Front load washers can be troublesome because of the way the drums are positioned. The front loaders’ lack of agitation, water level variability and unique spin cycles have trouble hiding from frustrate even the most do-it-yourself homeowner.
Front-load washing machines offer certain advantages over top-loaders. They can often fit more laundry in a given load, and the front opening makes them easier to access. But there are still drawbacks to look out for when you’re choosing your next washing machine.
1. Issues with Washer Efficiency
Today’s front load washers are more efficient than their top-load predecessors, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own set of problems. Front load washers require less water per load than top loaders, but you still need to fill the tub at least half-way in order for the machine to function properly. Otherwise, your laundry will only get washed on one side, and you’ll end up with a big pile of mushy clothing.
Inefficient washers can also cause problems with your dryer—if your clothes don’t get dried all the way in the washing cycle, you’ll have to run another cycle to dry them again before you can put them away. This is an especially big problem if your dryer doesn’t have an automatic cycle; you may find yourself spending hours upon hours running back-and-forth between machines (and paying for it at the electric bill). If a dryer cycle is set too long, or if the wrinkle guard is on (which tacks on even more time), it could also be damaging your clothes over time—what’s worse, sometimes these cycles are irreversible, so you may never be able to get that shirt as soft as it once was again.
2. Problems with Wash Programs
A washing machine’s wash program settings can be very helpful in getting your clothes clean, but sometimes they just don’t work out. The spin cycle might not get your clothes dry enough, or it could leave them so damp you need to re-wash them. You might find that the agitation is too gentle and your clothes aren’t getting clean, or that there’s too much agitation and your clothes are getting damaged. The soil level may be too high for the right amount of water and detergent to permeate deep enough into the fibers of your clothing, or it could be too low to get them clean without a lot of extra rinsing.
A good wash program can really be a life-saver when you’re trying to get your laundry done fast and efficiently, but if you’re finding yourself always adjusting the settings or starting over because it just doesn’t work out, it might be time to troubleshoot your machine.
3. Problems with the Lid not Locking
The lid does not lock into place. It’s one of the biggest signs that something is wrong with your washing machine, whether it’s a problem with the lid itself or another issue in the inner workings. If your washing machine won’t lock, it could mean that any number of things are preventing it from closing properly—the latch might not be fitting into place correctly; the door hinge may need to be tightened; or there might be a misalignment in the drum that’s keeping the lid from closing properly.
4. Problems with the Lid Sensor Light not Working
Front load washing machines are convenient, environmentally-friendly, and are perhaps the greatest innovation in laundry since the wringer. But like most new things, there’s a learning curve to figuring out how to use them correctly. A common complaint is that the lid sensor light does not work. This may be caused by misuse of the machine, or simply by a lack of user knowledge about how to handle the lid.
The lid sensor light is an important safety feature for preventing injury from opening the door while the machine is running. The light should turn on when you open the door, and turn off when you close it again. It will also turn off if any other movement is detected within the machine (such as if you stick your hand in to retrieve a sock). If you notice that your machine’s lid sensor light is not working, just remember that there are three steps to using it properly:
- Open and close the door gently; do not slam it.
- Make sure nothing is blocking its path from closing. For example, check that there are no necklaces hanging inside the machine or lying on top of it (this can prevent it from closing fully).
- Close the door first before turning on the washing cycle.
If you can’t troubleshoot your machines problems, you should get a Winnipeg washer repair service from profixit.com.
