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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Everyday Life ·

Thursday Things.


Happy Thursday, friends!

I had a whole busy day planned today with *extra* things and then at the last minute, I cancelled it all.  Doesn’t that feel great sometimes?  I love to look at the chaos on my calendar and just start marking things off.  My motto this year has been “be busy but not in a hurry”.  I heard that on a podcast last year and LOVED IT.  I like to be busy…I actually thrive on busy, but I do not like to be in a hurry, and that’s how I was feeling yesterday looking at my week.  It was all too rushed and too hurried.

A-N-Y-W-A-Y, I digress.  Maybe my motto for next year will be “don’t ramble on your blog”?  #doubtful

Today, I have some Thursday Things from the Shulls’ world.  A little Life Lately meets randomness…PLUS…I need help with a matter that is driving me MAD.

Let’s go…

We wrapped up a big fall over here!  Kensington finished her last season cheering in middle school (you guys, she’ll be in high school next year!!) while Smith played (and loved!) his first year of middle school football.  It was SO MUCH FUN to see her cheering at his games.  My mama heart was beyond happy.  Not only did we wrap up those two sports, but both Kensington and Madeley finished their volleyball seasons, Smith just had his last fall baseball tournament and Ashby finished soccer.  Now that it’s getting darker earlier, and we have drastically reduced our sports activities, this girl is loving all of the slow paced, cozy nights at home.  We’ve already watched two Christmas movies.  Well…you might not consider them Christmas movies, but it’s a tradition in the Lowe family that you always start the year with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and then watch Funny Farm.

Is that weird?

It is.

I know it’s weird, but that’s the tradition, so we do it.  Which movies do you consider the “first holiday movies of the season” in your family?  I’m super curious!

I was trying to be “fun mom” after school this week and picked up the girls from school on the golf cart.  As I was pulling up to the school, it started POURING rain.  Um, where did that come from?!  It was too late to turn back, so I just had to sit there in the rain while everyone in their nice dry cars I’m sure were chuckling at the idiot on the golf cart. By the time I grabbed the girls (which included Miss Britt!) and got home, we were SOAKED!  I’m going to chalk it up to memory making over here 🙂 .

My little sidekick loves her time with The Bible Recap every morning too.

Last week, Andrew had to go to the optometrist for a clogged duct that was affecting his vision, and I had a very bad reaction to a dermatology peel.  We were lying in bed listening to the TV when he said “look at us”.  I mean…he had some sort of microwavable eye thing for heat, and I was legit lying in bed with a bag of frozen corn on my face.  This is 41, friends.  We’re killing it.

On Saturday, we headed to the square that evening so the boys could drop off their boards at Doug & Lynda’s Ski Shop to get the bindings changed out (or whatever one does at the beginning of snowboard season with said snowboard…I really don’t know…I was along for the ride).  Our town square is all decked out in Christmas decorations and lights, and it made us so HAPPY!!  It was a gorgeous and festive night to be on the square.

After dinner, we walked over to The Magic Needle so that sweet Patti could change out my tragus piercing for me (it requires special tools), and I walked out with a new one.  Apparently, this is also 41.  I’m up to ten…what shall I pierce next?! 😉  (As my mother picks up her phone to tell me to quit…)

And finally, you guys, I have a question/need your opinion/covet your advice…

…this fall, we transitioned from top loading washing machine to front loading.  I fought it.  I fought it hard.  I loved my top loader, but when it went out, the selection was just so limited that I bought a front loader instead.  Here’s what I don’t understand…when my clothes are finished being washed, and it’s time to remove them and put them in the dryer, they all come out in a big clump and fall on the floor.  WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!  Andrew keeps saying “it is what it is”, but no.  That cannot be right.  Please tell me you know what I’m talking about!  No matter how carefully I try to extract my clean clothes one piece at a time to avoid anything falling out and on to the floor, it doesn’t work.  Soooo…my clean clothes hit my dirty floor (because let’s be real, in front of the washing machine isn’t exactly where I spend my time mopping).  Any solutions?  Anyone else know what I’m talking about?  I’m going mad.  I feel myself going mad.  I would love to know if you know what I’m talking about.  Ha!

