Best Washers and Dryers for Quilts

[Beth A.]

Hi Debbie,

Now that you've had your washer & dryer set for a number of years, are you still as pleased with them. My 20 year old set will need replacing soon, so I'm starting my search now.

Thanks,
Nancy

[Beth A.]

Nancy,
I have recently purchased a front loading Maytag precisely because I wanted a large drum with no "prod" in the middle for washing quilts and tribal textiles of all sorts. I naturally got the dryer that goes with it and love the large drum and variety of cycles and heat settings. Thus far I am very very happy with both.
Good luck with your homework.
Jeanine

[Beth A.]

Nancy - we purchased front loading LG washer and dryer (that stacks) just before Christmas. (They've replaced a stacked Kenmore front loading washer and dryer that were about 18 years old). Both washer and dryer have huge drums capable of washing and drying king size comforters. Like Jeanine's both have a large variety of cycles and heat settings. On a side note I'm washing fewer loads per week with the new machines which is nice since we're watching our water consumption here.
Barb

[Beth A.]

I have always heard not to use a front loading washer for quilts. Don't know why -- I think something to do with more water force. But your quilts are ok?

[Beth A.]

The beauty of my washing machine is that it uses little water and no there are no harsh jets etc the drum also rotates clockwise and counterclockwise for a more even clean. I have washed a few antique quilts on a light cycle and they came out just fine.
Jeanine

[Marianne G.]

I have always heard not to use a front loading washer for quilts. Don't know why -- I think something to do with more water force. But your quilts are ok?

I wash my quilts all the time in a front loading washing machine and it works just great.
Marianne

[Beth A.]

One downside of front loaders is that you must use HE detergent or risk voiding your warranty. I did not realize this before I bought mine, and I'm disappointed that I cannot use my favorite quilt soap and must use detergent. I even called the manufacturer and was told that even occasional use of soap would damage the machine.

Just reminding others.

BethMI

[Nancy R.]

I've had my front loader for over 10 years and have never used HE detergent. My machine manual says to use 1/2 of what you would normally use of the regular detergent. You just have to keep the suds down. Maybe the newer machines are different.

[Nancy R.]

My new front loader machines manual says:
"Items Labeled Wool or Hand-Washable, Hand Wash/Wool" This cycle is for washing shrinkable wool or hand washable items requiring delicate care. Use only natural or wool-safe detergent harmless to fabrics and use 1/2 of the normal amount of detergent. The Hand Wash/Delicate cycle uses a gentle wash motion and low spin speed for the ultimate care.
Barb

[Nancy R.]

I only have minor problems with my existing washer, but it would cost over $200 to repair. The Sears repairman suggests not investing in the repair for a 20+ year old washer because it may soon have major problems. He also recommended purchasing the most basic machine with the features that I require, rather than paying for bells and whistles that I may never use. None of the washers made today are built to last 20 years. By the way, Whirlpool now owns the Maytag brand, too. I understand that Kenmore machines usually feature the better qualities of their Whirlpool counterparts.

All of the top loaders that I've been reviewing also suggest the HE detergents.

[Nancy R.]

After reading reviews online and recommendations here, I'm more confused than before my search for a new washer. It would be great to be able to try before buying.

[ANNE E.]

After using a top loading machine in Australia I found them to be much more user friendly, I could tell it what I wanted to do instead of already being pre- programmed to what it wanted to do.
A hot wash 7kg takes almost 3 hours in my front loader......I can adjust the temperature down to 40 and use an economy wash but that still takes 2hours and 27 minutes.
Any quicker washes you can only put 3 kg in the washer.
If I had the space and the money to buy a top loader that would be my choice.
Hope you get the machine you really like.
Anne

[ANNE E.]

Well, today my new Kenmore Series 500 Top Loading High Efficiency (with a Low Profile Wash Plate) was delivered with a matching new dryer. I'm now washing my first load. Wish me luck! Thanks for all of your input, which I researched and considered. Ultimately, I felt I'd stick with a brand that had served me well for more than 20 years each on my first two sets of laundry machines. After a few months, I'll let you know if I'm pleased with my decision.

[ANNE E.]

Glad to hear you've purchased new machines fun to hear how you like them.

Barb

[ANNE E.]

So far, I really like the set. I've laundered a few loads, using a lot less water and detergent. Also, it's very easy to load and unload items with the low profile wash plate.