Thread Number: 68552
/ Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Does anyone else hate the "normal" cycle on new washers? |
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Post# 913053   12/29/2016 at 20:19 (2,645 days old) by ryner1988 (Indianapolis)   |   | |
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Hey all,
So while doing the weekly laundry, I noticed something, and wonder if this is common or if I'm in the minority here. Ever since I got my new WTW4815FW Whirlpool washer, I tend to avoid the "normal" cycle. I don't like it much. I hate the spray rinse, rather than the deep rinse, and the temperatures are really dumbed down on that cycle. Must be the new energy standards or whatever, but all the same, that cycle stinks in my opinion. I find that "heavy duty" does pretty much the same thing and much more satisfactorily IMO. For example, this week I did 5 loads of laundry. Towels, on "heavy duty." Socks, underwear, and t-shirts/pajamas on "heavy duty." Nicer pants, my wife's tops, my polos, etc on "casual." A small load of my wife's skirts and a couple sweaters on "delicate." And, finally, blue jeans and a couple pairs of sweats on "heavy duty." All the "heavy duty" cycles would have been my "normal" loads on an older style washer, but I just don't find it does the job anymore, especially on the rinse cycle. Anyone else have this experience with modern washers? All in all, I really like my washer, once I found out that I should just stay away from that setting generally. Ryne |
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Post# 913056 , Reply# 2   12/29/2016 at 20:46 (2,645 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)   |   | |
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Ryne your washer is essentially the same as the Maytag MVWC415EW that I recently purchased. From what I can gleen from reading the FAQ on Maytag's site the Powerwash (the equivalent of Heavy Duty on yours) and Deep Water Wash on my washer use a little more water, don't use a spray rinse and the warm and hot water settings actually provide just that, real warm and hot water, not cold and warm instead. Consequently, I also use these two cycles primarlily, unless I'm washing a large item like a bedspread, then I use Bulky. I have only used Normal for washing a small, slightly soiled load, and it did just fine for this purpose.
Take a look at Whirlpool's website and you will find out a lot about your washer. For instance, I learned that running the Clean washer cycle monthly not only cleans theh washer, it also resets the calibration so the Auto Sense feature works properly and fill to proper and adequete levels, who knew? I too really like my washer too. Eddie |
Post# 913061 , Reply# 3   12/29/2016 at 21:11 (2,645 days old) by duke ()   |   | |
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mvwc415ew -- check it--- reviewed.com |
Post# 913064 , Reply# 4   12/29/2016 at 21:21 (2,645 days old) by ryner1988 (Indianapolis)   |   | |
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Post# 913065 , Reply# 5   12/29/2016 at 21:37 (2,645 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)   |   | |
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This is where I found the info about the Affresh Clean cycle. Select not filling as symptom, then Casual, Heavy Duty, Deep Water as the cycle being used. I would imagine that Whirlpool also has a similar website as they make Maytag. Hope this helps.
Eddie CLICK HERE TO GO TO ea56's LINK This post was last edited 12/30/2016 at 01:59 |
Post# 913066 , Reply# 6   12/29/2016 at 21:54 (2,645 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))   |   | |
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I never use the Normal/Eco cycle. The Heavy Duty does basically the same thing without dumbed down water temps. I use this with hot water and second rinse for daily loads. My clothes have never been this clean. For dirtier loads I use the Whites cycle and add extra rinses. Your mileage may vary as I am working with what is basically a commercial washer dressed up for home use. WK78 |
Post# 913081 , Reply# 8   12/30/2016 at 00:23 (2,645 days old) by Johnb300m (Chicago)   |   | |
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No. My Normal cycle in my front loader works fine.
My water bills are lower. My detergents/softeners last longer, and my clothes are cleaner and less beaten up. I'm happy with my "government issue" HE washer. If I need anything really autoclave washed, I have a 140deg SaniWash cycle. Normal doesn't need to be boiling hot. |
Post# 913108 , Reply# 12   12/30/2016 at 08:02 (2,644 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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I have been using the Normal cycle on my Electrolux 617 Washer and I'm still trying to figure it out. Altering the soil level seems to change more factors than simply wash time. For example, the HOT wash on a Normal soil level produces the little eco-leaf. The temperature of the glass to your hand is warm, like just above room temperature. However, bumping the soil level up to HEAVY or MAX and the glass is HOT to the touch and the Eco-Leaf is off. Malcolm |
Post# 913113 , Reply# 13   12/30/2016 at 08:23 (2,644 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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each machine is going to be a little finicky in its operations, and how much you can alter it.....
