Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => The Knowledge => OT Knowledge => Topic started by: The Family Cyclist on 27 June, 2020, 02:19:49 pm
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Advice please
Have a probably 5 year old samsung eco bubble which during the week wouldn't drain. Cleaned filter and now drains fine.
However and these may be unrelated it now vibrates like mad. It may have been doing before as I tend to run it overnight. The rubber door seal is coming apart which I wonder if could be causing it as not supporting properly at dront
A quick Google and replacing the rubber doesn't seem too hard. However there what looks like a hard plastic ring between the drum and the grey rubber seal which also looks worn but struggling to see if is part of the seals I can find online
Oh just to clarify I didn't move the washing machine when cleaning the filter so its not that as far as I can tell I've moved the legs
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Just to check the obvious: The transport bolts have been removed, haven't they?
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Yeah. Machine has been in use for several years with no roblems and they were removed and put somewhere safe so in other words no hope of ever finding them
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I keep coming across people who have no knowledge that washing machines have transport bolts. If you buy a new washing machine, there tends to be a warning label, or a section in the destructions or whatever, but most people's washing machines are supplied by the landlord, or bought second hand or whatever, and they never get to see them.
See also: Flatbed scanners.
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A cycling friend of mine used to make a decent living repairing domestic appliances. He stopped, because they’re now cheaper to replace than repair.
His advice to me was to either spend usual money and expect 3years, maybe more if you use it carefully, or spend oodles on one of the very expensive ones like the Miele over £1500 ones, that are built to last.
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It might be worth checking the springs holding the drum, over time they fail and snap with the result that the drum sounds like it is trying to make a break for freedom!
I replaced ours in November last year when one snapped. It cost £17.60 for a spring set. Our Hotpoint WM is getting on for 17 years old now! :o
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A cycling friend of mine used to make a decent living repairing domestic appliances. He stopped, because they’re now cheaper to replace than repair.
His advice to me was to either spend usual money and expect 3years, maybe more if you use it carefully, or spend oodles on one of the very expensive ones like the Miele over £1500 ones, that are built to last.
This. Interlock went recently on our LG direct drive WM. I now know that I could have changed it in half an hour for £35. ::-) . Outer door rubber was held in place by a wire ring with sprung section with only two bolts holding the interlock in place and which also had push connectors. Simples.
However local repair guy wanted £110 or so plus parts presumably plus VAT. We therefore bought a new Samsung Eco Bubble from John Lewis with a five year guarantee (2+3 free) for £350. Incidentally, never managed to balance the LG. although it was a good washer with a motor guaranteed for ten years, it was always going for a walk. The Samsung, which is a bit noisier, has not moved a mm from day one. If funds would allow I would go for a Miele next time. Bosch are good but not as good as they used to be, the cheaper ones are not made in Germany and washing cycles take forever.
Check the feet on your machine it could simply be that one of the feet has moved due to the locking nut becoming loose and has lost contact with the floor. Some brand info I have picked up along the way, now some time ago so may have changed since:
AEG = rebadged Zannusi. Not made in Germany
John Lewis = Electrolux with quasi AEG facia
Bauknecht = rebadged Whirlpool
Neff = Bosch
Siemen = Bosch
Beko = Arcelik Turkey
Belling = LEC
Smeg = Hakam
Tesco = Vestal of Turkey
Baumatic = In receivership Candy purchased brand
Creda = Indesit
Zanussi = Electrolux
Tricity Bendix = Ditto
Haier = Chinese
Flavel = Beko
Falcon = Rangemaster.
Russell Hobbs = Asda
Hotpoint = Indesit
Liebherr= High qual German
Ariston Indesit Hotpoint Creda Cannon = all ulitmately Aristide.
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I've found plenty of online bits on replacing the grey rubber seal but it's the hard plastic bit that I'm not convinced is part of the seal. Probably need to look at some other washing machines
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A cycling friend of mine used to make a decent living repairing domestic appliances. He stopped, because they’re now cheaper to replace than repair.
His advice to me was to either spend usual money and expect 3years, maybe more if you use it carefully, or spend oodles on one of the very expensive ones like the Miele over £1500 ones, that are built to last.
I spent £850 on my Miele 20 years ago. It has had recent issues but still mostly seems to work.
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I keep coming across people who have no knowledge that washing machines have transport bolts. If you buy a new washing machine, there tends to be a warning label, or a section in the destructions or whatever, but most people's washing machines are supplied by the landlord, or bought second hand or whatever, and they never get to see them.
Yup. Was at my SiL and BiLs cottage in The Lakes a couple of years ago and they were moaning about the new washing machine and how it was noisy, vibrated like a bugger and wouldn't stay put. Let shave a look I said and sure enough transportation bolts still in place. Whipped them out and quiet and vibration free washing was achieved.
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We had a cheap washing machine when Pcolbeck Junior was little and it lasted precisely one week longer than than the warranty before it shook itself to pieces. The concrete block used for damping basically started to disintegrate.
Since then we have had tow Bosch machines. The first lasted about 13 years being used every other day. It did break a control dial but a replacement was available at a reasonable price from Bosch. The the current one has lasted 10 years so far. Doesn't get used as much as the first one though especially since Pcolbeck junior left home.
