Broke after 3 washes (Siemens WD12D520GB)

Member Name: grey0220

Product:	Siemens WD12D520GB
Date:	29/10/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: All the space convenience of a washer dryer; when it decides to work, does get the job done

Disadvantages: Broke after 3 washes.

My husband and I recently moved into a new building which was outfitted with solely Siemens technology - our flat includes this Siemens washer dryer. Our previous three flats had washer dryers which were of varying age and use; this was our first experience with a brand new washer dryer and we had very high hopes for it!

We were able to get three (yes, only three) washes out of it before it broke and we had to call the maintenance guys in. Basically what happened is that I was loading the washer with sheets which had highlighter stains on them (my fault!). I realised I hadn't sprayed them with Vanish so I pulled the sheets out to spray them, leaving the door of the washer open. It began beeping, quite irritatingly, so I hastily shut the door, hoping that would stop the sound. It did, but it also started the 3+ hour cycle (washing + drying) - with only a few pillowcases and NO laundry detergent inside! This began an epic battle between me and the washer dryer which involved turning it off, shutting it down at the mains, leaving it for 15 minutes and coming back to try it again for literally the entire day. Nothing worked - it continued going back to its soapless load - and I finally resolved to just let the cycle run, hoping that I would be able to at least open the door when it finished.

Fat chance! The door then refused to open at the end of the cycle, as the cycle NEVER ENDED! It stopped with 0:01 time left and no amount of turning it on and off at the mains would make it budge from this. After a day of letting it sit there, it finally relented and let the door open, but nothing would make it reset the actual washing settings. We finally called in the maintenance guys, who worked their magic, and the washer dryer has now been (I'm sure reluctantly) working OK.

I'm now, however, terrified of setting it myself and make my husband do it before I put the load in. It was a very disappointing start to our life with a product from a brand that we typically trust!

Summary: I have a hate/fear relationship with our washer dryer now!

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