first of all, before even talking about a machine, and hot water, what exactly is your heater set at?....I get real hot and warm washes because mine is set at 160....and because were in the winter season, cold water temps for many areas is going to cool that temp down fast... I have an older Cabrio, direct drive.....you couldn't trick it by taking out the temperature sensor...but you could remove the restrictor on the hot side to allow more of that temp....faster fill times as well.... I have had both, direct drive, and belt drive of these machines, the direct drive gives better washing results.... 'normal' cycles are the most eco friendly....as its what most people select without thinking......frankly, I would stay away from that one... 'colors/towels' works best for everyday loads 'sheets' adds a LOT more water....but not a full tub not sure of all machines, but on this one, selecting 'fabric softener' allows for a filled deep rinse, not a spin spray.... but, you can allow the default spin spray, and add softener to the dispenser, it will dispense, and waterfall spray the load, then spin out.... |
Post# 913117 , Reply# 14   12/30/2016 at 08:32 (2,644 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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my mom and i have a ge profile dishwasher if you take the normal cycle with sani rinse on heat dry it takes 2 hours 19 minute to run the cycle add the bottle jet option raise the cycle to 2 hours 42 minutes and if you need the steam prewash the cycle lengh is 2 hours 69 minutes all of this is related to the energy star qualification.
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Post# 913118 , Reply# 15   12/30/2016 at 08:32 (2,644 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)   |   | |
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It is my default cycle when the machine is powered up. It is also my cycle of choice for my permanent press clothes, and T-shirts and under clothes. Heavy cycle for bath and kitchen towels, as well as sheets and bedding.
Rarely do I use the Whitest/White cycle, as I can modify the other cycles with extra rinse, steam, or extended spin. Though I do have a sanitize option with the three main cycles, I have only used it twice. Whitest/Whites with sanitize option is the longest cycle at about 3:30, I just don't see the benefit I will just wash the effected articles in hot wash with LCB and call it done.
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Post# 913129 , Reply# 16   12/30/2016 at 09:58 (2,644 days old) by ryner1988 (Indianapolis)   |   | |
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I often forget about the fabric softener selector, and that it fills the tub on what would otherwise be a spray rinse cycle. That's the main problem I have with the normal cycle, as I normally wash clothes in cold/cool water anyway, really only use hot for really soiled clothes or towels and bedding. However, my wife itches a lot so I need deep rinses in order to ensure all the laundry detergent is rinsed away.
What's frustrating is when I'll have the settings the way I like them, soil level, fabric softener selector on, etc, and someone else will use the washer and not tel me they switched the options. Ugh, I'm blind, that would be nice to know. That's why I tend to use cycles where it uses a deep rinse, no matter what. I may give normal a try though with fabric softener selected, if it gives a deep rinse that would be the best for my everyday loads. |
Post# 913135 , Reply# 17   12/30/2016 at 10:45 (2,644 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)   |   | |
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Post# 913138 , Reply# 18   12/30/2016 at 11:02 (2,644 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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to have a true normal cycle and true wash rinse water tempatures you would have to go with a vintage washer before 2009 and now like 1969 to 1999 and credit to members who pictures i am using as exemple i also posted exemple pictures
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Post# 913145 , Reply# 19   12/30/2016 at 11:43 (2,644 days old) by appnut (TX)   |   | |
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I would print a sign and put it on the wall near the washer which essentially says if the user changes options on a cycle to let you now so you can make modification again in the future to suit your needs. I cannot believe anyone is that thoughtless to use your machine and not realize you've put in effort to put in settings you kn9ow you want and with you being blind. |
Post# 913445 , Reply# 22   1/1/2017 at 08:22 (2,642 days old) by washman (o)   |   | |
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that the government does not know what is best. |
Post# 913469 , Reply# 24   1/1/2017 at 11:52 (2,642 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)   |   | |
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I used it twice on my 5 year old Miele 4842.
