Overheard on Facebook

[OmahaSteph]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

[dandarc]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

Appliance repair is often cheap and pretty easy too.  Washer and dryer (at least old ones - haven't had a newer one to look at) are actually quite simple under the hood.

Ours that came with the house have each had an apparent catastrophic failure that was cleared up pretty quickly with some google-foo, mail-order parts, and elbow grease.  $100 total spent, and $60 of that was wasted on a new pump for the washer that turned out to not be the problem.

[AlanStache]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

Appliance repair is often cheap and pretty easy too.  Washer and dryer (at least old ones - haven't had a newer one to look at) are actually quite simple under the hood.

Ours that came with the house have each had an apparent catastrophic failure that was cleared up pretty quickly with some google-foo, mail-order parts, and elbow grease.  $100 total spent, and $60 of that was wasted on a new pump for the washer that turned out to not be the problem.

Budgeting 1500$!!!  I had no idea.  Just checked BestBuy and they will sell you a 1700$ washer, what-why-how can it do anything to even remotely justify that?  But even more dumb is the 1800$ dryer!  What on earth could it be doing, it is just a hair dryer with a spinning drum?

[dragoncar]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

Appliance repair is often cheap and pretty easy too.  Washer and dryer (at least old ones - haven't had a newer one to look at) are actually quite simple under the hood.

Ours that came with the house have each had an apparent catastrophic failure that was cleared up pretty quickly with some google-foo, mail-order parts, and elbow grease.  $100 total spent, and $60 of that was wasted on a new pump for the washer that turned out to not be the problem.

Budgeting 1500$!!!  I had no idea.  Just checked BestBuy and they will sell you a 1700$ washer, what-why-how can it do anything to even remotely justify that?  But even more dumb is the 1800$ dryer!  What on earth could it be doing, it is just a hair dryer with a spinning drum?

I've got one with some kind of steam technology, but I've never used it.  Any opinions?  Seems like it can only increase my cost of operation

[onlykelsey]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

Appliance repair is often cheap and pretty easy too.  Washer and dryer (at least old ones - haven't had a newer one to look at) are actually quite simple under the hood.

Ours that came with the house have each had an apparent catastrophic failure that was cleared up pretty quickly with some google-foo, mail-order parts, and elbow grease.  $100 total spent, and $60 of that was wasted on a new pump for the washer that turned out to not be the problem.

Budgeting 1500$!!!  I had no idea.  Just checked BestBuy and they will sell you a 1700$ washer, what-why-how can it do anything to even remotely justify that?  But even more dumb is the 1800$ dryer!  What on earth could it be doing, it is just a hair dryer with a spinning drum?

I've got one with some kind of steam technology, but I've never used it.  Any opinions?  Seems like it can only increase my cost of operation

Hm.  The only one I've used with steam as an option meant that it would essentially tumble dry your clothes with a touch of water.  I think you'd use it to remove wrinkles from already clean clothing.  I have a very simple/archaic gas dryer now, and I just throw an ice cube or two in with dry clothing to help with wrinkles.

[BTDretire]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

What, wait, the appliances need to match? I replaced a washer about 10 years ago but still using
the dryer we bought used when we moved into the house 22 years ago. I have replaced the belt
twice and a thermal breaker once in those 22 years.

[Making Cookies]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

Appliance repair is often cheap and pretty easy too.  Washer and dryer (at least old ones - haven't had a newer one to look at) are actually quite simple under the hood.

Ours that came with the house have each had an apparent catastrophic failure that was cleared up pretty quickly with some google-foo, mail-order parts, and elbow grease.  $100 total spent, and $60 of that was wasted on a new pump for the washer that turned out to not be the problem.

Budgeting 1500$!!!  I had no idea.  Just checked BestBuy and they will sell you a 1700$ washer, what-why-how can it do anything to even remotely justify that?  But even more dumb is the 1800$ dryer!  What on earth could it be doing, it is just a hair dryer with a spinning drum?