The Bosch ones werent massively expensive but more than a Creda or a Beko.
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I have a rather odd washing machine problem. 6 month old Electrolux. Worked fine until now. Came to use it and the on/off switch wouldn't respond. Unplugged it to check fuse, which was ok, then plugged back in, and now the switch works, and machine works as normal. On the following few days, I found out that if left plugged in (and wall socket on), after a few hours, the switch doesn't respond, yet unplugging and plugging back in (or switching off and back on at the wall socket) and the machine springs back to life. The same happened when plugged into a different socket and no other appliance in the house behaves like this. Any idea what is going on?
Anyway, as its under guarantee, engineer is coming out later.
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We had a cheap washing machine when Pcolbeck Junior was little and it lasted precisely one week longer than than the warranty before it shook itself to pieces. The concrete block used for damping basically started to disintegrate.
Since then we have had tow Bosch machines. The first lasted about 13 years being used every other day. It did break a control dial but a replacement was available at a reasonable price from Bosch. The the current one has lasted 10 years so far. Doesn't get used as much as the first one though especially since Pcolbeck junior left home.
The Bosch ones werent massively expensive but more than a Creda or a Beko.
Our 19 year old Bosch failed on 23 March(!) and was replaced with a new Miele - hopefully I and it will be reporting in fine and fully functional in 30 years.
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The on/off switch which is becoming unresponsive is probably not just a simple switch.
When the machine is 'off', it's not really off; it's in a standby mode listening out for instructions to come out of standby.
The on/off switch will just be a button which pokes the electronics which will be sitting in standby to come out of standby.
The standby PSU or software or somesuch is falling over and not hearing the button calling for it to come out of standby, and only an actual hard power-cycle is re-setting it.
I expect they will replace the control PCB.
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We had a cheap washing machine when Pcolbeck Junior was little and it lasted precisely one week longer than than the warranty before it shook itself to pieces. The concrete block used for damping basically started to disintegrate.
Since then we have had tow Bosch machines. The first lasted about 13 years being used every other day. It did break a control dial but a replacement was available at a reasonable price from Bosch. The the current one has lasted 10 years so far. Doesn't get used as much as the first one though especially since Pcolbeck junior left home.
The Bosch ones werent massively expensive but more than a Creda or a Beko.
Our 19 year old Bosch failed on 23 March(!) and was replaced with a new Miele - hopefully I and it will be reporting in fine and fully functional in 30 years.
My 20 year old Miele started smelling burnt at the end of April. Miele advised I could continue to use it with care. (Local firm was Staying Home.)
I had real smoke emit after a hot cotton wash last week, after which I was reluctant to use the machine. Engineer came Monday and told me drum was distorted and it was new machine time.
I have a new Miele on order but it will take around a fortnight to arrive.
I know I could get one more quickly from John Lewis but I want my local chaps to supply and fit. They have been really sensible throughout the COVID lockdown and I feel their prudence merits my custom. (I await a parcel of Emergency Underpants from M&S for David.)
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The same happened when plugged into a different socket and no other appliance in the house behaves like this. Any idea what is going on?
It's a computer, and it's crashing or failing to come out of standby or something. I'd suspect a dicky DC power supply, probably due to electrolytic capacitors drying up.
This is beyond the scope of a washine machine repair person. They'll just swap in a new control board.
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It's a computer, and it's crashing or failing to come out of standby or something. I'd suspect a dicky DC power supply, probably due to electrolytic capacitors drying up.
This is beyond the scope of a washine machine repair person. They'll just swap in a new control board.
That’s exactly what the engineer did, and he pointed to a capacitor on the old board and said that was the most likely cause.
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To be fair, last time I tried to troubleshoot the electronics of a washing machine, I got hot and bothered and covered in washing powder allergy trying to gain access, then did something careless with a multimeter probe and self-untapping screw - conclusively releasing the magic smoke from some important-looking semiconductor and justifying the purchase of a new washing machine.
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BTDT! Sometimes I think I should behave like a (normal?) non technical person. If it won't turn on GAPI* or buy a new one.
*'person' not 'man' , usually male but l am pleased when not.
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The PSU controller chip in my Bosch dishwasher burnt itself out after 8 years. Was an easy £2 fix.
But that was easy because the whole thing suddenly died overnight. If it had just been misbehaving I wouldn't know where to start.
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Had to replace the belt on our old French Carrefour cheapo.
First I was surprised to find a belt for a 10 year old machine, second, surprised it was so hard to fit. Luckily my park tools tyre lever came to the rescue. Sold it with the house and probably still going. Cheap and very basic.
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Had to replace the belt on our old French Carrefour cheapo.
First I was surprised to find a belt for a 10 year old machine, second, surprised it was so hard to fit. Luckily my park tools tyre lever came to the rescue. Sold it with the house and probably still going. Cheap and very basic.
Yes, the belts are held under a fair tension by strong springs that pivot the motor to maintain tension.
I usually have to use a socket-set 12" extension bar as a lever to shift the motor to facilitate belt replacement.
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My cheapo machine is about 9 years old now. Internet told me 10 years was about average for that level of price/quality.
I had a person in within about 6 months as the bearings died very early on, he said they weren't done properly to start with.