Okay, I’m off to enjoy my non-crazy day 🙂 .  I cannot wait to hear what you think about my washing machine situation.  I do hope you have a marvelous tip for me.  #pleasepleaseplease

See you tomorrow. xx

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Comments

  1. Erika Slaughter says

    Can you put a laundry basket in the floor so if they fall out in a clump they land in the basket? Not that I truly think your floor is super dirty in that spot BUT does that help?

      • Karen says

        I do this too. I take everything out of the washer and put it into the laundry basket and then from there transfer everything up to the dryer. Works perfectly!

  2. Beth Knecht says

    I absolutely know what you mean with the laundry! As much as I thought I’d love a front loading washing machine, the one we had was terrible. We now have a regular one, and I enjoy it much better!

    • Lisa D says

      Agree! A few years ago we finally caved
      and bought the front loading model but I hated my new washer. I don’t think it cleaned the laundry well so after 2 long years we went back to the top loading washer. I’m so happy with it 😊 Just put a laundry basket on the floor to catch your clean, wet clothing.

  3. Jen says

    I dislike front loaders. My clothes never seemed to get rinsed well. They would be wrinkled. Facebook Marketplace those babies. Speedqueen is the best.

    • Sandy says

      I was told with each load to ALWAYS set the machine on extra dirty and extra rinse no matter how small the load of clothes. That is the only way to get enough water to clean and rinse the load.
      When my machine breaks I will go back to a top load machine.

      • Emily says

        I absolutely second Speed Queen!! We had an electrician give us the inside scoop once on them. He said they haven’t hardly changed anything about them over the years, and that newer models and brands (that are not speed queen) are specifically designed to break down in a short time frame so that you have to pay for repairs and buy new machines. Speed Queens are basically just the nuts and bolts of what you need…nothing fancy at all…but they’re made to last forever! We have it in both the washer and dryer and take them with us when we move. It’s the best kept secret. And our Speed Queen is top loading 🙂

      • Deann says

        The BEST brand of washers and dryers. They are not fancy which is part of why they are so great. I will never own another brand!

    • Amy Branderhorst says

      I second this! I hated my front load and nothing ever seemed clean. I have speed queen top load with the agitator and they are the best!

  4. Cheri says

    Good morning Shay!! I probably won’t be much help, but I am on my second set of LG front load washer/dryer combos, and have never had this problem. The only thing I can think of is, maybe your spin cycle is not fast enough? When my washer is done, the clothing/towels are literally plastered to the top and sides of the drum and I have to peel them off and shake them apart before they go into the dryer. I know your set is brand new so a change is not in order, but it maybe worth looking into. Good luck and enjoy your day!!

      • Lynette says

        I have a Maytag set like yours and I have the same results as the gal that has the LG set. My clothes are plastered to the sides/top of the drum and don’t fall out onto the floor. I’d call Maytag and have them come and look at your set because I love my set and I have had 2 sets of Maytags now, one in our old house and now another in our new house. I hope you can get them figured out!

      • Rebecca says

        Yep- my thoughts too! We just got ours and love them! We got LG as well. But I get this makes you crazy- it would me too!🤦🏻‍♀️

    • Laura Holmes says

      I’ve also had an LG for years and now use a GE. Both of them work as Cheri described with the clothes being plastered against the drum. And they are very dry versus how they come out of a top loader. I’m wondering if the angle of your drum is off from delivery or something? It might be worth having the company you bought from out to look at it.

    • Gail says

      I have LG front load too and don’t really have that problem either. Mine has a spin choice of low/med/high and I have mine on high

      • Melanie says

        Our clothes are stick to the inside drum after a wash as well and ours is a Samsung front loader. I’m thinking the suggestion of a faster spin might work……
        Also…we love Funny Farm! Super cute movie!

    • Sharon K says

      This is my experience as well with my LG washer. I feel like I have to climb inside the wet drum to get everything out!

  5. Lori Whittington says

    Not really a tip on the falling out part, but make sure you leave the door cracked after washing so it can “dry out”. This will help keep it from molding and smelling.