Hey - I saw a commercial on Newsy last night for a $5,000 refrigerator that has cameras inside so you can look at the contents of your fridge from outside the house. Also appeared to have an LCD screen on the door for???

We just look before we leave or call the kids when we leave for home from work.

[bridget]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

Appliance repair is often cheap and pretty easy too.  Washer and dryer (at least old ones - haven't had a newer one to look at) are actually quite simple under the hood.

Ours that came with the house have each had an apparent catastrophic failure that was cleared up pretty quickly with some google-foo, mail-order parts, and elbow grease.  $100 total spent, and $60 of that was wasted on a new pump for the washer that turned out to not be the problem.

Budgeting 1500$!!!  I had no idea.  Just checked BestBuy and they will sell you a 1700$ washer, what-why-how can it do anything to even remotely justify that?  But even more dumb is the 1800$ dryer!  What on earth could it be doing, it is just a hair dryer with a spinning drum?

Hey - I saw a commercial on Newsy last night for a $5,000 refrigerator that has cameras inside so you can look at the contents of your fridge from outside the house. Also appeared to have an LCD screen on the door for???

We just look before we leave or call the kids when we leave for home from work.

Good grief. A friend of mine saw a gadget at home depot or somewhere that was a refrigerator egg holder that paired to an app, so that you could check your phone and know how many eggs you had. Seems cool, he said, but then pointed out that since a dozen eggs is $2.50 and this gadget is $100, you should just buy an extra carton of eggs if you aren't sure if you have some at home, at least the first forty times. Eggs last forever in the fridge and you'll probably eat them eventually.

TL;DR: it would be cheaper to just buy redundant groceries.

[dragoncar]

Hey - I saw a commercial on Newsy last night for a $5,000 refrigerator that has cameras inside so you can look at the contents of your fridge from outside the house. Also appeared to have an LCD screen on the door for???

The LCD is so you can look at the contents of your fridge from inside the house

Honestly the cameras are pretty helpful when you want to check on the baby.

[gooki]

You put the baby in the fridge???

[LeRainDrop]

You put the baby in the fridge???

Well, it's cheaper than having to run the AC for the whole house!

[Metric Mouse]

You put the baby in the fridge???

Well, it's cheaper than having to run the AC for the whole house!

And baby proofing the fridge is much more efficient than securing the entire house.

[dragoncar]

You put the baby in the fridge???

Sure, it increases the shelf life tremendously.  Now if only Purina hadn't discontinued their 5 lb bags of baby chow, this kid would be almost economical.

[mustachepungoeshere]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

Appliance repair is often cheap and pretty easy too.  Washer and dryer (at least old ones - haven't had a newer one to look at) are actually quite simple under the hood.

Ours that came with the house have each had an apparent catastrophic failure that was cleared up pretty quickly with some google-foo, mail-order parts, and elbow grease.  $100 total spent, and $60 of that was wasted on a new pump for the washer that turned out to not be the problem.

Budgeting 1500$!!!  I had no idea.  Just checked BestBuy and they will sell you a 1700$ washer, what-why-how can it do anything to even remotely justify that?  But even more dumb is the 1800$ dryer!  What on earth could it be doing, it is just a hair dryer with a spinning drum?

Condenser?

[mustachepungoeshere]

I've found another gem!  Now, finally, you can wear the watches you never thought you could afford!  Rent a watch for 3 months and return it for another!

Up to $799/month to RENT watches...

What a bargain!  /s/

It's a pretty brilliant business idea, but at $12k/year (including insurance) I'd rather just buy my own Patek.  I've had my eye on a simple white gold Calatrava for a while now, and it's only $20k (ish)*.  I guess this is for people who want a variety/something new every month.

*one time I got a bonus that would have made this dream a reality, but I decided to get a much cheaper brand first.  Turns out I don't wear enough to keep it wound because I don't want to damage it biking, etc.  So sadly I won't be getting any more fancy watches.

I don't need a watch either, the last several times I've owned a watch, I would still use my phone to check the time....and this was pre-smartphone days. Now I'm much more accustomed to using my phone than I thought was possible.

