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Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Maytag Maxima XL HE Steam Dryer: I Love It!

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NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Ew… Stuffies.

I know, I know…. right of passage, every kid has them. Truth? I think they’re the most nasty, germ-infested things known to mankind.

Kids drool on them. They chew on them. They spill juice on them, wipe their runny noses on them, and always pick up dust bunnies as they drag them across the floor. They are a cesspool of filth and I want nothing to do with them.

My boys, on the other hand, LOVE their stuffed animals. Reid, who is particularly nurturing, lines them up before bed and even hushes us if we’re too loud, telling us his “baby is sleeping”. He calls Minnie Mouse his “girlfriend” and pats his baby giraffe on the bum to “burp him”. And yes, I do have the most stinkin’ cute toddler who happens to be addicted to his stinkin’ stuffed animals that really do stink.

The thing is, I’m often too lazy to wash stuffed animals, especially if they’re not visibly dirty. Because I know that no sooner than the stuffie is reclaimed… behind the toilet it will go. (I swear kids do that just to get a rise out of their parents. I know Ryder does.) Plus, it’s not always feasible to do a full load of stuffed animals, especially when there are whites, darks and delicates waiting in the wings.

But just thinking about all the aforementioned germs make my toes curl. I wipe down surfaces with bleach, wash my hands with anti-bacterial soap and carry hand sanitizer with me in every purse. Yet I’ve let my kids go to sleep with stuffies that have been sneezed on more times than Leann Rimes talks smack about Brandi Glanville. Sigh.

Until now. I simply adore the Maytag Maxima XL HE Steam Dryer. The “Sanitize” feature raises temperatures to eliminate 99.9 percent of certain household bacteria, dust mites and other allergens that can transmit germs and respiratory illnesses. So, you can actually “wash” your stuffed animals in your dryer! It’s pretty freakin’ brilliant.

So those stinkin’ stuffies? Let them get musty. And dirty. And smelly. And gross. I DON’T CARE! I LOVE IT – the Maytag Maxima XL HE Steam Dryer, that is.

However, since I’m not going to sell any dryers based on the opinions of pre-schoolers, here’s my two cents. The Sanitize cycle was incredibly easy to use; simply select the feature and press start. We sanitized approximately 10 stuffed animals, but we could have easily doubled (or tripled) that number due to the extra-large drum capacity. The entire process from beginning to end was about an hour, and when the stuffies were pulled out of the dryer, I did notice they smelled incredibly fresh without being “perfumed”, and were ridiculously soft to the touch. Honestly. From the video above, you’ll see Reid hugging Minnie Mouse. What you don’t hear is him saying, “Is this my girlfriend? She’s so soft!” Of course, our newly sanitized Minnie apparently passed the test, as we see Reid go in for a big hug.

So, does your dryer have a sanitize feature? Ahem, I daresay now that I’ve had a taste smell, I won’t be able to live without the Maytag Maxima XL HE Steam Dryer. In addition to stuffed animals, I’m also looking forward to sanitizing pillow cases, sheets and towels. You can just call my home “Hotel Lena!”

I’ll be back next week with my final installment of the #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 sanitize story, and want to thank you for learning about the new Maytag Maxima XL HE Steam Dryer. So, they’d love to offer you the chance to win a KitchenAid 4-Speed Stand Blender (value $129)!

KitchenAid 4-Speed blender with 48-ounce polycarbonate pitcher can crush ice at any speed. This KitchenAid blender allows you to just blend and serve. Patented stainless steel blade chops vegetables, stirs, mixes, purees, and liquefies with its powerful motor. Once you’ve used a KitchenAid blender, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without one. The Intelli-Speed controls and adjusts power to compensate for thicker mixtures. Features heavy, die-cast metal base which adds stability. The 48-ounce one-piece pitcher is made of commercial-grade polycarbonate. It is scratch, stain, and shatter-resistant and will last for years to come.