    • Alyssa says

      I was going to pass along the same tip. Front-loading washers are notorious for harboring mold. Gotta keep the door open after washing, which is a pain but worth it to avoid mold.

  6. Julianna says

    I always sit down to switch my laundry from washer to dryer… things still fall, but at least they’re falling on me!

  8. Kelly says

    Hi, the washing machine saga happens to me too. HELP. And please please please will you share what Podcasts you love? I listen constantly while I work out and walk. So help a sister out. Bestie Breakdown is already one of the ones I listen too. But I’d love to know what you love.

    • M says

      I hope everyone will listen to The Messy Table podcast. Start from the beginning…it’s so good to hear Christian women share real experiences.

  10. Rhonda says

    I honestly prefer my previous washing machine which was a top loader too. Have you tried changing the spin setting to a lower spin? I think these front loaders just spin everything so fast and aggressively that it causes everything to stick together. The plus side is less drying time though, but of course you need to take each piece and shake it a bit to prevent wrinkling. Ugg, it’s 2022, you’d think there would be a better option!

  11. Kim Bacon says

    Die Hard is our first “Christmas” movie each year because Brett resists pure Christmas anything! I ended up putting a cute rug in front of my washer and dryer because of the falling clothes 🤪

      • Amy says

        Have you seen the movie Love Hard on Netflix? Its a really cute Christmas-y movie and the name of it is related to Die Hard being a considered to be Christmas movie!! Such a cute movie, highly recommend

    • Julie Jones says

      Yes I have same experience as the others. My clothes are all sucked to the sides, top, and bottom so I have to peel them off and shake out. They still come out wrinkly. Not a fan either. 🙁

    • Stacey M. says

      Yes to Die Hard as a Christmas movie and the cute rug in front of the washer dryer. Get a runner size!

  12. Jeni says

    Oh my gosh, I understand your frustration about the washing machine! I dealt with the same issue and it drove me crazy. Now I just keep a clean, empty laundry basket in front of it so when the clean clothes fall out (as they do every.single.time. they fall into that instead of the dirty floor. Nothing groundbreaking, but it works!

  13. Danielle says

    How about putting a laundry basket under the washer door? We recently had to replace our washer and dryer and I was so happy to go back to a top loader.

  14. Christy says

    Good morning! When I decided to switch to the front loader, I too had this problem…. I swapped back to the top loader quickly! haha… Not just for this reason, several… So glad I did!

    I can’t believe Kensington is going to high school next year! I started following you way back in 2011, when I was a brand new mom, haven’t looked back since! We are about to wrap up fall sports too… I have a question… What do you guys do during the winter? The kids want to do more stuff, but at the same time I want those free, cozy evenings inside with my family! How do you handle this? Have a great day!

  16. Victoria says

    I haven’t had that problem, but I do recommend one of these (or something like it) to keep the door open between washes!

    Front Load Washer Door Prop, Magnetic Washing Machine Door Holder, Keep Washer Door Open, Flexible Prop Fits Most Washing Machines https://a.co/d/ilbPmvx

  17. Kristen says

    Ooohhh, I don’t have any good suggestions. Ours was such a pain that we switched back to top loaders and haven’t looked back. Leaving the door open on the front loader was driving me crazy!!

  18. Sheaffer says

    We have the oldest, ugliest, top loading washers known to man…..AND I LOVE THEM. Why do these new fangled washers have so many issues?!? Ugh, so annoying!

  19. Katrina says

    I always find that when my washer is too full the clothes knot up and fall out. When I do less full loads they have more room to spin around and not tangle. {saying this I still shove that thing full and know stuff if going to fall out}

  21. Amy says

    Lay a washable mat/rug below the washer/dryer. You might have too many clothes in there causing them to clump and fall out so much. I’m guilty of putting too many clothes in the washer. Love your blog!!

  22. Taeryn Bémont Jurd says

    I live in the UK and the majority of us use front loaders and have only ever used those. I always put a basket in front of the washer when I’m transferring to the dryer. I have also had my clothes tangled together but the cycle I use most ends up with them stuck to the sides of the machine like someone else said above! One benefit of a front loader is that friends who have had both say that the top loaders are harder on clothes and make them wear out quicker?

