(phone ringing)
Katie – Hello?
Jeremy – It’s me.
Katie – Oh, hey hon.
Jeremy – Hey. I just called to tell you that I think I sold our washer and dryer.
Katie – Oh really?
Jeremy – Yeah. On craigslist. For two hundred and fifty bucks.
Katie – Hmm.
Jeremy – The lady is gonna come get em tomorrow.
Katie – That’s cool. So question…
Jeremy – ok…what?
Katie – How are we going to wash our clothes?
This was the conversation that led up to our new purchase. No discussion. No prior ‘laundry talk’. Just a craigslist listing and some lady who bought our 10+ year old washer & dryer. My lack of outrage and my flux of flexibility in the situation was surprising. It shocked even me. Maybe that means I am growing. I am already extremely mature…even the elderly are taken back with my overflow of wisdom. But emotional stability in the face of a laundry giant? This is new. Or it could just be fatigue. Either way, we were one step closer to getting a new washer & dryer so the bootie dancing with perfect strangers was acceptable.
So we headed out to HHGregg during a recent sale. It was actually pretty fun. This was going to be the largest NEW purchase that Jeremy & I have ever made. We could practically see the glittering sparkles on the shiny new equipment. But we knew that those shining glimmers of light were actually dollar signs – blinding people who weilded the all powerful credit card into submission. So we did everything to prepare.
1. We had out the Consumer Reports listing of approved appliances.
2. We knew our needs & wants – such as color, features and price point.
3. We dressed like paupers to score the best deal. Think the Olsen twins but with dreds.
After some extensive negotiations, a little flashing of the chest (the boyfriends, not mine), and a battle of thumb war, we ended up scoring a pretty great deal on a new Samsung washer & dryer. They are uber-fabu.
They look like this except white –
And the best part is that they have everything we need.
- They are steam equipped – basically steam washers & dryers claim better stain removal and less wrinkling (which means that future baby clothes will be 99.9% bacteria free!)
- They are water & energy efficient – so we won’t throw money out with the wash water
- They have delicate cycles + SilverCare – which means that they can remove nasties from my naughty bits of underwear without tearing a hole in them
- They have an extra large capacity – which will be great for when I attempt to wash our towels (Did I mention that Jeremy showers almost twice a day!??)
- They are front loading – so our couch’s slipcovered can be cleaned in our very own home instead of running over to a friend’s house every time we spill the Taco Bell beef baja chalupa
Basically they are just dreamy. And the price wasn’t too shabby either. The HHGregg guy (let’s call him Gregg, shall we?)…well, Gregg scored us an excellent deal – $2000 for both…plus the cost of installation (free with a rebate). It was definitely more than we wanted to spend…but those dang sparkles were just so dang….sparkly.
So what about you guys? Do you front-load? How about any archaic washer/dryer owners out there? And anyone else choose a Samsung lately? Truth be told, we knew that Samsung made great televisions…but laundry appliances? Who woulda thunk it? And I gotta hear all about your laundry blues…washer eat your socks? Dryer overheats? Any one have a battle with a local laundromat? Whatever your washing woes – here’s your chance to air that dirty laundry 🙂
I’m so jealous! We were looking at those (in silver), but but my husband wanted the retarded Rainbow Bright Electrolux set – ugh. Our salesman said the Samsung ones are the quietest, I’m sure you’ll love them! (P.S. – If you can afford the pedestals they’re pretty nice for shoving laundry soap, paint chips, etc.. and you’ll never have to bend down (or smack your head) on the doors again 🙂
My Whirlpool washer and dryer are over 19 years old. I use them every day and other than replacing one part years ago, we haven’t had a single problem with them. Once these dinos die, I plan to go with front loaders. Get back to us on how you like your Samsung!
Oh do we front load. I sat on the floor and watched the entire first wash cycle. Can you say loser party of one? Yeahh. So happy for you and your recent acquisition! Those boyfriends are sneaky with their Craigslist selling.
We got Samsung front-loading laundry appliances a year and a half ago and I love them. It is a deep, abiding love rekindled every time I do laundry. The years I spent lugging hampers to the laundromat definitely make me appreciate them more.
