Thread Number: 71566  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Speed Queen Experts Needed
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Post# 946976   7/7/2017 at 07:09 (2,456 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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I'm moving to an apartment building in a couple of weeks (8-plex; four up/four down). Everyone's laundry equipment is in a central hallway that leads from the front to the back of the building. In other words, everyone walks through the laundry area every time they go to the back of the building to get to the garages.

ANYWAY... I'm probably going to get the TOL electronic Speed Queen top-loader. The pass-through walkway is fairly narrow, so depth of the machine is an important consideration. Briefly considered a SQ front-loader, but have seen too many videos of them shaking/vibrating on wooden floors. Plus, the tub really isn't much bigger than the TL, no internal heater, and the narrow walkway would preclude leaving the door open so it can dry out.

Question: Can I still use the clothespin trick to defeat the lid switch? If not, is there another trick that works?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help with information!

EDIT: By the way, the other three sets on the upper floor (where I'll be) aren't too exciting. A couple of cheap GE's (HE models) and what appeared to be a BOL Amana. Downstairs sets were a bit more exciting. There was an awesome late 80's KitchenAid set in beautiful shape. Will take photos when I move in and can afford to be more nosy. I was with the landlord yesterday and didn't want to let my freak flag fly, LOL.




This post was last edited 07/07/2017 at 07:51



Post# 946987 , Reply# 1   7/7/2017 at 09:29 (2,456 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Are you saying...

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That the laundry center is in a free range area where you have access to sets belonging to other units and they yours?

AFAIK, the clothespin enhancement still applies to current models.

Malcolm


Post# 946989 , Reply# 2   7/7/2017 at 09:47 (2,456 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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well, according to this vid....yeah, it still functions for the electronic models as well......







Post# 946992 , Reply# 3   7/7/2017 at 10:02 (2,456 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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Malcolm: Yes, that is correct. The upstairs central hall running from the front to the back of the building has each apartment's furnace, water heater and laundry pair. Ditto the central hall downstairs. In fact, anyone can walk in off the street (neither front nor back entrances are locked), open the door to the central hallway and use your washer & dryer while you're away. It's a very, very small town, LOL.

By coincidence, a woman who used to live across the street from me (she sold her house about a year ago) is in the upstairs unit right across from the one I'm moving into. We're neighbors again. I asked her if anyone had walked in off the street and used someone's washer/dryer; she said no. But, yes; theoretically, someone could come in with an appliance dolly and leave with your washer & dryer.

Martin-- Thanks for posting the video! I'm debating whether to defeat the lid switch or not; there are a few kids in the building. But I really hate that the machine would stop every time I'd lift the lid to check for rollover, suds level, etc.


Post# 946995 , Reply# 4   7/7/2017 at 10:38 (2,456 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        

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Hi Eugene, I would get the SQ FL washer, since the larger tub with balance ring was added we have had NO vibration complaints with these machines.

The capacity is almost twice as large on the FL washer compared to the TLer. When comparing capacity on FL vs TL machines the same cubic foot FL will hold almost twice as much laundry as a TL washer and actually wash turn it over and get it clean.

Leaving the door open is not really necessary if you use the washer properly to prevent mold etc.,[ and I know that you know how to do laundry ] Martin will tell you about his MT Neptune's that he leaves the door closed on with no problems.

If you do not want to spend the money on a new SQ FL washer I would get a used WP built DD set, the DD washers are just all around better performing washers than the SQ TL machines.

John L.


Post# 946998 , Reply# 5   7/7/2017 at 10:59 (2,456 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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What I'd like to do is take the Maytag 8100's with me, but they're 34" deep---and that doesn't even include room for hoses. I'm pretty sure the open doors would hit (or come very close to hitting) the machines on the other side of the narrow aisle. The washer sits right next to the water heater, so getting hot water into the front-loader wouldn't be a problem. Decisions, decisions. We all know I'm a front-load fan at heart.

Anyone out there with the new SQ front-loaders have problems with vibration on a wooden floor?


Post# 947003 , Reply# 6   7/7/2017 at 11:44 (2,456 days old) by Lorainfurniture (Cleveland )        
Sq front load

I've sold about a dozen of these machines, many to upstairs laundry rooms with wood floors. No vibration complaints. In fact, people mentioned to me how little they vibrate compared to their old units

Post# 947018 , Reply# 7   7/7/2017 at 13:50 (2,455 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
SQ vibrations on the wood floor

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I have had the current SQ FL for over a year and it is upstairs in my townhome. Outside of a load that gets off balance there is no issue. I use the 1200 RPM spin on most all loads.
WK78


Post# 947056 , Reply# 8   7/7/2017 at 18:03 (2,455 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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John is correct.....I don't leave my doors open, nor the dispensers.....never have, never will......

in fact, don't have to......any machine if properly used will never have an issue....

double that, any machine I got in that DID have a mold/mildew issue.....give it a few weeks with standard laundry practices, and it will all disappear....

'clean washer' cycles, and 'washing machine cleaners'.....pure nonsense and a waste of money......in fact, my machines don't even have a 'clean washer' cycle!...proof that it was never needed!....just a gimmick....


Post# 947059 , Reply# 9   7/7/2017 at 18:35 (2,455 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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Saw my dealer today. Has the TOL SQ top-loader and the front-load pair with controls on the front on the floor. TL pair = $1700; FL pair= $3000. Much as I loves me a front-loader, that's a significant chunk of change. I could furnish the entire apartment with the difference in those prices, LOL.

Post# 947060 , Reply# 10   7/7/2017 at 18:59 (2,455 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        

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Hi Eugene, if you get the SQ FL washer with rear controls and the matching TOL dryer the pair is almost $500 less, and the rear controls are much classier looking, more reliable and easier to service.

 

John L.

 

PS you probably don't need more furniture anyway, LOL.


Post# 947080 , Reply# 11   7/7/2017 at 23:05 (2,455 days old) by mrsalvo (New Braunfels Texas)        

Having grown up in a military family and moved all over the place, I know first and of storing one's washer / dryer in common areas. We had to do the same in a large duplex complex for a year. One's equipment can get damaged easily if your neighbors are moving theirs and kids running in and out. There is NO WAY I'd pay top dollar only to have it scratched or dented (or even used!). I've seen it happen.
Eugene, in my honest humble opinion, find a good used set if you can. John L.'s advice is sound, I'd try to find a good used Whirlpool DDs set if I could.
Then when you move out and get your own place, then spend the money!!!!!! Best of luck to you.

Barry


Post# 947084 , Reply# 12   7/7/2017 at 23:52 (2,455 days old) by earthling177 (Boston, MA)        

Excuse me for asking a weird question here, but I don't want several years down the road Eugene blaming me for not asking it.

Is it possible, if you don't care too much about appearances, to just bring your Maytag set with you and stack them rotated? That is, the set is supposedly narrower (27 or 29 inches?) in width, and if you rotate it 90 degrees, the door of the machines will open in what used to be the place for the dryer, no? You might need to extend the dryer vent and maybe the drain and water hoses, I dunno.

Worth thinking about it?

Cheers,
   -- Paulo.


Post# 947103 , Reply# 13   7/8/2017 at 06:50 (2,455 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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OK, I've decided to go with the SQ top-loader pair for several reasons. It's probably crazy to spend even that much on a set that will be planted in a common area, but I was not impressed with the used machines either dealer in town had on offer. John, thank you, as always, for your insight and advice. However, in this case it makes sense for me to go with the TL pair.

The landlord (who I know casually) is recarpeting the whole place as well as giving it a complete re-paint and installing a particular American Standard toilet that I want.

There's an early '90s-looking Frigidaire electric smoothtop range that I'm replacing with a GE double oven range (model 860 in white to match the smallish year-old refrigerator already in place). Also need a new microwave, a small dining table, and a couple of other things---all to be purchased using the money I saved by not getting the front-load SQs. (For the curious: It will be noted in the lease that the range is mine and goes with me should I move.)

Paulo-- The machines cannot be stacked (cupboards above machines) nor can they be installed 'sideways' due to space being very tight. Good idea, though!

