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.
Joanne says
Hi guys, after reading a couple of posts about your washer and dryer, I’ve been wondering if you dry your laundry outside on a washing line at all? I can’t think of anything more planet (and purse!) friendly (plus you can’t beat the freshness in my opinion), and so it seems right up your street, but I know it’s done a lot less in the States than it is in the UK.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Joanne,
We definitely line dry (or air dry) things as much as possible! Especially our cloth diapers and Clara’s tiny clothes. We only use our dryer sometimes (when it’s icy cold outside or we need something dry right away to wear it again and can’t wait). But the best thing about energy efficient washers (the ones we had in our last house and our new one’s do this) spin clothes extremely fast in the draining cycle, so they come out barely damp – and they dry a lot faster. We totally agree that things feel even fresher when they’re line dried, so we do that whenever we can, and plan to do it even more in the spring/summer/fall season!
xo,
s
Sara says
I had to purchase a new fridge (frigidaire). Bought it through hhgregg and it broke (leaked out it’s freon) after owning it for 6 weeks. Unfortunately all my food went bad and the whole process took forever, but in the end I got another new fridge. Next time I think I will buy through Lowes. They say things happen in 3’s and that was my number three after car accident and job loss in the month prior (true story)!
Jill says
I have to admit, my 5’2″ body was wondering the same thing. Yay you, Sherry! Do you live with the kitchen stool permanantly attached to your foot too? (by the way, ‘pocket-sized’ is much better than ‘little sprout’ which is what my husband calls me) :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jill,
I actually demand that we arrange the majority of stuff that I use in the kitchen on lower shelves, that way I don’t really need a stool (and only occasionally call for the hubby to reach something rare that I need). John’s actually the chef of this family so it works out pretty well for me. Haha.
xo,
s
Randi says
hmm. ours makes a noise just like that too! Its an LG but I wonder if there is something wrong with it as well!! thanks!
Mindy says
Beautiful machines! We got our Samsung models from Lowe’s over the Columbus Day holiday, as they were also doing a 20% off sale then, and it was a great deal. By far the lowest price we saw for those models. Also, we found Lowe’s extended warranty to be really cheap — I can’t remember how much, but at least $150 less than Sear’s.
And let’s hear it for shorties! I’m 5’2″ too, and though our machines aren’t stacked, we have a shelf over them where we keep the detergent, and I definitely have to rock the tippy toes to get to it.
Sherri Remington says
I love the house and laundry room, but one thing is bugging me. Are you keeping the quarter round trim in the laundry room the wood color? It seems so out of place in the all white mudroom!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sherri,
No way! Scroll back through for more info. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Alicia says
Here’s my appliance horror story:
We ordered a new washer and dryer from Lowe’s when we moved into our first home – new construction. They were running a special on free delivery, which was great. However, when they delivered it, they took a HUGE gash out of our brand new wall! They just weren’t being careful when they negotiated the entryway from the garage into the laundry room. Their attempt to “make it right” – free delivery. Go figure. Meanwhile, we were left to respackle and repaint our new wall.
Amy says
Has anyone ever mentioned that Sherry bares quite the resemblence to Rachel McAdams?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amy,
Yes, that’s the one I get at least once a month. Used to get it every day in NYC after The Notebook came out. Which was funny because I hadn’t seen it and thought the world went crazy and everyone was acting so strange. Like people giving up cabs to me and just grinning at me like they knew me. So weird! But then I saw it and totally didn’t see the resemblance. But enough people say it for me to begrudgingly admit there must be something to it. She’s really cute so I’m not offended! I just wish I could see it!
xo,
s
Future Mama says
Haha! Love the addendum ;-)
Much love,
Future Mama
http://expectingablessing.blogspot.com/
carolinaheartstrings says
Okay, I covet. I want some of those. Sherry, the Price is Right is waiting!!!!
Lisa says
We bought our washer and dryer when we purchased our house (which didn’t have one) and them delivered the day between closing and us moving while I was painting. When the guys plugged in the washing machine and turned it on to test it the entire circuit went out. Re-setting the box wouldn’t kick the power back on unless we unplugged the washing machine – the poor delivery guys felt so bad. Not their fault. We had already had an electrician out to fix wiring issues found during inspection and from our washing machine we learned that it was on the same normal circuit as the microwave, a set of lights, and another outlet. Yeah, not built for a washing machine. Fortunately the seller set their electrician back out and he added Cat 5 wiring for the washing machine since electrical had been part of our requirements under inspection (and it was a small group of investors and not an individual who sold us our house.)
