Why Maytag Automatic Washers Clean Clothes So Well...

[Unimatic1140]

A big thank you goes out to Greg (Gansky1) who dontated some great new publications to the Ephemera library, which will be filtering out over the next few months.

Today's addition is a 1978 Maytag Merchandiser. Has a great article on how Maytag washers combine extra cleaning power, energy efficiency and tender loving care to get clothes "Maytag Clean".

 

[trainguy]

A Big...

Thank you Robert and Greg!

 

[beekeyknee]

This will make an interesting read, but I can hear the rumblings from deep within the earth now. Let's remember, it's just a read from one manufacturer and not Consumer Reports. We can discuss and keep it civil. This will be fun. Good choice for a discussion Robert and Greg.

 

[toploader55]

I just felt a tremor :/

 

[beekeyknee]

LOL.

 

[brucelucenta]

I was never that crazy about Maytag in a collection, not enough action to suit me. But I have to admit that they were the best built washer that was ever made. The set I had was passed from my brother to my parents and then to me. Now a friend has them and they are still perfect running.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Very cool Robert:

Thank you for posting.
WK78

 

[washerlover]

Maytag Convert!

I, like Bruce, was never impressed with Maytag washing action. But my set here since I lost my collection in a wildfire is my daily driver pair and I must say, they not only look fabulous in our 1971 mid-century modern home, but really do the job. Not as boring washing as I remembered. And the washer has such a nice sound to it (although not as fun as Norge/Wards or as soothing as Kenmore/Whirlpool). So I'm a recent Maytag convert!

 

[duke]

Beautiful,
Sure would like a close up and description of those chrome valves behind/above washer.That's new to me ,never have seen those.

 

[Ultramatic]

Duke,

 

 

Those are bathtub knobs/valves.

 

[gyrafoam]

And whatever drops in dirty comes out clean every time.
All the action is going on at the bottom of the tub. I like to suggest to the naysayers to stick their hand down there and see how boring it feels!

 

[washerlover]

It seems older homes (at least from what I've seen here in California) often had the "designer" bathtub knobs to make it easier for the housewife to turn on/off the water so as not to risk the washer hoses from bursting if left on...and I guess to not break a nail!

 

[duke]

I like em. Looks like American Standard or Price pfister tub valves.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Bathtub knobs

I too noticed them in the photo, because we had the exact same in our 1977 built home in Denver.

We had really strong water pressure, and our builder suggested we keep the water turned off except when using the washer (of course). Thus we had valves that were in easy reach, and they used shower/bathtub style valves that were much nicer to look at vs the valves I had seen in rough-in boxes and under utility sinks before.

We got into the habit of turning off the water as our builder said --- a habit I still do, most of the time, today.

Gordon

 

[wayupnorth]

I think those recessed "bathtub knobs" look quite nice. Much better than pipes going to 2 faucets and 2 hoses out of them and I shut off my faucets after every load as I saw what happened to a friend who did not and was flooded when a hose burst. And my nearly 35 year old Maytags still work just like new and my clothes are clean every time, love the hmmm hmmm of the wash cycle.

 

[norgeway]

Well

Yall can HAVE ALL OF THEM....LOL, I never have any luck with Tags....Now they DID make the finest wringer washer ever made imho...LOL

 

[frigilux]

My favorite Maytag is probably the oh-so-versatile 806---with a suds-saver, of course. There were quite a number of Maytags where I grew up and I was horrified that they wouldn't agitate or fill with the lid up. They were nice, quiet machines compared to our raucous 1960 Kenmore Model 80.

Water faucets: I've always, always closed the faucets after the last load of the day. Cheapest insurance against a hose or inlet valve failure you can get! In fact, my front-loading Maytag 8100's would look better right next to each other, but because of the faucet placement, they are about 10 inches apart. Wouldn't dream of blocking access to them; have seen too many easily-preventable floods.[this post was last edited: 3/7/2017-10:59]

 

[hilovane]

My mom had a Maytag 606 for 20 years. My grandmother had one as well; bought it while I was still in college, and sold it 21 years later as part of her old house.

I don't quite understand the mindset of "boring" versus "exciting" agitation. Whether it oscillates; pulsates; vibrates; rotates; or tumbles, it's ALL good. ...Just different "personalities," IMHO.

 

[vintagekenmore]

I love my good ole A412. Got her almost a year ago to replace a dd 90 series Kenmore and I havent regretted it!! My clothes are cleaner, dont have a problem washing heavy bedspreads in it like I did with the Kenmore...never a problem with it walking or becoming out of balance! I would rather have the earlier Maytags like this one over the new stuff anyday!!