Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Dear Maytag: You Rock My World.

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

No really. I’m about to go on and on about a washer/dryer duo, and I promise you – it’s fascinating.

(Fascinating! I swear! Think about it – the average mother spends FIVE MONTHS of her life doing laundry. I found this statistic in the Daily Mail UK so it’s totally legit-ish. And for any woman who spends that much time in the laundry room, it’d better be fascinating. Correction: it’d better Rock Your World.)

So this happened. A few weeks ago, two brawny, buff men knocked on my door and announced that they had a special delivery. My first thought: men of that size could only be offering a big, fat Publisher’s Clearing House cheque – but alas, before I could question their credentials (or fix my hair for the inevitable camera crew), they swept upstairs and confiscated my washer/dryer. Seriously! They took my washing machine.

Next, the laundry fairies (as I’ve since dubbed them) replaced the set with a brand, spanking new Maytag Maxima XL Front Load Steam Washer and Maytag Maxima XL HE Steam Dryer.

(Technically, since I have a stacked laundry setup on the second floor, the laundry fairies didn’t necessarily float up the stairs. And there may or may not have been some grunting involved. But you get the picture.)

So now I’m the proud new owner of a washer/dryer duo that I’m sure made a cameo in Back to the Future and possibly includes a secret passage to Narnia. (*EDIT* There is no secret passage to Narnia.)

Of course, no sooner than I had finished “oohing” and “ahhing” over my new set, THIS landed in my inbox:

Embrace the Mayhem with Maytag’s Online Blogger Challenge!

Do laundry at least four times from May 31 – June 6 and see how much time, effort and aggravation your Maytag Maxima saves you. Pair different load types (i.e. large, small, whites, darks or delicates) with various Maytag Maxima XL features (i.e. Wrinkle Prevent, Auto Refresh Steam Cycle, Allergen Removal or Optimal Dose Dispenser). For bonus points, test out the unique Maytag PowerWash Cycle, using extra cleaning action, a built-in water heater and a thorough rinse to rid clothes of tough stains. Pair it with the Maytag Steam-Enhanced Dryer feature which uses steam throughout the drying cycle, and your clothes will come out looking relaxed and refreshed. Don’t forget to take notes so that you can write about your laundry experience in your blog post. 

Durr… I knew there was a catch! I’ll never trust strange delivery men again! But suddenly, I found myself caught up in the fast-paced, high-stakes, winner-take-all #MaytagBloggerChallenge. Do laundry at least four times? Check. Learn about the features? Check. Test out the Maytag PowerWash Cycle? Oh boy, that is definitely a check. Maytag, I accept your challenge!

Now if you’re the type of person who loves choice, prepare to be turned on. Because with 11 wash cycles – each with 6 options – if there’s one thing the Maxima XL offers, it’s choice.

Features include: 12 Hour Fresh Hold option with Dynamic Venting Technology, Overnight Wash & Dry cycle, Steam for Stains option, 6 hour Fresh Spin option, Advanced Vibration Control Plus, Extra Rinse option, 1,000 Watt Built-In Water Heater… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

But first things first. Notice the stacked setup? That’s because we live in a new home, and new homes have laundry rooms on the second floor. Translation: while it’s incredibly handy to have your washer and dryer right beside your linen closet, the reality is, your laundry room is likely next to a bedroom. In our case, Ryder’s bedroom – the lightest sleeper in our household. OMG.

I admit that when I first laid eyes on the extra-large 5.0 cu. ft. I.E.C. capacity, I feared it would shake like the dickens – and shake little Ryder right off his bed. (Wouldn’t that be a sight!) However, would you believe me if I told you that the washer is actually eerily quiet? It’s true! With Advanced Vibration Control Plus, I can wash loads of nearly any size without worrying about vibration. A combination of two ball-bearing balancing rings, a six-point suspension system and advanced software easily handle the vibration of even the fullest load. Colour me impressed!

We love the Optimal Dose Dispenser. Think about it: why should you have to fill up your detergent dispenser every time you do a load of laundry? What if you had to fill up your gas tank every time you drove your car? I’m not sure exactly when the engineer (scientist?) at Maytag decided to give it a go, but I’m certainly happy he/she did. The Optimal Dose Dispenser stores enough detergent for up to 12 loads, releasing the amount each load needs for optimal cleaning. That’s right, sugar – I get 12 loads to a tank on this baby (*pats dispenser*).

So let’s loop back to the whole “choice” thing. In addition to the main wash settings – Normal, Cold Wash, Wrinkle Control, Delicates, Bedding, Clean Washer with Affresh, Drain & Spin, Sanitize, Allergen, Overnight Wash & Dry and PowerWash (is your head spinning yet?) – you can also customize each load based on your specific needs. So, I could modify the detergent concentration, account for the water hardness, and adjust the soil level. I can also change the water temperature and spin speed, and of course, take advantage of those awesome little add-ons unique to the Maxima XL: fresh hold and steam for stains. It’s quite like ordering from an à la carte menu; you decide what you want, place your “order”, and the washer delivers. (And you don’t even have to tip.)

However, since I’m all about the bonus points, we decided to test out the PowerWash Cycle feature first. I had the perfect excuse; my husband, who is NOT the outdoorsy-type, has been schlepping around our backyard as we take on #ProjectPatio. It’s muddy, it’s dusty, and only someone NOT accustomed to yard work would wear white t-shirts while digging up grass. Seriously husband??

And so we had a whole drum filled with muddy, grimy t-shirts that I *may* have considered tossing – before my Maxima XL Front Load Steam Washer, of course. The cycle time is lengthy – about enough time to watch The Italian Job – but hey, clean t-shirts come to those who wait. Once the cycle was complete, we switched the load of tees into our Maxima XL HE Steam Dryer. Happily, the quiet SoundGuard drum was a dream; as silent as a church mouse and practically vibration-less. And the results? Let me put it on record to say that the steam-enhanced dryer cycle is the best thing since sliced bread. It effectively relaxes creases and refreshes clothes with steam that penetrates fabric fibres. Look Ma! No wrinkles! And stains? GONE!

So that’s my fascinating foray into the world of laundry – and what an adventure it was! From being accosted by the laundry fairies, setting eyes on the new Maytag Maxima XL Front Load Steam Washer and Maytag Maxima XL HE Steam Dryer, searching for Narnia, and even doing a little laundry in between, it has been a most epic first round. I’ll be back next week with a recap of another #MaytagBloggerChallenge. In the meantime, stay Steam-y!

WIN IT!!!

My good friends at Maytag realize that you’ve just taken time and attention to read through my adventure, and want to thank you for learning about the new Maytag Maxima XL Front Load Steam Laundry Pair. So, they’d love to offer you the chance to win a KitchenAid 7 Cup Food Processor (value $149)!

The KitchenAid 7 Cup Food Processor features a 7-cup capacity to quickly handle all of your food processing tasks with power and efficiency. Stainless steel multi-purpose blade chops, minces, blends, mixes, and emulsifies foods quickly and easily. Reversible disc is a slicer blade and a shredder blade.

To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. Jennifer A.

    I like the power wash cycle it would be great for grass and food stains on the kids clothes.

  9. Toby

    Overnight wash and dry cycle! Throw something in before bed, sleep, and wake up to ready to wear clothes! How awesome is that?!?

  12. Tenille

    “Now if you’re the type of person who loves choice, prepare to be turned on.”

    I’m totally turned on by this Maytag set!!!

    Overnight?!! What’s that setting all about? Waiting to read more of your adventures!

    P.S. My husband wears white undershirts to work every day and I totally get the temptation to toss them, love the stain busting power you shared!

  13. Janice K.

    Last summer I got the Maytag Bravos XL top load/steam dryer and they are great. Mine have a HUGE capacity, and I use the PowerWash cycle every other day on my diaper laundry. Delay start was on my ‘must have’ list: I feel like I’ve accomplished so much when I wake up to a finished load of laundry that hasn’t been molding all night. Also love the steam feature on the dryer for when I line dry and the towels or diapers come off like cardboard. 15 minutes on the steam cycle and they are super soft!

  14. Rebecca

    My kids wear uniforms to school. Ie. My kids wear white shirts every day! Steam washing the stains would be a godsend.

  16. Jackie

    the overnight wash/dry feature. imagine being able to toss in your favourite shirt to wear to work the next day… yay!!

  17. bina edwards

    11 wash cycles – each with 6 options
    that would be awesome, sometimes I wish I had more choices as well

  19. AlexandraSD

    My favourite feature is the Optimal Dose Dispenser. I can let my husband do the wash without worrying about him overdosing on the soap, because he always does that!

  20. Jonnie

    I love the overnight feature! This would get used often when my son forgets he needs a clean track uniform in the morning.

  22. Lisa KH

    My favourite feature is the Optimal Dose Dispenser. That would be handy and a nice little time saver.

  27. Carlee

    I find the steam option for stains very intriguing. We use a high-steam machine for ceramics so I respect the power of steam.

  29. Julia

    Oh love those machines. I want strange me to com take me… I mean my laundry machines away. That optional dose dispenser intrigues me. It would be really easy to make kids wash their own stuff if I didn’t have to worry about bubblegeddon.

  32. shelby

    the steam dryer so i don’t have to spend so much time ironing/steaming clothes to get out wrinkles??!!! hello!!!

  34. Soozle

    I love all of the settings it has, like allergen setting,, you really can customize machine to your laundry needs..

  38. Marissa

    I love that it can hold detergent for up to 12 loads and definitely the steam-enhanced dryer cycle.

  39. Leah T

    I would love the steam enhanced dryer cycles. I am always too busy to iron, but hate the excessive wrinkles!

  40. Cheryl P

    I love the idea of a setting for the bedding on its own. And of course the steam dryer cycle to keep wrinkles out is amazing too

  44. Darlene Schuller

    I love the steam for stains feature, I also like the time remaining display!

  46. Tricha

    Two things, I like the quiet operation and the Optimal Dose Dispenser. Imagine not having to load laundry detergent each load. I do have to admit, at first I thought the contest was for the washer/dryer. I was hyperventilating but I could sure use the food processor.

  48. Sharda

    Omg, the overnight wash, the dispenser for 12 loads! Oh yeah and the allergen setting for my husband!

  51. Robyn

    Love that you can fill it up with detergent and it uses only however much it needs for that wash! That will surely save money on detergent. Great feature.

  54. Renate Lukenchuk

    Wow! I would probably trade a child for the detergent dispenser. Steam dryer is a fab idea as well.

  55. darci

    I love it all, the 12 load is wonderful especially with three teen boys! The steamer would make quick work of anything that I need to iron too!

  56. Jeannie

    I really like the Optimal Dose Dispenser. I don’t have to worry about putting too much detergent in.

  61. Allie

    OMG!!!!!!
    Seriously Lena my dryer is on the fritz I will be over on Saturday with my laundry….. I just LOVE that pair WOW really need to get that I love the steam setting!!!!!
    Nothing like doing laundry with such a great help and not bad looking either (and I am talking about the washer and dryer not your hubby LOL!!! )
    See ya Saturday :)

  62. Eva Urban

    Dirt Devil – Vacuum or my son Evan ? Hey, if the stains can be eradicated so quickly in the white Tshirt demonstration – there is hope for knee stains on jeans. The option that lures me is the Steam for Stains. Waiting at the door for the delivery men……2 heaps of pants yet to soak…

  65. anne cresswell

    Can’t wait to read more steamy adventures! I’m amazed at how clean the t-shirt came out, and the detergent dispenser….must have been a woman.

  68. Judy C

    My favourite feature is the Optimal Dose Dispenser. Also love the capacity! Looks like this set is something I would LOVE!

  69. SassyModernMom

    My Hubby also isn’t the outdoor “sie” kind of guy, but my girls are! Would love to get my hands on that power cycle! Oh wait, or maybe the steam option to remove wrinkles!

  71. Victoria Ess

    I love the large load capacity — we’ve moved our washer onto a carpet, because it vibrates so badly when we fill it to load.

  72. Flora M

    I find that front loading washers are generally quieter than top loaders, but the one I have still makes a fair amount of noise. Thank goodness it is in the basement ;o)
    Would love to win a new washer and dryer, but I will settle for the food processor – sure could use that too :o)

  77. Suzanne G

    I would like the PowerWash Cycle which would be amazing to get grease off of my husband’s jeans

  82. Deb Dorrington

    The Steam Dryer Cycle looks amazing to me…I hate ironing. Wow I really want this laundry pair.

  87. Teresa C.

    I like the feature of not having to add detergent every time…that sounds like a time saver to me.

  88. Heather

    I’m liking the sounds of the PowerWash cycle. My youngest is…..not clean, to put it mildly. I need help!

  89. Sherry M

    I wish I had these when my four kids were little. They are grown now but it would be handy for when grand babies come!

  90. JaimeeM

    I love how well it whitens and cleans and removes the wrinkles. all while saving time and money

  97. Lisa A.

    Lots of great features – I think my fave would be the overnight wash & dry feature.