The snag we hit on our way to laundry bliss had to do with our builder. They built two versions of our house in this neighborhood with mirror image floor plans (i.e., front door on the left and front door on the right). This worked out fine except when it came to the (tiny) laundry room, which is on the upper floor. In the “front door on the left” plan, the washer is meant to go on the left and the dryer on the right. In the “front door on the right” plan (ours), the drain pan for the washer was installed on the right. Not the worst thing ever, but it meant that the front-loader doors would bang into each other when you open them (and the doors on the models we bought weren’t reversible). Fortunately, my boyfriend didn’t mind doing a little floor surgery and plumbing rerouting so I’d have sensibly arranged appliances and some protection from floodwaters.
Can’t wait to see your sparkly new laundry area!
What made you decided to go with white instead of silver? I’m not knocking your choice at all just curious for when we make our future purchase (oh and win the lottery). I’d prefer white myself but then I was wondering if silver would be easier to clean/show less stains. Anybody know?
we are a front load kind of family too! we have the LG version, pretty much the same thing when puch comes to shove and I love them. more liek LURRRRVE them! the only thing I would watch out for is a mystery smell – no the kind you have experienced lately, but the smelly kind that comes from washers (mainly front load). 🙂 are you super excited to get them OR WHAT?!
we did the front loader thing a year ago when we bought our house! I love them! they are energy efficient and don’t ruin the cloths. the only downfall is that the washer tends to stink…. when u shut the door the water gets trapped in the front rubber part and sits… and stinks. So make sure to leave ur door open after ur done so it can air out. But if you forget they have tablets you can buy now to keep em smelling fresh!
We looked at that exact set this weekend (in silver) at the Depot, although we’re months away from making a purchase. My fiance loves them, which is pretty funny since he doesn’t really the laundry except very special occasions. I think all the sleek functions on those might change that though! Keep us update on how they work for you!
Congrats on the baby and new washer/dryer combo! You’ll be happy to have them when the little one comes along. I’m so happy to have upgraded to a front loader too. Comes in handy with loads of kids’ clothes and diapers. I’ve enjoyed your blog, thanks! I posted a washing and drying dilemma I had awhile back here: http://homekidslife.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-not-to-dry-clothes.html Enjoy!
Lucky you! It seems everyone I know has nice, matching washer/dryer sets. But since you asked . . . I brought our washer and dryer into our marriage; paid $100 for both in 2001! So eight years and counting . . . I was moving into a house and the girl who was moving out didn’t want to move them. The washer’s white and was fairly (she had just bought it). I have no idea how old the dryer is, but it’s . . . avacado!!! However, we will not be replacing them until they bite the dust! (Much as I would love a new pair, can’t justify it. They’re in the scary basement area, so pretty ones down there wouldn’t help anyway.)
So cool! Congrats on your new purchase. I’m itching for a new set as well and a whole laundry room re-vamp! Fingers crossed for next year!!!
WTG on your new lovelies! My fabulous husband bought me a new front-loading washer (an LG – also at the top of the Consumer Reports list that we had!) not quite a year ago and I love it! We kept our dryer for the time being because it was newer than our old washer (which was pushing 35; the dryer still had some life left in it, since it was only 15 years old, or so). I’m looking forward to finding a mate for my washer soon!
Laura – it sounds like our previous washer & dryer could have been friends with yours 🙂 Jeremy actually got the washer&dryer from his mother-in-law, Nurse Vicki. It was hers before she married Pastor Dad. That means these old fogies were around 16 years old (at least)….so I really should thank my lucky stars that we even got $2 for em. And I hear ya on waiting till they bite the dust – we would have done the same but we really needed to wash our couch. Let’s just say that koolaid, blood, chocolate and hairloss wasn’t a good combo 🙂
XO – Katie
We have old school, cheap-o washer and dryer.
My most recent woe? I took the plunge and washed our sofa’s butt-cushion microfiber covers. Which turned out PERFECT, but I screwed up by putting in the three matching throw pillows, two of which got caught in the spin cycle and tore/melted. WOOPS.
We sold our old washer and dryer with our old house. We bought an old washer and dryer with our new house in 1995. They were old then, but still going strong. My SIL’s husband works for an appliance store so they get upgraded every other year or few, so a couple of years ago we got their “old” “new” washer and dryer. In their house their laundryroom floor is uneven so the washer walked when it was running. But surely it wouldn’t walk in OUR basement?
So we got rid of our old washer and dryer – remember, nothing was wrong with them – sold them on Craigslist for $100 each. We installed SIL’s “old” “new” appliances and… they walk in our basement, too!
And we can’t buy new until these die!
And I know, I just know, they’ll live forever!
But when they do die, I don’t know that I want a front loader – you all have to do a lot of convincing… I’m such an old-fashioned, traditional girl…
I love them. Our old set bit the dust a couple of months ago and I loved being able to buy a new front loading set. I might even admit that I don’t mind doing the laundry now (but don’t let the husband know that). Like Emily I was a total loser and watched in awe during the first load. Kept me entertained for an hour and now I might actually understand how they work a little.
By my best guess, our washer is pushing 30 years old. It’s puke yellow colored! The dryer is a normal shade of white and appears newer. Both came with the house.
Just two weekends ago our washer broke and I thought we were destined for a new front-loading, energy-efficient pair. But after new hoses, a visit from the repair man, and a $1 clamp from Home Depot, we’re back in business and only about $100 lighter. Plus now my husband knows how to take the thing apart in case of future breakage. I’m hoping 2010 is the year of a new kitchen (and my coveted dish washer!); maybe 2011 can be the year of a sparkly new washer/dryer!
Enjoy your newfound laundry bliss!
Ooooh pretties!! Dad surprised Mom with Samsung front-loaders last year for Christmas and I was sooooo jealous! : ) They don’t have steam, but they do have the pedestals which mom loves. They are amazing and so fun to use, bonus for laundry.
My laundry history goes something like this: sharing laundry room with tons of random people in college, still feeding quarters after graduation, one old house with a super leaky washer, sharing with boys gross, moving to Europe where I got to use the washer/dryer for 6 hrs one day a week and if I messed it up it beeped like the fire alarm, and finally to our rental with a mini washer and dryer. Think the Big Man is teaching me a lesson in laundry patience and appreciation for the one day when hopefully we can get some pretty and practical front-loaders too!!! : ) Enjoy!!!
We have a nice washer and dryer set – all fancy with front loading and energy efficient. The only MAJOR problem is that they both exist in our spider-ville basement next to the furnace. Definately impact my laundry experience when I’m on the look out for Sammy the Spider…
We have the old school washer & dryer – buts our is in the garage, i don’t really care it wokrs really great. BUT if we had a hookup in our home, I want nice news ones like you two just bought.
We made the switch to front loaders last year when we moved. I thought the novelty would wear off but everytime I manage to cram a weeks worth of laundry into the machine I cannot help being amazed at it’s capacity. I know I will have to part with them next year when we move again, but having had a front loader I don’t think I can ever go back.
Ohh! So pretty! I’m jealous – our W&D are old and the dryer only has one setting – high! – and the timer on it is broken. But until it stops working, we’re going with it. (Would it be wrong for me to take a hammer to it?)
We have a front loader and have experienced the stinky issue many gripe about, so please, fantastic Bower Power duo, avoid liquid detergents, over-using soap, etc. I tackle all of these issues here on my blog:
http://launderfoldrepeat.blogspot.com/2009/09/laundry-blues.html
Also, consider switching to homemade detergent! It’s so easy to make, ridiculously cheap and smells great without chemicals or perfumes!
http://launderfoldrepeat.blogspot.com/2009/09/homemade-laundry-detergent-101.html
I know a few people with front loaders. All of which have experienced the same problem, a terrible mold smell that they can’t get rid of. So bad that after doing research we found out that the companys were doing everything in their power not to recall them. I hope that yours has an anti-microbial (sp?) seal. If not, make sure you dry the seal after each use or keep the door open till it’s completely dry. Also, use the proper detergent. Don’t be tempted to use anything but the HE detergent. I dont know all the details but I know my sis-in-law wishes she knew that b4 she got hers. Anyway, they look beautiful and I like your color choice. Timeless.
Agreed with those who said front loaders get stinky if you close the door when not in use. Otherwise, they’re great!
If you start to get an odor problem (say if your boyfriend decides to close the door despite many reminders to the contrary), a cheap way to help keep it at bay is to use some Borax or baking soda with your wash. Those both also keep your clothes smelling a bit fresher too.
