Washing Machines
 Matt Fetterman
Chemistry Dept
Princeton, NJ 08544
sanjay08544@yahoo.com

  

Click here for my updated washing machine site.
An explanation...

By the way, check out the September 2004 issue of Dwell Magazine...in which I was featured for my washing machine skills!

Among my many skills and talents, I've worked as a washing machine repairman for the Graduate College. Here are some questions that people have asked me, using that miracle of modern technology, the World Wide Web! If you are reading this then let me know!


Read this! (please).

On this page Ive listed a few simple questions related to washing machine repair. Many people have emailed me with more difficult questions. Examples are: I own a brand XXX washing machine which has exploded, spewing all its parts all over the house.
The odds are high that I cannot answer these questions, because really I dont have that much experience. Sorry! Feel free to ask, but you will probably get a response back from me saying that I have no clue.
Anyways if you do have a major problem I'd suggest checking out the links that Ive listed below, particularly repairnet, appliancepro.com, GE.

Temporary Downtime

Due to academic work...we are currently not providing washing machine advice. I apologize to all those fine people with washing machine problems out there! Hopefully in the near future, we will spin again!

Washing-Machine Related Links!

Here are some links that you may find useful.
Notice that I do not endorse any particular product, and I receive no compensation. If you want to have your washing-machine related link listed here, drop me a line!
Maytag...maker of washing machines 
and dryers. Interesting site!		 Whirlpool...maker of washing machines and dryers. check out their artificial intelligence program, and also they have technicians to answer your questions (about whirlpool products, one assumes). sears...maker of washing machines and dryers. (brand name is kenmore).
GE...makers of washing machines and dryers. (brand name is hotpoint). 
Excellent site and if you are nice and happen to own a GE machine, their technicians will answer your questions.!		 Tide...detergent manufacturer. A site with plenty of interesting detergent information. Hi-Tech Detergents. ...these people make detergents for many different applications including industrial. Fascinating, eh?
 appliance.com -useful consumer information.  appliancepro.com -this site rocks. good information on repair. check it out!  washer repair info - these guys sell a book that may be useful for washing machine repair.
popular mechanics(1) and  popular mechanics(2) useful drawings and tips.   whats4sale.com- links to product reviews, manufacturers. not bad!  repairnet - these guys keep it real. they have chat rooms, pictures on how to fix your washing machine. check it out! 
antique washing machines 
and you think your washing machine is old? checkout this page, it is very interesting and artistic! one of the best sites that ive seen! 
 


More links...
If you are looking for information on a specific machine, look at repairnet link listed above.
go to repairnet, then to appliance coffee shops. then on that page they have questions for specific machines.
Very useful!

list of questions.

Washing Machine Repair Question

What do you do in your important job as Washing Machine Repairman? (actually this wasn't a real question that anybody asked me. I made it up myself!)

My Answer

A washing machine contains very few parts that will break. The main parts are the motor, the barrel, the water pump, the electronics, the coin unit, the belts and the hoses.

 If the barrel becomes chronically unbalanced, it may be time to purchase a new washing machine. Same thing goes for the motor. After all, if you find yourself replacing a motor for $200, it is probably better to get a new machine. As far as the barrel, having a barrel that is always unbalanced is difficult to fix, and you may be wasting your money.

 A problem that will often happen is that a sock becomes stuck somewhere in the hoses. In this case you can take off all the hoses and run water through them.

 If the barrel isnt spinning properly, a belt may have fallen off...or your belt may be broken. You can easily replace belts yourself for a few dollars.

Washing Machine Repair Question
Black Dust Underneath Kenmore

i found your home page searching for stuff on wash maching repair. I am hoping you don't mind if i ask for your expert advice. I have a kenmore heavy duty 70 wash machine. It has been collecting a black dust underneath. We took tha back off and notice it spitting something out that looks like black oil but dries dusty. This happens on the first spin but not the second. any ideas what this is? james.

My Answer

 We'll guess that it is the brakes on the washing machine. The washing machine barrel actually has brakes around it to stop the barrel from rotating. Just like a bicycle or car.
If the barrel is misplaced or the brakes are misplaced then that could cause the black dust. Good luck! By the way kenmore washing machines can be found on the web at sears.