  98. jen s.

    i think the Optimal Dose Dispenser is such a cool feature. saves on time, storing detergent, and makes more efficient use of detergent. great!

  101. patrica mann

    I love the height – my hubby’s tall and since he’s the one who does the laundry around here I think he’d appreciate that

  102. christine

    Wow!! Okay, blown away by the amazing washer and dryer, but mostly by the way you write :) Anyone who can get me excited to read about appliances like this, is a fab writer! Love the way you tell a story, Lena! :) Great post!

  103. Heidi Watts

    Front loading! I have never had one and being short reaching down and into the washer on tiptoes isnt that fun. Plus all the options, its quiet, and i think my 12 yr old son himself should go in the power wash cycle lol.( or at least his filthy clothes).

  115. Tanis

    The Overnight Wash & Dry Cycle.. I don’t know how many times I’ve tried to start a load of laundry before bed and forgotten about it!

  117. Angie

    I love the steam option and also huge capacity less laundry to do …you could rock my world!!

  123. nathania h

    the load capacity is a dream, I sometimes fill mine to full it skips across the basement and floods.

  124. NT

    No more wrinkles??!! Say no more! Steam enhanced dryer would be a dream. Power wash cycle for 3 boys who play soccer – that would be pretty sweet too.

  126. Bons

    The steam option to remove wrinkles sounds great and is one of my favourite features.

  127. Kathleen Fowler

    So many features but I think the optimal dose dispenser is such a great idea.

  144. Andrea

    the overnight wash and dry. i have 5 kids, i’m always forgetting loads in the washing machine and having to redo them the next day, so that would be so awesome.

  147. Lori Bazan

    I really do not like ironing so the steam option to remove wrinkles sounds like such a blessing!

  148. Anu Chopra

    I love the Optimal Dose Dispenser – holds up to 12 loads of detergent! That’s great!

  157. Nicole Hartman

    I hate how fast laundry builds up. It seems that I just get all caught up and wham there’s another 3 loads to do.
    However I do love the feeling of accomplishment when all the laundry is finally caught up, organized and put away.
    Favorite feature is the steam for stains option. This would save so much time and money spend on stain removers that don’t do a darn thing. They should be called stain lighteners. lol
    I’m seriously going to have to look at purchasing a set like this, as my washer just started making a loud grinding noise. Hubby says the bearings are shot. Not good with a family of five and the closest laundry mat is 30 minutes away. Ugh!

  160. Adriana F

    The load capacity, with 3 kids I find I am constantly running the machine so it would be nice to get more done at once

  166. DH

    Seems trivial but I’d like the 6hour fresh spin option! I always forgot my laundry in the machine!

  167. Suzanne Smith

    I like the “Steams for Stains” option…and I had never heard of an ‘organic stain’ before reading this – cool.

  174. sarah sar

    I love the Optimal Dose Dispenser feature!! I can’t tell you how much i HATE having to put soap in every time I do laundry. This would save me so much time and headache.

  176. Joan G

    Don’t know if I’d ever use all 11 wash cycles – I tend to leave my current machine on the same one.

  184. Caryn s

    Tie between the power wash cycle and the overnight wash and dry for being my favourite features!

  185. Angela Mitchell

    I love the allergen cycle. Would love to see how well it works for our family with major seasonal allergy sufferers.

  194. Jen

    PowerWash Cycle. Especially after needing to buy stain remover and wash clothes over, despite having pretreated each item beforehand the first time around (grass and dirt stains from yard work).

  200. Amy Brown

    I like the Optimal Dose Dispenser, that would save time, good point about the gas tank!

  207. Joan G

    these units look so high tech perhaps I can convince my husband he needs to operate them.

  211. Lindsay C

    I absolutely hate ironing, so I love the feature that allows you to steam your clothes!

  213. Kelly Gordon

    I love the fact that it can hold upto 12 loads of Laundry soap, no more making messes lol

  216. Crystal Major

    the ability to dump a load of soap into the dispenser so that the trick’s taken care of for multiple loads is genius. GENIUS.

  226. Christy Martin

    I would most like to try out the steam-enhanced dryer cycle. Like everyone, I hate ironing and these seems like it would save time and give me an opportunity to wear more clothes that usually need ironing!

  232. Dayna

    That you can leave your cloths in there for a long time (I do this ALL THE TIME!!) and they will still be fresh, no re-washing that load! I love it!!