After programming it for WaterPlus, I use the Extra White, Custom (Make your own program), Handwash, and Express. I also never ever use the maximum extraction speed. I think High (1,000) is plenty. Maximum Speed (1,200) just wrinkled items too much. And only load the cylinder 3/4 full. I get very nice results plus good rinsing. |
Post# 913501 , Reply# 26   1/1/2017 at 14:52 (2,642 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)   |   | |
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Yes the WTW4815 and the MVWC415 both have deep rinses. I have never used the 2nd rinse option on my MVWC415 and the clothes are always well rinsed. BTW the longest time I have clocked for a load was 60 mins using the Powerwash cycle, heavy soil level, hot water and presoak option. Most loads take 45 to 50 mins, which in my opinion is acceptable. My LG FL used to take a min. of 80 mins and most loads took at least 90 to 120 mins., too long in my opinion.
Eddie This post was last edited 01/01/2017 at 17:45 |
Post# 913596 , Reply# 27   1/2/2017 at 09:03 (2,641 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)   |   | |
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my duet unless it's something really not that dirty. It is only 40 minutes long by default with 2 rinses. It's not that horrible of a cycle and uses just as much water if not more than the other cycles.
I usually use heavy duty and more soil and extra rinse - or whitest whites with more soil. Once in a while sanitary. but looking at some of these wash times of the more modern FL washers I have to wonder why the wash times on my Duet aren't nearly as long. For example. The longest possible time for heavy duty is 1:10. It defaults to 50 min, but by the time I chose extra rinse and more soil, it's at 1:10 - Same with whitest whites. Sanitary's max length with more soil and extra rinse is 2:30 |
Post# 913601 , Reply# 28   1/2/2017 at 09:56 (2,641 days old) by joeypete (Concord, NH)   |   | |
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I've used "Normal" a few time on my new Maytag and the load came out fine. On my washer you can select any water temp you want on that cycle but you can only use higher spin speeds. I'm not sure how it regulates the temp.... But honestly this machine has so many specialized cycles, the Normal cycle is bound to not get used, unless by a novice haha.
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Post# 1200354 , Reply# 30   2/27/2024 at 18:37 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)   |   | |
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But the normal cycle does just fine as long as I use heavy soil. At my parents' houses, this is the cycle I use for everyday loads of various soil levels. |
Post# 1200426 , Reply# 31   2/28/2024 at 12:43 by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)   |   | |
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Post# 1200444 , Reply# 32   2/28/2024 at 15:19 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)   |   | |
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I agree. Simple is better. I am so sick and tired of these touch screens. |
Post# 1201914 , Reply# 33   3/20/2024 at 17:06 by anthony (uk)   |   | |
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Post# 1201944 , Reply# 34   3/20/2024 at 23:41 by tolivac (greenville nc)   |   | |
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YES!!!!! |
Post# 1202050 , Reply# 36   3/21/2024 at 21:28 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)   |   | |
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I hate it! No deep rinse, no go! |
Post# 1202056 , Reply# 37   3/21/2024 at 21:50 by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Jerome, a deep rinse on a Normal cycle that normally runs a shower rinse can usually/possibly be had by selecting the Softener option or perhaps Extra Rinse if either or both options are offered. AquaSmart does that, and also changes to a conventional wash (although at reduced temperature) if the Bleach option is selected. |
Post# 1202073 , Reply# 38   3/22/2024 at 00:09 by chetlaham (United States)   |   | |
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Tim, I agree. I've only ever needed 4 cycles doing laundry: Normal, Casual, Handwash, and on occasion Prewash/soak. I select the temps and water level.
Permanent press (fast/slow) doesn't count as casual (slow/fast) for me, my machine doesn't have a casual cycle, so I have to improvise but other than that I can't think of why I would need more cycles or having the machine dictate fill, temps, time, cycle, ect. AWN542 could make a casual cycle with the user offered speed combo switch however after reading about timer problems (start winding not engaging) in the AWN542s I decided to get a less featured model with fewer timer increments that didn't have the same issue. Minus the lack of a slow/fast cycle in place of permanent press (which could be easily accomplished in the timer), I have not looked back nor have I ever needed any more options, features, or cycles.
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Post# 1202089 , Reply# 39   3/22/2024 at 12:10 by RyneR1988 (Indianapolis)   |   | |
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It's funny that this thread came back up.