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

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Yes I would look for one with a sanitizer feature, I think that feature is kind of neat to have in case you ever need it

  4. Most definitely!! My son HAS to sleep with his 4 favorite teddies every night and they get dirty pretty fast, so this dryer seems like the PERFECT solution for any germ worried parent!

  5. I LOVE IT! =) Yes, absolutely a sanitize feature is a big deal to me, are you kidding me? Definitely for stuffies and also for things like diaper blow-outs with babies, potty training JOY, and well…the stuff that could come home on my husband’s work uniform (you really, honestly, truly do not want to know!!)

    Great video Lena – you took a challenge that could have been yawn-worthy with info and facts and made it FUN while still getting the message across.

  6. I love the idea of being able to sanitize things like stuffies, blankets, pillows etc. I would definitely look for that feature!

  7. Absolutely – Because I have 3 boys in hockey (+ my husband), then you can wash their gear.

    • my son plays in a league where they rotate through goalies and share equipment for that position.

      any particular setting/timing you use for cleaning hockey gear? wouldn’t the steam break down the foam/padding or ruin leather (or similar) coverings?

  8. I think I would love to have this option. Maybe the stuffed elephants, bears, bunnies etc. are packed away but I would love to be able to sanitize the pillows and comforters.

  11. I had never thought of a sanitize cycle, but I definitely will inquire about it with my next W&D purchase.

  12. I had never heard of this feature so I wouldnt have shopped for it but yes, If it was available and didnt add a huge cost I would look for it

  16. I didn’t even think they had something like that. I would definitely use it. Have a great Friday everyone.

  17. Sounds like a very useful feature… unfortunately in my current apartment living Im stuck with the machine the landlord picked out… maybe he can be sold on this haha

  21. My son is asthmatic and routinely gets Strep throat 3-5 times a year. Constantly a companion with my washer and dryer – cleaning bedding to prevent the onslaught of increasing its’ frequency. Yes Sanitize feature would definitely be something useful and worth investigating.

  22. Based on your reviews and the fact that I frequently throw my daughter’s cuddly toys in the wash if one of her friends plays with it (with a hint of a cold) or she brought it outside, yes I would definitely look for the sanitize feature if buying a dryer.

  23. My Boys are thenurturing type to their animals :)
    But next dryer Im def looking for a steam feature :)

  25. The sanitize feature is great! My kids carried their stuffies around EVERYWHERE! NIce to know that I could throw them in the sanitize cylce and have clean, fresh smelling toys!

  26. I’d definitely look for a sanitize feature! I think it’s one of those things that once you try it, you can’t imagine how you did without it.

  27. I have this feature and I really like it and use it for bedding towels etc and the reason I got it I just believe washing in cold water which is what I use does not kill all the dust mites etc.

  28. Yes, I would. I think this is a must have feature for anyone that does laundry. The more thorough we can get our clothing & fabrics clean the longer they will last, the better they look.

  29. Well usually hot water does the trick, BUT this is a neat feature, I think learning about it from your blog keeps me aware now and I think I would:)

  30. I didn’t even know sanitize is even a feature on most machines. I think I would definitely consider it because we have young kids and some of their most favourite things right now are stuffies that goes with us everywhere.

  31. I would definitely look for a sanitize feature on my next machine, we have 4 pets so I think it would come in handy with all their bedding etc

  32. I had no idea they had a sanitizer feature, I would certainly looking into this a little further when the time comes that I need to replace my washing machine

  33. I would so love a sanitize feature and next time I buy I would get one with this. Between two boys and a dog plus a husband who does quite a bit of renovations…well everything is crazy dirty! I would sanitize it all! Starting with the dog bed!

  35. well if i did buy one i would most defintaly be looking for sanitizing feature on a dryer this seems to draw me in to buy it also

  37. My next dryer will definitely have the sanitize cycle (had to go with the best that I could afford at the time). My duvets are items I would definitely use it for – I use them with the covers, so they don’t get dirty. It would be nice to give them a “refresh” before putting them away for the summer and then again just before using them late fall.