  23. Karlene says

    We got a front loader washer years ago and I absolutely hated it. My sons were in all the sports and I didn’t feel like it actually cleaned that great. Then about two years ago I went back to a top loading washer and love it. We have a speed queen set and I think it cleans so much better than the front loader did.

    • Sascha says

      I agree – I have twin boys that are 14 – the front loaders do not clean sweaty pubescent boy clothes at all! I’m going back to top loader

  24. Kara says

    I cannot give up my top loader so no tips on that.. but our Christmas season of movies always starts with Home Alone 1 & 2!!! 🎄🎅🏼

  25. Jennifer says

    Make sure you watch front loading cleaning videos! They get all kinds of gunk and mold in the rubber seal – and super stinky!

  27. Andrea says

    I feel your pain. I too have a front loader and this sounds crazy but I just kneel on the floor and scoop it from washer to dryer and if anything falls it lands on my lap…I do extra spin so the clothes aren’t very wet and I don’t get wet. Definitely not ideal, but I’m usually in a rush! Not sure this will work for you though because I just looked at your picture and your washer is tall. It’s an extra step but maybe you’ll have to put it in a laundry basket then put in the dryer?? Also, definitely leave the door open to air out and wipe down the inner door nooks and crannies or you will get seriously stinky clothes…I know from experience!!

  28. Catherine F says

    No input on the washer, but I just wanted to say I love what you quoted -“be busy but not in a hurry”. This phrase is sticking with me.

  29. Robin says

    Happens over here on the regular. I also have my dog bowls right there so the number of times something has dropped (despite how careful I am trying be!!) into the dog water bowl 🤦🏼‍♀️ I have triedthe laundry basket under the washer but it is still annoying. Not sure there is a solution but hopefully someone has some better ideas. I second the keep the door open to dry, also, take the detergent drawer out to dry, also. I just put it in the washing machine and leave the door open. Front loaders are high maintenance 😉

  30. Kelly Davis says

    Same. Every time. I just put a laundry basket there and then dump everything in it and go from there. It is super annoying. I agree.

  31. Denise Holthaus says

    I hate to burst your washing machine bubble. I had a front loader and never liked it. EVER. I got a top loader 2 years ago and all is right with the world!!! I absolutely love how big the basin is without the center piece, it holds more, it’s great! So I got nothing for you. I’m Team Top Loader! 😁

  32. KG says

    We just last week had to replace our front load washer – it lasted 1.5 years, ugh! If repairs could be done, it would’ve cost more than the washer itself. Bonus – they don’t make the parts anymore so it couldn’t be repaired anyway! Glad to see you didn’t buy a Samsung…

    I have that same problem a lot of times. I do think the comment on high spin may help. Stay diligent about airing it out and cleaning the front gasket. They get moldy and smelly QUICK. Also be sure to clean the filter if yours has one in the front (usually a little door, or it’s by the high volume detergent loader if yours automatically dispenses it.

  33. Kim says

    Check the spin cycle. In mine you have a different spin cycle for all the different settings. I always change mine to the highest spin. This will help. Good luck but always wipe the door and the ring around where door closes, or it will get smelly.

  34. Lauren says

    I can’t help you with your problem, but I have had that happen, too. I am not a fan of our front loading machine, because it is hard to keep clean. I will go back to top loading in the future.

  35. Lori says

    I have to be totally honest. I totally hated my front loader and got back to the top loader. Main reason – mold and smelly clothes. You have to dry out the rubber seal in front after every load. No joke – you literally have to take a dry wash cloth and wipe the inside, otherwise mold will grow and no matter how much you clean it will never go away and your clothes will smell.
    I have several friends that experience the same situation. Good luck. Oh but my clothes didn’t fall out when I opened the door. That is very odd.

