Thin Twin over the past few weeks whilst visiting the US. Being used to EU FL washers, this certainly was an experience!

I have a Miele FL here in the UK and found it really difficult to get good results using the TL. For example white socks, kitchen towels etc still came out stained even if I used bleach. I got some Gain Flings from Costco so perhaps it was the detergent?

I selected the longest wash possible a couple of times (Normal cycle) but the clothes ended up looking terrible. In the end, I was using the Delicate cycle for everything.

I will be going back to the US in a few months and using the same machine so would appreciate any tips on how to keep my clothes looking good.

I was using Hot/Cold for whites and Warm/Cold for everything else.

I didn't really use the dryer much as I preferred to air dry. The dryer did seem pretty efficient though when it was used.

Kevin

 

[combo52]

Using a Whirlpool thin twin

Hi Kevin, which thin twin were you using? Was it the 24 inch width machine or the 27 inch full sized machine?

It would be interesting to snap a picture of the model number sticker behind the dryer door. There were quite a few different versions of these machines.

What was the water hardness and hot water temperature in the area where you were staying?

These machines generally worked very well the later 27 inch ones got pretty skimpy as they try to make them more energy efficient with the amount of water they used and the temperature of the water allowed .

Other than that they were pretty typical US top loading washers, and they certainly can get things very clean and white if conditions are correct.

John.

 

[blackfuchsia]

Hi John,

Thanks for the reply. I stupidly didn't take any pictures of the set, that would have been too easy!

The washer had 4 parts to the timer. Normal, PP, Delicate and Soak. Water levels were Extra small, Small, Medium and Large. Temps were Cold/Cold, Warm/Cold and Hot/Cold.

The dryer timer had 3 part if I recall. There was also another knob for the dryer signal end. The controls were all above the dryer part of the set.

The hot water came out pretty hot, far too hot for hands so Im guessing around 130/140 F.

Just kinda curious as never used a machine like this before. In the UK, we are used to heating water from cold and my 20 year old Miele takes around 90 minutes to complete a load on cottons universal 60 C.

 

[ryner1988]

It sounds like you were using one of the older direct drive thin twins with a mechanical timer, and that is a 24-inch design. As far as I am aware, whirlpool never made any 27-inch stacked DD machines, I believe those were all the later VMW platform. Someone like combo52/John can correct me on that point if I am mistaken. If it's the DD design, those washers do a very good job under the right circumstances, i.e., not over or under-loaded, a quality detergent like Tide or Persil, etc. Use powdered detergent if the water is very hard as most powdered detergents have water softeners in them. Also,slower agitation speeds, if available, for a longer duration work better to activate the enzymes in detergents than shorter wash times with faster agitation.

Good luck,

Ryne

 

[combo52]

27 inch whirlpool large capacity, thin twin

Hi Kevin, yes that was the large capacity machine whirlpool put that in production in 1988 they made it through 2016, the compact direct drive 24 inch version was built through 2017.

It should be a very good performer for doing laundry is a little different with a machine that doesn’t heat the water in front load washers generally clean better anyway

I always remember I sold a gas, one of these to one of my friends back in 1989, and then he came into some money and moved into a big house and bought the top-of-the-line pair of Maytag dependable care machines.

He was so disappointing with a Maytag‘s. He said the whirlpool washed a much bigger load did a better job than Maytag‘s. He soon got rid of the Maytag’s, and we sold him a pair of whirlpool duets which He was very happy with.

John

 

[blackfuchsia]

Thanks for the replies.

It was definitely a mechanical timer which reminded me of what we used to get here years ago.

It sounds like I was probably guilty of unloading the machine which didn't help. After a couple of weeks I was in the habit of putting a load of whites on, letting it agitate for a bit and then stopping the machine for an hour to soak. The results were much better.

I guess I'll have to experiment more when I return.

Oh and we were staying in San Jose, the water was definitely much softer than what Im used to.

Kevin

 

[ryner1988]

I had no idea there were 27-inch stacked direct drive Whirlpools, I'd only ever heard of the 24-inch type.

This is why I like this site so well you learn something new every day.

Ryne

 

[bradfordwhite]

The current 24 and 27" (not so) Thin Twins.

https://www.appliancesconnection.com/whirlpool-wet4027hw.html?ref=froogle&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkcKwlvD1_gIVRyytBh3pIwlEEAQYBCABEgKHyvD_BwE

 

[bradfordwhite]

An older 24" Thin Twin

With the direct drive washer, both machines controls at chest level, and in Bisque color. circa year 2000 approx. ... and still going.

Whirlpool Bisque Stack Washer and Electric Dryer - 9980

***Sqweaks during sprin cycle***Good working condition. Please note in the pictures for any staining/discoloration, scuffs/scratches or missing parts/pieces. 30 day warranty **everything is first come first serve** Contact us at 651-308-3175 for payment, pick-up or delivery options.

shortiesappliances.com