  38. You are hysterical!! “While Reid didn’t seem to notice a discernible difference, he IS after all three years old, and has been known to lick rocks”

  39. Honestly, I never thought of it before, but after 2 kids and a dog that love stuffies, it would be smart to have one. I hate washing their stuffies in pillowcases.

  40. When we do buy a new dryer I am definitely going to be looking into if it has a sanitizing feature..we are a family with all kinds of allergies, which is why we could never have stuffed animals. I love the this laundry pair and want them so badly..:)

  42. I think a sanitize feature is a great idea! My kids also love their “stuffies” and who knows where they have been! Next time I am in the market for a dryer, I will keep this feature in mind!

  44. I have an adventurous and curious 5 yr old son so the sanitize feature would be outstanding!

    Thanks, Lisa

  47. I would look for a sanitize cycle when looking for a dryer because with two little girls ,we need to sanitize their blankets and stuffies
    thanks

  48. I never knew this was an option but now I know that it is I.m excited to buy a mnew dryer

  49. With the amount of stuffies my four kids as well as all of us having allergic rhinitis – absolutely!

  50. YES<that woudl be awesome! I would sanitize everything,,cats bed,blankets,,towels..

  51. Yes it is important, will be looking for this in the future, would work wonders for the comforters\bedding

  52. Absolutely I love the sanitize feature especially with 2 small kids and running a dayhome!

    • The sanitize feature seems perfect for bedding. Would also be great for children’s toys, sports equipment, and doggie beds, clothes, and toys.

  53. Yes I’d like this feature. I ‘d like to use it instead of harsh chemicals when I was to sanitize.

  54. I would love to buy this dryer with its awesome sanitizing feature especially for stuffies, comforters and bedding etc.

  58. Not something I would typically look for in a washer, but great feature! It would be great for my mom, who’s a PSW and my boyfriend, who’s a landscaper in summer and snow/garbage removal in winter.

  65. Yes it is a feature I would shop for. It would be handy for so many household items

  66. I will look for the sanitize feature when selecting a new dryer. It seems like a handy feature to have.

  67. i think the sanitize feature is awesome and i would certainly look for it as a feature, i would just hope that it would not use much more water or energy than a product without the feature. regardless, it is a great innovation.

  68. Yes, a dryer with a “Sanitize” feature would be something that I would look for since I have two kids at home and this feature would be great!

  71. I would honestly say that a feature that says sanitize would not make me want to buy it over any other brand.

  72. I wouldn’t personally use the sanitize feature. My kids are big now and thus do not have the need for this.

  79. Love the idea !
    Sounds great, that is most definately something I would use the most ! Sanitizing for a clean freak, for me, is like a kid in a candy store !

  84. I would like it as an extra feature as long as it didn’t increase the cost

  85. Yes, I would love a sanitizer feature because it would get rid a lot of bacteria.

  86. It would be great for bedding n jackets! Since they r used the most n need good cleaning of germs :)

  89. I would love sanitize option too because my daughter has asthma and putting her bedding through would be great .

  91. We could really use the sanitizing feature because my wife and daughter both have asthma. Next time we purchase a new laundry pair this is something we will look for. I honestly didn’t know it existed until reading your post.

  93. I don’t really look for specific features in my dryers, but i do think that would be quite a handy one to have.

  94. I have only ever bought one dryer in my life and at that time all I was interested in was the price so a Sanitize option would depend on the price. I have manged without one so far in my life I am sure it is not a neccessarity

  95. I’d never heard of it before, but I would definitely keep an eye out for that feature, although I wouldn’t break the bank to get it.

  96. I like the sanitizing option. Some things do not need to be washed all the time but just freshened up. Maybe my comforters and such would last longer.

