Mary Zeitler

WIFS Consumer Scientist
Consumer Scientist for Whirlpool Corporation

As a consumer scientist, Mary Zeitler is serious about using consumer insights to help guide the product development and testing processes. For 21 years, Zeitler has worked in the Whirlpool laboratories, bringing the ever-evolving consumer needs to the forefront when working on the development of new laundry appliances. She lives for the challenging demands of optimizing every step of the wash process.

"I enjoy the challenge of getting stains out, or helping design wash cycles so they strike the right balance between getting clothes clean and being gentle on fabrics," she notes.

A large part of Zeitler's job is to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to laundry trends. She acts as a link between the marketing and design engineering groups to ensure the laundry appliance design meets the customer's needs and expectations. She spends a great deal of time studying consumer habits and textile trends, interpreting data from outside trend reports and participating in field studies to gauge perceptions of new products and features. Using that product knowledge and feedback from consumers, Zeitler incorporates suggestions, research and the latest family needs into new laundry innovations.

Notably, Zeitler and her colleagues were recently responsible for bringing high efficiency performance to top-loading washers, giving consumers more laundry appliance choices with the added benefit of water and energy savings.

Zeitler enjoys a good stain challenge and goes to great lengths to remove even the most stubborn stains from her own clothing. She advises consumers to become more familiar with their appliances. Clothing is a major investment and knowing the capabilities of the washer and dryer ensures fabrics will look better and last longer than ever before.

Zeitler is also quick to clear up misconceptions about home economists. "We're not all like June Cleaver. People think we must be good cooks and make our own clothes. I'm an okay cook, but I can barely sew on a button."