High Efficiency Washing Machine Fix

[Santiago Casanova]

I am posting this here because I know that many of you probably have this problem. You work in your clothes, get them dirty and the new high efficiency washing machine does not get them clean. I figured out how to fix the machine so that it works properly. You will need 2 DPDT switches.

My 30 year old washer is dying and I got a really good deal on a set of very nice used machines. The new washer sucks. It rinses with about 2 or 3 gallons of water. Instead of filling the machine through the lid with a house to add more water I rewired the machine by intercepting the power going to the two solenoid valves. I also took the incoming 120 volts and ran those through the DPDT switches, one for hot one for cold. Now I can flick a switch and it opens the valve to add more hot or cold water. When the machine is done filling, for wash or rinse, I flip the switch and add more water for a minute or two. This makes the machine work as it should. The clothes come out clean and not soapy. Because I used DPTP switches the machine can be left in the fully automatic mode or momentarily changed to manual.

If anybody is interested I can draw up a schematic and post more details.

 

[Santiago Casanova]

 

[JD3000]

Cool. I also have the problem of the washer collecting a hidden film of stinky "bio-crud."

Had to Youtube how to take it apart and give it a thorough cleaning and disinfecting.

 

[Santiago Casanova]

Try doing a full load, empty, with a quart of vinegar and hot water. No Detergent. That usually cleans out a washer really well.

 

[rico]

I got an even quicker fix. Stop washing your clothes!

 

[JD3000]

Try doing a full load, empty, with a quart of vinegar and hot water. No Detergent. That usually cleans out a washer really well.

That usually works well but my clothes can accumulate mud, mulch, compost etc that are loaded with bacteria and whatnot

 

[rico]

better yet you could jut stop working!

 

[JD3000]

Believe you me, if I could get paid for sitting on my arse and drinking beer I would

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Believe you me, if I could get paid for sitting on my arse and drinking beer I would

Join me in retirement!

 

[JD3000]

Sure thing.

Will you tell my wife?

 

[Tom Dunlap]

As Chippy Lundeen would say:

That sounds like a marichercul issue.

 

[ATH]

Great idea for a fix! When we replaced our washer a few years ago, it was hard to find a top loader that I had confidence would actually work. Ended up with a Speed Queen...more money than any other top loaders on the market, but more old school too. Mechanical turny knobs that you pull to start. They get around EPA requirements by having their "normal" cycle be low water. The "heavy" cycle is just like grandma's old washing machine...fill up with water and swish-swish back and forth.

Only gripe is that you can't let the water run with the lid up. But now, thanks to this thread, I think I have an idea to fix that!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

When I saw this thread title I said...Whaat?!

Then I read it and it makes perfect sense

Friends ask me what gets discussed at Treebuzz Now I have to tell them that washing machine mods are just as important as ropes and trucks!

 

[Santiago Casanova]

The speed queen washer was the one I was going to get when mine broke but I could not pass up on the deal I got. I got a pair of 7 year old Kenmore machines for 240. They were practically new, no rust or dust underneath. The dryer was worth that alone and when I have a grand laying around I do plan on getting a speed queen. I decided to be responsible and not spend money I don't have to buy a new machine.

I decided to keep the old washer next to the new one for washing the dogs bed and other really dirty stuff. Until it dies I have all three machines side by side and plumbed in. Next time I do a transmission service on the truck and I get soaked in nasty red fluid I have a dedicated washer for that stuff.

 

[Cereal_Killer]

Cool mod, as far as smell most have a trap that's pretty easy to get too. I've had a Kenmore and my current maytag both only require two screws be removed to get to the trap where the smell comes from.

Also dont forget to wipe the inside of the door seal every few days (and get all your socks its ate back)

 

[Santiago Casanova]

Cool mod, as far as smell most have a trap that's pretty easy to get too. I've had a Kenmore and my current maytag both only require two screws be removed to get to the trap where the smell comes from.

Also dont forget to wipe the inside of the door seal every few days (and get all your socks its ate back)

Where is this trap you speak of?

 

[Bryce Nesbitt]

Where is this trap you speak of?

A lot of washers have something called the "large object filter". It's at the bottom of the machine by the motor. On some models there's a little door, on others you have to remove the trim panel at the bottom. What's your washer model?

There are all sorts of chemicals to address the Front Load HE machine problems, for example : https://smellywasher.com/
And there are lawsuits....

 

[Santiago Casanova]

It is a Kenmore 110 series from 2011. Top load.

I must stress that this modification is for top load only. You can try it on a front load at your own risk.

 

[Treezybreez]

When I first saw this thread, I thought you were going to show a video of someone dropping a tree on a washing machine. I believe that there is a video in the buzz archive that shows exactly that.

 

[Santiago Casanova]

When I first saw this thread, I thought you were going to show a video of someone dropping a tree on a washing machine. I believe that there is a video in the buzz archive that shows exactly that.

My first experience with a front load HE machine made me want to do just that.