Re: Important Question.
 

FFS. There's scarcely been a mention of efficiency (define it in context please), water usage (likely front is better), wash duration (top is massively better) and yes, these are objectively measurable.

I have a problem with the "impact on clothes over time" one though. I suppose it might be objectively measurable (with a great deal of effort to eliminate a host of other variables) but since no-one has offered more than anecdotal evidence, I choose to call it a draw.

There are more important things to worry about I'd have thought.

Re: Important Question.
 

I suppose this is the closest we'll see to an acknowledgement that comparing the choice to that of deciding which side of a boiled egg to eat first was misguided given you are now accepting that there are, indeed, tangible differences. I'll accept this with good grace, even if I disagree about the impact on clothes.

Re: Important Question.
 

Well, unsurprisingly given that I think this whole thread is nonsensical, I'll happily agree to to let it retreat to the Great Thread Graveyard in the Clouds.

Let's find something more substantial to disagree about. :zzz:

Re: Important Question.
 

I'm wondering if some of the marks left on clothes come from eggs.

Re: Important Question.
 

... not sure how relevant this is (knowing me likely not).

A co-worker of mine was talking about front loaders recently and her espoused belief that mould grows inside them because all the water doesn't drain away properly.

Two things struck me about this conversation

1) I've never, ever heard of this happening to anyone ever - Think about it. It's a washer. It cleans stuff. This might only happen if you left it clogged up for a couple of weeks or so and let fetid water accumulate

2) North Americans have an all pervaisive fear of mould. Coming from the damp and rainy north, I grew up with damp in my wardrobe as a child, my university residence was so damp the wallpaper came off the walls... I've never really been scared about damp. Get some bleach, wipe it off, job done.

Strange really the fears of our continental cousins...

Re: Important Question.
 

When mold permeates the rubber seal, wiping with bleach will not remove it. I had to have the rubber seal replaced and find I have to run a sanitizer cycle with special tablets every 6-8 weeks to prevent the clothes smelling moldy. I have a Miele which is highly rated.

Re: Important Question.
 

It does make some sense. Most houses here are made of wood rather than brick.

Just leaving the door ajar fixes this though.

Re: Important Question.
 

Can't believe I missed this thread.

Since moving here we've had the use of 3 top-loaders (Miele/Kennmore/?) while renting various properties.

Our first purchase after buying our own place last year was a front-loader and a lawn mower. I mention the lawn mower, because if for some reason I become nostalgic and wish to recreate the effect of the top-loader on our clothes, I can always chuck them out onto the back yard and run them over a few times with it.

I'm exaggerating a little but you get the idea.

Re: Important Question.
 

@cjones

Yes, but can your front loader cut the grass?;)

Re: Important Question.
 

Some front loaders had a strange resevoir design which meant they never drained properly,. The Whirlpool duet had an application in for a class action suit because of the mould around the seal. It certainly was gross on the machine I had.

North American design innit, a titchy, cheap UK front loader, no probs, over a grand for a N A behemoth results in grey clothes. No wonder everyone throws bleach in with the wash.

Re: Important Question.
 

Me too, I forgot i started this thread!

And I only started this thread to generate me some Karma for the stock market game. I'm still only "Really Nice" as opposed to having a "Reputation Beyond Repute" after 6 years on BE, dammit.

I was really nice to my wife at the weekend. I gave her all the BE facts and opinions: and she's decided to get front-loaders.

:goodpost: