Kenmore 800 Washer is ruining my clothes!

This is the first instance of anything like this happening that I've heard of. Detergent dyes shouldn't be able to stain your clothes. What kind of clothes are the dyes binding to? And, have you tried using less detergent? It's a common mistake to over-use detergent in an effort to increase cleaning, when it actually does the opposite (and can hinder effective rinsing as well).

Not that this is a total solution, but perhaps moving to a clear detergent, or one free of dyes and perfumes, would be a worthwhile idea as well. Or, switching to powder (passe', I know, but it usually is more cost-effective and doesn't stain).

This is printed on almost ALL washing detergent bottles from all manufacturers, and should be followed for optimal washing performance: Add the detergent to the water and let it fill to at least halfway BEFORE adding clothes. You never, ever dump clothes in a washer where you just poured any type of detergent. You always let it fill up first. This is true for any washer, be it a Kenmore, GE or whatnot.

The Kenmore 800 doesn't allow that, because the load sensor has to be allowed to run uninterrupted. Interrupting it will cause a complete tub fill and can cause damage to the sensor (unless the cycle is stopped with the controls first). The detergent must be added first. It's just a different technology with different needs.

Sounds like a design flaw to me then.  Did Sears consult with detergent manufacturers before designing it this way?  I know I would never buy one knowing this information because that is simply not the way you use detergent -- especially a liquid detergent.

Knowing this information, I have to agree with the original poster then.  The Kenmore 800 is contributing to the staining issues.  I know exactly what she is talking about in the original post because our son used to do this all the time, throw clothes on top of detergent without letting it fill -- and sure enough, there would be stains and spots all over them.

 

I would return to Sears and get a model that meets your specific needs.  They have many fine models to choose from.  If you wear profesional type clothing then a front load model with a steam dryer may be just the ticket as it will "gently" clean clothing and the steam feature allows for freshening or wrinkle removal without the dreaded iron.  Some front load models allow for silk and wool to be washed as well, saving the expense and time consuming drop off/ pick up of a drycleaning service.

The Kenmore 700 series (without all the water sensors) is an exceptional machine and what we use.  Unfortunately, they have discountinued this model (for reasons that are beyond me). 

For washers, I stick with top-loaders and skip all the water sensors and such.  Which is why we love the 700 series so much.

 

If I had my druthers, I'd have a dispenser like the Oasis has on the 800, so the detergent goes down beneath the tub, and the detergent gets diluted as the clothes get wet, but without being in contact with the clothes. Unfortunately, it wasn't so much a "Make us a machine that does X" issue as it was "Whirlpool is making this their new top conventional" issue. The Kenmore top-loaders are just the Whirlpools with cosmetic differences.

wait till the fridaire models come out in first qtr 2010 and gradually replace the WHP top load models chk with your Electrolux rep

We didn't know there was a sensor when i bought mines, it didn't really occur to me that they would make one without a slot for your detergent?! I mean i think the only reason to put a sensor is for the safety of kids to stop the washer! God, and i use TIDE, so its not like im using some random dollar store brand ): I dont know what to do anymore, should i call and complain, because this washer really doesnt satisfy me at all.

Yukker said…

I would return to Sears and get a model that meets your specific needs.  They have many fine models to choose from.  If you wear profesional type clothing then a front load model with a steam dryer may be just the ticket as it will "gently" clean clothing and the steam feature allows for freshening or wrinkle removal without the dreaded iron.  Some front load models allow for silk and wool to be washed as well, saving the expense and time consuming drop off/ pick up of a drycleaning service.

---

 

I would go talk to the store manager to be honest.  "Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back" -- this is one time where I hope Sears lives us to this old promise.

Good luck!

 

Hey good luck on getting anything done. My new kenmore dryer is ripping and putting holes in our clothes and I cant get anything done. This has been going on for 5 months. I have even had 2 techs come and say it is not repairable. Still trying to get something done.

If the problem is non-repairable, then Sears policy is to replace or give you an item of equal or better value.  Have you asked for that part of the policy to be put into play? 

 

Good Luck!! finding a model that pleases you. I have been without a washer since Thanksgiving, except for the ONE month I owned the Kenmore 800. I SO hate this "water sensor" technology. I prefer controlling my own wash and being able to add a sock or shirt and not have it change my load from small to full. I have been begging the salesman at Sears/OSH to PLEASE find me a model that allows me to pause and control the load water level. No luck yet. And they stuck me for the delivery charge.

We  bought the 800 in April and we are experienceing the same staining problems. We have also noticed that this is the noisiest agitator we have ever heard. It sounds like two pieces of medal slapping together,. Normaly this would not be a problem but the washing machine is on the second floor.  Is anyone else experiencing this same issue.

Kay,
I thought that my wife had written your letter. It has been our problem since we purchased the Kenmore 800 washer. She has ruined so many fine pieces of clothing and had several (over 3) Sears repair men to our home acting in disbelief to this problem.  She actually saved all the ruined clothes and photographs and showed them.  The repairman saw a bottle bleach in our laundry room and insinuated that she had used it, even though she told him we never use bleach.  They brought me an identical washer, and never idenitifed she was having a stain problem; and guess what happened. Same staining problem on our towels and fine clothing.  She uses the neighbours to wash fine clothing.....The reason I even came across your email was that we were searching for new washers.

To slowdancer,

I am terribly sorry to hear of this. I can't understand how this could be happening, especially with another new washer in the home. You can usually rule out the washer as the cause as two units will not exhibit the same problems. Of course we do want to do all we can to determine the nature of the problem and we would like to assist in finding the cause. My name is Brian and I'm part of the Sears Cares Escalations team and we can help. At your convenience, please contact my office via email at searscares@searshc.com so you don't have to continue to be frustrated. In the email, please provide a contact phone number and the phone number the washer was purchased under (if different than the contact phone number) and we will call you directly. Also, please provide the screen name (slowdancer) used to post here for reference to your issue, and we do look forward to talking to you soon.

Thank you,

Brian J.

Senior Case Manager

Sears Cares

I have the 800 series and the washer is terrible.  The fabric softner dispenser does not work properly.  There is alway softner left in the dispenser and splattered all over bottom of washer after the cycle.  This stains the clothes.  I have to then do another rince cycle.  Also the spin cycle stinks.  I have to run the dryer for ever to get the clothes dry.  SOOOOOOOO disappointed.

This thread is older than 1 month and has been closed to new posts. Have an additional question or comment? Please visit the main discussion boards page and send us your feedback. http://www.mysears.com/discussion_boards