A couple weeks ago I noticed some black flakes of something on some laundry that came out of the washing machine. At first I thought it was residue from the gasket on the washer. So, my wife and I scrubbed it, and then ran a vinegar and baking soda wash on it. It seemed slightly better. But the following week I ran another load (of sheets just in case) and there were more flakes and upon further study they were “greasy”. I realized that the main tub seal was going and the bearing was as well.
So, now a decision had to be made. Fix it or replace it.
The washer was the one we bought when we bought our first home 19 years ago. About 10 years ago I had to replace the main tub seal and bearings. I remember the parts place making the comment that they were surprised I had made it that long without having to do the bearings. My wife and I have never been too impressed with the front loader. We never felt it really did a good job cleaning the clothes, and we had to do smaller loads as well. Typically I do 9-11 loads each weekend just to get through the clothes and sheets.
But what about the cost. Well, in the 9-10 years since I last did this job the parts have gotten a lot more expensive. But a new washer isn’t cheap either. I felt that it was time to buy a new washer, but my wife was out of town last weekend and so I had to wait to talk to her. Once we got to talk a decision was made to buy a new washer. Teamwork at its best.
So, we bought a new washer. We bought an LG 7400. Good reviews, top loader, and it is big. By being a top loader my daughter made the comment about the cabinet above the washer and how would we access the soap when the lid was open and up against the cabinet. So I had to raise it up a few inches. The washer was delivered and I installed it on Wednesday. I hooked it up to my old (good quality) wash lines and water sprayed everywhere so I had to go get replacement hoses. Once I did that I ran it through its startup cycle, and then ran laundry. Did I mention it is HUGE. It really is. I was able to do 3 sets of sheets with not issues at all (flannel sheets). Then I ran another load as well. It ran great. The only issue is that the dryer now takes longer to complete. It used to take just over an hour to dry a load and the sheets too just over 2 hours. As a result I ran out of time t fully dry the second load until after peak electricity prices went back down.
I will have to learn the new timing with washing and drying, but that is fine. I have done a few loads now and I feel that the time to dry is longer, but not 2x so therefore it is faster and cheaper.
And on top of it all we have joined the era of Wi-Fi appliances. I get alerts on my phone when the washer is done. I never really thought I would go there with an appliance. Welcome to the new world. The appliances will one day rule us all.