Then fine for a few years, until the program dial stopt dialling. It had cracked and so wasn't gripping, a quick dismantle and a bit of sticky tape sorted it out.
Since then I've replaced 2/3 paddles (carefully designed not to be replaceable unless you tweak a few things).
Finally, I've found 2 sheared off screws in the filter and it makes a terrible racket when spinning (as in drowning out the audio when I am wfh) - no doubt they're related. I'm suspecting whatever those screws are it's beyond my capabilities to fix, not that I've looked. Based on last time I got local repair bloke round (for the previous machine so 10+ years back) he's since retired in any case. So my plan is to only run the machine when there's supervision available (ie not when we're out or overnight) and then get a new one when it dies completely.
Or does anyone have a suggestion :-)
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Very good info site on white goods
https://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/
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Fwiw my Dad's a fireman and he reckons never ever run a washing machine (or tumble drier) when asleep or out, whether it's in good condition or not.
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Yes, I was surprised to learn how often washing machines catch fire. (I'd assumed it was driers or washer-driers during the drying cycle, but it seems to be a motor thing.)
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I have a new Miele on order but it will take around a fortnight to arrive.
I know I could get one more quickly from John Lewis but I want my local chaps to supply and fit. They have been really sensible throughout the COVID lockdown and I feel their prudence merits my custom. (I await a parcel of Emergency Underpants from M&S for David.)
The 'fortnight' was optimistic.
Finally received a text from my supplier today, 5 weeks after I placed my order. Hopefully new machine will be installed on Thursday.
Fingers crossed all goes OK.
5 weeks is a long time without a washing machine..
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Sings.
Those magnificent men in their washing machines
Sorry.
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My cheapo machine is about 9 years old now. Internet told me 10 years was about average for that level of price/quality.
Which brand?
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As reported elsewhere, our washing machine has started leaking. Being a man with tools, I decided that I could fix it, so taking it out of its slot and removing the top and back I searched for the leak. I can see the water is coming from in a vague ‘that side of the drum’ fashion, but I can’t see exactly where because the side doesn’t come off and lumps and bumps obscure any fittings from directions that can accessed.
The decision was therefore between dismantling the machine rather a lot more in the hope that it was fixable and parts, if required, would be available for reasonable money, or buy a new one and throw the old one away. I’m ashamed to say I went with the latter. :-[
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Suspect that's wise if 'wasteful'.
Scrapping a huge behemoth for a 'small' problem causes me some disquiet.
But life is short and the thought of flooded/burnt out kitchens worries me.
I would do the same...
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I HAS NEW MIELE WASHING MACHINE!
It is merrily tackling the dishcloths that have gone mouldy, waiting for attention, with a 90C cotton wash. It is VERY quiet so far, much quieter than its predecessor but seems a little flimsier and more plasticky.
Will watch...
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I HAS NEW MIELE WASHING MACHINE!
I could easily see my buying one as a retirement present to myself next year. But alas, even
their smallest one won't fit into the area currently occupied by a Bosch machine. I'd have to
get the who kitchen redesigned (too much faff and too spendy).
The door hinge on mine is on the left, whereas Miele has theirs on the right.
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I HAS NEW MIELE WASHING MACHINE!
Which model?
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I HAS NEW MIELE WASHING MACHINE!
Which model?
WCD 120 WCS
https://www.miele.co.uk/e/w1-front-loading-washing-machine-wcd-120-wcs-8kg-lotus-white-11358760-p?gclid=CjwKCAjwr7X4BRA4EiwAUXjbt-I7sI4cXxS2aBPPSZSyeYC5KVwuLd_Z5P9iiMIL2nJpgzP3yv0NrhoCQ9gQAvD_BwE (https://www.miele.co.uk/e/w1-front-loading-washing-machine-wcd-120-wcs-8kg-lotus-white-11358760-p?gclid=CjwKCAjwr7X4BRA4EiwAUXjbt-I7sI4cXxS2aBPPSZSyeYC5KVwuLd_Z5P9iiMIL2nJpgzP3yv0NrhoCQ9gQAvD_BwE)
It is very slightly larger than its predecessor but slotted in to the gap in the kitchen OK.
On its second cycle now. Overfoamed with the dishcloths, underfoaming with the 'delicate' throw that tops the piano and collected cat flea eggs.
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Now quietly tackling 5 weeks' socks. Neither over nor under foaming.
David is concerned throw blanket has lost much fluffiness, as is the nature of washed fluffy things. I hope this won't jam the filter but reckon blanket won't moult into the piano so much.
Which is good.
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Well, my machine died last week. Stopt in the middle of a run with flashing lights. Manual says "call the support line".
I decided it was time for a new machine as I don't know enough to repair myself. I'm suspecting a pump/drainage problem as it spins fine and fills fine.
I now has a new machine. It looks like a one-eyed alien.
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Well, my machine died last week.
I now has a new machine. It looks like a one-eyed alien.
Which brand?
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Miele, again.
Seems to do the job OK.
No 50C wash of any sort. I suppose I'd stopped using 50C.
I've mostly managed to stop it bleeping, which was annoying D.
Old machine span up to 1550 and did 75C & 50C washes but only took 5kg washing.
This takes up to 8kg and has less temperature choice, spins up to 1400.