I could see myself getting a watch to look more professional, but then I would probably buy a cheap something that just looks nice. Kinda like a knock-off without the fake brand on it.

I gave in and bought a digital watch a few years ago after a month-long work trip visiting five countries. I have a couple of sleep quirks, and jet-lag coupled with constantly changing time zones induced deep-seated paranoia about missing transfers, flights, etc. I would get up at 2am local time, an hour after going to bed, in a full-blown panic that it was time to leave the hotel.

Definitely time to buy a watch. With a light. And multiple time zones.

Then I could wake up, press the button, snap out of paranoid state, and go back to sleep for 40 or so minutes until it was time to do it all over again.

[kayvent]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

If the dryer was white and the new washer was going to be blue, they could have just gotten a different new dryer......if they were the same colour then that is a different level of obsessive.

[MrRealEstate]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

If the dryer was white and the new washer was going to be blue, they could have just gotten a different new dryer......if they were the same colour then that is a different level of obsessive.

Agreed, what would people think at our laundry room get togethers with mismatched washer/dryer. Do they have ones that come with catheters and bedpans?

[golden1]

I flat out don't understand fancy appliances.  I mean, they will all get your clothes clean, right?  I have a $600 Kenmore washer, the absolute cheapest one they sold at Sears and it works just fine.  It's white. 

[Kitsune]

If your appliances are, say, in the middle of your kitchen (mine were, at my last apartment), I can understand caring about the aesthetics of it. So you either get matching ones that are 'nice-looking', or you build a cupboard to put them in to hide them, or put them behind a curtain or something.

If they're in the basement or laundry closet, like in most houses? Seriously, you only see them when they're supposed to be functional. As long as they're functional, WHO CARES?

[I'm a red panda]

I flat out don't understand fancy appliances.  I mean, they will all get your clothes clean, right?  I have a $600 Kenmore washer, the absolute cheapest one they sold at Sears and it works just fine.  It's white.

There are "podium washers" now that can run real small loads quickly- so like, you could do your delicates while running a regular load, or just throw in swimsuits after a pool trip, or a cub scout uniform real quick- something like that.  Seemed like an extravagant, but interesting idea.  They cost the same amount as a regular washer.  Are you freaking kidding me? 

[Making Cookies]

You just HAVE to buy the right washer and dryer so they will pair with your stove, fridge and dishwasher so they can alert you on their many screens that your laundry is 79% done, you're low on butter, and the dishwasher is ready to be unloaded.

They can also post this to your social media accounts so that everyone can see how cool your house is. Don't forget the driveway sensors that will tell you someone has arrived - that or the neighbor's cat walked across the driveway.

I love technology but some of this stuff is silly.

By the way these fictional appliances will all need to be replaced en-masse when one expires b/c then the new appliances would be on some other different communications standard and won't pair with the others...

We ran one set of white Whirpool (same as Kenmore I think) for ~18 years. A few temp senors were replaced in the dryer along the way by me for ~$50. They finally got creaky and leaky and I gave them to a used appliance guy. Bought the same white Whirpool pair closest to what we had before. Similar cost even. No displays, just a few knobs. Hoping for another ~18 years.
 

[Rural]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

If the dryer was white and the new washer was going to be blue, they could have just gotten a different new dryer......if they were the same colour then that is a different level of obsessive.

Appliance spray paint is widely available and quite good these days, for anything except stoves, anyway.

[nobodyspecial]

Didn't even try to diagnose the problem. Granted, the appliances she had were used when she got them, but the dryer is fine, yet they replaced it, too, so the appliances matched. *facepalm*

If the dryer was white and the new washer was going to be blue, they could have just gotten a different new dryer......if they were the same colour then that is a different level of obsessive.

Appliance spray paint is widely available and quite good these days, for anything except stoves, anyway.

I think there is an app for that now.
You walk around your kitchen staring at your phone screen and it changes the color of your appliances to match

[Tjat]

pre-MMM we boughta somewhat fancypants washer/dryer set. they're whirlpool elites with the steam setting. problems

1) The frontload washer smells a dead animal. We have to prop the door open when we're not using it so it doesn't make our clothes reek.
2) The dryer steam setting never works
3) The dryer has a sensor that stops the machine once it deems the clothes are dry. This is horrendously inaccurate
4) iit has a digital screen, so I assume it will prematurely fail.