  36. Leslie S says

    I traded out my top load for a front load too – lasted 6 months and SO many things drove me crazy with the front load washer, including the odd smell that developed a few months in, the weird grimy gooo that accumulates around the rubber door seal, the fact I can’t add anything once it starts bc I’m always finding/adding clothes after I start it. Sigh. Sold mine on fb and went back to top loader. Never been so happy to be “low tech” !! Team top load for life!

  37. Ranisa Brletich says

    I have no idea if this is even a thing. I have a large family. I started sorting clothing by color and texture. As an example I will two loads of darks. The first load with be thicker material and things with elastic waist bands that take longer to dry. I did this for drying purposes at first. If a hoodie doesn’t get dry all the way I can just toss it into the next dryer load. I have noticed that like things (weight) don’t get in as much of a tangled mess…and having a lighter load have helped me. I have a large load but not a stuffed load. I too like the idea mentioned above about the clothes basket in front of the machine. AND yes Speedqueen is THE BEST. They are a no frills, expensive, not super large, work horse of a machine.

  38. Kallen says

    I have the same problem with my front loader washer and dryer. Fresh clean clothes all on the floor. I just don’t understand the appeal with the front loaders but we got ours for free so I can’t complain too much. I am here for all the comments and tips!

  39. Alison says

    I absolutely laughed out loud at your “this is 41” photo. The 40’s are ultra-glamorous, aren’t they?! 😂

    When I had my front-loading washer, I had to literally peel the clothes off from the drum. They never ended in a big ball. Maybe the rinse/spin cycle isn’t completing itself like it should?

  40. Tracy Abraham says

    My only solution is go back to the top loader! That’s what I had to do. I cannot stand the front loader. I couldn’t find any solution other than 5 second rule! 😂

  41. Margie says

    Omg love the picture of you and Andrew. It’s just “real” life!! Random stuff – my son and I just finished listening to Hail Mary by Andy Weir, same guy who wrote The Martian. It’s SO GOOD! Especially in audio form. Since you loved the movie, you should check that out. And for TV shows have you seen Chesapeake Shores? Also Down To Earth with Zac Efron is so good, especially with kids. And the book Atomic Habits seems like something you’d really value.

  42. Beverly says

    Did the heat help his duct to drain? Did the doctor drain it? Where did you get the heat pack for the eyes?

  43. Beth Valenta says

    Christmas Vacation is the FIRST movie we watch. We make our list of top ten and stick to it.

  44. Jayci Alverson says

    It’s so frustrating, but I just put a laundry basket in front of the door and it catches all the things that fall out.🤷🏼‍♀️ It works for me! I’ve been doing it for years. Good luck!!

  45. Sarah M. says

    I just recently placed a mat in front of our washer and dryer and I feel less bad about things falling on the floor. That’s not a solution, just a commiseration that I have the same issue.

  46. Abbey says

    I have never loved a washer and dryer more than I do my Speed Queen. I tried to go front loader, and it just didn’t work for my family. I had the same issue you are describing. And yes, this is the kind of things I discuss with my friends at age 42.

  47. Cindi says

    Funny, I’m visiting my daughter and her family and they have a front loader that does the EXACT same thing: clings to the drum wall and falls on the floor! I don’t remember our old front loader doing that, though. The laundry basket in front is a great idea!
    I will echo the suggestion to leave the door open to dry out. And run the clean cycle if you have one regularly. And finally, I learned this late, but use powdered Tide in your washer: it cleans the clothes and your washer!
    And if I was your mother, I’d be calling about the piercings, too! 😉☺️

  48. Deena says

    We always watch Love Actually (we’re empty nesters) but White Christmas is always a favorite. Those 2 are the only ones we own. Polar Express and both Christmas Chronicles just make me happy this time of year. The Holiday is a good one and the old Miracle on 34th Street (the old one with Natalie Wood) is also a favorite. I’m not usually a movie person except if you call it a Christmas move (except for Die Hard. Still argue with my husband on whether it’s a Christmas movie).

    We had an early front loader and said never again because we had the mold in the door problem and it died in 7 yrs. I’m happy with our LG top loader without an agitator. Good luck!