My comment isn’t about the washer/dryer…although, congrats on that great new purchase. I just thought I would pass on to you a fun little tidbit about me when I was prego. Naturally I am a rather high-strung individual, however when I was prego with my kid, I was unbelievably laid back! I just thought I would pass this on since your comments about the surprise you felt when you didn’t freak out about the lack of washer/dryer really reminded me of me when I was prego. So congrats (on the baby and the new purchase) and enjoy the new mind set; if it is prego related, it does go away after giving birth. 🙂
B
I got a front loader Frigidaire washer and dryer about eight months ago and love them!!!
That is the EXACT set we bought a few months ago! In the silver color…they are SO pretty! You will love the cute little song they play when the load is done! Such a jaunty little tune! We did have to send the washer back twice because it had dents in it before they even brought it in the house.
We have the Whirlpool Duet, and we love them. We picked them up for $2000 with the stands and delivery. Sales are amazing.
We bought a Samsung dishwasher and aren’t completely thrilled with it, but it’s super quiet. We are not quite sure how but it’s louder when we are upstairs then when we are standing right next to it. (we had started the washer before we went to bed and both woke up with a panic when we heard noises down stairs – silly it was our dishwasher) We are just having a hard time figuring out what soap to use in it. But it doesn’t ruin or melt dishes or plastic – so once we find the magic soap, I’m sure I’ll love em more.
I use a top loader. I’m considered the Samsung pair, but I’m still worried about the mold that everyone seems to get in the front loaders.
By the way, I think Consumer Reports uses “value” as one of their factors, so their top rated appliances aren’t necessarily the best. They’ll never rate Benjamin Moore’s Aura paint as the best because of it’s price.
We have the LG front loaders. We also have matching storge pedestals for them to sit on. But now they are so tall I can’t reach the cabinets above them. I hate being short! Like others have mentioned, leave the washer door open when you are done doing a load & make sure you only use HE detergent.
In the UK I would say 99.9% of people have
front loaders. I don’t even know if any
stores sell top loaders here. However, there
can be problems with smell but it’s because
some people use liquid tabs instead of powder
and once a month you should run the machine
on empty at the hottest programme. Also
remember to take out the drawer which takes
in the powder and fabric softener and check
it as mould will grow there. Just clean this
with bleach every so often. Hope it helps.
We just bought those same ones a few months ago (I posted about it here http://enjoyingnow.wordpress.com/2009/09/02/the-twins/)
I am sure you will love them as much as we do!!! The steam makes hard stains come out just like magic 🙂
We got our Whirlpool front loaders a year ago after much searching and comparing. We also went with white and a sales guy had a great explanation when it came to color choice. He said if you get a red one or brown one everyone will know what decade you got it from and the white was timeless. Good point!
So I believe this is the first time I have commented on your site – oops! I just had to chime in on the washer & dryer because my husband and I bought our first set in June. We actually got them from HHGregg too and had a horrible experience customer service wise, but they work great! I love the ones you picked out and think front loaders are fab, but of course our budget wouldn’t allow for that yet. We did get the top loading washer that doesn’t have an agitator and is eco-friendly though! So I guess we are little old-school/a little new-school. Congrats on your new purchase & you’ll have to let us know how much you love them!
We bought a Samsung washer/dryer set on sale at Sears for just $1000.
My favorite part? The little song they play after finishing a load 🙂
I’m with Stef. Front loaders were just coming out when we bought our set around 2004. I see front-loaders as a fad that just excite people. In reality, there was a simpler solution: the Kenmore washer with Calypso motion. It has no agitator to take up room and tear big things like comforters (ask us how we know?). It just has a little nub at the bottom that does the agitation. And it’s energy efficient, uses HE detergient, and automatically adjusts the water level to the size of the load… all with no stinky mold problems and no bending over! I’ll take our top-loader any day of the week.
Dave – I honestly didn’t give much thought to a top-loader with no agitator…but it is good to know that there is another option out there that doesn’t struggle with the mildew stank. So thanks so much for chiming in!
And just for anyone out there wondering – our Samsungs are still stink-free – so I am thanking my lucky stars!
XO – katie
Ooooh. Pweddy. Those look fabulous! Thanks for the heads up, our Sears front loaders may be taking a nose dive on us in the next couple of years- we’ll definitely have to keep Samsung in mind.
Not many laundry woes here, but FWIW, I’m addicted to the new Tide Stain Release gel pack thingys for newborn stains (on hot setting with double rinse). It took me until baby #3 (she was born this October) to find a product that gets out those pure liquid breastfed baby poo stains (yuck!). You’ll see what I’m talking about soon enough- he he!