[RWD]

pre-MMM we boughta somewhat fancypants washer/dryer set. they're whirlpool elites with the steam setting. problems

1) The frontload washer smells a dead animal. We have to prop the door open when we're not using it so it doesn't make our clothes reek.
2) The dryer steam setting never works
3) The dryer has a sensor that stops the machine once it deems the clothes are dry. This is horrendously inaccurate
4) iit has a digital screen, so I assume it will prematurely fail.

There was/is a class action lawsuit about the front loading washer smells. We found switching to powder detergent and leaving the door propped open was enough to avoid the problem. We spent ~$1,800 on the washer/dryer set in 2008...

[Kitsune]

pre-MMM we boughta somewhat fancypants washer/dryer set. they're whirlpool elites with the steam setting. problems

1) The frontload washer smells a dead animal. We have to prop the door open when we're not using it so it doesn't make our clothes reek.
2) The dryer steam setting never works
3) The dryer has a sensor that stops the machine once it deems the clothes are dry. This is horrendously inaccurate
4) iit has a digital screen, so I assume it will prematurely fail.

There was/is a class action lawsuit about the front loading washer smells. We found switching to powder detergent and leaving the door propped open was enough to avoid the problem. We spent ~$1,800 on the washer/dryer set in 2008...

Leaving the door propped open is 100% necessary, and a huge pain when there's a toddler who will sneak toys into the machine.

Also good: do a bleach or vinegar rinse every so often (and a second rinse to remove all bleach so it doesn't wreck your clothes). Scrub the rubber gasket around the edges. And, most important (and easily forgotten): EMPTY THE LINT TRAP OF THE WASHER. Most people don't, and it's where a lot of the smell comes from.

Barring that: front loaders suck and I HIGHLY regret our decision to have one. Thank god we got it on sale (1100 for washer AND dryer) years ago... when it gives out, top-loading machine for us.

[Cressida]

Barring that: front loaders suck and I HIGHLY regret our decision to have one. Thank god we got it on sale (1100 for washer AND dryer) years ago... when it gives out, top-loading machine for us.

Yeah, they really do. Unfortunately our laundry room is only wide enough for a single appliance because the washer and dryer are stacked. So we don't have a choice - has to be a front-loader. I hope they figure out how to improve those things.

[MrsDinero]

I have a couple of FB friends who are currently planning their wedding.  One couple I know has been posting amazing pictures of the wedding venues they are considering.  From the looks of these places the wedding is going to be huge.  Each pictured is posted with the hashtag #GoingToBeInDebtForever

[onlykelsey]

I have a couple of FB friends who are currently planning their wedding.  One couple I know has been posting amazing pictures of the wedding venues they are considering.  From the looks of these places the wedding is going to be huge.  Each pictured is posted with the hashtag #GoingToBeInDebtForever

Not defending it, but I wonder if that's them trying to make a "we are paying for this ourselves" statement than "we are god awful with money".  Of course, it's probably both, but wedding planning without parental money or support (or, on the positive side, interference) felt really lonely for me.

[Cherry Lane]

Unfortunately our laundry room is only wide enough for a single appliance because the washer and dryer are stacked. So we don't have a choice - has to be a front-loader. I hope they figure out how to improve those things.

My parents have a stacked W/D, and the washer is top-load.  It's a pain, because the door only opens about 45 degrees, but it works.  It's also really old, predating modern front-loaders, I think.  But they still exist! (Sort of.  It appears Kenmore has recently discontinued* this model, since I could only find it a the Sears outlet.)  It's all one unit, so if either washer or dryer breaks irreparably, the whole thing must be replaced.