  50. Colleen says

    I just got a front loader and I have the same mad feeling you have! Does it look nicer? Maybe, but that’s about the only thing that’s better than the top load washer. Bring back the top load washer!!!

  51. Allyson says

    Make sure you check out gocleanco on instagram! Front loaders get moldy and yucky…but she has some great tips for keeping them clean! (Not a tip for the clump of clothes falling on the floor…sorry)

  52. Brittany B says

    Are you using too much laundry detergent? We just switched to a front loader last week and I’m trying to figure it out too. I think I tend to add too much detergent then the clothes kind of stick together around the inside of the machine. Decreasing the detergent (aka following directions☺️) seems to have helped me. Good luck!

  53. Laura says

    Sorry, no front loading laundry tips from me. I am also very scared of those and I’m sticking with the top loading one as long as I can! But also, this post had me cracking up. Thank you for sharing your ramblings and stories! I can totally relate to most of em, just not the ten earrings. But props to you for taking care of all your piercings! Enjoy breathing more easily today with a lighter schedule! 🙂

  54. Denise says

    I agree with having yours checked for the spin cycle. Had a Whirlpool set for 15 years and never had that problem. Replaced with LG and no problem – plastered to the drum. ABSOLUTELY leave door slightly ajar to avoid odors and occasionally use those wash tablets to clean the machine.

  55. andrea in mn says

    Not on the washer, but we always host Thanksgiving. The meal is at 1 pm and my husband’s parents always leave shortly after the meal is done. (No Minnesota long goodbye for them I guess.) My husband and I grab a bottle of nice Champagne and gather our twins (now teens), and head to the TV room to start watching Christmas movies. We ALWAYS start with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Supper is Thanksgiving leftovers, popcorn or frozen pizza while watching movies. I won’t disclose how many bottles of bubbly we consume before going to bed.

  56. Angela Bylin says

    Hi Shay!

    I also hated my front loaders. Not for the issue you say (I think speeding up your spin cycle may help) but I feel clothes need water to be cleaned. And I hate the mold issue in those. I ALWAYS kept the lid open and the soap bin pulled out to dry, however, you literally have to disassemble the soap tray frequently to keep the mold out. GROSS! I replaced with GE top of the line top loaders and haven’t looked back!!

    Good luck!

  57. Jenny Curtis says

    My clothes do the same thing! I feel they are being washed well and are clean, but if you do a normal size load they do get tangled up and fall out. I’ve had mine for nine years and honestly am just waiting for them to die. 😂 I’m planning on getting the top load speed queens.

  58. Becky says

    This is not really help on the clumping and falling out issue, but make sure you’re checking the seal/cleaning the seal. My son’s socks used to find their way down in there and for the longest time, I couldn’t figure out the smell. So gross. I traded mine out ASAP.

  59. Nikki says

    A laundry basket in front is the only thing that works, but the best thing is to get a top loader 😉

  61. Joanna says

    We had the “top rated” front load washer for about a week. I could take it no longer. My clothes were definitely not being cleaned properly. I had to go back to top load with the agitator (because now they come without it a lot of times). I agree like someone above, Speedqueen is the one to get for top load. If you have to keep these, maybe put a laundry basket right below as you empty it? And definitely keep the door open when not in use or you will hate that machine in no time flat.

  62. Darian says

    Cannot help you with the washer/dryer, but had to comment on some other things! Love, love, love “Seven Brides for Seven Daughters”—grew up in the 60’s and I have that movie and watch it frequently as background, with my sister, etc. Never thought to make it a holiday tradition but even my husband enjoys it! The dancing is incredible!
    And, I am doing the Bible Recap per your recommendation and loving it! It helps me understand so much more—thank you so much for featuring it on your blog. Enjoy your day—cooler weather is coming this weekend! Hugs from Austin!

  63. Brittany says

    Mine are always stuck to the side which someone already mentioned. I kind of give it a quick spin to get them to fall off the side. I try to get them over without falling on the floor, but some always do. I’ve never worried about it and now I probably will. 😂 Ten second rule is my motto. 🤷‍♀️ Your floor is probably cleaner than mine! I do like the laundry basket idea someone shared above! 🙂

  64. Beverly says

    I have a top loader, but I usually have a laundry basket out to catch any items that fall as I’m transferring to the dryer.

