Auto Sensing water level feature in today's washing machines

It's frequently easier not practical to replace entire circuit boards and/or software compare to a mechanical switch or sensor. Even the so called technicians have trouble trouble shooting problem now a days.
 
Why do they have to put a computer in everything? I had to purchase a new washing machine last week and I don't like it already! It has the Auto Sensing water level feature in it but I couldn't find any that don't and believe me, I've been looking online for weeks but still couldn't find one that comes without this feature. One person does not have a full load of laundry each time plus, my water is hard and I have to know how much water will be used before I put the detergent in unless I want suds coming out of the washer. If they want to put this in washers, then give us the option to turn it off and do it manually. Do you like this feature? I guess there's some truth to the ole saying "You can't teach an ole dog new tricks" but I guess I will have to adjust to it.

I'm not an old dog yet. But I have to agree that the sensing tech should be an optional feature. We just replaced our old/ancient machines for a new pair (of matching ones no less!) I can't say I'm happy about being stuck with this. The deep wash option didn't seem to be doing what I thought it implied... I'm very worried that "soak" option simply won't put enough water to cover my clothes or whatever else. Comforters and the like are very light weight but still big items and I didn't think there was enough water used. Mine still came out with cat hair on it. But I suppose it's a testiment to the hair and the material used for that particular comforter...

Regardless. I'd love it as an optional feature. It was perfect for a tiny load of socks I did. But every time I put something in and I want a certain amount of water for that wash... I'm literally stuck with whatever decision the machine has made. There's not even option for me to tell the machine it's estimate is wrong and add more. I live in Oregon on a high water table with a well. I don't need to "save water". Let me use as much as I see fit if I want.
Sorry for rambling. It's all new to me and my very logical based brain just can't make sense of this. I hate consumer products that add options while taking away your ability to control anything. Also new here to this platform if I did this wrong somehow. Hit me up. XD
 

I'm not an old dog yet. But I have to agree that the sensing tech should be an optional feature. We just replaced our old/ancient machines for a new pair (of matching ones no less!) I can't say I'm happy about being stuck with this. The deep wash option didn't seem to be doing what I thought it implied... I'm very worried that "soak" option simply won't put enough water to cover my clothes or whatever else. Comforters and the like are very light weight but still big items and I didn't think there was enough water used. Mine still came out with cat hair on it. But I suppose it's a testiment to the hair and the material used for that particular comforter...

Regardless. I'd love it as an optional feature. It was perfect for a tiny load of socks I did. But every time I put something in and I want a certain amount of water for that wash... I'm literally stuck with whatever decision the machine has made. There's not even option for me to tell the machine it's estimate is wrong and add more. I live in Oregon on a high water table with a well. I don't need to "save water". Let me use as much as I see fit if I want.
Sorry for rambling. It's all new to me and my very logical based brain just can't make sense of this. I hate consumer products that add options while taking away your ability to control anything. Also new here to this platform if I did this wrong somehow. Hit me up. XD

It looks like you did it right to me. Unless I'm misunderstanding, it sounds as if they haven't improved the "auto sensing" feature since I tried it. I still think we should have a choice with this. I know if my refurbished wears out on me, I'll purchase another refurbished before I get a new one with the "auto sensing".
 
Next time buy a top loader. Less gadgets and sensors. That's on the front loaders. They installed them in the laundry room in our apartment complex. Once you start it the door is locked so you can't add anything. My opinion is they don't rinse as well because of saving water. Washing is with high efficiency soap.
 
This is a top loader machine. I didn't think the other type would work well in the relatively cramped space. We opted for the bigger machines to more easily wash the big blankets. It lacks a central pillar as well.

So far the auto sense seems to be working okay. But would be a lot nicer to be able to add more water if I thought my clothes were not being moved around enough. My big jacket got surprisingly clean. But one arm ended up inside and didn't get as clean. But that's the fault of the zipper coming down. I'm pleasantly surprised by it's performance. But I'm all but certain the sensing tech will be the first thing to fail or malfunction and it not being optional. Means the machine will be useless when it does. It has a 10 year warranty. Which is pretty long.

I have been able to set an extra rinse cycle mid go without any fuss. So anytime I take a look and it looks like there's way too much soap. I just add it.
 

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If you are located near where there is a Sears store that will be closing, you might want to keep watching for a sale there. Most of these closures will be taking place around April, so sometime in March there may be some good bargains on Kenmore appliances. Check today's prices on their web site, then you will know if/when they are offering a "real" bargain.
Kenmore appliances are awesome. I owned a washer and dryer but unfortunately because we didn’t realize the importance of a water softener and the water minerals built up it ruined them.

Well I REALLY miss my Kenmore toploading washing machine. You could presoak clothes or add bleach more uniformly in the top loader.
It was great.

