Our new washer and dryer are here!
Which of course means that our old ones are not. Fortunately our plan to craigslist them worked out swimmingly (thanks for buying ’em Leslie Ann!) even if it did leave us appliance-less for a few days (as you saw in the video house tour).
By selling them for $250 thanks to good old craig and his list, we in effect brought our already-super-discounted total down from $638 to $388. Although after the wall plug, the stack kit, and taxes it was closer to $460 spent. Either way, we’re still feeling crazy good about the deal – and we’re glad that so many of you were able to take advantage of it too (whether you also scored the additional 20% off that we begged for or the amazing base price of $399 per machine that Lowe’s advertised online).
Delivery and installation by the Lowe’s team was mostly uneventful, although they did forget to bring the stack kit (the thing that secures the dryer atop the washer) – even thought we ordered it on the same receipt as the washer & dryer to keep things organized – so one guy had to go back to the store to get it, adding about 30 minutes to the process. And we’re pretty sure the guy that stayed back used part of that time to catch a catnap at our kitchen table while he waited (either that or he’s just a heavy breather).
Even though these Whirlpool Duets are higher capacity than our previous Duet Sports, they have a sightly simplified control panel up top, which is fine with us. As long as they get our clothes clean and dry, we don’t mind. And so far, so good.
Except for one thing. Our washer seems to think it’s one of the Seven Dwarfs. It’s got this whole “whistle while you work” thing going on. We noticed during our first load that it made a loud high-pitched whistle whenever cold water was being pumped in. It was literally whistling while it worked.
After adjusting the cold water supply a few times I couldn’t make it any better, so I called the Whirlpool people and they came out yesterday to take a look. They said it’s not a totally uncommon issue, and it’s just a bum supply valve in the washer itself. Boo. But they’ve ordered the part and are scheduled to come back next week to fix it – which is all free since it’s still under warranty (we didn’t purchase any extra warranty from Lowe’s but they’re sold with some sort of built-in warranty for a year, which is really nice – especially given this problem).
In the meantime, we’re just doing our best to distinguish when the laundry starts and when the tea kettle’s boiling. Same exact sound. I kid you not. We’re also already starting to mentally plan the shelves that we want to someday build next to the appliances and under the window for shoes, laundry supplies, and other mudroom-y junk. Someday being the key word (but that doesn’t stop us from thinking up a million different approaches).
Any other appliance delivery success or horror stories out there? I’m sure someone can top ours.
UPDATE: Due to a somewhat surprising amount of inquiries about my 5’2″ wife (I like to call her pocket sized) being able to reach those top buttons, and three requests for an actual photo of Sherry demonstrating that fact, here you go:
It’s really not a stretch for her at all. Notice that her arm isn’t fully extended and there aren’t even tippy toes going on. Atta girl.
Psst- Thanks to signing up for Lowe’s email list, I just got an alert that they’re doing 20% off all Samsung Appliances that are $229 or more through Monday. You can score that deal at your local store or by checking out their website (you don’t need a coupon code or anything). Just thought I’d pass that along in case anyone’s still in the market.
Pssssst- The repair guys came out to fix our new washer within a week and eradicated the annoying whistle issue. Happy happy joy joy.
Sara says
I was wondering if you guys keep your washer door open to prevent mildew. When we got our new front loaders we were told to do this by the person installing them.
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, we did that with our last set and had no issues after 3+ years of use. So we’ll definitely be doing that again! We just air it out for about 10 mins after each time we use the washer.
xo,
s
Charisma says
Hi Sherry,
Our washing machine broke last night. Any idea if this deal or any part of it is still going on? Thank you so much for your help!
YoungHouseLove says
Hi Charisma,
We’re pretty sure the 20% off on all washers and dryers isn’t valid anymore, though they may still be having a 10% off instead. But we did get a message saying they’re having 20% off Samsung appliances so maybe you could find one of those in your price range. Good luck and so sorry to hear about your washer breaking!
-John
andrea says
don’t you just love lowes? I got my super cute black fridge for 98 bucks because it was a floor model! Perfect for my studio apartment, but still a decent size fridge!
jessica says
i just got the same washer and dryer as you, and i was curious how you wash your cloth diapers now. i did a rinse cycle on cold and then the normal wash on hot. but was thinking of changing to a heavy duty cycle. or the eco heavy duty. and i’m jealous of people who can program their washer to run the rinse and wash cycle and not have to manually switch it over! do you have any time savers or recommendations?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jessica,
We wash ours once on the warm heavy duty setting and either machine dry them or lay them out in the sun. We haven’t found a need for a cold pre-wash or rinse cycle, even with Clara on solids probably because we pre-spray the dirty diapers as soon as they come off right into the toilet with our BumGenius sprayer. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Joan G says
Did you ever read Dooce’s washing machine drama? Hilarious and awesome.
http://www.dooce.com/2009/08/28/containing-capital-letter-or-two
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! So crazy!
xo,
s
Sharon says
Dumb question, but where do you put the detergent? We want to install a stacked set but don’t think we will be able to reach the detergent on top and don’t have much space for side shelving. Just curious.
YoungHouseLove says
Ours goes in the cabinets on top, but you could get a little caddy on wheels or something? Or hang some sort of wall mounted baskets somewhere else (or a simple shelf) for that? Good luck!
xo,
s
Sharon says
Thanks for the info! Do you have to use a stepstool to reach, or can Sherry reach on tiptoes? We’re just thinking about getting our kids doing the laundry early. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
I can’t reach. Which is nice and convenient since John does laundry 99% of the time. Haha. Otherwise I just use the stepstool.
xo,
s
Krysta @ Domestic for Dummies says
I just found an amazing deal on the same washer and dryer at Lowe’s and are seriously thinking about getting them like tomorrow. The only thing is that the reviews aren’t that great. Do you guys honestly really like yours?
YoungHouseLove says
Honestly: we love them. No complaints. Clara’s diapers still look new and they clean our clothes too. Haha. That’s all we really care about.
xo,
s
Krysta @ Domestic for Dummies says
One more thing…In the old house do you wish you had bought the pedestals? Thanks so much for letting me bug you!
YoungHouseLove says
NO! But that’s personal. Haha. I just loved having a normal counter height folding area above them. Sometimes I miss that set up so much! And if we got pedestals they would be too tall to use like a counter-height area. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jen says
This laundry room is almost your same layout. Great organizing ideas in this small space. Thought you’d like to check it out for inspiration.
http://jdorganizer.blogspot.com/2009/07/laundry-room-re-do-done.html
YoungHouseLove says
Love it! I want to build some cubbies along side of the washer and dryer sort of like those shelves! Thanks so much for sharing the inspiration.
xo,
s
Abigail says
Hey John and Sherry! I’ve been following your blog for a couple years…love it! I’ve been excited to see your kitchen come together! Ayway, I’m writing to see how you still like your washer and dryer after a year in? I’m in the market for a washer and dryer and I’m doing my research to see what is the best buy? Would you still recommend this washer and dryer? Would you still recommend the front loader and the high efficiency? Thanks!!
:) Abigail
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, we’re still thoroughly enjoying ours! We’re washing cloth diapers right now as I type this. Haha.
xo,
s
Elizabeth t says
Hi Guys, We have the same exact washer and dryer. Can you give me details about the stack kit and how to use it. Our washer and dryer are both on the floor and taking up too much space in the closet. Your blog is like my guide book before I start any DIY project. So any info about the stack kit would be very nice. Thanks.
YoungHouseLove says
We just bought the stack kit meant for it through Lowe’s and they installed them when they delivered them. Maybe just call or visit Lowe’s or the place you got your washer and dryer for more info? Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Katie says
So I know this is a super old post, but I am interested to know your feelings about your washer/dryer after using them for almost 2 years now. Our dryer died yesterday, and I am looking for our first matching set! No washers seem to get raving good reviews, and it’s making it difficult to find a good choice. Any thoughts? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Still very happy with them!
xo
s
Nikki says
I read you bought the stacking kit…did you think you could DIY a stacking kit? When I look at stacking kits it is 2 little metal plates (for $25!)! I realize this is an old post, but I remembered you used to have these front loaders stacked in your old house…and I immediately googled to find this post and see what you did.
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, not sure you could. Maybe look at the hardware in the kit and see if they sell anything like it in the hardware aisle?
xo
s