  65. Jennifer says

    Yes! And now that I think about it, I didn’t have that problem with my top load. It’s super annoying for sure!

  66. Arika says

    I have that same exact washer. Little girl leggings are always the culprit for me. The somehow get sort of twisted and wrung around other pieces of clothing that are in there. No solutions, just sorry!

  67. Amy Owens says

    I don’t have a solution for your “falling out” problem but I will give you a tip that I wish I had known at the beginning. Be VERY careful about how much detergent you use for each load. These are super efficient and when it says you only need a small amount, it’s true. The excess detergent will cause the ring around the front that seals it to begin to mold and stink. Then it’s a constant battle. Also, as a previous commenter said, make sure you leave it open for a bit after each load to let it dry out. Good luck!

  68. Lawren Finley says

    I have this problem too and have turned it into a challenge for myself. The day I move a load from the washer to the dryer without dropping a single solitary sock on the floor will be celebrated by all! lol

  69. Bridge says

    I feel ya!! I had a front loader for years- I found placing (1-2 brand new tennis balls) helps with the clothing not balling up as much. I am so happy we are back with a top loader.

  70. Andrea M Johnson says

    Got rid of my front loader after replacing it four times in four years. Now we are on well water which has iron and is “hard” BUT I couldn’t handle the smell and I was tired of the “ball” of clothes as well. I feel like that happens in my dryer now just as much when I wash my sheets and blankets and it’s so frustrating!! My guess is the speed of the machine and dryer is just making them one great big ball. There’s no “separation” of the clothing. Just one more task to laundry!!

    Andrea

  71. K.K. says

    I just bought a new washer and dryer, and I fought the front loader too. I wish I had some tips, but I ended up with a random brand that has the agitator. I must be super old school! Finding a top loader with an agitator is like being on a wild goose chase!! Hope the tips here help a bunch! If not, let me know. I’ll tell you where I landed the ones I got.

  72. Patty says

    Speedqueen? I’ve never heard of those but I’m intrigued. I switched from a front-loader (hated it) awhile back and I’m now on my second top-load machine…and I’m SO not happy. For some reason BOTH top-loaders have left soapy white clumps of detergent on my clothes, especially on dark, heavyweight cotton things (jeans, sweatshirts, etc.) I’ve tried both powder detergents and liquid, hot water vs warm or cool, etc. Same thing. I’m now down to barely using soap (gross) and I have to do 2-3 extra rinse cycles per load. Not very efficient. I can understand one machine having problems, but two? FYI, I’m 63 and know how to do laundry, lol. But this is a mystery to me. Time to replace with a Speedqueen? Definitely a possibility.

    • MJ says

      Might be the pump- I had a similar issue (Whirlpool) and instead of getting it repaired (only 3 years old) I went with a new set of Speed Queens. I grew up with Speed Queens – they are awesome!

  73. Deb Weber says

    My front loading washing machine went out during Covid. I feel for you because I know first hand that supply is not great. I never cared for my front load washing machine for several reasons including the clothes falling to the floor so I was glad to go back to a top load. I love my new top load machine even though I had to pay a hefty price because of the supply shortage. I don’t think I will ever go back to a front load.

  74. Linda says

    I am on my second front load machine. It’s a LG. I love it. It is fast and efficient. If your machine is expelling your clothes something is wrong. Call Maytag.
    I will say when I purchased my first front loader I was told to remove each piece of clothing individually shake out and place in the dryer. Which I did. Clothes dry faster.

  75. Nadine says

    Does that photo show wet clothes at the end of a cycle? Because, if so, I agree that something doesn’t look right. I have/had a similar LG and Kenmore (version made by LG) for years and years. Your clean (but wet) clothes should be plastered to the sides of the drum and take up about 1/8 of that space.

    However, when I get impatient and try to grab too many clothes to remove from the washer, some inevitably fall to the floor….usually socks or other similar small pieces. I use an inexpensive bath mat (those ones from Costco that hold their shape). Then I can just toss it in with the occasional load of towels and it too stays clean.

