Thursday, January 20, 2011

Every Once in a While Something Good Happens

My washer stopped working in the middle of December. The 15th to be exact. It was one of those fancy front-loading machines and, frankly, I’ve hated it since the beginning. Oh sure, it was fun that first day to be able to see the clothes spinning around and I may or may not have sat and watched an entire load go through its cycles. But it didn’t get our clothes clean. The manufacturer claimed that the machine would “sense” how much water was needed and how long to spin, etc. Which would be all fine and dandy if it actually worked. It didn’t. Finally on the 15th it gave up the idea of spinning altogether. Dripping wet jeans take a very, very long time to dry.

The machine wasn’t even four years old yet. It was still under the extended warranty we purchased from Lowes. To make a long story short, multiple phone calls, technician visits and defective parts later we were not pleased with the warranty company. In the mean time, I had given up. It’s not like there is a Laundromat around the corner. Not having a washer isn’t really an option. Oh sure, I have an old washboard, tub and wringer, and we DID stand there looking at them and considered the idea.

Luckily though, the Engineer knows that if Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy and he suggested we just go buy a new one. When I walked into the showroom I immediately asked the salesperson, “Which is the most stupid washer you have?” She looked at me puzzled then I added, “I don’t want it to sense anything.” Then she understood. It seems I’m not the only one who has had this issue. So I chose a Plain-Jane model and they delivered it the very next day.

In the mean time, the warranty company was still trying to figure out what to do. It was eventually decided, to get rid of us, they would just refund our purchase price for the “smart” original washer, which I might add was considerably more than the “stupid” washer’s purchase price. We actually MADE money on the deal. Have you ever heard of such a thing?! The refund is in the form of a Lowes gift card. Guess who’s getting new cabinets and countertop for the laundry room?

AND, you want to know the very best part of the deal? I can now wash fleeces in my “stupid” top-loading washer. The front-loader couldn’t do that. Mwah, ha, ha, ha…

christinesig

15 comments:

Lori said...

It sounds like you came out ahead on that one. You must have gotten a lemon because i love my front loader!!

Dinah said...

I'm with you, Christine - I had a fancy top-loading, sensing, gentle on clothes, less water model and it went back to the store within a month. I got a regular, old-fashioned basic model that does a wonderful job AND it felts the wool knitting that I wanted it to do :) I believe simpler is better most of the time.

Kim said...

I love my front loader, too. But I want to know more about washing the fleeces in your top loader. What do you do, and is this something I can do at the laundromat????

Phase II said...

Just goes to show you - More expensive isn't always better!

Debbie said...

It blessed my heart to hear your story about the washer. I agree with you; I'll take the machine that takes its orders from me. Fewer choices result in fewer repairs most of the time. It's ard to get a car with few options anymore! I'm so glad to hear that a company honored their guarantee.
Still laughing about your washboard comment. If only I would!
Have a great day with your new fleece washing wonder!
:D

johnmayersquare said...

I also HATE my front loaders(LG)...they were a fortune...and have hated them since day one. They are on the second floor of my house and you would not believe the shaking that goes on...totally ridiculous. I am going to be replacing them very soon too...they don't clean...don't spin the water out, and then take forever to dry....give me a regular one any day!

thecrazysheeplady said...

Way to go!!!

Michelle said...

I didn't have a choice after our contractor screwed up our laundry room; only a Bosch or Asco front load pair of appliances would fit. Fortunately for me, I have been very happy with my Bosch; it cleans well, uses less water, has lots of options but doesn't "sense" anything.

Benita said...

You have every reason to celebrate, because, if I remember right, you have quite a few fleeces to wash. :)

Congrats on the new washer. You are right, wet jeans take forever to dry.

Unknown said...

I should have talked to you before I bought my smart washer. I also stood there looking at the stupid washers thinking that was the way to go, but Jack convenced me that saving water was a great idea so I caved.

Mary, Windy Meadows Farm said...

Oh I couldn't agree more! We also bought the new h/e models; however, I really miss not being able to tell the washer how much water I want for each load! When I've stopped a cycle to take a peek inside, there is barely any water in there...just how clean are our clothes? Oh,and the flannel sheets always set off the out of balance cycle. Yes, yes...give me back my oldies but goodies!

I'm gonna tell Mom! said...

THAT is a happy ending. GOOD FOR YOU! Amen.
Bonnie Jo

Mariel said...

Christine, funny you should comment on your washer today. My wonderful old Maytag decided to be retired last week. It was 26yrs old and I have never had one issue with it. It just killed me to say good bye because I know there will never be another like "her."

I was so torn on what to replace it with. I ended up with another top loader. From what I'm reading here, I guess I made the right choice. I'm celebrating with you on this one!

Nancy K. said...

I guess: "All's well that ends well".

Call me old-fashioned but the idea of a washing machine that thinks holds NO appeal to me, what-so-ever...

Happy fleece washing!

Rose said...

I think I need to write a post on stupid appliances...I am so tired the new and improved!

I have often wanted a front loader...maybe it is a good thing I never got one. Or maybe it was the brand...but with kids gone, I know I don't really need one.