My life has changed so much over the past year or two. Dealing with change is not a strong suit for me, so it's been a bit of a wild ride, LOL.

I meet with the realtor later this morning. Three parties have made an offer on the house. Keep your fingers crossed for me, kids!




This post was last edited 07/08/2017 at 11:31
Post# 947161 , Reply# 14   7/8/2017 at 12:18 (2,455 days old) by appnut (TX)        

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No dishwasher!!!!??????  I couldn't survive!!!


Post# 947174 , Reply# 15   7/8/2017 at 13:43 (2,454 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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LOL, Bob!

I cook far less than I used to, so while there will undoubtedly be a period of adjustment, doing dishes by hand won't bother me. I will miss the 'cool appliance' aspect of having a dishwasher more than anything.


Post# 947256 , Reply# 16   7/9/2017 at 01:16 (2,454 days old) by Helicaldrive (St. Louis)        
Another option

If you get the SQ stack, then you could leave the washer door open and it would be out of the way in the spot where the dryer otherwise would be.

The lack of a heater or steam in the SQ FL really isn't an issue. If you want to make sure your warm or hot wash is indeed that, then just select a Pre-Wash. Ditto if you wish a warm rinse.


Post# 947257 , Reply# 17   7/9/2017 at 01:18 (2,454 days old) by Helicaldrive (St. Louis)        
Another option

If you get the SQ stack, then you could leave the washer door open and it would be out of the way in the spot where the dryer otherwise would be.

The lack of a heater or steam in the SQ FL really isn't an issue. If you want to make sure your warm or hot wash is indeed that, then just select a Pre-Wash. Ditto if you wish a warm rinse.


Post# 947258 , Reply# 18   7/9/2017 at 01:20 (2,454 days old) by Helicaldrive (St. Louis)        
Sorry I screwed up

And posted twice

Post# 947272 , Reply# 19   7/9/2017 at 06:54 (2,454 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Upper Cabinets....

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Prevent a stack as being an option.

I would question having the newest nicest laundry pair in the community laundry room... Probably just me. A friend that shared a duplex with a similar setup had issues with a neighbor constantly using her machines.

Is there room for a portable dishwasher, if need arises?

Malcolm



Post# 947275 , Reply# 20   7/9/2017 at 07:37 (2,454 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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Malcolm-- The wall of the kitchen with no cabinets will be home to my 6-ft work table, housing the Kitchen Aid mixer, the Keurig coffeemaker, food service-size plastic wrap and foil boxes, knife block, etc., just as in my current kitchen. I'm truly not bothered by losing the dishwasher. I've been "practicing" washing dishes manually and found that a good sponge, classic yellow rubber gloves, a glass/bottle brush, and commercial pot scrubbers are working out well.

I'm not too worried about anyone using the SQs. All eight units have a laundry pair, so no one is really looking to do laundry in someone else's machine. Remember, this is a very small town. I know nearly everyone currently in the building---some only casually; some very well. No chance in this little village for the cloak of anonymity one might have in a bigger town.


Post# 947301 , Reply# 21   7/9/2017 at 11:21 (2,454 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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you can always get a portable or counter top dishwasher.......no big deal there...

one thing I would investigate, how do the other machines in that location look, scuffed and scratched?, or good shape?.....gives you an insight to any abuse your machine might suffer from in a walkway situation....


then again, you could always install a coin-op set....the humor in someone using your set is at least you will recoup the cost....

interesting thought, is this part of a HOA, or how does one account for the electric/gas/water for these machines?


Post# 947304 , Reply# 22   7/9/2017 at 11:38 (2,454 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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I love it: Coin-op Speed Queens!

Each set of laundry hookups is tied in to the corresponding apartment's water and electricity. All hookups for dryers are electric, which surprises me, since they sit right next to your gas furnace and water heater.

Most of the machines are in good shape. A few look like they've been through several moves.


Post# 947306 , Reply# 23   7/9/2017 at 11:46 (2,454 days old) by askolover (South of Nash Vegas, TN)        
Good idea!!

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Martin, that's a fabulous idea!  I'd do that if I were in that situation. 


Post# 947322 , Reply# 24   7/9/2017 at 13:28 (2,453 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        

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No front load washer? No dishwasher? Not cooking much?

 

OK, buster, just who are you, and what did you do with the Eugene we all know and love?!?

 

LOL


Post# 947325 , Reply# 25   7/9/2017 at 13:34 (2,453 days old) by earthling177 (Boston, MA)        

Ben would probably say he warned us (and Eugene) about the pods... :-P

Eugene, my best wishes that everything goes well and you live a very happy life in the new digs!



Post# 947329 , Reply# 26   7/9/2017 at 13:49 (2,453 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        

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Some thoughts...for what they are worth... And apologies for stuff that may seem incredibly obvious.

 

If you haven't done it already, it would be worth actually measuring the space available, and measuring the washer. I personally find it too easy to guess something will or will not work...only to find when actual measurements are done that I was totally wrong.

 

Another option: would it be possible to put the washer in the apartment itself? Even paying for a hookup would likely be less than a new washer. (The dryer could still live in the hall, even if you went with a new dryer due to space. But dryers seem less important to me than washers.)

 

Like others, I have concerns about good laundry equipment in that hall. While it's a small town--and I understand just where you are coming from on that--being in the hall does expose the equipment to a lot of possible wear and tear just with things happening. Someone dropping a bag of groceries by accident, and a can of tomato paste flying and dinging a washer. Thus, I personally wouldn't be inclined to buy a TOL SQ TL.

 

In the same vein, another obvious savings would be getting a mismatched set--i.e. the cheapest dryer that will work for what you need. Why pay SQ pricing if WP will work? Since it's in a hall, who cares if there is a mismatched look? (This approach might make FL SQ more affordable!)

 

In your position, I guess I'd also consider other options. Is there a cheap, decent FL washer that might fit?

 

Sorry if all these are things you've thought about...

 

But I have to admit: I honestly wonder how happy you'll be with a SQ TL (hence the suggestions at making FL cheaper by using a cheaper dryer, or using your existing washer with a new hookup, or even getting a cheap new FL washer). You are clearly a FL fan, and I can remember at 2 TL machines that I can remember you having as secondary washers. As I recall, you liked playing with them...but that was about it.

 


Post# 947337 , Reply# 27   7/9/2017 at 14:11 (2,453 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        
Dishwashers

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I'll echo what was said about portable and counter top dishwashers earlier.When I moved into this place, a huge minus (for me) was no dishwasher...and I planned to rectify that ASAP. Unfortunately, it never happened--I couldn't find a cheap portable in my area, among some other issues. But the kitchen space was limited--about what an apartment has, or less--and my plan was just to dump the dishwasher permanently by the sink. I'd have probably blocked part of the cabinetry (which could have been used for dead storage), and had a decent path left to the sink (for getting water, or washing that handful of stuff that is never DW safe, like good knives).


Today, I might consider exploring the option of a countertop DW. I actually think (as I write this...not necessarily what I'll think in a year, a month, or even tomorrow LOL) that a countertop DW might be a good choice for me. Small, but big enough for a single person. It wouldn't take as long to fill with dirty dishes. It might mean having to have fewer dishes.

 

For the moment, I get by with hand washing. I hate washing dishes, and it's probably one factor of why I lack enthusiasm for cooking these days. A DW will be on my list of things I want for my next place...but, at the same time, I guess I have to admit that to a degree it's negotiable. That is, other factors might easily cancel out the drudgery of hand washing dishes.


Post# 947339 , Reply# 28   7/9/2017 at 14:27 (2,453 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        
Off topic ramble...

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Is it possible, if you don't care too much about appearances, to just bring your Maytag set with you and stack them rotated? That is, the set is supposedly narrower (27 or 29 inches?) in width, and if you rotate it 90 degrees

 

Rotation can be helpful, and it was the trick my parents did in part with the house where we lived in the 70s/80s. The laundry area was not wide enough for both the washer and dryer. (I still remember moving day. I was about 5 or 6 at the time. My mother took one look at the washer and dryer sitting there, obviously too big to squeeze in, and used a word beginning with "d" that she would not have appreciated coming off my lips. LOL)

 

But the problem was solved by rotating the washer 90 degrees. The washer was probably a bit less convenient to use--one had to stretch a bit to close the lid, and the dryer had to be moved on the rare occasions full access was needed for repairs on the washer. But we got by fine for the 15+ years we lived there.