  76. Regi says

    Oh, I would love to know if you find a solution to the clump of clothes falling onto the floor. I’ve been cussing at mine for years. Next time I need new machines I’m going back to a top loader.

  77. Jennifer says

    I used to put a laundry basket on the floor. But thanks for reminding me why I sold my new front loading set and went back to a top loader. My clothes are soooooo much cleaner using a top loader that fills with more water. Won’t ever use a front loader ever again

  78. Mimi says

    I was so excited for my front loader until I got one and hated it! It barely used enough water to clean the clothes and they would also fall on the ground. It would also get moldy around the seal and had to always use affresh a couple times a month. It stopped draining one day and instead of fixing we went into the appliance store and told them to give us a commercial grade washer so let me tell you I LOVE my top loading Speed Queen! Never going back to a front loader.

  80. Kaylee says

    Speed Queen is significantly more expensive, but worth it in the long run. Great warranty and cleans clothes amazing compared to front loader. You should have asked your readers before you went shopping! I know the “delays” make it hard to shop for appliances still and usually impede our decisions. I hope you get it figured out!

  81. Cori says

    Everyone speaks HIGHLY of Speed Queen. I don’t have one but when mine breaks, I’m going that direction too!
    Fun Fact: Did you know Speed Queen headquarters is only miles from my house in a cute, sleepy town of 7,792 in Ripon, WI!!!

  82. Maggie says

    I feel like I got a completely different thing out of this blog post…. Can you do a blog post for us people pleasers who have a hard time cancelling things when we need to? How you prioritize your own sanity and peace over doing/going/doing? I was just like whoa, she just cancelled because she needed to!? I need to learn your ways.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh gosh, Maggie, I’m not always good at this but over the years, I’ve tried really, really hard to get better. I always think two things to myself. First, I think “when I cancel will I exhale a great sigh of relief?”, if so, I should cancel. The second thing I think is “If I cancel, will my kids’ lives be better for it?”. I will say practice helps. The more I do it, the easier it becomes.

  83. Jennifer Petersen says

    Funny Farm is absolutely a Christmas movie. I remember watching it as a kid, seeing the fake Christmas the town did, and wanting to live in a small country town with a Grand Wagoneer, of course.

  84. Meg says

    I totally agree with disliking front loaders. This sounds like a problem you’re just going to have to put up with, unfortunately.

    But more importantly, where are your 10 piercings? Lol

  85. M says

    Not sure if someone already said this but I think washers have adjustable feet. Maybe you can raise the front legs just a teeny tiny bit?

  87. Connie says

    I have the same exact washer and dryer set! Just got them a month ago. I did have that happen once and not sure why. But yes it is annoying! I’m still getting used to them. I will let you know if I figure it out.

  88. Katie Stewart says

    I’m late to the party, but I figured I’d offer my thoughts on the washer situation! We had a front loader here for a while…5 ish years. We started having this problem where EVERYTHING was becoming entangled and, much like you described, a huge mess. Shirts were being stretched out, some of my nicer clothes were literally ruined because of this. We tried being more “intentional” about keeping loads pretty well balanced… tees together, underwear/pajamas together, etc etc.,.. nobody in this household has time for that. I got tired of it. And to be honest it didn’t make enough of a difference to convince me to keep the front loader. We purchased a top loader and now I’m top load or bust! And, not as big of a nightmare to clean!

  89. Suz says

    We have a Miele and love it! It flips back and forth after it’s finished to help settle the clothes. We then put the clothes into the laundry basket then out to line dry. We line dry commonly in Aus. Good luck working it out 🥰

  90. AmandaG says

    My clothes also fall on the floor as I’m moving clothes from washer to dryer. I think stuff just gets tangled up and not necessarily that it’s something to call the company about (but maybe it is, who knows?) I would switch, however, I have younger kids who can load the washer with their clothes, move them to the dryer and then take them out of the dryer. If I switched to a top loader, they couldn’t reach! I wonder if it’s selfish of me to keep the front loader around until they get taller, for this reason…..