It's much quieter in operation.
Time will tell if I get 20 years from this one.
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The dead one was hotpoint
The new one is samsung. My son chose it.
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A cycling friend of mine used to make a decent living repairing domestic appliances. He stopped, because they’re now cheaper to replace than repair.
His advice to me was to either spend usual money and expect 3years, maybe more if you use it carefully, or spend oodles on one of the very expensive ones like the Miele over £1500 ones, that are built to last.
Our Miele has died. We had a local man out to look at it yesterday, but his verdict was that replacement parts alone would cost more than £500, and that's if he could even get hold of them. Could ask an official Miele person for a second opinion but I'd guess it's unlikely to be any cheaper. Can't remember how much we paid for it originally. Maybe £900. Definitely under a grand.
It has lasted 16 years - which is not bad by the standard of modern appliances, but perhaps not as long as I expected based on reputation. Perhaps we've been a bit unlucky - the nature of the fault(s) suggests it's one of those pot luck things.
I would definitely buy another Miele but current budgetary constraints and all that...
The chap who came yesterday has recommended a Blomberg replacement for £350. Never heard of them before. Anyone have any experience? I assume they're one of these generic brands that all come out of the same factory in Eastern Europe. Spec looks good on paper, but I know better than to trust that.
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Blomberg it seems = Beko = German design, Turkish (or wherever) manufacture.
Apparently Beko was chosen because the parent companies are Arcelik and Kok...
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Blomberg it seems = Beko
I did wonder if that was the case. Thanks.
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We had a Blomberg a few years back. High spec and cheap to buy but a lower spec replacement Bosch was a much better, quieter, more reliable machine. The main control board developed a fault and to replace it would have cost more than the Bosch.
On paper the Bosch was significantly lower spec but it seemed to both wash and spin more effectively.
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I too would recommend Bosch. The wash performance of our latest (about 5 years old) is significantly better than the previous iteration, and the spin (1400 max) is quite effective, leaving moisture at a level that we can tolerate for putting on the radiators to finish off.
Also Bosch customer service has impressed me in the past.
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On paper the Bosch was significantly lower spec but it seemed to both wash and spin more effectively.
I'm mindful that a lot of 'features' (such as preset programmes) are an unnecessary distraction. Build quality and basic washing ability is far more important. And knowing it's not going to rattle itself to death in the spin cycle. The Blomberg claims 8kg load capacity, but I'd be wary of actually doing a load that big in a cheap machine.
This was one of the reasons we chose our Miele - even the 'basic' models have the same high build quality. As you go up the range, all you're paying for most of the time is more of the frippery.
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We have a Miele.
It's just gone wrong :(
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I paid £750 for my basic replacement Miele in August (for which I waited 40 washing machine-free days - COVID-related supply chain issues).
That's £100 LESS than I had paid for my 1999 Miele.
So far, so good...
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A cycling friend of mine used to make a decent living repairing domestic appliances. He stopped, because they’re now cheaper to replace than repair.
His advice to me was to either spend usual money and expect 3years, maybe more if you use it carefully, or spend oodles on one of the very expensive ones like the Miele over £1500 ones, that are built to last.
I spent £850 on my Miele 20 years ago. It has had recent issues but still mostly seems to work.
Ooops!
It died two weeks after that post...
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Does anyone actually use all the fancy options on washing machines ?
We tend to use a 40deg cycle with spin 99% of the time with an occasional really hot cycle for when something really needs it plus we always run one really hot cycle with it empty bar a washing machine cleaner once a month to blow the crap through it.
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We've never used the Gimp Suit setting. ;D
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Does anyone actually use all the fancy options on washing machines ?
Yes! For example, I use the sportswear setting for cycling kit. But it would be possible to achieve the same settings simply by adjusting the water temp and spin speed manually.
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I use 3 setings.
40 or 50 degree normal wash;
30 degree 20 minute quick wash for cycling and running kit including merino thermals;
Hot wash for towels which have been left a bit damp and foosty.
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30°C for cycling kit and most other clothing - most of my non-cycling clothing is what one might describe as tech/performance.
40°C for bed linen and towels.
Periodically I'll do 3 or 4 90°C consecutive runs with a bag of soda crystals and nothing else in there.
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ooh good luck you people all trying to get new washers with everything bunged up in Felixstowe just now. Hope it's not too painful.
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3 or 4 consecutive runs with a bag of soda crystals and nothing else in there.
Any particular evidence behind the 3 or 4 runs?
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Out of interest, anyone ever had an ebac washer?
They claim to be British made and have a serviceable drum.
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Are they not the air conditioning people making washing machines in the NE? Hot and cold fill machines.
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3 or 4 consecutive runs with a bag of soda crystals and nothing else in there.
Any particular evidence behind the 3 or 4 runs?
For reasons which currently escape me, I'd not fitted the water trap/ u-bend when I installed the machine, which tends to give the drum a drainy whiff after it has been in use awhile. It takes 3 or 4 hot runs to get rid of the whiff.
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Are they not the air conditioning people making washing machines in the NE? Hot and cold fill machines.
Yes, them
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ooh good luck you people all trying to get new washers with everything bunged up in Felixstowe just now. Hope it's not too painful.
