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Do I really Need HE (High Efficiency) Detergent

In my Front-Load Washer?

Since the introduction of the front-loading washing machine into the United States market their sales have literally exploded. Like most people, you probably bought one because of the suggested savings. The claims about their efficiency are true. When operated properly you can save energy, water, and money. Plus they do a fabulous job of washing your clothes.

But, using the wrong detergent can quickly destroy any hopes of savings. Along with the front loaders amazing popularity has come a tremendous amount of misunderstanding about the detergent they require.

A front-loading washing machine needs a special detergent it's called HE (High Efficiency) detergent. Without HE detergent your washer will not clean properly. Using regular detergent may even cause your front loader mechanical problems.

HE detergent is a type of non-sudsing detergent. In fact, while operating, the machine almost appears not to have any detergent inside.

Unfortunately, we have become so used to seeing suds in our old washing machines that we mistakenly relate the presence of suds to proper operation. Nothing could be farther from the truth. (Detergent does the cleaning not the suds)

An old fashioned top loader washes your clothes by constantly twisting (agitating) them through a full tub of water (approx. 25-35 gal. per fill). Your clothes have to circulate top to bottom during this agitation process in order to clean properly. If you have too many clothes and or not enough water the clothes will not circulate properly, that is why your old top loader uses so much water and you have to use a full cap or scup of detergent. Your front loader works differently.

In a front loader your clothes are picked up by the paddles inside the drum, lifted to the top of the drum, and then dropped into water at the bottom of the drum. This collision of clothes and water will dislodge the dirt from the clothing fibers, thus eliminating the need for all of that water. A front loader only uses approx. 5 –10 gal. Of water per fill and also only 3 tbsp; yes, I typed it right tablespoons, of detergent for a full load. Later, the drum stops turning, the water flows out the bottom of the drum via the pump, taking both water and dirt out to the household drain. Finally the drum is spun at very high speed to remove the final amounts of water, dirt and detergent from the clothes, It will then repeat the process to rinse the clothes. This front-loading method of cleaning your clothes is both simple and dependable.

But, this simple method stops working if there are too many suds being produced by your laundry detergent.

If you use regular detergent in your front loader or more than 3 tbsp., excess suds will be produced by the interaction of the detergent and tumbling water. These unwanted suds will accumulate at the bottom of the wash drum where they will lie on top of the water. Within minutes these suds will take the form of a big fluffy cushion. This cushion hinders clothes from reaching the water. As your clothes fall from the top of the drum to the bottom they hit the suds cushion rather than the water. The result is a very poor wash.

Even owners of front loaders who are using the correct detergent can misunderstand how to use it properly. Not seeing any suds they think they require more detergent. They keep increasing the amount used per load until suds finally appear. This can be a costly mistake that again results in a poor wash.

Using too much detergent is as bad as using the wrong detergent. Extreme amount of detergent can produce symptoms such as leaking, vibration, noisy operation, and poor spinning.

If you have been using the wrong detergent (or the proper type incorrectly) in your frontload washers, try the following suggestions:

1. Run the machine through a number of cycles using hot water this should help expel the old detergent. It usually takes 3 or 4 cycles to wash away the old detergent accumulated inside the machine.

2. Add a product that will remove the build-up of old detergent. One such product is called white distilled vinegar (an oldie but a goodie). It is available at your local grocery store. As a matter of fact, it is a good idea to use a cleaner such as white distilled vinegar in your front loader every few months (use one full gallon per clean cycle). It is an inexpensive form of regular maintenance. A small amount should also be added to the detergent dispenser drawer to remove any residue from this area. You may also run a cup of bleach through the machine to disinfect it after you have ran the vinegar through “DO NOT MIX THE VINEGAR AND BLEACH”

So if you think your front loader is not working as well as anticipated, look to your laundry detergent. If it does not say HE on the label -- switch immediately.

Then purchase a box or bottle of the proper HE type detergent and you will be pleasantly surprised.

A few other tidbits of information that will help you get the most from your front loader is to always:

1. When performing the above cleaning practices always use hot water with no clothes present.

2. After you finish your wash for the day wipe out the door boot (this is the gray rubber between the front of machine and the tub) here you could find lint, coins, pens, etc.

3. Check your pockets and remove all items prior to wash. A front-load machine again is totally different from your old top-load machine. In a top load machine, the tub is vertical which lets most items that were left in pockets to fall to bottom of the basket, but some items (small articles like baby clothes) could get over the top of the inner basket and then into the pump. (Usually due to overloading the machine or by letting water completely fill and then adding clothes, this practice displaces water causing water level to be too high). If this is your method, always have your clothes in the machine before water stops running in. But this is not as likely as with a front loader since the tub is horizontal and items that are left in pockets can wash down between the inner and outer tub more easily and get into pump causing a clog and/or pump damage. You also stand the chance of tearing the door boot, which will cause a severe leak. In either case, it will be a costly repair. Which is not a fault of the machine, so it is not covered by any warranty. Also, screws and nails left in pockets could puncture outer tub (this can happen on either top-loader or front-loader machine due to the outer tubs being made of plastic, even with stainless steal baskets the outer tub is plastic). Another common puncture item in both top-loaders and front-loaders is the under wires from bras.

4. Use a mesh bag for small items.

5. After wash, open dispenser drawer a little and leave door open to allow machine to air-dry. This will cut down on mildew problems.

If you follow all that I have talked about here today you will love your front-loader even more

Saturday, May 17, 2008

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