The washer I was talking about in the original post, a basic Whirlpool top loader WTW4816FW, died in 2022 due to what I now believe was a failed mode shifter as it was stuck between drain and spin. I have since learned that issue could have been fixed relatively cheaply, but the appliance tech over the phone told me it was the gearcase and not worth repairing. Lesson learned: Always have the appliance techs come to your house to diagnose and if they won't, find another repair tech that will. After two used washers that didn't quite work out due to various issues, I now have the new version of the original machine in this post, which is the updated WTW4816FW3. I still don't use the normal cycle much, but I now understand better what it's mostly for, which is smaller loads of everyday clothes. It doesn't work very well for anything above a half load or so because the updated version of this washer seems to use a lower water level on normal than in any other cycle. I feel like full loads get bunched up in the bottom part of the tub and get thrashed by the lower agitator fins -- not much actual movement going on that I can perceive, just a lot of thrashing back and forth. So for full loads, which is what I normally do, I tend to use the heavy duty cycle on auto sense which seems to provide enough water for the clothes to move around effectively without resorting to the deep fill option. I do occasionally use the deep fill for really big loads of towels though. Also, a really big load in this machine isn't quite what, say, an old direct drive Whirlpool or Kenmore can handle. I can fill loosely to the top row of holes but one really shouldn't overload these machines at all because I don't think the gearbox can handle the strain. Overall though I'm pleased with my washer. It does everything I need with little attitude, which I appreciate, and the controls are simple knobs, great for this blind guy not wanting to over-think about workarounds for touch screen controls. I still feel the normal cycle doesn't work well except in some cases, but it really is a great basic washer. I thought about getting the new Maytag commercial PinkPower mentioned above, but it was a bit out of my price range and the machine I have now performs quite similarly to it, although admittedly without the heavy-duty components in the Maytag. Ryne |
Post# 1202094 , Reply# 40   3/22/2024 at 12:46 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)   |   | |
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I can use the normal cycle only if I can use the softener option if available, which I'd use anyway. I like normal cycles to be a fast/fast combination. |
Post# 1202101 , Reply# 41   3/22/2024 at 14:19 by chetlaham (United States)   |   | |
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Post# 1202102 , Reply# 42   3/22/2024 at 15:00 by Maytag85 (Sean A806)   |   | |
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Post# 1202103 , Reply# 43   3/22/2024 at 15:27 by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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I wonder how the governments today would react with this washer, that's 1 cold water fill only especially when set to warm or hot tell you after each 30 wash to clean washer that's suppose to use tap hot water for cleaning cycle with afresh but use only cold water?
I ca say as a consumer and owning this Maytag washer since 2021 that did this once fix it self in 2022 but doing it again makes me angry and if my mom would of known that Maytag are now made by whirlpool pretty certain if she would of listen when we purchuse or new daily driver set back in 2021 we would be today with a huebsch speed queen set tr 7 or tc 5 washer dryer set model in pic mvw 6230hw
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Post# 1202180 , Reply# 45   3/23/2024 at 20:22 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)   |   | |
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That's how the normal cycle should be. I'm sick and tired of that low speed spin after wash nonsense too. I didn't say permanent press. I said normal! And I am sick and tired of the early spray rinse too! |
Post# 1202200 , Reply# 46   3/24/2024 at 10:58 by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Since the great majority of laundry loads contain clothing, this is really appropriate, front loading washers don’t go into a full 1200 RPM spin after the wash cycle either.
This really doesn’t make a bit of difference no testing has ever revealed a problem with using a little bit slower, spin speed after the wash before rinsing. Likewise, I’ve never had a customer complain about this either. A significant laundry problem that is not talked about here often is that you really should not rinse all the detergent out of clothing unless you have perfectly soft water which most people don’t., Leaving some detergent behind, keeps the clothes softer it protects the machine from mineral buildup, and it makes the clothes get cleaner the next time they’re washed after they’ve been worn. John |
Post# 1202234 , Reply# 47   3/24/2024 at 21:51 by chetlaham (United States)   |   | |
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Post# 1202317 , Reply# 50   3/26/2024 at 18:29 by chetlaham (United States)   |   | |
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Post# 1202334 , Reply# 51   3/27/2024 at 06:30 by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Hi Chet, I think you need to find that quote. I did say I would never have a Speed Queen top loader in my personal laundry room and that’s still true but it had nothing to do with rinsing, It’s just a waste of water. I wouldn’t buy any top load washer today for my personal use period.
And I’ve never been a real anal nut about over rinsing because we have seven grains of hardness here if you rinse too much I’ve seen what it does I have customers that rinse again and again until there isn’t a single bubble left and they get this calcium buildup in the outer tub and end up ruining the seals in their washers. John |
Post# 1202383 , Reply# 53   3/28/2024 at 04:46 by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)   |   | |
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