"Our Maytag washer, about 5 years old, started leaving heavier loads a sopping mess. Checked belt tension -- seemed OK. Sprayed belt dressing (from auto parts store) to give it more bite, but no dice. No other obvious parts replacement. Feared replacing one expensive part, then another, then another. HD's price on this washer -- $539 --made me look MUCH more closely. 950 rpm spin cycle? Where do I sign?
Great washer, thin documentation. So here's what I've found:
Normal cycle with no extra spin or rinse takes 45 minutes. Detergent: Get the HD detergent. Don't try to use up your old stuff; too many suds and too many rear bearing failures mentioned in these forums to think there isn't some truth to it. Don't chance it.
The washer's a marvel. There's no setting for load size. Load your clothes and the amount of detergent for that load size and the washer figures out how much water to add. First it adds enough water to get everything wet (slowly tumbling in alternate directions), then adds more water and the detergent and starts washing. The coolest thing is the spin cycle, which goes from low -- to pump out most of the water, then medium, which evacuates a surprisingly large amount of water, then high which is enough to put you in a giggling fit. Well, me anyway.
Get the extra warranty. It's probably a good investment. This thing is loaded with sensors, puts incredible loads on the bearings, and asks a lot of the rubber seal. Don't sweat it. You'll save money on detergent, water (20 gals. vs. 50 gals. per load) and, most importantly, time in the dryer. Also, and maybe it's just me, your clothes will look brighter and may even last longer.
Oh, and wipe the gasket dry and leave the door open when you're done for the day (or night). Mold and mildew doesn't just smell bad; it attacks the rubber on the seal. And if that doesn't destroy your seal, the harsh chemicals required to get rid of it will.
I've been washing everything in sight for the past week with no disappointments. And I'm DEFINITELY no neat freak. That's how cool this washer is."