Thread Number: 45639
Safe operating temperature for top load washers? |
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Post# 667766 , Reply# 1   3/22/2013 at 22:43 (4,049 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)   |   | |
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I would say that anything below 0C (32F) would be risking it. What happens in very cold weather is the lubricants in the motors harden up and don't lubricate as well as they do at say 25C. That's maybe why your motors went out or at least a contributing cause. |
Post# 667774 , Reply# 2   3/22/2013 at 23:58 (4,049 days old) by qsd-dan (West)   |   | |
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Every washer is a bit different due to variances in tolerances and viscosity of oils used. In cold weather like that, it's best to fill the tub with the hottest water possible and let it sit for a while to warm up the oil and inner workings. If it's cold enough outside, you probably wouldn't have to wait long for the water to cool down to a "warm" temp and wash a warm load.
The main problem you'll have is adequately draining as much water as possible to prevent the pump from freezing and cracking. You could probably get away with dosing it with some straight ani-freeze (not the 50/50 mix), just make sure you fill and drain the tub to flush that mixture out before washing clothes. Also, be sure you drain the anti-freeze laden water away from animals. They're attracted to that stuff and it'll kill 'em. |
Post# 667790 , Reply# 4   3/23/2013 at 00:44 (4,049 days old) by norgechef (Saint George New Brunswick )   |   | |
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Its not very humid here so that wont be an issue...and i try and make sure it doesn't get wet underneath so what else would damage a washer by being outside? would a rust protecting spray like rust oleum do any good? |
Post# 667797 , Reply# 5   3/23/2013 at 02:45 (4,049 days old) by cleanteamofny ((Monroe, New York)   |   | |
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Post# 667803 , Reply# 6   3/23/2013 at 06:26 (4,049 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 667833 , Reply# 7   3/23/2013 at 07:35 (4,049 days old) by jamiel (Detroit, Michigan and Palm Springs, CA)   |   | |
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Post# 667867 , Reply# 8   3/23/2013 at 10:47 (4,049 days old) by norgechef (Saint George New Brunswick )   |   | |
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I didn't have any antifreeze....i think bleach freezes at -7 or so but i have left washers with water in the pumps without anything else that were fine when i used them again...pumps are only $20 for this type of washer so if the pump cracked i will buy a new one |
Post# 667895 , Reply# 9   3/23/2013 at 12:41 (4,049 days old) by logixx (Germany)   |   | |
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Post# 667924 , Reply# 10   3/23/2013 at 14:38 (4,049 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))   |   | |
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I wouldn't use automotive antifreeze. It has additives in it you probably don't want on your clothes and they don't readily rinse away. Use propylene glycol. Not only is it animal safe, it is very soluble in water and additive free. It's probably the base of the RV waterline treatment. Whichever is cheaper.
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Post# 667941 , Reply# 11   3/23/2013 at 16:38 (4,048 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)   |   | |
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You don't say whether you drained the fill valve, but those can freeze and burst, too. |