It took over 5 weeks for me to get my Miele and that was before all this Brexit crap...
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Does anyone actually use all the fancy options on washing machines ?
We tend to use a 40deg cycle with spin 99% of the time with an occasional really hot cycle for when something really needs it plus we always run one really hot cycle with it empty bar a washing machine cleaner once a month to blow the crap through it.
I tried the 'shirts' cycle once but won't repeat this. Will just spin at 900 and hang out ASAP.
I do: a 40C 'delicates' for dark delicates and wool
a 40C 'minimum iron' for poly/cottons and pale cotton things
a 60C cotton cycle for hankies/towels/dishcloths
I 'cheated' by leaving dishcloths with the 40C minimum iron. They're still whiffy so they'll go into the next cotton cycle.
I'd consider fancy settings for fancy items but haven't yet tried.
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Does anyone actually use all the fancy options on washing machines ?
30Deg Easy Care - normal clothes
30Deg Cotton - Towels
30Deg Wool - Cycling kit
Never felt the need to use any of the others...
No gimp suit setting
It's a Bosch
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IME cooler temperatures leave washing whiffy...
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I use three different programmes that take 15/60/140 minutes depending on how long I want to listen to it whirring for.
("SuperQuick","Mixed Load" and "Cottons Eco")
I have no idea what the differences are.
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Washing machine programmes specify:
Length and strength of agitation - longest and roughest for cottons, least for silks or wool
Number of rinses, which ranges from 1-4
Spin speed both in intermediate stages of wash and final spin
Volume of water used in wash and rinses.
'Eco' settings substitute more agitation for a lower temperature wash.
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Generally, you're fine unless you select programme number 7, which shortly after the rinse cycles sucks your now damned soul straight to Hell. A harsh punishing for not reading the manual, but there you go.
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It tries to, but is mostly foiled by the trapped detritus in the drain pump.
Souls are not flexible enough to pass through the filter of bra-wires, half-pence pieces and used condoms which bar the way.
The soul is left forever slopping around in the soup of their erstwhile owners.
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Socks, on the other hand, pass straight through. But only in odd numbers.
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Had 3 in the last 39 years.
Twin tub - can't remember make.
Zanussi.
Hoover.
All lasted >10 years.
Current Hoover runs on program 4 (whatever that is) 99% of the time.
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Currently Samsung. Seems OK but a tad noisy however resides in Ulitilty area. Does not wander like the LG machine. (I will never buy LG again.) Daily wash programme most days unless delicates.
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Out of interest, anyone ever had an ebac washer?
They claim to be British made and have a serviceable drum.
Serviceable drum you say? If I outlive my recently drum-replaced wm (curse it’s designers and their offspring in perpetuity), I may give ebac a spin.
Sorry.
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My Bosch washing machine isn't draining properly. Often gets stuck part way through the wash, with an error code, and still full of water.
Have cleaned out the fluff filter, no obvious blockages. I suspect the drain pump is broken, it is rather noisy while trying to pump.
Can buy a compatible pump for £50. Or £10 for a 'universal' Askoll pump, not sure if that will fit. I'll have a look inside soon.
This video looks quite straightforward. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7aFdZ9C548
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That’s what happens with our Miele. Will report back after the engineer has been...
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As I'm moving house soon I'll need to buy some new appliances (old ones sold with the house). First up is a washing machine and a tumble dryer. Any recommendations? I've just come across the Ebac website and their washing machines sound impressive, but I've never heard of them. Anyone got any experience of them?
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I do agree the Ebacs look good, but no experience.
Happy Miele owner here tho.
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I have an Ebac dehumidifier. It's terrible at washing clothes.
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OK, so I"ve just looked up the Which website, they tested 2 models in 2017 and gave them a 'Don't Buy' rating on account of poor washing it seems.
Bit more discussion here about Which refusing to test under 'aggressive mode' https://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/forums/forum/public-support-forums/buying-advice/863959-ebac-washing-machines
Ebac's response:
https://www.ebac.com/washing-machines/articles/ebacs-response-to-the-which-review-2/
On the 'aggressive mode' comment, when we first got our Miele, I found thr clothes felt a bit funny. Crispy is how I can best describe it. So I started doing most washes on the 'dark clothing' setting which is designed to use a bit more water to prevent powder turning up on clothes.
Good reviews on Amazon & Trustpilot tho, so who knows.
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Before Aunt Phyllis moved in with us, she bought a Samsung "Eco-bubble" washing machine. It was much better than our old thing (Zanussi IIRC) so it came too. In fact, I think ours had actually packed up as I took our washing round to her empty bungalow for quite some time when she was in hospital. More than 5 years later, it still works well, and I'm pretty sure we had a new motor fitted to it a year or so ago. It has the added bonus that when it has finished its programme, it plays a short extract from Schubert's "The Trout", which is lovely, albeit cheesily electronic.
We have a tumble drier but it's very ancient and if you have the space, I would be inclined to spread the clothes our and use a dehumidifier. We've got the space, but we don't always use the dehumidifier as I like to keep the humidity in the piano room at around 50%.
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My Zanussi Jetwash seems to have lasted very well.
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We have a Smeg washing machine, bought for the sole reason that it was the only stainless steel fronted washing machine available at the time (and had a matching dishwasher). Vanity rules. What can I say, clothes go in dirty and come out clean, and it's been churning away for seven-plus years without issue. We used to have a Siemen's one in our last place that was similarly functional, but the people who bought the house wanted the appliances and seemed to be willing to pay about £6k for them and it saved us moving them, so we took the money and bought new ones.
Our first washing machine (that we owned) came from my wife's gran, and was seventeen years old (it was a Bosch) when we sold our first house (including that).
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My suggestion for a tumble dryer is to get a heat-pump one. We've had a Beko one for around 8 years now and it's been fine, and seems to be quite economical.
I suspect that there isn't much difference between any of the Beko heat pump ones.
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Bosch washing machine and ebac 2650e dehumidifier here. The Bosch replaced a well used Bosch simply because we got a better deal on a new machine than fitting a new motor to the 10+ year old one. It was it's first fault and the brushes had worn down to wafers but new brushes didn't resolve the issue. The new machine (three years ago now I believe) has a brushless motor.
The ebac dehumidifier does a grand job of finishing off drying the laundry and providing nice water for the iron.
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What's an "iron"
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Got an LG washer here which must be twenty years old and has only played up when the drain filter pump got bunged up with fluff and small-denomination coins. Where did I get a Finnish 1-penni from? And don’t say “Finland”, as the nearest I've been to Suomi is the Tivoli in Copenhagen. In 1993.
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Have just ordered a new machine here. Went for a Grundig, which looks good on paper, even if I only associate the brand with '70s hifi. 😳
It's replacing a Hoover machine that was giving a 'not draining' error code, and turned out to be live when I opened up the filter. The wet towels inside made the test screwdriver light up - which made pulling it out to get at the socket to disconnect it a little interesting... Chances are I'm being wasteful in replacing it, but even if I was to fix it I don't think I'd trust it again. It's old enough to be a couple of years into its second set of motor brushes, and has had a fairly busy life, so I don't feel too guilty.
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Bosch washing machine and ebac 2650e dehumidifier here.
Same here. A chap in our club owns a shop that sells and refurbishes white goods. I'm on my 2nd
Bosch from him (after the 1st one became unexpectedly ill). Prior to that, I had a Bosch that I
bought from white goods store in 2000 that lasted over 10 years.
I'm limited on space in my kitchen (the only place where a machine can be placed) and the that
it has to have the hinge on the left side of the door.
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Have just ordered a new machine here. Went for a Grundig, which looks good on paper, even if I only associate the brand with '70s hifi. 😳
It's replacing a Hoover machine that was giving a 'not draining' error code, and turned out to be live when I opened up the filter. The wet towels inside made the test screwdriver light up - which made pulling it out to get at the socket to disconnect it a little interesting... Chances are I'm being wasteful in replacing it, but even if I was to fix it I don't think I'd trust it again. It's old enough to be a couple of years into its second set of motor brushes, and has had a fairly busy life, so I don't feel too guilty.
When we had a washing machine go live, the socket it plugged into had a worn earth connection and needed replacing.
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Hmmm... You make a good point.
Whatever the cause, it should have tripped the mains so I'd better check the socket. There's continuity between the case and the earth pin on the plug, at least.
ETA:. Yep. You is right:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18icHtOTj3v7SuKeL56wrzvlC82IAAX6A/view?usp=drivesdk
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That’s what happens with our Miele. Will report back after the engineer has been...
I never came back on this. Internal drain pipe clogged up. She washed that out and all was well again.
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In terms of reliability, the machines we have had have been in this order:
Crap famous names
John Lewis
Bosch
Miele
With the most reliable last.
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Does the 'crap famous names' cover several sinners?
I forgot the very first washer we bought new was also a Bosch, we left it in our previous flat. Don't know why we didn't just buy another when we needed a new one in this place but we bought a Miele on recommendations here. (I don't remember being unhappy with the Bosch).
If we manage to offload this flat onto some mug this year, one thing I won't be taking is the Miele, unless we get a moving firm in. It's too fucking heavy to be heaving down a flight of steps.
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Just look for a Made in Germany sticker, have an AEG its 30 years old. My mother brought it for me when she ordered a Bosch its still on the go . On its 3rd set of motor brushes, buy quality buy once was her motto.
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What's an "iron"
iMac-shaped device for applying T-shirt transfers and carpet-joining tape, and for testing RCDs. The Yoof across the road may occasionally want to borrow it to do something to their clothes before a job interview / Hawt Date. It takes all sorts.
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Does the 'crap famous names' cover several sinners?
Yes, several names!
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Many of those names might as well be the same name given that they are all owned by a handful of groups. The Electrolux group own well over 50 brand names (though not all of them washing machines) Among the more well known ones are AEG, Tricity Bendix, Zanussi. The Candy group own Hoover, Zerowatt and Kelvinator among others. The Indesit Company own Ariston, Indesit, New World, Philco, Hotpoint, Creda, Cannon, GDA, English Electric. Bosch , Neff , Siemens? Same group.
Your John Lewis, was in fact an Electrolux.