[MrsDinero]

I have a couple of FB friends who are currently planning their wedding.  One couple I know has been posting amazing pictures of the wedding venues they are considering.  From the looks of these places the wedding is going to be huge.  Each pictured is posted with the hashtag #GoingToBeInDebtForever

Not defending it, but I wonder if that's them trying to make a "we are paying for this ourselves" statement than "we are god awful with money".  Of course, it's probably both, but wedding planning without parental money or support (or, on the positive side, interference) felt really lonely for me.

I'm not sure if they are footing the entire bill, but from their other FB posts they have decided to to go all out because #yolo

[Making Cookies]

pre-MMM we boughta somewhat fancypants washer/dryer set. they're whirlpool elites with the steam setting. problems

1) The frontload washer smells a dead animal. We have to prop the door open when we're not using it so it doesn't make our clothes reek.
2) The dryer steam setting never works
3) The dryer has a sensor that stops the machine once it deems the clothes are dry. This is horrendously inaccurate
4) iit has a digital screen, so I assume it will prematurely fail.

Yeah - heard stories of different brand front loaders smelly odd. We bought the old fashioned top loader washer, front loader dryer. So far, so good.

[nanu]

I have a couple of FB friends who are currently planning their wedding.  One couple I know has been posting amazing pictures of the wedding venues they are considering.  From the looks of these places the wedding is going to be huge.  Each pictured is posted with the hashtag #GoingToBeInDebtForever

Not defending it, but I wonder if that's them trying to make a "we are paying for this ourselves" statement than "we are god awful with money".  Of course, it's probably both, but wedding planning without parental money or support (or, on the positive side, interference) felt really lonely for me.

I'm not sure if they are footing the entire bill, but from their other FB posts they have decided to to go all out because #yolo

You only live once, but if you spend that much money on a wedding (and end up in debt), it's likely to not be your only one... (well, at least you're decently likely to get divorced)

[Cressida]

Unfortunately our laundry room is only wide enough for a single appliance because the washer and dryer are stacked. So we don't have a choice - has to be a front-loader. I hope they figure out how to improve those things.

My parents have a stacked W/D, and the washer is top-load.  It's a pain, because the door only opens about 45 degrees, but it works.  It's also really old, predating modern front-loaders, I think.  But they still exist! (Sort of.  It appears Kenmore has recently discontinued* this model, since I could only find it a the Sears outlet.)  It's all one unit, so if either washer or dryer breaks irreparably, the whole thing must be replaced.

Huh, now that you mention it, I've seen those - I'd forgotten. True, it's a bummer if only one half breaks, but worth thinking about. Thanks!

[onlykelsey]

Unfortunately our laundry room is only wide enough for a single appliance because the washer and dryer are stacked. So we don't have a choice - has to be a front-loader. I hope they figure out how to improve those things.

My parents have a stacked W/D, and the washer is top-load.  It's a pain, because the door only opens about 45 degrees, but it works.  It's also really old, predating modern front-loaders, I think.  But they still exist! (Sort of.  It appears Kenmore has recently discontinued* this model, since I could only find it a the Sears outlet.)  It's all one unit, so if either washer or dryer breaks irreparably, the whole thing must be replaced.

Huh, now that you mention it, I've seen those - I'd forgotten. True, it's a bummer if only one half breaks, but worth thinking about. Thanks!

I have one of those.  It looks like they still make this one new: http://www.sears.com/kenmore-81432-24inch-3.8-cu-ft-gas-laundry/p-02681432000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&gclid=COuJxKbZhc4CFYcehgodkVUOZg&gclsrc=aw.ds

The capacity is smaller than a normal washer, and I think because I shove too much clothing in it I had to have it re... suspended?  balanced? but still better than a front loader.  The dryer is great, but mine is gas, and gas dryers are always great.

[Mississippi Mudstache]

I have a friend who keeps posting these travel memes. As far as I'm aware, travel 'experience' is not an accepted currency in our society, but I'm too polite to mention it.

[Warlord1986]

I love travel like Kel loves orange soda, but you can't pay for hotel rooms with air. Money is a factor and it needs to be considered.

[bridget]

I have a friend who keeps posting these travel memes. As far as I'm aware, travel 'experience' is not an accepted currency in our society, but I'm too polite to mention it.