Now we have a HE washer and dryer and weird things happen. First of all we often get scungy water coming from the machine. It’s really horrible but the manufacturers that designed these said there was a fault in the design. He says that the pipe they added to the back holds stagnant water in it. When you first use the machine this stagnant water goes into your machine first and then fresh water. It’s not a lot but it’s there all the same.

Another thing is that portions of those pod detergent things seem to melt into some of my clothes and if that’s not annoying enough there’s no way of presoaking things and I like to do that.

Then if you put a comforter in there it might not all wash so you will have to take it to a laundry mat.

The dryer throws out these chunks of mineral deposit that I don’t know where it comes from.
So from picking off parts of the pod pads to picking of scratching mineral deposits off clothes, I’m HATING doing laundry lately.

I’ can’t wait to sell this thing and purchase an old Kenmore Washer and use my clothes line.
I can relate to many of the posts here even with it being an old uprooted thread.
Venting over.
 
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Kenmore appliances are awesome. I owned a washer and dryer but unfortunately because we didn’t realize the importance of a water softener and the water minerals built up and ruined them.
Well I REALLY miss my Kenmore toploading washing machine. You could presoak clothes or add bleach more uniformly in the top loader.
It was great.

Now we have a HE washer and dryer and weird things happen. First of all we often get scungy water coming from the machine. It’s really horrible but the manufacturers that designed these said there was a fault in the design. He says that the pipe they added to the back holds stagnant water in it. When you first use the machine this stagnant water goes into your machine first and then fresh water. It’s not a lot but it’s there all the same.

Another thing is that portions of those pod detergent things seem to melt into some of my clothes and if that’s not annoying enough there’s no way of presoaking things and I like to do that.

Then if you put a comforter in there it might not all wash so you will have to raid it to a laundry mat.

The dryer throws out these chunks of mineral deposit that I don’t know where it comes from.
So from picking off parts of the pod pads to picking of scratching mineral deposits off clothes, I’m HATING doing laundry.

I’ can’t wait to sell this thing and purchase an old Kenmore Washer and use my clothes line.
I can relate to many of the posts here even with it being an old uprooted thread

Yeah uprooting the thread is my fault. I had googled searched and this came up near the top of the list. I didn't even pay attention to its age. I have liked being able to chat about it. And it's nice to know I'm not the only one.

I forgot about soaking clothes. But it is an option on our machine. Assuming it even works correctly...
 
We had to buy a new washer/dryer set a couple of months ago. The washer (GE) has 5 water levels....low, Medium, Large, Max, and Precise Set...the latter is the "auto fill" setting. My wife tried the "Precise" option, and has pretty much stayed with it....it seems to do a good job with the correct amount of water. So far, she is quite pleased with this new set.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-4-5-...-Stainless-Steel-Basket-GTW465ASNWW/308653940
 
Yeah uprooting the thread is my fault. I had googled searched and this came up near the top of the list. I didn't even pay attention to its age. I have liked being able to chat about it. And it's nice to know I'm not the only one.

I forgot about soaking clothes. But it is an option on our machine. Assuming it even works correctly...
Hey no worries. It felt good to whine and get that off my chest. I also didn’t think anyone would relate to my experience either so the thread was a great uproot.

You have a pre soak?
Ok I have washer envy. 😩
I will go and play my šŸŽ· now. Lol šŸ™ƒ
 
The one I tried was a top loader also. Have they improved the agitation speed? I know when I had that one, it agitated so slow it just barely moved. It made me think it couldn't possibly get something very dirty, clean. I hated that thing from day one.
 
When you think of it, our clothes get more worn out from washing than from wearing them.

I'm amazed at how much lint comes out in the dryer. It's a wonder anything is left.

The real secret in a good wash is a good rinse. That's what I miss the most.
 
There was a brand new top-load washer here in our new house, so I left the old washer at the old house. Big mistake. I hate the new one.

*I* want to be able to choose my water level. I'm pretty sure I'm a big girl and I'm capable of doing that. Well, not so, according to my washer. It wants to do that. It knows better than me. It wants to take care of me and stop me from making mistakes. It wants to be in charge.

Also, I'd darn well better make sure I have everything I want to wash inside the washer before I press the start button because I'm sure as heck not getting the chance to lift that lid again. UNLESS, I hit the button and then it starts over again. ARRRRRRBHGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH......

And what the hell is it about the rinse cycle with only half a tub full of water???? If there's ever a time when I want LOTS of water, it's during the rinse cycle! I don't want soap left behind in my undies and sheets. The only time I'm guaranteed a full rinse level is when I press "heavy load with extra rinse". Are you listening to me, washer? I DON'T WANT AN EXTRA RINSE....JUST A *FULL* RINSE!!!