The short answer is that you get what you pay for, but what you pay for includes things like service and spare parts availability. Cheaper machines may not be very repairable, for example they may use sealed units for cheaper manufacture and assembly. In fact there is EU legislation coming into force this year that requires greater serviceability and parts availability, but oh whoops Brexit.
Yes, your £1000 Miele may last a long time, but will it last 20 years versus the 5 years you might expect from your £250 Beko? Who knows.
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What's an "iron"
A temperature-controlled device for applying wax to the base of skis.
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See also the comments about my $Brand has been going strong for 30 years.
That's fine, but what you can buy today is not going to be made the same way, out of the same components. And as Warm Farts says, they're probably not even made by the same company any more. So unfortunately no indication as to future performance of a machine purchased today.
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If we manage to offload this flat onto some mug this year, one thing I won't be taking is the Miele, unless we get a moving firm in. It's too fucking heavy to be heaving down a flight of steps.
When our Miele (of unspecified age) died a couple of years ago, I was very, very glad I'd paid for the people delivering the new old to take the old one away. I've no idea how they got it down from the second floor, but it took a while...
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I replaced the Hygena washer/dryer that came with the house with a
Miele I bought in 2000 which died last summer so I bought a
Miele in 2020
Cheapest Miele I think.
Fine so far.
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What's an "iron"
A temperature-controlled device for applying wax to the base of skis.
Mine is a temperature-controlled device for attaching SMD components to a circuit board using solder.
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As far as I can make, out the price points within a single manufacturer's range typically relate to more 'features' and the underlying quality of the item remains the same. We bought the lowest featured Miele washing machine on the grounds we don't need 50 different wash cycles.
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My thinking is the more 'features' to more potential for things to go wrong, so avoid...
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That too !
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My next washing machine will have accessible bearings, if possible. It was galling to have to replace the entire sealed drum when only the bearings had gone.
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My thinking is the more 'features' to more potential for things to go wrong, so avoid...
Yeahbut most features on a washing machine are just extra programs for the controller to not run because you never use them, and therefore harmless. The only really useful one is automagic extra rinses.
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See also the comments about my $Brand has been going strong for 30 years.
That's fine, but what you can buy today is not going to be made the same way, out of the same components. And as Warm Farts says, they're probably not even made by the same company any more. So unfortunately no indication as to future performance of a machine purchased today.
There's also survivor bias. Our ancient Bosch came via the grandmother who'd gone to ga-ga home as we were poor and buying our first house in London (two facts that seem inseparably paired). That said, our car was a similarly aged Golf (still working when we sold it because parking).
Does anyone use more than two different programmes? I think the only problem we've ever had with any washer was the other week, when the Smeg not unreasonably choked on one of my wife's gym socks and she had to extricate it from the portal underneath (I've never seen her fix a machine before, but for reasons I'm not allowed to operate or even touch the washing machine).
Anyway, we've never had to get anyone to fix a washing machine. I remember growing up and my dad always seemed to be cursing and yanking bits out of a washing machine's innards while my mum looked on grumpily.
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When mum went into a home 10 years ago we had to clear the house and sell it to pay for the home. There was a washing machine (Beko) that had been used all of three times, so I brought it home to replace our roughly 10 year old Hoover when it inevitably packed up. So it went in the shed to wait. It's still there.
When we got married (40 years ago) we had a twin tub which got retired in favour of an automatic Zanussi when the first child arrived (36 years ago). And that's it. We've had 3 machines in 40 years.
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I use four programs:
A 60C cotton wash for towels, hankies & dishcloths; takes AGES but does the job. Quite rough.
40C 'minimum iron' for undies, shirts and bedlinen; good compromise.
40C Delicates for delicate synthetics; doesn't rinse too well. Stuff can smell musty, especially if 'delicate' detergent used.
30C Wool for wool only; it doesn't clean very well.
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Miele last around 20 years, as mine did.
I did a HOT hygiene wash when I received my new machine last summer. Some dishcloths had grown a beard in the 6 weeks I had been without a machine...
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Our current machine is 9 years old, bought because we were moving in to a new house and putting in a new kitchen. MrsH wanted a nice neat fitted one behind a matching wooden door rather than our standalone one. That was probably 15 years old, so I wasn't too upset to leave it at the old house.
Telling it what program to run involves spinning a dial to choose, then pressing the "Play" triangle button. However, the programming dial has "helpful" Euro-style pictograms to indicate what each does, with no words or numbers to give a clue. And those pictograms are totally different to the ones on clothes care labels. So, for the odd occasion I do the washing, I know to put the dial to 2 o'clock, and press play. Not got a clue what any of the other 20 or so settings do, and I'm reasonably convinced MrsH doesn't either.
Extremely rarely, we need to do something unusual in there, so have to dig out the manual to decipher the "helpful" pictures.
Our clothes seem to come out clean, not trashed, and smelling OK, so that's good enough.
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We left a machine behind for the couple who bought our London flat in 2001 and bought a Bosch when we moved back north. The Bosch lasted until the first day of lockdown in 2020 with only one call out (bearing) and one repair that I did. We replaced it with a Miele, which washes very well, but does seem to take the drawstrings out of my tracksters and shorts - I really haven’t worked out how it does this.