Argh. Sure, yes. Travel while you're young and able. But do it while planning for it monetarily, instead of just assuming the universe will "make it work" Tim Gunn-style.

Sort of related, I grew up in a religious culture where people are urged to have as many kids as possible as early as possible (usually when the new couple is still broke and in college). Any resistance on the score of wanting to be financially stable first was met with a never-ending mantra of "things will work out" and "the Lord will provide."

[MgoSam]

Sort of related, I grew up in a religious culture where people are urged to have as many kids as possible as early as possible (usually when the new couple is still broke and in college). Any resistance on the score of wanting to be financially stable first was met with a never-ending mantra of "things will work out" and "the Lord will provide."

Yeah, the last time someone said something like that I laughed out loud, nearly spilling my drink. I received a death glare from the lady that was talking...apparently she's getting married and they are going to be living in her parent's basement, but "The Lord will provide."

[bridget]

Sort of related, I grew up in a religious culture where people are urged to have as many kids as possible as early as possible (usually when the new couple is still broke and in college). Any resistance on the score of wanting to be financially stable first was met with a never-ending mantra of "things will work out" and "the Lord will provide."

Yeah, the last time someone said something like that I laughed out loud, nearly spilling my drink. I received a death glare from the lady that was talking...apparently she's getting married and they are going to be living in her parent's basement, but "The Lord will provide."

A huge portion of single family homes in SLC have basement apartments for precisely this purpose :) both my parents and in-laws have one (which was actually great, because we lived there while I was in law school so I didn't have to take out student loans). Next time someone tells me that I'll ask them how to submit my direct deposit information to God.

[Warlord1986]

Hold up now. The Lord does provide. He provided us with brains and bodies to work to get ourselves to stable financial positions so we don't have to bring up our children in squalor, or by mooching off our parents.

[MgoSam]

Hold up now. The Lord does provide. He provided us with brains and bodies to work to get ourselves to stable financial positions so we don't have to bring up our children in squalor, or by mooching off our parents.

Yup! This reminds me of a scene in "Kingdom of Heaven"

Mullah: [the mullah pays a visit to Saladin in his tent after the battle at Kerak] Why did we retire? Why? God did not favor them. God alone determines the results of battles.
Saladin: The results of battles ARE determined by God, but also by preparation, numbers, the absence of disease, and the availability of water. One cannot maintain a siege with the enemy behind. How many battles did God win for the Muslims before I came... that is, before God determined that I should come?

[Sibley]

Unfortunately our laundry room is only wide enough for a single appliance because the washer and dryer are stacked. So we don't have a choice - has to be a front-loader. I hope they figure out how to improve those things.

My parents have a stacked W/D, and the washer is top-load.  It's a pain, because the door only opens about 45 degrees, but it works.  It's also really old, predating modern front-loaders, I think.  But they still exist! (Sort of.  It appears Kenmore has recently discontinued* this model, since I could only find it a the Sears outlet.)  It's all one unit, so if either washer or dryer breaks irreparably, the whole thing must be replaced.

Had one of those. It's horrible. Don't get it. Tiny loads, and mine went out of balance ALL THE TIME.

[onlykelsey]

Unfortunately our laundry room is only wide enough for a single appliance because the washer and dryer are stacked. So we don't have a choice - has to be a front-loader. I hope they figure out how to improve those things.

My parents have a stacked W/D, and the washer is top-load.  It's a pain, because the door only opens about 45 degrees, but it works.  It's also really old, predating modern front-loaders, I think.  But they still exist! (Sort of.  It appears Kenmore has recently discontinued* this model, since I could only find it a the Sears outlet.)  It's all one unit, so if either washer or dryer breaks irreparably, the whole thing must be replaced.

Had one of those. It's horrible. Don't get it. Tiny loads, and mine went out of balance ALL THE TIME.

But if the alternative is a front loader, I'd take the tiny stacked machines.

