Use of new washing machine

Emily
by Emily
This is not exactly a DIY question. It is a question re: the proper use of these new water conserving washing machines. I have a new Maytag, that is one with an agitator in the center. There is so little water used that my clothes . . . esp white sox, I wear are not getting clean. Maybe I do not know how to load it. It takes about an hour for a wash load to be completed and if I have to cut the loads in half I will be washing 24/7! Help. p.s. my only other machine was also a Maytag and I had it for over 40 years!

  7 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Apr 27, 2018

    Hi Emily, I have a new washer/dryer combination unit that uses very little water. Getting whites white has been a serious challenge. On a daily basis I use white vinegar as a fabric softener and that helps with the whites. After that I'll soak all my whites in a little bleach every few months and then wash them like normal.

  • Andra Andra on Apr 27, 2018

    I can't be of much help here, but I am thankful you shared this. I didn't realize this could be a downside of the new washers.

    I gotta give you a shout-out for that 40 year Maytag! I had a 40+ year old Kenmore that only recently gave out. (If only I could find parts, I bet I could have gotten another 10-15 years out of it!)

    They don't make 'em like they used to, eh?

  • this is probably a strange question. But have you read the manual that came with washer? Might be good start.

  • Barb Adams Barb Adams on Apr 27, 2018

    Oxyclean will help. You may even want to pre-soak your whites.

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Apr 27, 2018

    I have noticed that some washers give you an extra water option button. Look on the machine or check the owners manual that should have come with the machine. If it didn't, you could always look for it on the Maytag website.

  • Emily Emily on Apr 27, 2018

    Thank you all for answering. I do use oxyclean (made up my own laundry soap) I did see the extra water button but have not used it yet, I have read the manual. The wonderful man who repairs all our equipment told me I would not like this new machine! It also makes a horrible grinding noise like it is a machine about to give birth! (which would be o.k. if it was new clean clothes!)

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Apr 27, 2018

    Hi Emily,

    These new washers are just awful, they run a longer cycle but use less water, trading off 1 resource for another. I have 1 and just hate it, but not enough to make me run to the laundry mat. It seems like the clothes are being moistened rather than enough water to wash them. I fully agree with all the contributors, the living pits are here in the form of a clothes washer.

    At the very least you can pause your washer to let the whites "soak" in the minimal amount of water in there. Sorry.

    • Emily Emily on Apr 27, 2018

      I think it is another instance of the insanity of current life. They make washers that don't use much water or really get your clothes clean at the same time showers that could hold 5 people are popular and they have numerous shower heads!