  98. I would love that feature, especially for dish clothes and towels I always feel that germs survived the wash.

  100. I don’t think I would have looked for this feature a few years ago, but it does seem to be a new invention for washers in the past little bit, so I think more people will be looking for it now. Thanks for letting me know it existed.

  101. It was something that I was looking for when we went shopping for a clothes dryer, but unfortunately all the models that had it were out of our budget range.

  106. I would definitely look for the sanitize feature, this would make me feel even better going to sleep in freshly washed sheets!

  113. I would use the Sanitize feature, it would be great to have to clean all the kids soft toys and bedding.

  114. It seems like kids are much more likely to have allergies so this is a must for small children.

  116. I would definitely want a Sanitize function when I shop for a new dryer. I like that it gets rid of dust mites and bacteria

  117. It wasn’t before, but I’m intrigued by the concept and would look for it in a dryer purchase

  119. The sanitize feature on our Maytag gets used when we have any illness going through the house on bed sheets and towels.

  121. IMy daughter and I still love our stuffies! The sanitizing feature would be great for sheets, towels,,,stuffies!

  122. Yes for sure, my kids take their teddy bears everywhere with them, this would make me feel better knowing that I have washed them in sanitizer

  124. I think it’s a great idea and something I would look for if we could afford a dryer with the option!

  125. I love this function!! My son loves his stuffed animals as well. And it would be useful for other things like pillows, comforters, etc.

  126. No, not on my list cause I think washing with hot water would do the job. Maybe I was wrong.

  128. Thanks for the heads up – you can be sure I’ll be looking for this feature on my next unit.

  130. I would look for it – and have a demo to see how it works. sounds like a good idea. thanks.

  131. i’ve never thought about it before but yes, i would definitely look for the sanitize feature when shopping for my next dryer.

  134. A sanitize feature sounds great because they are lots of items that I would like to sanitize.

  135. Absolutely! With a 2 year old girl and a 7 year old boy, it would definitely be used frequently!

  142. I hadn’t really thought about it til now, but I think with my next washer purchase I will consider it. there are many times when a sanitizer would have been very very useful

  153. We are searching for a new washer and dryer combo and I am really glad I read your post. I have never given thought to the “Sanitize” feature but it sure makes sense especially since I am expecting a little one this late fall. Thank you for the chance to win an awesome prize. Twitter fan@plumerea

  155. I’ve never heard about the Sanitize feature until now. A cool feature that I would like to have to kill those pesky germs

  157. Absolutely! We have four cats and it would be great to throw there bed/blanket into the dryer to have it sanitized. Not to mention pillows, duvets and cushions!!!

  158. I have never looked for that feature, to be honest. But I’m definitely going to keep an eye out now.

  159. I have never considered a sanitize feature. I’m of the mentality that you should just wash everything, including my son’s bulky hockey equipment. But this would definitely be something I might consider in the future.

  160. i think my laundry soap does the job at sanitizing, don’t really need one on the dryer

  163. Since I had no idea that there were even dryers available with a “Sanitize” feature, it is not something I would have looked for before. But now that I’m aware of it, I would definitely look for this feature, because I think it is something that I would use on a regular basis. With 2 little ones under 3, there are many, many things that I need to sanitize.

  165. I never would have thought about this question before but yes, I think that would be something I would be interested in. Never hurts to have things “too clean”.

  169. I would definitely look for this when shopping for a new dryer. This is something I could use.

  176. Only recently have I learned of a sanitize feature. Yes, I would look for this next time around! Specifically, I would be most interested in using it for food prep kitchen towels and clothes.I can’t stop thinking about what might remain after a regular wash and dry.

  177. I would want a dryer with a sanitize feature. I put my son’s stuffies in the dryer on hot for a while but it’s not the same.

  180. I never knew a feature existed like this. I would definitely go for that feature because I’ll use it for bedding, towels, etc.