Well about 1 week ago I bought a Samsung VRT (Vibration Reduction Technology) I have been reading about how the front loaders get a funky scent. This is a big turn off and I am thinking about returning it and getting a good top loader washer and dryer from best buy ! (That's where I bought the VRT) So what do you guys think of that idea? Keep it or no? Let me know your thoughts and your experiences about your front loader (if you have one)
buy a top loader. It will save you money over the years. Fixing a front loader is expensive and you are guaranteed to have problems beyond funky drums. It will eventually begin to leak and not wash as good. Top loader all the way!
Yes, a front load washing machine can develop mildew in the tub. But it is easily remedied. You should always keep the door slightly open to allow the interior to dry. If the machine or your clothing develops an off-odor, you can clean the tub. I found a substance called Smelly Washer Cleaner on the internet. It costs $20, but since you use just 1 capful to clean your washer, it lasts a long time. You can even use it to wash your clothes. It was developed by an appliance repairman. I have also used powdered lemon drink mix (unsweetened, the real cheap--10 cent--stuff from Wal-Mart) to clean the machine. I like my front-load machine. It uses less water. The machine doesn't get out of balance during the spin cycle. Clothes take less time to dry because you use less water. I use less detergent.
I'd keep it. Front loaders use so much less energy and are so much easier on your clothes! To prevent the issue you're worried about (1) crack the door open when you're not using it. (2) About once a month, check the seal around the inside of the door for debris and wipe that out with a little hot soapy water and bleach. (3) Don't allow laundry to lay in the machine overnight. Even a top loader will smell if you let wet clothes in it. (4) If your water is on the hard side, add a couple of cups of white vinegar (about once a month) to a load of hot water whites and let the vinegar clean out the residue left from mineral deposits and laundry products. I've had a front loader since 2001 and my appliance guy told me these things when I bought it and I've never had an issue as long as I do these.
Front loaders have a very good seal when you close the door, so mildew will find its way into any constantly humid and warm places. So leave the door slightly open after washing and the humidity will evaporate. I've always kept a dry drum like that. I've also been cautioned when I bought mine that some small garments (like baby socks or undergarments) end up in the gap in the rubber seal at the entrance (mostly in other brands), then some people don't check that spot for years, and end up finding moldy garments! Samsung's gap seal is relatively small compared to other models, and I've never had this problem. If you're a bit obsessive about cleanliness, you can use a drum cleaner found in Sears or other department stores. I haven't needed the drum cleaner or had a problem with smelly drums and I've been front loader owner for 1.5 years! I vote keep!
Keep it! I am a former owner of the original Maytag Neptune (yes, the one with all of the problems). When it was running, it cleaned everything wonderfully! Front loaders are the best at removing spots that would otherwise become stains. You can also fit a much larger load in the front loaders, and still save money on water, heating the water, and laundry products. We finally gave up on the Neptune after 10 years of headaches, and when we went to replace it, we decided that since Maytag was now owned by Whirlpool, and the Maytag name was about $300 less than the Whirlpool (since they are trying to repair the Maytag brand image), we would go for the Maytag Epic. Though I am unfamiliar with the Samsung, here are my recommendations for all front loaders: 1. Always leave the door cracked so it can dry properly; 2. Make sure you use only HE detergents - others don't rinse out properly, and can cause their own set of problems; 3. Whirlpool makes a cleaner specifically designed for front loaders that works very well; 4. Once a month, in addition to cleaning the machine with a cleaner designed for it, also run a cycle with hot water and a cup of vinegar. This will help with any lingering odor problems. Good Luck! -Still loves the front loader after 11.5 years and a Maytag Neptune
