Consumer Question: Maytag Washer/Dryer Combo

Hi, Joe,

Our Maytag washer/dryer (stacked model - 1986) has performed very well - considering it is 25 years old. Lately, the washer spin cycle doesn't seem to extract as much water as it did earlier. And the dryer sometimes tangles clothes, not allowing thorough drying to occur. Is our faithful Maytag just getting old and tired or is there some remedy we might consider - aside from purchasing a new combo. And if so,what brand/model would you recommend?

Many thanks!
Rob

A: Hi, Rob,

Thanks for your note. 

Your product is the best ever made especially in the stackable category. I believe that you need a roller kit for the motor slide assembly and 2 belts. As for the dryer, the belt may be slipping or the idler assembly is worn causing the drum not to turn fast enough. I do not suggest you replace this product. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Black Spots on Laundry

Hi, Joe,

We have black stuff coming out of our washing machine. When we are doing the laundry sometimes the clothes come out with some black stuff on them, and we cannot remove it even with bleach. We've tried to wash them a second time and it is not going away. In fact, it is getting worse. We suppose that it might be that the washing machine is leaking oil inside or the hot water tank may be dirty.

We are connected with well water.

Would you please let us know how to resolve this problem or suggest what we should do?

Thank you so much!
Maurice

A: Hi, Maurice,

Thanks for your note. 

In most cases like yours the transmission is leaking through a seal into the drum. This is not a common do it yourself project and the transmission is too expensive. Cleaning the inside of the tub means using 2 gallons of white vinegar in the hottest water possible and then let the tub soak for 24 hours.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Dryer Vent Replacement

Hi, Joe,

I have a foil type vent line on my dryer to blow the lint out. I've heard this is dangerous and could catch a fire. What should i change it to?

Thank you!
Ben

A: Hi, Ben

Thanks for your note. 

Plastic, vinyl and tinfoil are against the law. Use the old fashioned stove pipe available at your hardware store.


Listen on your computer to my radio show! The show streams every Saturday morning from 8 to 11am on waamradio.com.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Top Load Washer

Hi, Joe,

Great show! I like to listen while working.

I need a good top loader washer. I have seen reviews but I remember you said that most of the new washers don't use enough water. Do you have any recommendations? I need a washer that cleans!

Thank you!
A: 

Thanks for your note. 

I like the Speed Queen washer very much. Stop by Heydlauff Appliance in Chelsea. They will give you a crash course on washers.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Best A/C Available

Hi, Joe,

Is the Infinity Carrier A/C worth the money? I have a 2500 to 2600 sq foot house. What about the SEER rating?

I need new A/C and want to replace furnace at same time.

Thanks for your time,

Tom

A: Hi, Kathleen,

Thanks for your note. 

I'm sure Carrier is a good product, but there are others. I suggest you contact Pat Kelley at Kelley Brothers 734-462-6266 and tell him I asked you to call. I believe he has the best A/C company in the country! His Amana products have the finest warranties available.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Dishwasher Stuck on Normal

Hi, Joe,


My seven-year old GE dishwasher is stuck on the normal setting. It makes a buzzing sound and that is it. Do I have to call a technician?

Thank you,
Marjorie

A: Hi Marjorie,

Thanks for your note. 

I have fixed many GE dishwashers just by doing the following: Remove the lower kick panel (2 screws). You will see the motor and the cooling fins on the motor. Take a ruler and move the fins using the ruler to do. Move them around a few times. (Make sure the dishwasher is not operating while doing this.) After moving the fins, turn the dishwasher on and see what happens. If it starts to operate, you should shut it off and pour a third cup of vegetable oil inside the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for 24 hours. It may run just fine after that. You have what we call a dry bearing in the motor. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Noisy Spin Cycle on Washer

Q: Hi, Joe,

I have a MAH 5500 Maytag Neptune Washer with stainless steel tub and the bearings need to be replaced. (It has a noisy spin.) I'm told it can't be done, and that I have to buy a whole new tub with bearings in place. Is it a throw away?

Thank you,
Gino

A: Hi Gino,

Thanks for your note. 

I have heard of quotes as high as $600 to do this job and the washers are not very old. As far as doing it yourself, I would suggest you call my son Mark at his business and ask him if you should attempt it. His number is 734-953-6991 and he gives some tricks of the trade.


Isn't this a shame? This washer which was once known as the best in the industry. Please let me know what happens. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Stainless Steel Scratches

Q: Hi, Joe,

I just bought a GE stainless steel refrigerator and some  superficial scratches have appeared. GE recommends a kit called Scratch Be Gone and sent it to me. However, the kit said not to use if the refrigerator has a special coating and GE can't tell me if it has a special coating. Do you know if these kits are safe to use and do they work? Or do you know of anything that can get rid of these scratches?

Thank you,
Cathy

A: Hi Cathy,

Thanks for your note. 

I would go ahead and try the kit on a very small portion. That's the big trouble with stainless steel. It can be affected by some of the most simple cleaners etc. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon