1991 Portable Kenmore washer

This is my 1991 direct-drive portable Kenmore washer that I bought used last weekend. I just replaced the agitator dogs, so it's now working perfectly. The dogs were easy to replace and only cost about $5. This machine shares considerable parts with much larger washers and seems quite overbuilt. It's much heavier than new portable washers. This was about the last year of the American-made direct-drive portables from Kenmore/Whirlpool

I edited this video for length. The first part shows the wash speed on "Heavy Soil." After a couple minutes, the dial moves to "Regular Soil" and the agitation slows down, I briefly showed the slower agitation speed. I cut most of the wash cycle out to show the first spin.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Portable
• washer
• washing machine
• Kenmore
• Whirlpool
• 1991
• appliance
• DIY

[Myobokuuzan]

Do any of your clothes come out stretched, or the collars frayed?

[davek12]

@Myobokuuzan It is a little hard on the clothes, but if you never run it on heavy soil, it won't do high speed agitation and is more gentle.

[Myobokuuzan]

@davek12 Oh I see. So then what cycle do you use on your clothes that you don't want ruined in the wash? Like the delicates? Or just the permanent press cycle?

[davek12]

@Myobokuuzan I run it on the Cotton/Sturdy cycle for most stuff, but start it at medium or light soil and it agitates at low speed and spins on high. Even still, it's not gentle.

[davek12]

That's right. You have to switch out the sink aerator for a longer one, and the hose attaches to the faucet by clipping to the special aerator. You adjust the wash temperature by setting the faucet handle.

[StrongEnough78]

What's the spin speed?

[davek12]

@StrongEnough78 The typical DD Whirlpool spin speed of 640 or so.

[southernexposurefied]

How do you make a video responce?

[tvtimetravel]

You dropped the whole detergent cup?

[iwatchfunny]

@SpazChat I expect there'll bring out a line of high efficency portable washers. Like the other brand i cant member beigginging with h. haier?

[Gaygarious]

I plan to move into a new apt. with washer connections. Can't wait to hook her up permanently. Makes for easier and more regular use! I've never noticed any shredding or stretching of clothes with my machine. Would that come from overloading? I bought her at a used appliance store last summer and she's still going strong... hopefully for a long run with me1

[SpazChat]

@Myobokuuzan Portable as opposed to a big heavy full size stationary laundry set that you can't move easily at all. This washer is compact and can be rolled into a closet if need be, after use. And I believe it hooks up to a kitchen faucet for plumbing. You can't do that with a washer that is not portable

[SpazChat]

@Chris242tt They still make these, but I heard that they're going to be discontinued in 2012, because they use too much water. Just go to Sears, you'll see tons of them and they're inexpensive. Don't believe the hype about the newer washers that cost $1000 (front loading) You'll only recoup the savings if you're family of 5 or so. But simple washers work better for single people. And many of those front loaders are maintenance nightmares and daymares. Also, those front loaders are too gentle

[SpazChat]

@shawnmurd0861 Dual action only became popular because many people insist on overloading the washer. The dual action agitator helps to overcome that

[SpazChat]

@mrbrandon71 , I just started using the gentle cycle to wash everything, even my jeans, and I no longer have the Shredmore problem. I just switch it to high spin when it's done with gentle

[SpazChat]

That's similar to the model we used to have. Damn I miss that set. It had automatic water temp setting, electronic temperature control, a true soak cycle which I miss dearly, dispensers for all three additives, second rinse setting, and those machines were pretty. And it didn't mess around when it came to cleaning your clothes, unlike the new fangled crap they try and shove on us today.

[mrbrandon71]

@shawnmurd0861 WELL STATED....AND THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO DISAGREE WOULD BE THE TRULY IGNORANT WHO ARE SATISFIED WITH HALFWAY CLEAN CLOTHES AS OPPOSED TO THE SUPERB QUALITY OF A KENMORE WASHER.....AND ELECTRIC DRYER! UNBEATABLE TEAM....FUCK THE NAYSAYERS.