Washing Machine Repair Question
Barrel Fills up With Water and Nothing Happens

I have been searching the web for some advice on washing machine repairs. Maybe you could answer my question. The barrel fills up with water and then nothing happens. It won't agitate or drain. I originally thought that it was the water pump. But I just replaced it and that was not the problem!!! Please advise if you feel like it. Thanks

My Answer

hi!
1. we bear no financial legal responsibility for any actions taken as a result of these comments. obviously without seeing the machine it is not exactly clear what the problem is.
2. check to make sure that all belts are in place.
3. your problem is probably the motor. you see, the motor drives both the water pump and the agitator. therefore simultaneous failure of both of these components implies a problem with the motor. you may be able to see or hear a problem with the motor, actually. it may exhibit a humming sound or give off some smoke. good luck!


Washing Machine Repair Question
Looking for Filtering Device

Hi Matt,
I was watching a TV show about 6 months ago. They were showing a filtering device to trap lint from entering the drain. The reason for this (which is my problem) is that the washing machine empties into the septic tank which can cause damage to the drain field. Do you know of any such device or where it can be purchased? I would greatly appreciate any input you can give me.
Thanks, Dex

My Answer

Hi Dex!
You should lay off those late-night TV informercials. Next thing, you'll be calling up the Psychic Hotline.
Anyways Im not familiar with that product but I did a web search on  infoseek with the keywords septic and filter and one product that looked interesting was the  webby. Check it out, let me know what you think!
actually the webby costs about $200 and a cheaper technique is recommended in whats4sale.com . Their technique is to take a piece of pantyhose and stretch it over the pipe. secure it with a hose clamp. have to admit that myself, ive never used pantyhose that way. i'll say no more!

Washing Machine Repair Question
Agitator Does Not Turn

Dear Matt,
Nice home page, thanks. You are the number one pick when doing a search on washing machines. I'm a single mom working in a hi-tech company where NO ONE knows a thing about how a washing machine works. If you could answer my question, I would be eternally grateful!
Everything works fine and does it's thing through all the cycles except the agitator doesn't turn. Is this run by a separate belt or is it a gear that has gone bad? Is it possible for a novice to fix this herself?
Thanks in advance,Cindy

My Answer

hi!

There are two possiblities here...

1. The first possiblity concerns the door-closing mechanism. Just like a microwave oven is designed (for your safety) that you cannot turn the machine on while the door is open, the washing machine is designed so that the agitator will not spin while the washing machine door is open. So it may be possible that for some reason your machine thinks that the door is open. You can check to see whether the door-closing mechanism works properly. Also you may wish to check all the fuses in the system. If a fuse is blown that may cause the machine to act like the washer door is open.

2. if the door closing mechanism works correctly, it may be that the problem is with a belt. the maytag washing machines (that's the machine i'm most familiar with) have two belts going from the motor... one belt to the agitator, and one belt to the pump. so the problem is the belt to the agitator.
by the way the belt is a thin piece of rubber.
anyways so either the belt has fallen off in which case you can just put it back on or the belt has snapped in which case you need to buy another one. (a hardware store?)
to access the belt is the only tricky part. on the machine i have the access to the belt is underneath the machine. so you have to tilt the machine backwards and look underneath it. the machine is kind of heavy so this part may require some help from a friend. when you look under the machine you should be able to identify the motor, the agitator, and the pump, and then the belts should not be hard to find.

take care, let me know if you have any problem...


Washing Machine Repair Question
Motor Overloads

what happens is that the washer washes okay, but when it goes into spin cycle the motor draws 14 amps and it blows the internal overload!! I'm a licenced Electrician and I check the motor 2 ways 1) metering it 2) Reinstalling it into a good working Washer. So it's not the motor I think that a bearing is binding and causing the O/L to occur!
There is quite the resistance when trying to turn the counter balance weight! I compared it to the good washer once again! I need to find out how to remove the entire assembly? I need a diagram if possible! I will also try Maytag Directly. Thank you!!
Richard.

My Answer

hello...likely that your problem is with brake alignment. the washing machine has brakes that stop it from rotating. if these brakes are misaligned then your barrel will not spin easily and your motor will have to work harder to spin it. just like if your bicyle tire is misaligned then the brakes will rub and it will be harder to pedal the bike. Good luck!
 

Washing Machine Repair Question

okay if this is true then can you adjust the brake and where is it? Do I need to find out how to remove the entire assembly? Need a diagram if possible. I will also try Maytag directly. Thank you!!
Richard.