Well, it does beat going down to the river and beating the clothes on the rocks...…...or going to a laundromat like I've been doing for the last four months while we've been in North Narrowlina. Speaking of laundromats, at least I know what's been washed in *my* machine at home. I was doing the last load in the laundromat at the RV park and a woman came in with an armload of rugs, towels and cushions. She proceeded to tell me that their dog had had "terrible diarrhea" and that she was glad she didn't have to use her own washer (a lot of the big rigs have units). I was speechless. It wasn't OK to use her *own* washer but it *was* OK to wash the filthy stuff in a public washer? I wish I had been brave enough to blast her, but I'm a chicken. I settled for putting an "out of order" sign on the washer and dryer she used and left a note for the office people so that they could disinfect the machine.
 
My very old Magtag washer is about at it's life end, and after reading this thread, I'm not looking forward to buying that new one. I think I'll be in for a rude awakening.
 
My very old Magtag washer is about at it's life end, and after reading this thread, I'm not looking forward to buying that new one. I think I'll be in for a rude awakening.
Yes, guess you need to do some research. The smartest thing I did was buy a new counter depth fridge from Home Depot. Personally, will buy any new major appliance from Home Depot. They have a fantastic extended warranty - the techs that come to you are from the appliance manufacturer.
 
Several years ago, I needed a new washer & dryer. I didn't want one of those new front loaders with the computerized stuff that screws up & the whole thing stops working until you repair it. I got a new "Speed Queen." 25-year warranty & no lights or computers. But, the water stops filling up 6 inches from the top, which reduces capacity. Luckily, there is an override feature.
I don't know if they're still available.
 
There was a brand new top-load washer here in our new house, so I left the old washer at the old house. Big mistake. I hate the new one.

*I* want to be able to choose my water level. I'm pretty sure I'm a big girl and I'm capable of doing that. Well, not so, according to my washer. It wants to do that. It knows better than me. It wants to take care of me and stop me from making mistakes. It wants to be in charge.

Also, I'd darn well better make sure I have everything I want to wash inside the washer before I press the start button because I'm sure as heck not getting the chance to lift that lid again. UNLESS, I hit the button and then it starts over again. ARRRRRRBHGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH......

And what the hell is it about the rinse cycle with only half a tub full of water???? If there's ever a time when I want LOTS of water, it's during the rinse cycle! I don't want soap left behind in my undies and sheets. The only time I'm guaranteed a full rinse level is when I press "heavy load with extra rinse". Are you listening to me, washer? I DON'T WANT AN EXTRA RINSE....JUST A *FULL* RINSE!!!

Well, it does beat going down to the river and beating the clothes on the rocks...…...or going to a laundromat like I've been doing for the last four months while we've been in North Narrowlina. Speaking of laundromats, at least I know what's been washed in *my* machine at home. I was doing the last load in the laundromat at the RV park and a woman came in with an armload of rugs, towels and cushions. She proceeded to tell me that their dog had had "terrible diarrhea" and that she was glad she didn't have to use her own washer (a lot of the big rigs have units). I was speechless. It wasn't OK to use her *own* washer but it *was* OK to wash the filthy stuff in a public washer? I wish I had been brave enough to blast her, but I'm a chicken. I settled for putting an "out of order" sign on the washer and dryer she used and left a note for the office people so that they could disinfect the machine.

I must have a reasonable newer machine. I can add an extra rinse cycle to any load. I can also choose "deep clean" which so far looks like it just agitates it longer?
I have watched this machine add more water over time during the load. But I don't understand that logic at all... It would get a lot more done in a shorter time and give me peace of mind. If it added the full amount of water and just got started. Instead I watch half wet stuff agitate for a bit before it "decides" to add more water.

I agree about the laundry mat. If I wash something that may be exceptionally dirty. I can run a hot water load with some vinegar or other cleaner. Which I'm not sure how I'll do with a machine that does what it pleases with the water level.

All this new tech that should be helpful. Should be great additions to what we had. Just fall so short.. replacing features and taking away control are irritating things.
 
Several years ago, I needed a new washer & dryer. I didn't want one of those new front loaders with the computerized stuff that screws up & the whole thing stops working until you repair it. I got a new "Speed Queen." 25-year warranty & no lights or computers. But, the water stops filling up 6 inches from the top, which reduces capacity. Luckily, there is an override feature.
I don't know if they're still available.
I didn't see anything like that around here. Sounds good. I do like some of the features on this new machine though. It's a shame it destroys my ability to control how my clothes are washed.
 
In my apt the old top loader quit about a month ago& mgt replaced it with a new Kenmore series 100 top loader ā€œheā€ (ā€œhigh efficiency ā€œ) with the sensor & different settings for different types of loads & soil. No manual supplied but I found & printed out everything I needed to know. Took some getting used to but I like it much better than the old one. Old one got socks trapped under the agitator & literally tied things in knots. With the h.e. Washers have to be sure you’re using h.e. Detergent, but I was anyway. The thing that was hardest to get used to was not being able to just flip open & toss in a few more forgotten items.
 
Most laundry detergent on the store shelf these days is H.E. I wasn't concerned in the slightest. Lol.
 


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