SOUND ADVICE

Based on my own research and the feedback I received from readers, the reliability and longevity of modern washing machines is the biggest reason I advocate for quality, long-lasting products like Speed Queen. I heard from more than one person who went through three washing machines in 10 years because they broke and were too expensive to repair.

While it is important to conserve resources, we are not doing the environment any favors when we are shoveling 7,000 major appliances per hour into landfills. If you have not seen one, search the web for images of “appliance landfill.” It is ugly!

Though I don’t care for “high-efficiency” top-loaders, I would love to have a front-load washing machine and see the appeal of using less water and energy (though the energy savings are minuscule, a few dollars per year.) But for all the people who are happy, there are others that have mold and smell issues no matter what they do, including being careful with detergent and leaving the door open when not in use. It seems to be a combination of washing machine brand + detergent brand and amount used + location of the machine (geographically and in the home itself) that determines if there will be mold or smells, and it is impossible to know ahead of time what combination will be satisfactory. Until I know of a mold- and smell-free combination that includes a machine I can trust to last a minimum of 15 years, I will stay with my Speed Queen top loader.

If you own a front-load washing machine and do not have mold or smell issues, I would love to hear from you. Please contact me through my website and tell me what brand machine you have, what detergent you use and where you live. I am going to start a listing of these combinations so others can try and duplicate your positive experiences.