My Answer

Well Richard...I have to admit that im a bit out of my range here. so i asked those excellent guys at appliancepro.com and here is what they said:
 

Hi Matt. Nice to hear from you again. There is no adjustment that can be made on a Maytag washer brake package. The brakes on this machine is a sealed package. If it goes bad you have to replace the whole assembly. There is a special tool that is required to remove and install the brake package.
                                                                                                    Sincerely,
                                                                                                    Mike Garrell
What a drag, eh? You know sometimes we have to face our limitations. on the other hand you know if you are pretty ambitious, which i suspect you are, you may wish to take a look at popular mechanics(1) . Not recommended for the beginner, though!

Washing Machine Repair Question
Kenmore Washer: Agitator and Drum Rotate at Same Time

 Nate, here from Albuquerque, NM. Here is the problem with my
 Kenmore Washer. When the agitator is working the drum is rotating at
 the same time. My philosophy on "Washer Repair" is to attempt to fix it
 myself and ensure that the machine is "hard broke" before waking up the
 Maytag repair person. What do I need to be looking at and can I fix
 it.
 Nate "back yard" repair person.

 Actually I could not answer this question. He ended up fixing it himself, and provides us
with this fascinating account. Thanks, Nate!

Matt,
My problem was with the wigwacker (don't know if that's right) arm
assembly. The motorized portion of the assembly connects to the
wigwacker arm through the use of a sliding piece that hangs between the
motorized and wigwacker arm assembly. In my case, the sliding piece
disintegrated due to some unforeseen force or wear & tear. Once you
open the back of the machine the damage was evident.
How to replace the piece was a bit of trial and error. Their is a
retainer clip that holds both wigwacker arms in place....remove it.
Then I had to remove the arm that contains the sliding piece. Observe
how to remove since you will have to reassemble. After attempting to
repair the damage in my poorly equipped garage I contacted the local
appliance service part store and discovered the piece I was needed would
only cost me $5 plus tax. After some sound advice from the local
appliance service technician, "ensure movement of the arm assemblies are
smooth and free"; I guess they can bind up or the rollers can get dirty.
That wasn't the case since I diligently clean and dust under my washer
weekly.
Hope this helps and apologize for the non-technical babble.
Later,
---NATE


 
Washing Machine Design Question
Top-Loading vs. Front Loading

Hello Matthew,

You have a very interesting and good home page/website. Thank you for the washing machine info; from your experience, is it true that front-loading machines (which rotate vertically) are better for clothes, clean clothes better, and use less detergent than top-loading machines (with agitators?).
What do you think of White-Westinghouse as a brand?
Thank you!

-Carlton & Rose

My Answer

Well you know I dont have much experience myself in front-loading washing machines.
Although I'm aware that Maytag is coming out with one, you can check out their website.
Anyways I asked those good people at GE and here is what they said:

Thanks for contacting us, Mr. Fetterman. You asked a very valid question, and although we did make front-loaders many years ago, the design was changed because it was determined that the agitators did a better job of cleaning the clothes. (When you think about it, it makes sense - on the RARE occasions when I rinse something out in the sink, i "swish" it around rather than just turn it over and over.) The engineering and design folks are testing front-loading washers, and there may be an introduction of one model later in the year, but that is still to be decided. They use less water, and that's the most expensive part of running a washer - the energy used to heat the water - but frankly, I'll still choose the top loaders because of the capacity and my successful experience with them. I hope this helps. MP

An excellent answer, I think! Although one note is that in Europe apparently the front-loaders are quite popular and they offer superior cleaning quality. that's a fascinating little piece of trivia that you can amuse your friends with at parties! on the other hand if you actually buy the superior European machine, you may have trouble finding anyone who can fix it.
As for your other question, sorry I'm not familiar with White-Westinghouse.

Shalom!

Washing Machine Repair Question
Leak in Hotpoint Machine

Hey Matt,
Maybe you can help me (Re: washing macines). I have a leak in my hotpoint machine (3300B). It is coming from the white plastic housing above the motor. There are two hoses coming from the housing. The leak is from a hole(that looks like it belongs there) between the two hoses. Any ideas on why, and how to fix it.
Thanx, Frank

My Answer

hi... GE has an excellent website. Check it out- its at GE.
I asked them about your question and here is their official answer:

---Mr Fetterman The part above the motor is call the pump. If water is leaking out of the small hole between the hoses you need to replace the pump. GE parts 1-800-626-2002 to order a new pump---

cool, huh? maybe i can get a job working for them.

by the way before you order that new pump it might be a good idea to check and see if one of the hoses is blocked up. the hose may be blocked by a loose sock or underwear, something like that. to check the hose you can remove the hose clamps with a screwdriver and then take the hose out and flow water through it. you may get a lot of water all over, though! anyway i am probably wrong about this but on the other hand it doesnt cost anything to take a look, right?


Washing Machine Repair Question
Loose Stabilizer on Kenmore

Matt,

I feel a little odd asking someone working at the Chemistry Dept. at Princeton how to fix something on my washing machine but since you offered, I will ask! <g>

I found your page in search of info on washing machine repair. I have just been given (free) a 10 year old Kenmore 80 series washing machine Model #8261110. However, I was told that it had recently been diagnosed with a loose stabilizer by a Sears serviceman. It was suggested to me that it would be a simple procedure to repair on my own,  however, I have not been able to locate from the diagram of the machine what exactly the stabilizer is.
I have used it several times now, and the only thing that I have noted that was odd is that with larger loads, it seems to make a mild grinding sound. Otherwise it seems to work fine.
Thanks in advance,
Susan

My Answer

Because the washing machine has a rotating barrel, there is sure to be plenty of vibration in the system. Thus, the washing machine is built with springs, just like your car has shocks. Otherwise it would just sort of rattle itself to bits. The main spring on the washing machine is called the stabilizer. It is a large spring that connects the outside of the barrel to the bottom of the chassis. It should be clearly visible when you open the machine. If this is loose that means there is probably a large bolt somewhere that needs to be tightened.

You're welcome in before!

Science and the Washing Machine Question

I am doing a science fair project that envolves washing machines. It would be very kind if you could E-mail me some information on how a washing machine works. I need to know how it gets the clothes clean. -Julia

My Answer

You know washing machines themselves are not interesting, except to a mechanic.
They do pretty much what you do when you wash your hands...get them wet and scrub them real good...

Laundry detergent is pretty interesting though.

Here are some good words to know:
surface tension
hydrogen bonding
surfactant
miscelleorganic
inorganicacid
base
pH

Laundry detergent contains...

1. Surfactants. Water has a high surface tension (because of hydrogen bonding) which means that if you are a water molecule you like to be on the inside of a water drop rather than the outside.
Like if you have some good friends you only want to hang out with them and not with other new people!
Anyways surface tension isnt good for cleaning because we want those water molecules to go out and meet new grease molecules rather than spending time with other water molecules. So surfactants act to reduce the surface tension.
Have you ever seen a tanker spill oil all over the ocean? One thing that the clean-up crew will do is spread surfactants onto that oil slick. Otherwise, the oil will just sit on the ocean. But if you put surfactants onto it then the oil will dissolve into the ocean.
So...surfactants chemically are long molecules, one side of the molecule is an organic chain and the other side is an anion such as calcium. The organic chain will bind to the grease. The anion will stick out and bind to passing water molecules. If many surfactants bind to a grease molecule, then water will bind to all those surfactants, and what you get is a droplet of grease surrounded by surfactants surrounded by water. Thats called a miscelle, I think.
In soap surfactants are composed of animal fats, but in detergent surfactants may be synthesized inorganic molecules.

2. Detergent also contains builders, something that soap does not contain. Builders are molecules that will capture stray calcium or sodium ions in the water.
Most water in the US is hard water, ehich means that it is has a basic pH. The ions in the water will interfere with the surfactant action, so the builders get rid of them. These builders make detergent much more effective than soap- which is what people used to use to clean their clothes.

3. Some detergents contain brighteners. These will convert ultraviolet light into visible light, making your clothes seem brighter!

4. Detergents may contain enzymes that will attack proteins. Proteins will be found in such stains as spaghetti sauce...your stomach also uses enzymes for a similar purpose.

The Enviroment and Washing Machines

What can the consumer do to protect the enviroment?

My Answer

 The most important step is to reduce packaging. The millions of used boxes and plastic bottles that we discard every year are tremendously wasteful. Try to buy liquid concentrated detergent. One bottle of this stuff should last many times longer than the normal detergent. Be careful with it, though!

The Enviroment and Washing Machines

What are the effects of phosphates on the enviroment? Why are phosphates used in detergents?

My Answer

 Phosphates are used as builders...they help to soften the water. The problem with phosphates from an enviromental perspective is that they may cause eutrophication. That is when they are dumped into lakes, they will increase algae growth. This can damage the ecology of lakes and rivers. To respond to this problem, most detergents don't used phosphates and are labelled "phosphate-free". Also, the modern sewage system is designed to screen out phosphates.
Thanks to the nice people at Hi-Tech Detergents for this information!

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