Post# 947343 , Reply# 29   7/9/2017 at 15:28 (2,453 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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could that be an option.....a portable set in your APT?....

I would go with the Avanti/Midea/MagicChef....and at least 1.7 or larger....this would fit in the kitchen or bath for use....

hoping there is a camera setup in that complex....just in case something happens, damage to machines, clothing/detergent theft....

just the thought of this hallway setup seems odd to me, and maybe others...running up and down switching out load after load.....

I don't know, I would think a regular coin op laundry setup would be somewhat better, at least you could do several loads at one time....

but if your content with this arrangement, who are we to argue....

if you get time, could you post a few pics of this setup...this is not something you see everyday...


Post# 947345 , Reply# 30   7/9/2017 at 15:38 (2,453 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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Honestly, as I mentioned upthread, washing dishes is not a problem for me. I plan to abandon the dishwasher for the next few weeks so manual dishwashing won't be one of the many adjustments I'll have to make when moving to the apartment. The most important thing I've realized is that dishwashing must be built in to the time allotted for a meal. I'm used to tossing the dirties into dishwasher and walking away. The time adjustment isn't really a problem, either; I just have to remember to add 10-25 minutes to the meal's time frame depending on the number of dishes and cookware involved in preparing the meal.

I did a bit of research online and found the Polder dish rack shown below gets many raves for capacity and flexibility. The extra pull-out drain rack can be used for cookware, or as shown, glasses, etc.

In all honesty, the most challenging adjustment involves radical changes in shopping for groceries. I have had two refrigerators and a large, dedicated freezer for the past 30 years. In a few weeks, I'll have only a smallish refrigerator. No more buying huge bags and boxes of frozen food at Sam's Club. The eight pound bag of ice I keep for iced tea via the Keurig will have to go, as well. It alone will take a substantial amount of the freezer space. No more buying several roasts or a dozen 1-lb. rolls of ground beef when they're on a super-sale.

I'm also fond of making casseroles, batches of chili, vegetable soup, sloppy joe meat, taco meat and meatloaf, then portioning all of it into Hefty blue-lidded plastic containers. The freezer in the second fridge usually has 30-40 of these containers. Pull one out, heat it in the microwave and you have an instant meal. That practice will have to be severely curtailed.

As for switching to a SQ top-loader as the daily driver, I look upon it as my way of having a 'vintage' washer. I liked the AWN542. It performed well. But as long as a front-loader was in the laundry room, I would naturally gravitate toward it. With no front-loader to tempt me, I'll adjust to using a top-loader. It's all good, LOL.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Frigilux's LINK




This post was last edited 07/09/2017 at 16:10
Post# 947354 , Reply# 31   7/9/2017 at 16:26 (2,453 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        
But.....

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What happens to me?




Post# 947356 , Reply# 32   7/9/2017 at 16:30 (2,453 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
Fridge/Freezer space

Even though I don't know the exact layout of your new location I'd bet you could fit a small freezer somewhere (under a table, or even on top of the main fridge). Not having enough freezer storage space has always been kind of an issue with our household back home, and being abled to batch-cook certain foods saves hours.

Living without a DW is something that I personally hate, but as long as you are alone, it usually works out perfectly fine.
However, in the few student communes that I've been in that had no DW, there usually was chaos. Same goes with bussy familys. Such arrangements just produce to much dirty dishware over a to spread out timeframe to make everybody washing their own dishes or collecting a days worth of dishes in the sink feasable.


Fun story: My brother moved into a flat with some of his student buddies about a year ago. First they wanted to go without a DW due to space concerns.
Before they even properly oved in, they changed their mind.


Post# 947358 , Reply# 33   7/9/2017 at 16:37 (2,453 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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Louis--- This is the toughest thing about the move. I've tried to find a new home for Missy, but no one wants a 14-year old cat with claws. I am waiting on a call from a no-kill shelter about an hour from here. They'll contact me when a spot opens up. It's a great shelter; the animals are lavished with attention and love by the staff. Hopefully they'll find a foster home or someone who wants to adopt her.

Post# 947359 , Reply# 34   7/9/2017 at 16:40 (2,453 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

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Yes, I thought about your cat while reading this thread. I'm sorry she can't come with you. I hope you find a nice new home for her. No neighbours or friends who want her?

Post# 947361 , Reply# 35   7/9/2017 at 16:44 (2,453 days old) by logixx (Germany)        

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Pretty much my reaction to everything Eugene has written in this thread so far:

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Post# 947362 , Reply# 36   7/9/2017 at 16:47 (2,453 days old) by logixx (Germany)        

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The Maytag set, the dishwasher... and now the cat has to go as well?!

Where are you moving to? Hell?


Post# 947364 , Reply# 37   7/9/2017 at 16:55 (2,453 days old) by appnut (TX)        

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Luigi, I was thinking the exact thing, probably about the exact time while I was taking a shower.  And I was going to ask the same question. 


Post# 947367 , Reply# 38   7/9/2017 at 17:13 (2,453 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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Two health issues are making it increasingly difficult for me to care for house, yard and garden. I decided to downsize and get out from under the responsibilities of home ownership. As I mentioned upthread, it's been a year of upheaval and change. While I'm coming to grips with a return to apartment life, it really isn't so bad. There are upsides to the move and I'm staying focused on them. Losing a dishwasher is the least of my worries, LOL.

Post# 947368 , Reply# 39   7/9/2017 at 17:19 (2,453 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

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I'm dealing with health issues too, so I understand what situation you are in. I hope it all turns out well.

Post# 947370 , Reply# 40   7/9/2017 at 17:58 (2,453 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        
Eugene,

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I've followed this thread and shared many of the thoughts of others on your plans, but I felt like its your life and your decision, so I kept quiet. I'm glad I did now. I'm really sorry to hear you are having some issues with your health and hope that its not too serious.

I do like Martin's idea of portables, but I suspect you've weighed the pros and cons of this idea and decided against it. I lived in apartments for many years and I owned a Maytag A50 twin tub and a Whirlpool portable dryer and that setup worked great for me.

As far a washing dishes by hand, its really not that bad. But it does use more hot water and when we did this for almost a year our power bill went up. But a portable dishwasher in an apt. sized kitchen can really get in the way.

Once you get used to the smaller fridge you'll find other ways to adjust you economizing in other ways than bulk purchases of food that needs to be frozen. I myself prefer a smaller, no frills fridge, but thats me.

I wish you the best in your transition to apt.living. It will certainly be less work. When you own your own home there is always something that needs attention, either to clean, repair, replace or maintain.

Sounds like you are in touch with what is best for you right now in your life. Keep taking good care of yourself and enjoy your new SQ TL.
Eddie


Post# 947371 , Reply# 41   7/9/2017 at 18:04 (2,453 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        

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I, too, hope it turns out well!


Post# 947419 , Reply# 42   7/10/2017 at 03:03 (2,453 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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Thanks, everyone, for your comments, anecdotes, advice and support!

I'm happy to report that after a whopping four days on the market, I have accepted an offer on the house and the sale looks solid. The guy is paying cash, so there will be a quick close and no contingencies involving the sale of the buyer's house or, obviously, loan acceptance. Nothing is absolute 'til the closing paperwork is signed, but this is as close as it gets to a bulletproof sale. This comes as a great relief, as paying a mortgage and rent as well as utilities for both places was going to be very rough.

Laundry area in apt. building: Although I'll have to go out of the apartment to get to the washer/dryer, the central hallway is only a few steps from my door. The machines will actually be closer to me than they are from the kitchen, bathroom or bedrooms of my house.


Post# 947425 , Reply# 43   7/10/2017 at 04:44 (2,453 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Weather Conditions?

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Will your machines be subject to freezing winter conditions?
I would think not, since others have been out there for some time...

Malcolm


Post# 947427 , Reply# 44   7/10/2017 at 05:21 (2,453 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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No freezing conditions. Everything is contained within the building. A small vent on the ductwork of each furnace keeps the central hallway heated in the winter and cooled during the summer.

The front (west side; facing the street) and back (east side; facing garages) have identical entries. You enter to a small landing, then either go up or down a few stairs. My apt. is one of the upstairs units. At the top of the stairs is another small landing. To the left and right are the two apartments on that end of the building. Mine is to the left. In between them is a door which opens to what I keep referring to as the central hallway (which has each of the 4 upstairs apartments' furnace, water heater and washer/dryer lined up along the sides. You walk directly through that hallway, go down a few stairs, out the building and across a small parking area to the garages.

When you enter from the back of the building, it looks identical to the the set-up at the front of the building; a landing with stairs going up or down to access the apartments that face the east and a door to the central hallway. There is a central hallway upstairs and one directly below it downstairs.

The only reason I got to see the downstairs central hallway last week is because that is where the hookups for Culligan water softeners are located for all eight apartments in the building. If you choose to purchase the service, Culligan changes out the water softener tank once a month. I plan to use the service. I am not a fan of the town's hard water. Only one other tenant had a softener.

I'm probably making it seem more complicated than it is. Photos coming in early August!


Post# 947430 , Reply# 45   7/10/2017 at 05:31 (2,453 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

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Is there an elevator?

Post# 947431 , Reply# 46   7/10/2017 at 05:33 (2,453 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Louis-- No elevator. If your next question is how they get around wheelchair access laws, the answer is I have no idea.

Another oddity: The building doesn't have it's own address, with each apartment then called A, B, C, D, etc. Each of the eight apartments within the building has a unique address: 1501 6th Street; 1503 6th Street, etc. I have no idea how UPS/FedEx will know where to deliver packages, since there are no numbers listed on the outside of the building. I have everything shipped to my office, so it's no problem...until I retire, anyway.


Post# 947435 , Reply# 47   7/10/2017 at 07:07 (2,453 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        

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One thought about having no dishwasher as plus occurred to me. No dishwasher means one less thing to leak water, or possibly burst into flames! (Eugene, I seem to recall you having both issues with past dishwashers, although I think the flames was just smoke...) Plus hand wash detergent is cheaper than dishwasher detergent. I also have to think that while I whine comment about hating washing dishes, it might not be that bad for the single person. A lot of my bias right now comes from a bad kitchen setup. But there was the comment about washing up while cooking, and that probably isn't that bad since it's only a few minutes here and there. (And can be done when one needs to be in the kitchen between steps in a recipe, but not actively doing something to whatever is cooking.) The real pain would be with entertaining...but that is obviously hinges on the frequency (once a week is worse than once a year), and scale of event (tea party is probably easier than 14 course formal dinner).

 

I also don't see having laundry equipment in the hall being that huge a problem under the circumstances. It's less convenient than being in the unit, but it's a lot more convenient than a lot of solutions that I can name. And I think it's a huge plus just having your own equipment. I hated using a coin operated laundry for any number of reasons, but one factor that always got me is that who knows what the washer last washed? For all I know, it might have been dirty diapers, using cold water and the cheapest detergent at half dose. With your own washer, you know what was last washed. (Well, in this case, I suppose there is the risk of someone "borrowing"...but that seems unlikely given the circumstances.)

 

As for mailing addresses, one assumes the people regularly servicing the area probably know the quirks.

 

As for elevators, I don't know what laws exist on the books for the Minnesota Prairie, but even if elevators are technically called for with modern code, there could also be some situation with grandfathered construction, or some other loophole (e.g., small buildings--like this--exempt, or some such thing). Of course, maybe some night you'll be watching the 11 o'clock news, and watch the owners of the apartment herded off in handcuffs because they broke a law requiring elevators... LOL




This post was last edited 07/10/2017 at 07:22
Post# 947445 , Reply# 48   7/10/2017 at 08:45 (2,453 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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Lord Kenmore-- Good memory! Yes, there was 'Smokey The Maytag' and 'The LG That Ruined My Kitchen Subflooring.'

Entertaining: My house used be a revolving door of guests for dinners, parties, etc. Now, my life is far quieter. I rarely entertain. When I get together with friends, we just go to a restaurant. I've also stopped bringing Monday treats to the break room, much to the disappointment of everyone at work. Oh, well...I did it every week for nine years; someone else is welcome to take it on if they want to. I'm certainly not the only one with a functional range, LOL.

Access Laws: I'm guessing that due to the small scale of the building and when it was built (my guess is 1970) it has been, as you mentioned, grandfathered in.


Post# 947447 , Reply# 49   7/10/2017 at 09:13 (2,453 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Perhaps the elevator was planned but never built.

I'm going to look at an apartment too on thursday. Keep your fingers crossed for me.


Post# 947448 , Reply# 50   7/10/2017 at 09:16 (2,453 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        

I would invest in Washer and Dryer covers in a common laundry.
Mike


CLICK HERE TO GO TO mtn1584's LINK


Post# 947453 , Reply# 51   7/10/2017 at 10:02 (2,453 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        
I rarely entertain.

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In my case, rarely is actually never. Part of it is a limited guest base of people who might come. Imagine this scenario:

 

"We got an invitation for dinner Thursday!"

"Great! We must go! Free dinner!"

"But it's from Lord Kenmore!"

"Lord Kenmore? Oh, no! I'd rather have a Banquet TV dinner! Or even go out to that greasy spoon where I got indigestion that lasted two months than put up with that twit!"

 

Past guest list, I don't have the best setup for entertaining.

 

I'm not even sure I have any real interest in entertaining these days. At one time, I'd have been interested in elegant candlelight suppers, but that time seems to have passed.

 


Post# 947466 , Reply# 52   7/10/2017 at 11:24 (2,453 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Mike-- Never thought about that; covers might be a good idea. Thanks for the link, too.

Lord Kenmore-- I had a full-time buffet set up in my dining room until about 3 years ago. Chafers, table-skirting---the whole nine yards. Over the years, friends moved, married and got busy with kids, became estranged or died. Now my circle is far smaller and we just go out to eat. As much as I enjoyed cooking and entertaining all those years I have to admit that I don't miss it. I made two dozen of my Damn Good Cinnamon Rolls for a bake sale a couple of weeks ago and it felt like I'd been in the kitchen all day. A few years ago making two batches of cinnamon rolls would barely register on my food prep radar, LOL.

Good luck in your quest to find an apartment, Louis! Keep us posted as to how things turn out.


Post# 947467 , Reply# 53   7/10/2017 at 11:51 (2,453 days old) by mrboilwash (Munich,Germany)        

mrboilwash's profile picture
There`s actually people out there who think a cat shouldn`d have claws ?
How sick is that ???

Loosing your cat due to a necessary move must be so much harder than not having a dishwasher anymore or not being able to watch the washer because someone might watch you doing so.

My best wishes to find Missy a good new home !


Post# 947504 , Reply# 54   7/10/2017 at 16:41 (2,452 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
I am not looking forward to taking Missy to the no-kill shelter, even though it's very well run. The cats even have a big sunroom to bask in. It's going to be a rough day when I get the call to bring her there. Fortunately, she has a great disposition, is very loving, and will get along well with other cats--after the initial hissy fits, of course.

WASHER WATCHING: I am definitely going to watch my new washing machine--especially to see the Eco spray rinse procedure--and the spin-drain, as well. Otherwise, I've already had a Speed Queen and know what they do. I won't stand in front of it for the entire cycle, but I'll definitely be watching it. Having said that, I'll probably have to enforce a 'hands-off' policy toward the other tenants' machines, LOL. A couple of the machines on my floor are new enough to have locking lids, anyway.


Post# 948309 , Reply# 55   7/15/2017 at 11:02 (2,448 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)        
At first

mark_wpduet's profile picture
as I'm reading through - I'm thinking, "why are you investing in a W/D if it's in a common area that everyone in the apartment shares?" But, am I clear that I understand this correctly: Each apartment dweller has their OWN W/D, but it's in an area that anyone could walk in and use....but as long as they don't, YOU are the only one who uses it?

Sorry you won't have a dishwasher - I know what you mean by missing the cool appliance aspect.

