I want control back

dick · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 2255

So who decided that washing machines were dangerous? Our new one has a lot of features on it that have taken the control away from us and given it to the machine. The lid locks as soon as the machine starts. Has anyone ever fallen into a washing machine, do you think? Who decided the lid should lock? And why? It can be unlocked for a few minutes, but, if left unlocked and up for 10 minutes, the machine decides to drain the water out. One cannot "soak" laundry with this machine.
The machine determines the temperature of the water, too. In order to make the water completely cold, I have to turn the water heater off. What possible effect do you think that feature is supposed to have? Is that supposed to save energy or something in some way? One cannot simply set the machine to "spin" for example, if one chooses. One has to choose to drain and spin or rinse and spin. And no matter what, once set to going on an option, interrupting means beginning all over again. In short, the machine is in control, not me.

In case you're wondering what machines to avoid when you purchase again, it's a Maytag. If you want to retain control of your laundering, don't buy one. Needless to say, I'm actively searching for an older machine

And, have you ever heard of someone tipping a gas range over? I haven't.
Yet, a new government regulation decrees that gas ranges must be attached either to the floor or the wall. To move the damn thing has become a far greater chore than it was ever meant to be...and it's damned difficult to level the oven. I mentioned that I would probably disattach it, at which the installer suggested that were, say, a repairman be called he might not work on it because it would be in violation of the decree and all kinds of liability would arise.

Linda in sw va · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 4708

Dick I feel your pain, my husband somehow disabled ours so we can get in our washer when we want. Very Happy

Linda
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desiderata · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 226

Hmm, in another thread I am asking how to root the Nook Color. It sounds like you need directions on how to root your new washing machine. Razz

Doesn't it seem as if the mandated safety mechanisms just add bells and whistles that can malfunction and require more repairs? Everything has become so complicated.

ChrisReader · Joined: 05 Sep 2009 Posts: 685

Unfortunately, in order to get control back people have to bear the responsibility. That is why every pill bottle, appliance or anything that could possibly pose a danger has a safety device.

And yes sadly, people have fallen into washing machines, mostly kids who have drowned or sufficated. Same with dryers etc.

Manufacturers are so afraid of being sued they have safety features on everything (although some of the washing machine features sound more like water saving/energy efficient means.)

And I can virtually guarantee that someone has tipped a gas range over and probably sued the state for not having more stringent regulations.

When I was in law school and taking Torts I was astonished at the cases people would bring (and sometimes win) against manufacturers when they were clearly using items improperly or not at all how the manufacturers intended.

That is why you see the ridiculous disclaimers on items like don't drink bleach and saying a Superman cape will not allow you to fly.

Sadly people have done it.

JMM · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 492

On a hair dryer - "Do Not Use While Asleep". Rolling Eyes

dick · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 2255

@Chris Reader: That someone, somewhere, let a child fall into a washing machine and drown doesn't seem sufficient reason to make all people, everywhere hassle with locked lids. (I've never read of one doing so, by the way; I'd be interested to know how many have, in fact fallen into washing machines, if there are such figures.) If manufacturers are convinced that locked lids are necessary for a few, they should also supply over-ride switches for the many for whom they are not.

dick · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 2255

@Linda in sw Va: Can you tell me how he did it?

ChrisReader · Joined: 05 Sep 2009 Posts: 685

dick said

Cora · Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 1088 Location: Bremen, Germany

Interrupting or tampering with a washing machine's pre-set programs (and you can usually choose between a few) can damage the electronics, so you shouldn't do it. I don't know why one would want to mess with the program anyway. Just choose the right program, switch on the machine and let it do its thing.
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Linda in sw va · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 4708