We still have some minor electrical issues that have cropped up on our to do list, but we’re just glad the major ones were all handled early.
Jenn(ifer) says
@ Amy
I didn’t notice that before, but wow you’re right…
Sherry: just look at this picture
http://blastr.com/assets_c/2009/03/RachelMcAdams_WeddingCrashers-thumb-300×272-15417.jpg
or this one
http://www.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http://www.canadiancontent.net/people/i/picture/Rachel-McAdams.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.canadiancontent.net/people/actors/Rachel-McAdams.html&usg=__ljh9lhXExFv8q11WL0uu4ChfdAQ=&h=1164&w=800&sz=116&hl=de&start=5&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=_ravDMdDs9kkIM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=103&prev=/images%3Fq%3Drachel%2Bmc%2Badams%26um%3D1%26hl%3Dde%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:de:official%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=JF4wTdvLOsn4sgaZ4OD8CQ
or even this to your High School picture with the blond hair…
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZnIiEExYqJY/Ry9-lMQ7THI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/hjKKj4jI288/s400/rachel-mcadams02_0.jpg
compared to the one of you next to the washer, how can you not see it?
YoungHouseLove says
Maybe it’s some sort of mental block or something. Just don’t see it at all!
xo,
s
Charlotte says
I’m 5 feet. Like 5 feet an no inches… In Germany. As a teacher. My sixth graders are taller than me. I don’t have a problem with that, but we manage without a drier…
Tim S says
I Don’t know if it has been mentioned yet or not, but make sure you leave your washing machine door open after you use it so it properly dries. Unless, of course, you like your clothes to smell all muskie and moldy.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Tim,
We had the same washer and dryer for 3+ years at the old house and didn’t have any mold/mildew issues, but we did leave the washer door open for about ten minutes after every load to air things out!
xo,
s
Jenn(ifer) says
guess you are just to used to your (beautiful) face to see it ;) (actually pretty sure that’s it, because people always insist I look like my dad and I never see that either)
@ Charlotte: nice to see I am not the only one from Germany around here!
pam says
Part of me was expecting a quick paint job this room before the duo went in. Are you guys planning to add any color to the wash room?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! We just couldn’t get our act together to pick a color, and we half expected the walls to get all scraped up anyway so we just figure we’ll add color to the visible walls after adding those storage systems we’ve mentioned (since it might mean a very small amount of paint on the walls once we add all that stuff to the room). Someday…
xo,
s
Stephanie says
Sherry, After I watched the house tour video I thought maybe you were avoiding the mirrors because you were hiding something (a new baby bump??) Obviously I was wrong. You look great!
YoungHouseLove says
I’m shocked by the secretly prego theories going on! Clara’s only 8 months old! We’re definitely waiting at least two-three years between kiddos (doctor’s order’s actually, thanks to a few complications with Clara’s birth). We’re happy to enjoy her for a while and soak up every moment we can before our life is turned upside down with number two!
xo,
s
Lisa says
Sherry,
You look fabulous! From one EBF mama to another – keep up the good work – you deserve a big pat on the back for keeping it up. Happy 8 month birthday to Clara!
Best,
Lisa – Mama to Erin (born 5/15/10)
Chels says
Hey, guys, how about moving the washer/dryer to the right wall (hides that ugly dryer hose) and putting hooks in the corner for brooms, mops, etc? You could even do a jiffy-quick frame connecting to the upper cabinets and put a door on to hide the mess, if you like.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Chels,
All the plugs and water hoses are on the left, so either placement reveals some ugly stuff on that back wall. But thanks to the built ins that we wanna add (as mentioned in this post) we’re confident that we can obscure all the ugly with some much-needed storage when we finally get to it! Soon we hope…
xo,
s
orangesugar says
I’m 5′ 1″ and on the thin side, my sister likes to call me a petite flower. And when I can’t reach or lift stuff I use the excuse that I’m a small person.
We have Samsung front loaders, although not stacked and I need to build a platform for them. Sick of bending over and refuse to pay the ridiculous $200 price tag per pedestal.
Elisa says
I didn’t know you were only 5’2″! ME TOO!! And my husband just got me a chihuahua puppy that is Burger-sized! If John is 6’0″ then we’d be a whole family a height twins haha
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Elisa,
John is exactly 6 feet tall. I kid you not. If your mom is 4’11” than we’re really twins!
xo,
s
bridget b. says
ooh Sherry! If diy blogging ever falls through, you could have a great career as a vanna white stand-in. :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s totally who I was channeling! I was about a second away from slipping into an evening gown.
xo,
s
bridget b. says
LOL! i’m totally envisioning your head on vanna white’s body a la you and John’s duggar family picture!
Lisa says
You guys are hilarious – love your posts!!
samantha owens says
work it, own it! hahahahah!
it must have been the angle the pics were shot that made them look so tall. i was totally wondering throughout the whole post if i’d be able to reach them haha! (im 5’4)
thanks for the demonstration :)
Kyle says
Horror story? Here it comes: My sister and I ordered a new dishwasher for our parents for Christmas. It was a surprise. The people were scheduled to deliver it on the 23rd and install it on the 24th (they couldn’t do both in the same day). When we called to confirm on the 21st, after transferring us between different departments for over an hour, they finally told us that we were crazy and that no one would ever come to install on the 24th. Side note: they were the ones who suggested the 24th for install, not us. Anyway, the next date available for installation was January 3rd. Nice. They also mentioned that we were silly to think that we could get anything sooner as we “waited so late to make the appointment…it’s the holidays afterall.” Side note 2: we ordered and made the appointments for delivery and installation in November. Anyway, finally all got worked out, they made an exception, etc. and the 23rd came around. My sister took my mom out while my dad was at work and my husband and I stayed to wait for the delivery…which didn’t come during the entire time it was scheduled to arrive. When my sister and mom finally had to come home (she had been stalling all day), the delivery truck showed up. I had to stash my mom in her room but she escaped and saw a very frightened delivery man, my husband, and sister trying to maneuver a HUGE box into my old (tiny) bedroom–he had been warned that this was top secret and she must not see him. Long story not much shorter, she didn’t figure out what it was though she proceeded to talk to my dad about a strange man in the house. The next day they came to install and both of my parents decided to stay home. Needless to say they were both confined to the bedroom while Christmas music was blasting from the kitchen to hide the drill/screw driver noises but when they came out (1 hr. later), it was installed and lovely and, miraculously, a surprise. Happy ending to a crazy story. At least it didn’t whistle :).
Emily says
So glad you guys cleared up the height thing…that was my first thought when I saw the pics as well! Sherry, hope you feel loved- the youth of America are worried about you reaching buttons in the laundry room. :)
Snickrsnack Katie says
Yeah, I have had my front loaders for a year almost and have not had a moldy mildewy issue. Leaving the door open and also using those tablets to clean the drum once a month or so does the trick.
Glad you got your front loaders and that Sherri can reach the buttons! :)
heather s. says
I was wondering if Sherry could reach as well but didn’t want to ask. :) Hey Sherry, my aunt and uncle are only ten months apart in age so its not too shocking that people might think you were pregnant again! In fact, my dad is one of ten kids and there are five siblings who are less than a year apart from each other (no twins/triplets/multiples at all in the family – just a lot of baby makin’). :)
Alison says
Cute picture update! Also, thanks for bringing back the “show all” comments link. I love going through and finding your responses to the questions everyone asks, I always learn something new and interesting!
Directions Not Included says
I’m loving the photo of Sherry with the stacked front loaders. As a home with two members of Team Five Foot Two (yes, the hubs and I are BOTH pint-sized) I appreciate knowing that we will reach the buttons when we upgrade our laundry area.
Lindsay@Tell'er All About It says
Hey, YHL-ers!
I saw this link on THIS OLD HOUSE and thought I’d pass it along:
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20454596,00.html
Good eye candy in case you guys ever decide to completely remodel the whole kitch/laundry/dinette area and open it up – they came up with a way to hide the laundry in the kitchen. Food for though :-)
xoxo,
Lindsay
Summer says
Hi Sherry!
I wanted to thank you so much for bringing light to the 20% off appliance sale at Lowes last weekend! My husband and I have been debating for awhile about a new washer and dryer because we have a baby on the way in May! We actually ended up purchasing the same set as you and we also have a small space, so this was such a wonderful help to us! Ours comes this weekend! EEKKK! Again, thanks so much I don’t think I would have even noticed or been motivated had I not seen it on your blog :)
Katie says
LOL! I love the Vanna pic! Secretly, I was so glad you posted that because my hubs and I are considering swapping out our non-Energy Star washer/drayer to a stackable energy saving option…but I was concerned about being able to see everything, haha! (I’m [almost] 5’2.) Now I know! lol!
Katie
Patti says
omg if one more person asked you if you could reach the controls, I was gonna scream! C’mon people, scroll! (having said that, I’m 5’11 and and reaching ANYTHING is never a bother :-D ) Anyway, can’t wait to see what you do with your laundry room/mudroom space because it’s an absolute head scratcher to me!
Casey says
Go Team Five Foot Two! Love the new washer and dryer. And as someone mentioned earlier, you would make a great Vanna. You know, there is a contest to be Vanna for a day going on now. You should consider it! ;o)
Lauren says
Totally random story spurred by the fact that you call Sherry pocket-sized:
I broke up with my 5th grade boyfriend because he told all of his friends he was going to put me in his pocket when we went to the movies to save money.
YoungHouseLove says
So funny! I live that it was a break-up-able offense! Hahaha.
xo,
s
emmary roemer says
My husband calls me “pocket sized” too. I’m 5’2”! Too funny. My husband is 6’2″. A whole foot taller. How about you guys?
YoungHouseLove says
John’s an even 6 feet tall, so we definitely have a nice little height gap going on.
xo,
s
Sarah says
Just had to say – Sherry, you look fantastic!!
And I also don’t see the Rachel McAdams thing. :-)
Morgan Mayes says
Haven’t been following for very long, but the only picture I’ve ever seen of Sherry is the little avatar by your comments. Yay for photos.. and now I’m convinced that Clara looks like her mama (Burger can look like John… don’t feel bad! :)
Anyway, super cute photo and super cute new W/D
betty in munich says
Look how great you look after having a baby not that long ago! I am only 5’0, my husband calls me a pocket rocket. Which is a reference to a type of sailing boat.
Marisa says
Did you read about the WD disaster last summer on Dooce?
http://dooce.com/2009/08/28/containing-capital-letter-or-two
In which a blogger bullied an entire corporation via Twitter. Thought y’all would be amused.
Cameron says
Y’all are so stinkin’ cute. I wish you were my neighbors!
JD says
I am dying to know what kind of shelving/storage you would put into that tall space next to your washer/dryer, as I’m doing the same thing in the same-sized space right now. Well, the contractor is putting in the floor first, and then Lowe’s should deliver my snazzy new appliances (thanks to your post about the sale), but you know what I mean.
Sarah says
Thank you for posting the picture of you reaching all of the dryer controllers. I was really really really worried. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself…hehe!!) Sherry, you are a patient woman to answer that same question every 2 minutes!
Anyway, on another topic, you look great! You’re an ad for breastfeeding, that’s for sure…it’s the best way to get your body back in shape! Love the new washer/dryer setup, and especially for that ridiculous price! That is some serious bargain shopping :) I hope when the times rolls around for a new w/d set, we can manage to find that kind of steal!
Sue says
Love the Vanna White impression, Sherry. W S H R A E N D Y ( Washer and Dryer ) Where’s Sajak, I mean John? Don’t ya just love the smell of a new Washer and Dryer and your first wad of lint caught in the lint trap? LOL
Rebecca O'Kelley says
I am still new to your blog and I am enjoying watching the changes you are making to your new home.
I wanted to say thanks for the heads up about the Samsung Washer and Dryers. I am getting mine delivered next Thursday. Can’t wait
danyelle says
perhaps this has already been said but is this a back breaker? My parents have this set up and when I help them with laundry I feel like it’s so uncomfortable? (the bottom front loader that is)
YoungHouseLove says
We had two unstacked front loaders at our last house and they actually required even more crouching and bending since they were both on the floor, but we managed for 3+ years (it quickly became second nature). This actually feels like an upgrade on our backs because at least one is up off the ground.
xo,
s
Cheryl Balmas says
Sherry…! You have that Vanna pose down, girl! Love it! I just looked at some pictures of turquoise laundry rooms. Most had white trim and white appliances, cupboards, etc. All shades of turquoise. Lovely. Was thinking your laundry nook is perfectly primed for a shot of color and can’t wait to see what you come up with. It already looks good but I know you have something up your sleeve!
Michele says
I’m waiting for my new washer & dryer to be delivered today!! Thanks for the recommendation, both my washer & dryer broke in a 2 week span, so after I read your blog about the great price and that you had owned these before, I ran out and bought them that night! Unfortunately I didn’t even think to argue for the 20% extra, but I still feel I got a good deal at $399 each.