Good Luck :)


Post# 948324 , Reply# 56   7/15/2017 at 13:02 (2,447 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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Mark-- Correct; each apartment tenant brings their own washer and dryer. Laundry equipment is not provided by the landlord. I'm purchasing a Speed Queen top-load pair to put in the common-area hallway next to my apartment's furnace and water heater. It's only a few steps from my door to the washer. In fact, if I sawed a big hole in the south wall of the kitchen, I'd be looking at the back of the SQs.

I'm also choosing to purchase an electric GE double-oven 30" range (in white, to match the exhaust hood and refrigerator) for the kitchen. I rarely need more than four burners, but I use two ovens frequently. It will be noted in the lease that the range is mine and goes with me if I move at some point in the future. Having said that, I'm quite certain I'll be in the apartment for the rest of my life.

The landlord is replacing all the carpet, painting the whole place, and putting vinyl flooring in the kitchen (rather than carpet, which is what's there now). He's also installing a particular toilet that I want (same as the one in my house). He knows I'll be a long-term tenant who will take good care of the place.

Dishwasher: Once I'm settled in, I'll decide if there's space for a portable dishwasher in the kitchen. I've already done some homework and the Whirlpool portable gets high marks for cleaning and is relatively quiet. GE also makes a portable, but the reviews on it are consistently terrible. Doesn't clean well, is loud, and has towers in the center of each rack, which I don't care for. Too bad, because the range, exhaust hood, microwave and SQs are being purchased from the same dealer. Adding a dishwasher to the package would increase my discount. We'll see; it all depends on how I want to use the kitchen space.

Cat: Received the call from the no-kill shelter. I took Missy there Thursday after work. She buddied right up to the two volunteers handling her surrender, so I think she'll be fine. She is super-friendly and adapts quickly to change. It is very quiet at home. She loved to follow me around and cat-chat about her day.


Post# 948332 , Reply# 57   7/15/2017 at 14:37 (2,447 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        

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Sorry to hear about Missy...but at least I'm glad she went someplace where she should be OK.

 

Waiting to make a decision on the dishwasher is probably a good move. Of course, you know all of us here are pushing just because we feel there is no such thing as too many appliances! LOL

 

As I said before, the work area of my kitchen is pretty limited, but I could have a portable left in place by the sink and still have a good path to get at the sink. It wouldn't be the nicest look--not that my kitchen in the least bit nice to begin with--but it would work.

 

And making sure your new range is protected in the lease paperwork is a good idea. You may think you'll be there for good, but it's not a bad idea being prepared for a possibility of moving one day.


Post# 948343 , Reply# 58   7/15/2017 at 15:07 (2,447 days old) by earthling177 (Boston, MA)        

Another thought when it comes to portable dishwashers -- they are so expensive that it's often cheaper and in any case more satisfying to get a regular high-end dishwasher you like and make your own portable machine.

IKEA, for example, used to sell a cabinet just for that, you'd convert any regular dishwasher to portable by attaching it to the cabinet with rollers and adding an electrical cord and the hoses you could get from an appliance parts store.

(I see a copy of the Unicouple for about 20 bucks at RV & AutoParts, 40 bucks from PartsDr, an arm and a leg from Sears [Whirlpool], etc.)

I'm told the thing to check for is that the cabinet has some heft to it and/or a counterweight in the back, because most dishwashers are too light to compensate for the load when the racks are pulled out and real portable dishwashers often extend a third leg or something out when the door is opened to balance everything.

Good luck!


Post# 948351 , Reply# 59   7/15/2017 at 15:47 (2,447 days old) by logixx (Germany)        

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The concept of a shared laundry room is quite common in Germany. Just last week, I was looking around an apartment building with 31 units. In the basement, there was a large-ish room where everyone had their washer (some with dryers stacked on top). And yes, I've heard stories on the German forum where people wanted to do laundry, only to find their washer (or detergent) being used by someone else. I'm currently sharing a (basement) laundry room with my landlord's w/d set. That's okay - but I still dream of having the w/d in my own space.

Some examples of (clean) basement laundry rooms.


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Post# 948411 , Reply# 60   7/16/2017 at 02:01 (2,447 days old) by earthling177 (Boston, MA)        

Alex:

Those are two neat rooms, I'll say. Pictures I've seen of other shared laundries are often much less neat -- I'm not referring to the how messy and/or clean the rooms are, it just looks like those two look like they were designed from the start to accommodate the users, instead of "oops, another tenant wants to use the common laundry, quick, add another hookup by Tuesday morning..."

In any case, not having used shared rooms like that before (without coin op, for example), I'm told that many shared laundry rooms in Europe have a way for the tenant to shut off the water and electricity from their apartments, or perhaps some other locked box in the laundry room itself. Is that true or even common, or do people have to deal with nasty folks abusing their equipment/supplies every once in a while?

Cheers,
   -- Paulo.

PS: I think I have not used Weißer Riese since the late 70's and I don't think it even had enzymes back then. Has it gotten better? At that point in time my German neighbors would prefer to import OMO and Persil, I think we had one neighbor that every once in a while would get Skip. The box certainly looks very attractive, do they still do the ads with say, a helicopter pulling a giant sheet from a swimming pool, like they did back then?

I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound "judgy", it's just that I'm thinking of a time when I was a kid and almost everybody I knew had kids too, because those were the people I was interacting with, and kids do make a mess and generate soiled/stained clothing -- I suppose for people with no children whose clothes are mostly clean would have no trouble with Weißer Riese, and the smell back then was certainly nice.


Post# 948453 , Reply# 61   7/16/2017 at 12:09 (2,447 days old) by logixx (Germany)        
Paulo

logixx's profile picture
I haven't been to too many shared laundry rooms, but the ones I've seen had at least on lock before them to stop everyone using the washer and dryer - the front door of the house. Some (at least one I have seen) have the laundry room door locked as well. This particular one also had locks one wall socket (probably installed by the tenant) so no one could use his electricity. Of course, using an extension cord, one could still have used his set.

The best advice I've read so far was to put a bike lock around the washer's door hinge to prevent it from being shut.

Weißer Riese is an okay detergent. Not as good as Persil, but the current Megaperls formula has six enzymes. Don't know the current ad for it. Ariel now has helicopters pulling giant sheets out of giant washers.


Post# 948586 , Reply# 62   7/17/2017 at 10:52 (2,446 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Speed Queen front-loaders: I read in a FAQ at the SQ site that they dispense bleach at the beginning of the wash cycle rather than during the 1st rinse, as do most other front-loaders. Can anyone confirm this?

Post# 948591 , Reply# 63   7/17/2017 at 11:30 (2,446 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
I can confirm

mrb627's profile picture
That the last generation of SQ FL machines dispenses at the start of the main wash. Otherwise, add bleach to the dispenser after the wash fill to get bleach in the first rinse.

Malcolm


Post# 948616 , Reply# 64   7/17/2017 at 14:08 (2,445 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Thanks, Malcolm. I'm ready to pull the trigger on appliance purchases and the front-load SQ's are suddenly back in play....if I can afford it. The closer I get to placing the order, the more I don't know that I want a top-loader as my daily driver. Or...I can get the top-loader now, live with it for a year and save up for the front-load washer. As John L. pointed out, the TOL dryer (rear control) matches perfectly with the rear control front-loader---meaning I could swap out the washer at a later date.

We'll see what happens in a few hours.




This post was last edited 07/17/2017 at 14:31
Post# 948677 , Reply# 65   7/17/2017 at 20:35 (2,445 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        

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TOL dryer (rear control) matches perfectly with the rear control front-loader---meaning I could swap out the washer at a later date.

 

Perhaps it's best to not even worry about mismatched appliances given the setup you'll be living with. With mismatched appliances, one can potentially get exactly what one needs at the lowest possible price.


Post# 948703 , Reply# 66   7/17/2017 at 22:51 (2,445 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)        
I'm a clean and organization freak

mark_wpduet's profile picture
but mismatched washer and dryer would so NOT bother me. I mean, it's nice to have a matching set.....but I could get past it as long as they are both the same color.

Post# 948731 , Reply# 67   7/18/2017 at 04:34 (2,445 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
The orders have been placed. I have until 10:00 this morning to swap out the top-loader for the front-loading SQ (rear control).

1. Washer: Speed Queen AWNE92SP113TWO1
2. Washer controls
3. Dryer: Speed Queen ADEE9RGS173TWO1
4. Dryer controls
5. Range: GE JB860DJWW
6. Dishwasher: Whirlpool WDP370PAHW
7. Dishwasher interior
8. Microwave: GE JES205DNWW
9. Exhaust Hood: GE JVX5300DJWW


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Post# 948732 , Reply# 68   7/18/2017 at 04:42 (2,445 days old) by brucelucenta ()        

Nice looking appliances. The washer and dryer look like perfect matches to me. The dishwasher looks much like the one I have inside and it is a really good one. The range looks a a nice one too. The smooth top is wonderful for being quick to heat and cool and a breeze to clean up, even when something boils over. I use comet on mine and a razorblades, if something burns on. The only thing that hurts them is to boil over sugar, it pits the glass. The only thing I would change is to get a microwave vent a hood, it saves space in the kitchen and is quite functional too.

Post# 948735 , Reply# 69   7/18/2017 at 04:51 (2,445 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

Congratulations Eugene.  Glad you're going for the whole enchilada!!


Post# 948748 , Reply# 70   7/18/2017 at 08:32 (2,445 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Thanks, guys!

I'm looking forward to trying a GE range. I never need more than four burners, but I use two ovens frequently. I prefer my current Frigidaire's two same-sized ovens, but the local dealer dropped Frigidaire and Samsung, so that's not an option. I don't want to bring the one from the house because I have a white kitchen now. I won't miss the upkeep of stainless steel.

Bruce-- Glad you like your Whirlpool dishwasher. I had a Whirlpool portable for about a year back in 1987 or '88. It cleaned very well and I liked having the silverware basket in the door. Didn't like the tower in the center of the bottom rack. This one is very basic, but all I need are heavy, normal and light cycles. I love bells and whistles, but this unit looks like it will get the job done. I thought about an over-the-range microwave, but felt it cramped the vertical space above the pans on the burners. The microwave is going to sit on a rectangular work table along the south kitchen wall; the dishwasher will be parked next to that.

Bob-- You, mister "No dishwasher?! I couldn't survive!" get to shoulder some responsibility for the decision to shoehorn a portable dishwasher into the space where a normal person would put a small dining table, LOL. I was fine with having no dishwasher 'til I read your post a few times. Then I started thinking, "You know...he's right." The novelty of dishwashing wore off quickly. The issue wasn't so much the actual task of doing the dishes; I missed having somewhere to stash the dirty ones! I hate having dishes piled up in the sink, then facing them later; but washing up every single time I made lunch wasn't always feasible, either.

See? I confessed upthread that I don't deal with change well. I have, however, made a firm decision to go with the top-load washer. That---and downsizing to about one-third the square footage I'm accustomed to---is my concession to change, LOL.





This post was last edited 07/18/2017 at 12:30
Post# 948753 , Reply# 71   7/18/2017 at 09:36 (2,445 days old) by Rolls_rapide (.)        
"Novelty of washing dishes by hand wore off quickly"

Have a look at this Youtube video.

Go to 6:36...

I think the actress is Ann Beach, who was the nosey neighbour in ITV comedy "Fresh Fields", which starred Julia McKenzie and Anton Rodgers.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Rolls_rapide's LINK


Post# 948755 , Reply# 72   7/18/2017 at 09:47 (2,445 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
Congratulations Eugene! You will love that Whirlpool dishwasher I have the same model, but only as a built in and it is great. I only use the 1 hour cycle with the heated dry and it takes a total of 80 mins. flat to complete a load, 60 min to wash and 20 to dry, instead of the 2 1/2 hrs the last GE took, and that was without a heated dry.

Enjoy all your new toys!
Eddie


Post# 948778 , Reply# 73   7/18/2017 at 12:38 (2,445 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Congratulations on the new appliances. Glad you're getting a dishwasher, freedom from unnecessary drudgery!

Post# 948789 , Reply# 74   7/18/2017 at 13:54 (2,444 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        

lordkenmore's profile picture

Hope you are happy with your appliances!

 

I think I'd have been tempted to move the house's stove, even if the colors didn't match. But then matching appliances is not a huge thing on my list. Like I indicated above, I don't care that much about matching brands/market position in the laundry room. I don't care that much about matching colors in the kitchen, at least as long as things don't look too horrible. Part of this, I guess, may be that most of the kitchens I've used have been mismatched, and so I've gotten used to it.

 

shoehorn a portable dishwasher into the space where a normal person would put a small dining table

 

That probably depends on the "normal person." I bet there are a lot of people in the "real world" who would vote for a dishwasher above a table.

 

Although, of course, this wouldn't be everyone. My grandmother would have been horrified with not having a kitchen table. She was solidly small town America, and she'd have been happy if she never used her good dining table for anything but show. I recall my mother commenting that she came to visit us once, and asked why we'd never gotten a nice kitchen table.

 

The novelty of dishwashing wore off quickly. The issue wasn't so much the actual task of doing the dishes; I missed having somewhere to stash the dirty ones! I hate having dishes piled up in the sink, then facing them later; but washing up every single time I made lunch wasn't always feasible, either.

 

Well, if stashing the dishes was the only concern, you could have probably found a way of doing that without spending $500! LOL I've heard all sorts of creative solutions involving piling in the oven (hint: remove the dishes before firing the oven up to bake a frozen pizza. LOL). Or one could have a dirty dish cabinet where the dishes get piled up. Hopefully the bugs feasting on the dried residue on plates won't wander to the clean dish cabinet. LOL

 

I think there is a lot to be said for having a dishwasher just to eliminate the drudgery of dishes. Although, as I think I commented before, I hate washing dishes...so that probably colors my view.

 

 


Post# 948790 , Reply# 75   7/18/2017 at 13:55 (2,444 days old) by earthling177 (Boston, MA)        

Yay! Congratulations Eugene, and I hope you enjoy them in good health!



Post# 948803 , Reply# 76   7/18/2017 at 15:09 (2,444 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
Nice Appliances Eugene:

whirlykenmore78's profile picture
I noticed your TL washer has mostly the same touchpad as my FL.
WK78


Post# 948850 , Reply# 77   7/18/2017 at 20:17 (2,444 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

Yay Eugene.  You can add a 2nd & 3rd rinse (which are normal rinses) to the Normal Eco cycle.  So you/d get an energy efficient rinse and then deep rinses, from what I understand. 


Post# 948862 , Reply# 78   7/18/2017 at 21:33 (2,444 days old) by mrsalvo (New Braunfels Texas)        

Hey Eugene,
Just wanted to wish you the very best in your adjustment. As I've gotten older I've realized the want / need to size down a lot, I'm not caring to keep up with so much. The saying LESS IS MORE is holding so true these days.

Really like your choice of new appliances, esp. the range. Sure hope you will let us know how you well you like everything. I'll be checking in for sure. Be sure to get a cover for the washer/dryer, hopefully that will help keep any scratches from happening when you are not using them. I don't think you'll be disappointed in the Speed Queen. I love how fast I can wash a ton of clothes, and feel good they are rinsed well. In my situation I am good with hand washing dishes, as I previously mentioned sometime back, like that I can get them done and put away fairly quickly so for me a dishwasher is not a make or break. The Whirlpool looks to be a good choice in loading.
Hope your health improves and all.

Again, very nice choices.

Barry


Post# 948893 , Reply# 79   7/19/2017 at 00:10 (2,444 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Thanks for your good wishes, guys; I really appreciate them. So much has happened in the past couple of weeks! It's always exciting to get new appliances. I'll be able settle in and relax a bit once the whole process of moving (discarding; packing; transporting; unpacking; figuring out what goes where in the new place). Fortunately, I'll be able to take nearly a week off work (except for a couple of gigs) during the move.

Rolls rapide: Great video! Thanks for sharing it.

Lord Kenmore: OK, it was 80% dish-stashing problem; 20% rather not do dishes by hand, LOL. I actually did think about alternative places to stash dirties 'ti they could be washed, but they all had deal-breaking drawbacks. A friend of mine has an odd habit: She puts dishes in the dishwasher throughout the day, then sometimes pulls them out and washes them by hand rather than using the machine. Upon asking the obvious question, she replied, "It takes just a few minutes to wash them by hand and put everything away. I don't have to wait 3 hours."

Barry: We are the same age and the urge to downsize/simplify has become very strong for me, as well. Another factor involves the house. It's still in great, sellable condition. Had I waited 5-7 years, it would have been worth less and been closer to needing a new driveway, windows, siding and major work on a retaining wall. The new buyer is a very wealthy local investor; he has the money to take care of such things. Health issues have made it increasingly difficult to keep up the house, yard and garden. The house is multi-level and you can't go anywhere inside it without dealing with stairs. A person reaches the age where that gets tedious, too.




This post was last edited 07/19/2017 at 04:57
Post# 948904 , Reply# 80   7/19/2017 at 02:18 (2,444 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)        
Eugene!!!

mark_wpduet's profile picture
That must have all cost a fortune.....but I'm so glad you are NOT going without a dishwasher....They are almost essential after you've lived with one.
I remember back in summer 2014 when I got my Maytag. My WP had died. I was without a dishwasher for like a week and a half. I'm so spoiled with a dishwasher I was miserable without one.

That range reminds me a lot of my Whirlpool range that was new in 2004, aside from the double oven and extra burner.

I love the SQ's too.....I love that they are very durable and they do spin drains.


Post# 949562 , Reply# 81   7/23/2017 at 04:33 (2,440 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
ONE LAST QUESTION FOR THOSE IN-THE-KNOW: I plan to use a soak period to boost cleaning on loads of very heavily stained kitchen whites. The machine has a soak cycle, but it spins that water out before proceeding to the selected full cycle. I'd rather not use the extra 20+ gallons of water. Had planned to select the Whites cycle, let it agitate for 2 minutes, press Pause to allow a 30-45 minute soak, then add chlorine bleach and allow the machine to complete the cycle.

However, the use and care guide states in no uncertain terms that manual soaking (pressing the pause button or opening the lid) should not be done. It advises to only use the Soak cycle.

Anyone know why manual soaking is verboten? Does the machine automatically spin drain and cancel the cycle after certain amount of idle/Pause time?


Post# 949564 , Reply# 82   7/23/2017 at 05:13 (2,440 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
frigilux

pierreandreply4's profile picture
frigilux did you check also the speedqueen model awn432 with manual timer knob?

Post# 949566 , Reply# 83   7/23/2017 at 05:58 (2,440 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Manuel Soaking In A Top Load Washer

combo52's profile picture

Hi Eugene, My guess is they do not want water sitting in the machine for long unregulated periods of time. Soaking for long periods of time in any washer ever made [ automatic or wringer type etc ] is going to hasten corrosion of metal parts, deterioration of water seals etc.

 

I think that SQ is worried about customers soaking over nite, soaking with bleach in the water or even with just water while away at work etc.

 

I have seen many washers damaged or destroyed over my career by customers that often soaked overnight etc.

 

If you lift the lid to allow a soak period it will never start and drain the water out, so you can soak if you want to.

 

John L.


Post# 949599 , Reply# 84   7/23/2017 at 09:52 (2,440 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
John-- Thanks for the information. The biggest adjustment in using a SQ top-loader involves the amount of water--particularly hot water--the machine will use compared to a front-loader. I think employing a manual soak period will go far to remove stains in loads of kitchen whites without using an additional tub of water. I'm looking at a soak period of under an hour; certainly never overnight.

Pierre-- I prefer electronic to mechanical controls, so the only two machines I considered the electronic models.


Post# 949613 , Reply# 85   7/23/2017 at 10:56 (2,440 days old) by bcp6158 (Chicago area)        
Soaking...

Hi Eugene. I, too, like to soak whites a bit and then resume washing with some added bleach. This is what I do (I have the same model as you):

Select and begin cycle.
After a few minutes of agitation press 'pause', then 'cancel'.
After soaking for 30 minutes (or whatever time you like), press 'power' (as the panel will have timed out).
The previous cycle will now show in the panel. Press 'start'.
Since the tub is already full of water, the fill will be skipped and agitation will begin.

Good luck!

Brad


Post# 949693 , Reply# 86   7/23/2017 at 19:32 (2,439 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Thanks, Brad. That is what I was hoping I could do, but was under the impression that the washer would do a spin drain upon pressing Cancel.

Post# 949838 , Reply# 87   7/24/2017 at 14:56 (2,438 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Additionally...

mrb627's profile picture
A pre-soak can be added to any cycle, including spin only. Or rinse and spin. So the flexibility is there.

Malcolm


Post# 949893 , Reply# 88   7/24/2017 at 19:20 (2,438 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Malcolm-- I'll do a manual soak simply to save 20+ gallons of water. The SQ cleans well, so a soak will only be needed on one load--the heavily stained kitchen whites.

Come to think of it, I don't recall the manual saying anything about how to load detergent for a Pre-Wash / Soak when it automatically goes into the selected full cycle. Diluted liquid detergent in the fabric softener dispenser? Double the amount of detergent in the soak and hope there's enough residual left for the main wash? Or maybe it doesn't automatically advance to the wash cycle, in which case one would add detergent when selecting the main cycle.

I'll have to read the manual a little more thoroughly to see if I missed something.

The Culligan man arrived this morning to install the tank that gets changed once a month. The washer, dishwasher and I are grateful for that! Every place I've lived since birth has had softened water.


Post# 949969 , Reply# 89   7/25/2017 at 10:22 (2,438 days old) by joe_in_philly (Philadelphia, PA, USA)        

joe_in_philly's profile picture
Congratulations on moving to a new place and get new appliances. It sounds like everything is working out for you, and your new place has a nice arrangement.

I am curious about the Culligan tank that gets changed monthly.I have never heard of such a thing. Does it contain salt, a replaceable resin, or something else? All the water softeners I have used had a resin tank and a salt tank that was used for regeneration. We would fill the salt tank ourselves.


Post# 949986 , Reply# 90   7/25/2017 at 11:23 (2,438 days old) by johnb300m (Chicago)        

johnb300m's profile picture
When I was looking at new softener solutions a few years ago, there WAS a service from Culligan whereas, instead of renting their whole resin tank and brine tank system, you could have them come out every few weeks or a month, to fully swap out a pre-charged resin tank. They take your depleted one away, and replace it.
So salt for the user to buy or maintain.


Post# 950010 , Reply# 91   7/25/2017 at 14:04 (2,437 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
that makes sense, well the exchange part, I have seen softener systems in homes, usually 2 tanks, and wondered, where was the brine tank?...

curious, what are pros and cons to each?.....

most brine tank setups recharge basically once a week, by timer, I have one that recharges by water usage as needed.....you have to fill the brine tank about 2 times a year.....nothing to adjust, move, or reset....

outside of having to buy the salt and lug it home into the basement....4 bags @4.00 a bag...16.00....not sure what home delivery service would charge...

the PH tank can be taken out and refilled, or refilled right in place....50lb bag is 60.00.....again, I have to purchase, bring it home, and refill/flush myself......the home service will charge an additional 125.00 to do it...


Post# 950018 , Reply# 92   7/25/2017 at 15:28 (2,437 days old) by llmaytag (Southern California)        
New GE Washers

llmaytag's profile picture
Hey everyone, I'm about to purchase a new GE top-load washer to use at a weekend home. At my primary home I have Speed Queens, but I'm not prepared to spend that much for a weekend home and this GE is the closest to an old-school top-load with a full-fill for wash and optional full-fill rinse, (if you're using fabric softener!). Anyway, curious if anyone has experience with this model, and if so, any ideas on how to defeat the lid-switch? I think it's a locking lid so I suspect it may not be as simple as a clothespin in the back.

