Home ] Info Articles ] FAQ ] Services ] Model Serial ] Stain Removal ] Recycle ] About Us ] Contact ] 

 

    

Front Load Washers - some facts before purchase  Part 2

   
front load washerThe 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