Washing machine (wash cycle settings).

[Mrs-M]

I'm definitely NOT swinging with the times in relation to owning a modern front-loading washing machine and dryer, but my day is coming. :)

Those of you still relying on an old-fashioned top-loader styled washing machine with manual dial settings, what sort of "minute count" do you use when washing? My 25 (plus) year old machine provides me with the option of a 14 minute maximum cycle, way longer than I need. I find 8-10 minutes is the range I always select no matter what I'm washing.

[Float On]

My 20+ year old whrilpool washer and dryer are real workhorses. I've had very few repairs and the repair guy even told me to keep these going as long as possible since they are much cheaper on repairs than the front loaders. I also love that fact that with a top loader I can still add things while its filling with water (I'm always finding one more napkin or towel or sock that get missed). I too set it on a lower 6 minute wash when doing towels or sheets or jeans and a 4 minute wash when doing shirts and nicer pants. I only use the 10 minute when doing things that are really dirty. Saves a lot of water and wear and tear. I don't believe I've ever used the 14 min cycle.

[Mrs-M]

So happy to see your response FO. (Thanks)! :) I'm going to work from your cue and reduce agitating time from this day on. I particularly like the idea of a 4 minute cycle for finer dress items. Seems plenty to me.

As far as older model washers and dryers go, you're right, I doubt there's a new set (out there) that will provide me with the years service my old set has provided me with. Problem with my old set is, it's thrashed. I mean done! :laff:

[Rosemary]

I wash mostly in cold water so use the longest setting. On my machine, it's a quick agitation, 20-min soak, then a 14-min wash. I use the gentle cycle on occasion.

Top-loading machines are still available, and there are newer models that use less water than the older ones. As far as I know, they are still constructed very simply and should last for quite a while. Not a lot of technology in them, not many things that can go wrong.

[Gina]

My top-loader is about 19 yrs old. It also can wash a really large load. It has a feature I like - I can leave the lid open as it's filling, and doing the first part of the wash cycle, then it stops while there are several minutes still to go (as long as the lid is still open). During that inital time, I can keep adding things. What I like about the 'stop' is I usually choose to let it stand for about an hour or so as a nice 'soak'.

As to number of minutes, I really don't know. There are no minutes listed, but I guess I should time it. As to wash water temp, I never wash in hot, but I usually will take the chill off the water with some hot, though I wouldn't even call it warm, then turn off the hot as the water fills. 'Rinses' are automatically cold.

I really like my machine and will hate it when it bites the dust. No repairs yet - knock on wood.

At the previous house, there was an existing rebuilt Maytag washer. It was already old. For a good number of years it cranked away without repair, and when the house was sold, the new owners got it still in working order.

[Mrs. Hermit]

I got a new top-loader 2 years ago. The cycle choice is nice, but I can't set it to just rinse (or maybe I can, but haven't figured out how!). It seems to get everything clean, and can handle a very big load!

[Mrs-M]

Rosemary, Gina, and Mrs. Hermit, thanks for stopping by . :)

I tend to warm water wash more than I do cold or hot. (Habit more than anything). Bad habit at that, I need to work on cold water washing more...

I'm due, really due for a new washing machine/dryer set and really have my heart set on a new modern front-loading set, but I know I'll never better what I've got in the way of service and reliability with my old set. Such a workhorse my old washing machine has been.

Rosemary. Thanks for the tip on modern top-loader washing machines. I may just choose a top-loading style again. Lots for me to think about.

Gina. P.S. I'd really like it if you could time a typical wash cycle for me and post a followup on it. I'm really curious now as to what sort of time range your washing machine cycle has been set too from the factory.


Originally posted by Gina.
It has a feature I like - I can leave the lid open as it's filling, and doing the first part of the wash cycle, then it stops while there are several minutes still to go (as long as the lid is still open).Mine too! :) Must be a feature of older machines.

Mrs. Hermit. Have a look on the dial (or beside it) for a shower type symbol. That will be (should be) the rinse cycle (if your machine has one).