re: washing machine. We have unplugged it several times and for varying amounts of time. My son, who was visiting, stuck a wire down the 'lock' spot, which seemed to sort of help it. We can wash small loads, as long as we are nearby when it starts to sound like a jet airplane taking off. And it doesn't completely spin out because we stop it before it actually takes off! A repair person is coming on Friday, and I suspect we will be told it's time to get a new one. When I looked on line, this brand of washing machine is supposed to last only 14 years! I'm sure my old one, a Kenmore, was used every single day for at least 20 years! I would rather fix things than send them to landfill. But, we shall see.