Washing Machine recommendations under 900$

9 years ago

We bought a Maytag 5.1 cu Top Loading washing machine (no agitator) a few weeks ago and it doesn't seem to clean clothes very well. My husband is a tile contractor and has very dirty clothes that don't seem to come clean since we got the new washer. We bought it at Lowes so we can exchange there for something else. Anyone recommend a washer that actually cleans and doesn't save so much water that is sold at Lowes? I feel like the water saving feature is what is causing them to not wash completely.

I think we can get a refund, but if not it would be an exchange (we are past the 30 days, but my husband said they would take back)

If I can get a refund I think I will look into a SpeedQueen which I see recommended on here often.

Any other recommendations are appreciated. Thanks so much!

Featured Answer

poppy214

9 years ago

Any frontloader needs to have the door propped open to prevent mold formation. You need to keep the lid of the toploader open too for the same reason. Who are the best repair service providers in your area? Be sure you have local service for any machine you select. Frontloader LGs have a small magnetic prop that lets the door stay cracked open for ventilation. The only brand I would not consider is the Samsung due to many plastic parts, lack of availability of parts for repair and a reputation for poor customer service. I have the huge LG 5.2 cu ft. and like it very much. My machine is very wide so might not fit in your space. Look at some of the other 4.5 cu ft models. I'm sure you'll find something.

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Comments (8)

hcbm
9 years ago
Do you want a top loader only, do you need a heater, how large a machine? Top loader without center agitators are not known to clean well. Many experts are her and will help, just provide a little more info.
tbchic
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Not too picky on top loading or front as long as it cleans dirty clothes very well. I like the 5.1 size, but it doesn't have to be that large. Our one that broke was maybe around 4 and it was ok; had a center agitator. I didn't know the non agitator top loaders did not clean well, I figured it would still give enough water to submerge, but lesson learned :/
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Linda Doherty
9 years ago
Electrolux 517. Love, love, love mine.
littlegreeny
9 years ago
HE top loaders don't clean. If I would buy a washer today, it would be a Whirlpool. They have a model that you load liquid detergent in and it automatically adds it based on the cycle and soil level. It also has a heater, so you can clean really filthy loads:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-Load-and-Go-4-5-cu-ft-High-Efficiency-Stackable-Front-Load-Washer-White-ENERGY-STAR/1000041571

Mama is the queen of clean here and she loves her Whirlpool.
tbchic
Original Author
9 years ago
Littlegreeny- that looks like a nice one. I like the pre soak option.

Couple of questions:

Is it loud like the reviews say? My laundry room is near our master bedroom.

Do you have to leave the door opened when not in use due to molding? Our laundry room is a little narrow and I wonder how that will work when we need to pass through to the garage.
dadoes
9 years ago
The door doesn't have to be w-i-d-e open, just not latched closed. Hang a towel over it to hold it ajar with some gap around the window & seal. Recurrent use of chlorine bleach (on a whites load or an empty cycle every couple weeks if you're loath to use bleach on clothes) helps ward-off mold and smutz. Doesn't take much, 1/4 to 1/3 cup is plenty.
tbchic thanked dadoes
littlegreeny
9 years ago
Unfortunately, noise is very subjective. What isn't loud to me might be loud to you. I will admit it seems many of these new washers have loud drain pumps. Actually, your Maytag is also made by Whirlpool and it's likely both the Maytag and Whirlpool machines use the same or very similar drain pumps. Are the noises of the Maytag bothersome?

That Whirlpool machine is a top of the line model, so it will most likely be quieter than some of their cheaper offerings.

Odor issues with today's front loaders are usually the result of user error. Using too much detergent or fabric softener, as well as too many cold water washes will lead to a buildup of biofilm, which will cause odor issues.