I only use, and am only permitted to use, the sports program for my bike gear. Sue does everything else, although I am trusted to take stuff out and put it in a basket or, occasionally, the dryer. I do have form on washing to be fair, but I’m more careful now about red socks...
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We left a machine behind for the couple who bought our London flat in 2001 and bought a Bosch when we moved back north. The Bosch lasted until the first day of lockdown in 2020 with only one call out (bearing) and one repair that I did. We replaced it with a Miele, which washes very well, but does seem to take the drawstrings out of my tracksters and shorts - I really haven’t worked out how it does this.
I only use, and am only permitted to use, the sports program for my bike gear. Sue does everything else, although I am trusted to take stuff out and put it in a basket or, occasionally, the dryer. I do have form on washing to be fair, but I’m more careful now about red socks...
Be honest. You did it on purpose, to make sure you were never asked again?
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I HAS NEW MIELE WASHING MACHINE!
I could easily see my buying one as a retirement present to myself next year. But alas, even
their smallest one won't fit into the area currently occupied by a Bosch machine. I'd have to
get the who kitchen redesigned (too much faff and too spendy)....
Our problem. Without ripping apart bits of house, including removal of some brickwork, no Miele model will fit. Well, I suppose we could have it standing in the middle of the kitchen & squeeze past . . . . :( Or add a small extension to the 1960s bit built on the back*.
Actually, very few washing machines will fit, but there is some choice. We used to have a Bosch back in the 2000s, & there are Zanussi & Beko models plus one or two others which will fit.
*Replaced an early 1880s walk-in larder, coal store, & outside toilet. There was one house in the street which still had 'em when I moved in.
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Didn't realise you got non standard washers. Top loader?
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There are top loaders that'll fit (our Bosch was one), but there are also some front loaders, e.g. the Zanussi & Beko ones (a couple of choices from each company IIRC). Standard width, but shallower front to back, so we can get 'em in.
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My Miele is around 10cm deeper than the slot into which it was put, so it juts into the kitchen.
The previous Miele replaced an 'integrated' Hygena, which fitted flush with the rest of the kitchen. AIUI 'integrated' machines are smaller.
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OK, so I"ve just looked up the Which website, they tested 2 models in 2017 and gave them a 'Don't Buy' rating on account of poor washing it seems.
Bit more discussion here about Which refusing to test under 'aggressive mode' https://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/forums/forum/public-support-forums/buying-advice/863959-ebac-washing-machines
Ebac's response:
https://www.ebac.com/washing-machines/articles/ebacs-response-to-the-which-review-2/
On the 'aggressive mode' comment, when we first got our Miele, I found thr clothes felt a bit funny. Crispy is how I can best describe it. So I started doing most washes on the 'dark clothing' setting which is designed to use a bit more water to prevent powder turning up on clothes.
Good reviews on Amazon & Trustpilot tho, so who knows.
The Ebac response seems to be, basically, that the Which test is dated, & doesn't allow for users adjusting how they wash (both washing machine settings & pre-treatment) to the type of dirt. It noted that Which reported a high level of customer satisfaction.
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There are top loaders that'll fit (our Bosch was one), but there are also some front loaders, e.g. the Zanussi & Beko ones (a couple of choices from each company IIRC). Standard width, but shallower front to back, so we can get 'em in.
My latest washer is a hotpoint but only a 6kg & it is much shallower front to back than the 20 year old one it replaced last year think that was a 7 or 8 kg
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My latest washer is a hotpoint
Just been listening to an item on Radio Four's You and Yours consumer programme, about
Hotpoint washing machines becoming faulty and breaking down within 12 months of purchase.
This is compounded by shocking customer non service.
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Very good info site on white goods
https://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/
This repairer, Andy, is funny/knowledgeable, too: https://www.awmronline.com (https://www.awmronline.com)
I've resurrected his longer rant from the Internet archive:https://web.archive.org/web/20190119155257/https://www.awmronline.com/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20190119155257/https://www.awmronline.com/)
He wouldn't touch Miele. He reckons that 10 year warranties don't cover labour, so some top-end machines can be beyond economic repair within warranty. He writes that four year lives from sealed tank machines is quite common, often down to insufficient grease on the oil seal that shields the first bearing from the water (modern large drums might also contribute?). The vast majority of modern machines have sealed tanks, including Miele models WEA025, WCA030 and the WWD120. LG and Samsung are noted as being separate, but they are difficult to repair in other ways. He also recommends no one every buy a washer-dryer, unless they have no alternative.
Here is a thread (https://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/forums/forum/public-support-forums/help-and-support/washing-machine-help-forum/851874-non-sealed-tank-washing-machine/page4) on ukwhitegoods discussing one-piece tanks. There are videos on youtube of people cutting and siliconing up their one-piece tanks to replace the bearings!
My own machine is a 22 year old WM series Welsh-built Hotpoint, which he rates highly and suggests owners hold on to. I've recently treated mine to a set of stainless steel bearings.
During the Second World War, we had the utility designation (was it a circle with a quadrant removed?) which was a mark of quality and longevity because we couldn't be wasting materials by over embellishing, and we couldn't be wasting material on things that weren't built to last. I can't see why the same isn't true now, but with the crisis being and energy and environmental one. But the quest for relentless GDP growth, which almost all politicians support, takes us ever further away. Clown world.