How do front load washers clean - Does Whirlpool's work correctly?

Question

I've read tons of reviews of Whirlpools breaking down and getting error codes in the display, but my problem is that nothing looks clean! The sheets and whites are all getting dingy. Spots never come out. Even after I pre-treat and scrub with a brush. On the way to church my son put a small amount of mud on his shirt. I washed the shirt that night (sprayed and scrubbed) and the dirt didn't come out. I watched part of the cycle and it seems the unit never actually fills with water. The water just runs in, gets the clothes wet and then spins dry. This is my 2nd front loader and I am sure the other one filled up at least a 1/4 or 1/2 of the tub. Anyone have a similar experience or able to give commentary on how their front loader works during the cycle? This is really frustrating. I have two small kids and don't love to spend my time doing laundry - especially when it comes out looking dirty!

Answer 1

I have a couple of suggestions. If you have already tried them, sorry if it doesn't help.

Make sure you are using a good quality front load detergent.

Dont over do it on detergent even if its a big load.

Use a high temp setting for whites. If your has a heater in it, try that.

Try not to wash loads that are 1/2 or less of the capacity. Front load washers wash better when they are full rather than empty.

When the washer is done its wash cycle, is there still some water inside? If so, the drain might be clogged or the hose is kinked which means dirty water is being reused.

Is the spin cycle preset or can you adjust the speed to a higher setting? If so, use the highest setting unless you are permanently wrinkling stuff.

If you are doing all these things and your still having bad results, I would get a watch out and time each cycle. Write it down and compare it to what is listed in the manual. If there is nothing listed in the manual, I would call Whirlpool and get them to send you the info. Hopefully the numbers jive but if not, it will help let you know if the timer mechanism is messed up.

*edit* Something was nagging me while I was writing this and I didnt remember until afterwards. When I used to work in an appliance service department, I would sometimes get calls with the complaint of whites turning gray. I remember the manufacturer telling us in training that too much detergent will cause clothes to turn gray. I believe that it was because of too much detergent residue.

Try washing those same whites without any detergent. If you see foam, you know there was a fair amount of detergent residue still in the fabric.

The only thing that helps clean the clothes is detergent and friction between the clothes by tumbling them.