MMMM. My freshly washed clothes smell like..... grandma's underwear!
Written: Nov 01 '09 (Updated Nov 01 '09)
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| clooneyfan's Full Review: Whirlpool WFW9200S Front Load Washer |
Our trusty Kenmore top loading washing machine finally died after 20 years of use. As tempted as we were to go out and buy another one, my husband and I were enticed by the energy star rebates being given for the more energy-efficient front loaders.
We carefully researched Consumer Reports and Epinions. The Duet had gotten mostly rave reviews at the time so we decided to buy it. Yes, it was more expensive than the top loaders but I liked the idea of having to use less water to clean my clothes. I also liked how big the drums were and the fact that there was no agitator to tangle up the clothes. I could finally wash big blankets and comforters!
Since we have never used a front loader before, the sales person gave us a few tips to keep it running well. Always use HE detergent. He recommended liquid detergent since powder tends to gunk up the soap dispenser. He also warned us that front end loaders (in general) can have mold problems so we should leave the door cracked when not using it.
He also recommended using a product called "Affresh" HE on a monthly basis to clean out the washer. I was slightly suspicious because I've never had to do any of this with my old washer but I figured all of this was cautionary advice. I was anxious to get cleaner clothes and save energy. Besides, we are very clean people and take care of our stuff. It wouldn't happen to us.
Hubby and I also bought the matching dryer and the pedestals to go underneath since I didn't want to be bending way over to get to the clothes. I've had no issues with the dryer or the pedestals.
I was ecstatic that first day of doing laundry. The Duet washer was much quieter and held larger loads than my former top loader large capacity washer.
A few days later, it suddenly stopped working and gave us an F7 error. Apparently this is a computer board error and not something that can be fixed by the user. Fortunately, the store where we bought this model immediately took it back and exchanged it for a brand new Duet. So I chalked it up to maybe something getting jarred loose in transit and went on my way.
Fast forward about 8 months later.
We've noticed that our clothes occasionally have a sour, moldy, BO smell to them. They actually smell worse than before I washed them! It doesn't happen every time, so it ends up surprising us. We will put something on, wrinkle our noses in disgust and have to throw it immediately in the laundry again.
After much research online, I discovered that stinky clothes are a problem with many front-end loaders (not just this Whirlpool). I was a little taken aback at how widespread this problem is. We were meticulous in following the manufacturer's directions for proper care. We don't leave wet clothes in the washer. We clean it. We wipe it out. We leave the door open between uses.
The only thing left to be causing the problem is the drain. Apparently some stagnant water is left in the drum after each use (since front loaders don't drain the same way as top loaders do). After sitting in there for a few days, the first load of the new wash week will reek. The following loads don't seem to have this problem.
So now we have added pouring vinegar into the soap dispenser and rinsing it through before doing laundry each week in order to stave off the smell. (That's in addition to wiping the gasket and running the Affresh cleaning kit monthly.) And to think I paid extra money for this privilege.
In all honesty, I’m rather disappointed with this washer. I don't think this is a reflection on Whirlpool since I've read lots of reviews by owners of different models. It's a front end loader issue.
Regardless, I don't recommend this Whirlpool Duet to anyone!
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 900
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Epinions.com ID:
clooneyfan
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Location: Baltimore, MD
Reviews written: 206
Trusted by: 169 members
About Me:
I've worked in health care all my life.
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