[Tjat]

Also good: do a bleach or vinegar rinse every so often (and a second rinse to remove all bleach so it doesn't wreck your clothes). Scrub the rubber gasket around the edges. And, most important (and easily forgotten): EMPTY THE LINT TRAP OF THE WASHER. Most people don't, and it's where a lot of the smell comes from.

Barring that: front loaders suck and I HIGHLY regret our decision to have one. Thank god we got it on sale (1100 for washer AND dryer) years ago... when it gives out, top-loading machine for us.

I have a feeling I'm going to feel foolish...but what is a washer lint trap? I'm only aware of the one for the dryer

[frugalnacho]

Also good: do a bleach or vinegar rinse every so often (and a second rinse to remove all bleach so it doesn't wreck your clothes). Scrub the rubber gasket around the edges. And, most important (and easily forgotten): EMPTY THE LINT TRAP OF THE WASHER. Most people don't, and it's where a lot of the smell comes from.

Barring that: front loaders suck and I HIGHLY regret our decision to have one. Thank god we got it on sale (1100 for washer AND dryer) years ago... when it gives out, top-loading machine for us.

I have a feeling I'm going to feel foolish...but what is a washer lint trap? I'm only aware of the one for the dryer

A metal mesh sock that you put over the washing machine discharge to trap lint.  Looks like this:

[Kitsune]

Also good: do a bleach or vinegar rinse every so often (and a second rinse to remove all bleach so it doesn't wreck your clothes). Scrub the rubber gasket around the edges. And, most important (and easily forgotten): EMPTY THE LINT TRAP OF THE WASHER. Most people don't, and it's where a lot of the smell comes from.

Barring that: front loaders suck and I HIGHLY regret our decision to have one. Thank god we got it on sale (1100 for washer AND dryer) years ago... when it gives out, top-loading machine for us.

I have a feeling I'm going to feel foolish...but what is a washer lint trap? I'm only aware of the one for the dryer

On our Samsung washer, under the front door and to the left, there's a little door (look at the image here for illustration: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-4-2-cu-ft-8-cycle-high-efficiency-front-loading-washer-white/3452002.p?skuId=3452002) Open it, unscrew what basically looks like a mesh/cheese grater cylinder, and wash the rotting soggy lint out of it. Thoroughly disgusting. Our manual says to do that every 6 months; most people don't know it exists.

That plus scrubbing the rubber gasket that's around the door to the machine Daly with the machine being smelly, but we do leave the door open now to stop it from happening again.

[LeRainDrop]

And, most important (and easily forgotten): EMPTY THE LINT TRAP OF THE WASHER. Most people don't, and it's where a lot of the smell comes from.

I have a feeling I'm going to feel foolish...but what is a washer lint trap? I'm only aware of the one for the dryer

On our Samsung washer, under the front door and to the left, there's a little door . . . . Open it, unscrew what basically looks like a mesh/cheese grater cylinder, and wash the rotting soggy lint out of it. Thoroughly disgusting. Our manual says to do that every 6 months; most people don't know it exists.

I had never heard of the washer's lint trap before, but Kitsune's description for cleaning it didn't sound all that hard, so tonight I went off to DIY on this thing.

Please learn from my experience.  To start, this thing inside the little door is not actually called the lint trap; it is called the drain pump.  I did not realize that until I started opening it and a whole bunch of water started pouring out.  Closed it up and then found the owner's manual.  It turns out that you are supposed to slowly drain all the water into a pan, dump it out, and repeat until all the water has been drained -- which, on my model, could be up to 4.4 gallons!  Okay, once you realize that tons-of-water step in the process, the cleaning step is easy.

Thanks, Kitsune, for teaching me something new, even though it meant I had a serious Lucille Ball moment on my hands!  :-)

[ShoulderThingThatGoesUp]

Yeah, I got water all over the place the first time I did it too. The little drain tube takes a while, but it is the better way...

[marty998]

Facebook feed a few days ago... lovely young couple I know posted up their brand new high end car. (I won't be specific or nasty because they're otherwise nice people).

Very long list of likes and people saying congratulations... interesting how many others wanted one too...