Oh, and the matching dryer is 7.2 cubic foot, but to save about $100 I may pair it with an Amana (Whirlpool) 6.5 cubic foot.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO llmaytag's LINK


Post# 950019 , Reply# 93   7/25/2017 at 15:29 (2,437 days old) by joe_in_philly (Philadelphia, PA, USA)        

joe_in_philly's profile picture
Thanks for the responses. It sounds interesting, although I imagine it is much more expensive v. one that regenerates itself. Perhaps a system where the resin is replaced each month also negates the need for a drain by the water softener.

Post# 950066 , Reply# 94   7/25/2017 at 21:52 (2,437 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
The monthly swap-out service is $25 per month here. No room for a standard softener set-up. The tall, skinny tank barely fits between the water heater and the washer of my downstairs neighbor. All softener hookups are in the common area downstairs. Only two of us (out of eight) opt for soft water.

At any rate, it's money well spent as far as I'm concerned. I really detest hard water.


Post# 950422 , Reply# 95   7/28/2017 at 05:51 (2,435 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Update: I'm moved into the apartment. Speed Queens will be installed either today or early next week. Range is backordered and won't be here for two weeks, which means I'm cooking with a microwave for awhile. Dishwasher is on hold, as I'm still waffling about how to best utilize kitchen space---although we all know I'll probably opt for the dishwasher. Who needs a kitchen table, right?

Post# 950472 , Reply# 96   7/28/2017 at 14:20 (2,434 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)        

lordkenmore's profile picture

Keep in mind that there is also the option of countertop dishwasher... It would cost counter space, but a couple of feet of counter space might be preferable if it meant having a table. A countertop dishwasher would probably "be enough" for the single person most of the time.

 

As I think I said before, I'd put a dishwasher over a table...but that's simply because I hate washing dishes so much. LOL I'm also not a huge kitchen table fan.


Post# 950490 , Reply# 97   7/28/2017 at 15:50 (2,434 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
I have one of those countertop units.  Capacity is not good, limited by the rack design.  Fun for playing but not suitable as a primary dishwasher except maybe for someone 100% hating handwashing ... and surely not for anyone who expects to machine-wash all their cook-/bakeware along with dishware.


Post# 959079 , Reply# 98   9/25/2017 at 17:46 (2,375 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Another Speed Queen in the family: My sister's MOL direct-drive Whirlpool finally bit the dust yesterday, so I purchased a series 9 top-loader pair and surprised her with it this morning at work. She was stunned for a moment, then started to cry (joy, not sadness, LOL). She's always helping others out and I decided this would be a good time to pay-it-forward. Got the pair for $1699 in Sioux Falls, SD (where she lives).

This has been a long time coming. The Whirlpool hung in there longer than I expected. Had talked to her six months ago about whether she'd go with front-loader or top-loader when the time came. She wanted a traditional, non-HE top-loader. As we all know, that can only mean one thing: SQ.




Post# 959109 , Reply# 99   9/25/2017 at 19:47 (2,375 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        
Beautiful act of kindness....

The only thing better than buying new appliances for yourself, is buying them for someone else.
You're a great brother Frig.
Mike


Post# 960565 , Reply# 100   10/4/2017 at 12:28 (2,367 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Update: Drove to Sioux Falls this morning for the delivery of the Series 9 SQ pair I purchased for my sister (followed by a doctor's appointment). Two young delivery/install guys did a great job and were fun to talk to. Once again, I have to give props to privately-owned appliance stores. Sioux Falls, SD, is the largest city in the state and Mahlander's Lighting & Appliance is the only SQ dealer. First time I purchased appliances in a different city over the phone. Delivery was scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and they arrived precisely on time.

With a bit of convincing, my sister allowed the lid switch hack with a wooden clothespin. The delivery guys had never seen it done before. When they were finished, she washed a load of towels and was immediately glad I talked her into the hack. She was worried it might void the warranty.

The Dryer: Was alerting her to the propensity for items to catch some lint from the filter when I opened the door and saw a little lift-off plastic grate/grid over the lint filter to prevent just such an annoyance from occurring. A nice touch that solves one of my gripes with the dryer. Will contact my local dealer to get one.


Post# 961084 , Reply# 101   10/7/2017 at 08:30 (2,364 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        
Frig,

Do you mean this? It should’ve come with the dryer. They all have. I’ll bet your delivery guys threw it away.

Mike


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Post# 961112 , Reply# 102   10/7/2017 at 11:30 (2,364 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Lint Filter Gaurd

combo52's profile picture
SQ has discontinued this item on new dryers, so it should not come with most dryers built this year and foward.

John L.


Post# 961153 , Reply# 103   10/7/2017 at 16:10 (2,363 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
mtn1584- Yes; that's the thing I was referencing. I want to get one, as one of my frustrations with the SQ dryer is that when you open the door, things like cuffs of dress shirts, socks, corners of kitchen towels, etc., tend to drop into or catch lint off the filter. The little removable lint filter guard would eliminate that problem.

John-- They discontinued it? I was thinking the opposite; that they had added it to the newer dryers. I would imagine the part can still be ordered, though, right? I really want to get one.

While I've grown to like the SQ toploader, I'm not impressed with the dryer. It seems to over- or under-dry everything. If there is a 'sweet spot' in setting the controls, I've not found it yet. I get more accurate results using the timed dry setting. The Frigidaire--and especially the Maytag--dryers that preceded it had much better moisture sensing systems.


Post# 961161 , Reply# 104   10/7/2017 at 16:56 (2,363 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
this was an issue with GE/Hotpoint dryers as well with the front lint screen.....always reminding yourself to clean it before pulling clothes out of the dryer....

if someone has a model number for a machine that used it, or at least a part number, chances are you should still be able to find one....


Post# 961177 , Reply# 105   10/7/2017 at 17:38 (2,363 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture

Martin-- Trained myself to press 'pause' to stop tumbling before opening the door, but even then parts of clothing come in contact with lint in the filter as soon as the door is opened.  Found a lint filter guard on Amazon and ordered it moments ago. Problem solved.

 

Sloppy Sensing:  I washed a large load of mixed colors and put seven dress shirts from the load into the dryer.  Used Perm Press cycle and set dryness selector at Less Dry (selections are Damp Dry, Less Dry, Near Dry, and Dry).  Shirts were bone dry and the cool down hadn't even begun when I checked the load.  Threw in the remainder of the mixed colors using the same cycle and setting.  Machine stopped when clothes were still quite damp.

 

It's hard to believe the thing even has an electronic sensor.  It's no more consistent than a thermostat-based auto-dry system.


Post# 961210 , Reply# 106   10/7/2017 at 18:54 (2,363 days old) by pumpkina (California)        

Frigilux, would you provide a link to the lint filter guard on Amazon?

Also, if I understand the situation correctly, Speed Queen dryers only have timed setting, ie they do NOT have moisture sensors that perform auto dry.

The SQ gas dryer I ordered, ADG3SRGS113TW01, apparently has this limitation.

Thanks



Post# 961213 , Reply# 107   10/7/2017 at 19:04 (2,363 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture

pumpkina: Here is the link.

 

The series 9 dryer has a moisture sensor. 



CLICK HERE TO GO TO Frigilux's LINK

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Post# 961221 , Reply# 108   10/7/2017 at 20:12 (2,363 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        
Frig,

I dry my dress shirts on the PP cycle with low heat. Not sure if that helps you or not. I am a PERM PRESS cycle freak! LOL
Mixed loads I dry on low heat, more dry reg cycle.
Towels, More Dry, High Heat, Regualr Cycle
Sheets More Dry, LOW Heat Regular Cycle
I’m not sure if you can adjust your heat temp on the dryer selections.
That may help.
Let me know if you need the item number.
Mike


Post# 961222 , Reply# 109   10/7/2017 at 20:14 (2,363 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        
Part number

Speed Queen Cover Lint Filter-Light Gray Part # 510502LG

Post# 961225 , Reply# 110   10/7/2017 at 20:27 (2,363 days old) by pumpkina (California)        

Thanks.

Those part numbers don't fit my dryer,

ADG3SRGS113TW01

and I still can't find the correct dryer lint cover.


Post# 961232 , Reply# 111   10/7/2017 at 21:23 (2,363 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
M

combo52's profile picture

The same lint filter guard will fit ALL SQ dryers built for the last 10 years +.



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