Thread Number: 73520  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
2 Speed Washers
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 970931   12/1/2017 at 11:18 (2,309 days old) by chetlaham (United States)        

chetlaham's profile picture
When did manufacturers start offering two speed washers? And why do they offer two speed washers? I ask because I have seen plenty of low end models that achieve a delicate and permanent press cycle via single speed motor. Case in point, page 15:


c.searspartsdirect.com/mmh/lis_p...





Post# 970933 , Reply# 1   12/1/2017 at 11:32 (2,309 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)        
well

akronman's profile picture
They can call it delicate or Perma-Press if they want to, and if a single-speed was what my budget allowed, I would live with it and smile. But there are rare needs, curtains, drapes, dress shirts, where I really want SLOW MOTION.

Post# 970937 , Reply# 2   12/1/2017 at 11:36 (2,309 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

It had to be in the mid-50s.  I have service literature from Norge referring to a 2-speed washer in 1954 and I somehow think that was the year Whirlpool introduced the feature.  GE introduced this in '57 and Frigidaire in '59.


Post# 970958 , Reply# 3   12/1/2017 at 13:09 (2,309 days old) by chetlaham (United States)        

chetlaham's profile picture
Looks like it was early on. What about Maytag?

Post# 970963 , Reply# 4   12/1/2017 at 13:34 (2,309 days old) by Frigidaireguy (Wiston-Salem, NC)        
MAYTAG

I believe Maytag was 1956 or 1957 - The first Center Dial Washer.

Post# 970974 , Reply# 5   12/1/2017 at 14:11 (2,309 days old) by chetlaham (United States)        

chetlaham's profile picture
Guess they had good reason then.


Personally, I think manufactures should have slowed down the agitation to begin with- or used shallower fins on the agitator while increasing the wash time.


Post# 971012 , Reply# 6   12/1/2017 at 18:52 (2,309 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
I want to inquire....what about the Visa-Matic wringer.....one of the few that offered a two-speed motor....especially on a wringer...

just not sure what year started them...


Post# 971058 , Reply# 7   12/2/2017 at 02:26 (2,308 days old) by toploadloyalist (San Luis Obispo, CA)        

According to I've read in the Sears catalog collection in ancestry.com, Sears in 1955 was the very first washer brand to introduce the two-speed washers. The cycle was originally named 'MAN-MADE FABRICS'.

Post# 971060 , Reply# 8   12/2/2017 at 02:33 (2,308 days old) by toploadloyalist (San Luis Obispo, CA)        
Correction Note

It was called 'MODERN FABRIC'.

Post# 971107 , Reply# 9   12/2/2017 at 08:31 (2,308 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
*Ahem*

launderess's profile picture
Have posted this before, but....






Post# 971108 , Reply# 10   12/2/2017 at 08:34 (2,308 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Just the video that came to my mind when I saw the title of this thread.

Post# 971110 , Reply# 11   12/2/2017 at 08:40 (2,308 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
With early semi or even fully automatic washing machines with one speed standard advice was to launder delicate and or items made from man made fibers for shorter periods of time.

If using a spin dryer you only spun for a short time. Using a washing machine with only one speed motor usually the spin cycle was a shortened version of full speed.

The full speed haste in post war era in development of man made fibers for textiles meant changes were going to be needed in laundry habits. After all as the above clip makes clear; what is the point of all that "easy care" advertising if things had to be sent out to the dry cleaners? Might as well stick with wool or whatever other natural fiber.

Am guessing Sears sourced that "first" washer for "man made fabrics" from Whirlpool.


Post# 971117 , Reply# 12   12/2/2017 at 10:15 (2,308 days old) by chetlaham (United States)        

chetlaham's profile picture
@ Laundress- have not seen this before here- or anywhere for that matter! Much appreciation. So in other words- the creation of the permanent press and delicate cycle? I may start a thread on this topic...

Post# 971148 , Reply# 13   12/2/2017 at 13:33 (2,308 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

Two speeds come in handy if you have certain items that will benefit from the option. 

 

Several months ago I found the vintage Maytag I had been searching for; one that offered a slow/fast combination.  I wanted this for rubber-backed throw rugs that our Affinity FL can't manage to balance, even if I put two of them in there.  It will often give up after about 15 minutes of trying and not spin at all.

 

With the Maytag, the rugs receive a gentle wash that won't rip them apart, and a fast spin to extract as much water as possible.  This process, along with hanging them to dry, makes them last a lot longer.



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy