I've been visiting this website for about 15 years and was a somewhat active participant in the forums around '09-'10, after which I sort of faded into the background. During the past few years, I've learned the importance of community and recalled that this was a pretty decent place for other enthusiasts and like-minded people to share information and connect. I've rejoined and hope to contribute where I can.
Some quick background on the machines in my life:
- Childhood washer/dryer was a Kenmore 800 set in harvest gold, with the Super Roto Swirl agitator.
- All through college, used coin-op Speed Queens with the perforated tub and 4-vane agitator.
- In my first apartment, used a coin-op helical drive Maytag.
Machines I've owned:
- GE Filter-Flo set; one of the last sets made around 1994. Standard capacity, near BOL models - regular and perma press cycles only.
- Bosch Axxis compact front-loaders. High-end models.
- Danby twin-tub with agitator (owned briefly to play with)
- Haier HLP21N compact portable paired with a drying rack.
I currently live in a small condo, and split my laundry between the Haier noted above, and the local laundromat which is equipped with mostly Dexter front-loaders.
A current laundry favorite: Ariel powder detergent! This used to be a brand I would occasionally see at the dollar store. I'd pick up a small bag and use it for odds and ends. However, in a pinch, I recently brought it to the laundromat to use on a few large, dirty loads. I was very impressed by the cleaning, rinsing, and clean scent left behind. I've noticed this brand more prominently at the grocery stores and have decided to make it a regular "go-to". I picked up a large bag of the Downy-scented variety from Wal-Mart, for use during the summer.
Greetings to all and happy washing!
Pete
Post# 1203625 , Reply# 1 4/17/2024 at 13:05 by ea56(Cotati, Calif.)
I’ll look forward to your future posts. AW.org is a great place to connect with like minded individuals as its members are a wealth of information and community support. Thanks for sharing your background.
Eddie
Post# 1203628 , Reply# 2 4/17/2024 at 14:25 by maytaga806(Howell, Michigan)
Welcome back Pete. My parents got the washerof our childhood Kenmore pair when I was in jr. high-/high school around 1970. I didn't get to experience the matchin dryer until as an adult friends from church had the dryer. My favoriate top load pair of my life.
Post# 1203681 , Reply# 4 4/18/2024 at 07:40 by extmaxspin(Saginaw MI)
I also grew up with a Kenmore 800 with the Super Roto Swirl. Ours was a 1965 model in white, with the black agitator.
The original machine is long gone, but I was able to get my hands on the same model down in Fort Wayne many years ago.
That machine was too far gone to get running again, but I did use several parts in the restoration of a few newer machines. I salvaged the illuminated console and the lid before the rest of the machine was given up to scrappers.
My current project is to put the console on a shelf, with a light of course, and have it as a display piece in my home office. The lid, with the operating instructions facing out, will hang below it. We're just completing a move, and I have a million other things to get done, but this is one of the most exciting for me to get to. When it's ready I'll be sure to post a picture.
In the meantime, here is a little display table with my toy/small washer collection. The 800 console will be above these on the wall.
View Full Size
Post# 1203974 , Reply# 5 4/22/2024 at 23:01 by reactor(Oak Ridge, Tennessee-- )
I appreciate the warm welcome from all of you and look forward to checking in here!
extmaxspin: Such a lovely retro collection there! Our harvest gold Kenmore 800 set was from 1971, with a white tub and gold roto-swirl. Bleach and FS dispensers to the forward left of the rim, with the flushing detergent dispenser at right. I've always wanted to see pictures of the funky self-cleaning lint contraptions on these, apparently some sort of backwash compartment.
Barry: I think you'll love Ariel. It's rather concentrated, so you'll want to experiment. In addition to the original and Downy powders, I've seen an Oxi version. Also, an original liquid in a 64-ish oz. All at Walmart.
(Cotati, Calif.) 
Comes to the Rescue!
