Product review (2 stars): Like MILDEW and spending $1,000 plus repeated tech calls?
I have had a Duet clothes washing unit for 4 years now (well before issues surfaced/where on the web, and with the price of this darn thing, who would have ever expected any issues to begin with.) The Duet was washing my delicates (expensive lingerie) in HOT (yes you read me right...can you say steam) H20 v. cold when just over a year old. The repairman came out and replaced the part that handles water temp. Now I've had the joy of experiencing mildew and funky smelling clothes. Likewise, as other posters mention, bleach doesnt work/get to the clothing intended. Went online, read about the issues, and much to my shagrin, I found my son's months old sock in the area between the bin and the door gasket (obviously the impetus and breeding ground for the mold all over my gasket.) Since not rinsing well, I have placed yet ANOTHER call into my repairman to see if perhaps another sock may be still be elsewhere in the unit blocking H20 flow for rinsing. Ultimately, I wish I had bought an LG or a Maytag. I will NEVER buy Whirlpool products again. Our 4 y/o Gold series dishwasher has been serviced 5 times since it was bought new with our house! The tech told me that Whirlpool KNEW the heating element was defective in our dishwasher and sold the units anyway (with the hopes that the part would last out the warranty period.) Additionally, our 4 y/o range has spillage down between the glass panels on the door which would indicate that it was not sealed properly. POOR quality control, POOR design. Lastly, don't waste your money on the optional base storage for this washer like I did...you see, Whirlpool's industrial designers apparently went to a two year online tech course school as they didn't bother to take into account standard sized laundry product containers when designing this base piece and thus, the unit is TOO SHORT to allow such containers to stand vertically/erect (which means you must lay things on their sides, risk spillage/fight to get things out). In short, expensive doesnt always equate into a better product. HEY WHIRLPOOL, MY SPOUSE IS AVAILABLE IF YOU WANT SOMEONE TO DESIGN A WELL THOUGHT OUT PRODUCT (he has a real I.D. and Masters degree) v. JUST AN AESTHECTICALLY PLEASING ONE!