|
 The
number of front load washing machines being sold is increasing by leaps
and bounds every year. Although purchasers are thrilled with this
new type of washing machine questions have been raised concerning some
aspects of their operation. Most
problems people are experiencing with their front load washers are due
to consumer misunderstandings about operation. Actual problems are rare, rather than inherent to this type of washing
machine. The following is a response to consumers questions.
The
first thing to understand about front loaders is that they require a
special detergent. It's a low suds detergent, often
referred to as “he” detergent. It means high efficiency. Regular
detergent will produce too much suds that simply lay on top of the water, creating a
cushion or barrier between water and clothing. While this is okay
in a top loader, a front loader works quite differently by picking up the clothes and then dropping then into the
water. Therefore, any excess suds will stop the clothes from reaching the
water. A poor wash will result.
Front loading clothes washers seem to work better using a hot or
warm wash temperature. A
cold rinse is fine, but for the wash temperature warm or hot is best. Since we depend upon ground water
temperature for cold water washing its temperature can vary
drastically depending upon the season. If the water temperature is too cold the detergent will not
dissolve resulting in a buildup of detergent inside the working surfaces of the machine.
A buildup that may first appear as odours or mildew, but if left
unresolved can lead to mechanical problem within the machine.
We are not suggesting you can
never do cold water washing. If you need to wash delicates or
bright colours in cold water go right ahead. But, for
everyday washing (bedding, whites,
permanent press) a hot or warm wash, followed by a cold
rinse will give the best overall results. Manufacturers who are now adding a
temperature sensor that mixes the hot and cold water to compensate
for the ground water effects.
In addition to detergent
related concerns other poor washing practices can lead to odours from these
machines: For example:
- Don't leave wet clothes in
a front loading washing machine machine overnight to avoid odours.
- Don't allow dirt or grim to build
up around the door or door gasket as this can eventually lead to a
buildup of mildew.
- Every
few washes check around the door area and the vanes inside the wash drum
for any build-up of lint. Lint can be a depository of bacteria and
future odours.
- After washing leave the door open slightly to allow the interior to
dry, or alternatively wipe drum dry before closing door.
- Use an odour fighting agent
monthly. Affresh or Glisten are two such products, available in the
detergent areas of most grocery stores.
So if
a front load washing machine is in your future be prepared to re-learn a
few laundry practices. A small effort and an open mind will result in
many years of trouble-free washing. And welcome to the 21st century.
By
Donald Grummett
Copyright © 2005 Donald
Grummett. All rights reserved
Updated 2010 Donald Grummett
top
of page
|