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 Consumers
in North America have discovered the front load clothes washing machine.
They continue to buy them in ever-increasing numbers. While initially produced
as an alternative to previous generations of highly inefficient laundry
equipment they have since become a symbol of efficiency, low operating
costs, and the environmental responsibility of the modern family.
Advantages.
Front loading washers use 60% to 75% less water than top loading washers. In areas where
water is at a premium this can be a
significant factor for a potential purchaser.
For
anyone on a septic system lower water and detergent usage can both be an
important advantage.
The
small water usage also means much less detergent and fabric softener is required. The detergent required is
about 25% of a top loader. The fabric softener required is so little
that it should be diluted rather than used full strength. A
dilution ratio of 7 to 1 is common.
Another major advantages of a front loader is
its high spin speed. While a top
loader spins at about 600 RPM, the horizontal axis washers spins
at 1000 to 1200 RPM. Increased
spin speeds means more water removed from the clothing, resulting in less time in the dryer
and a saving in electrical consumption.
In fact, many items can bypass the dryer entirely and simply be hung up
to air dry.
A
front loader will handle loads 50% larger than a top loader. This means items like comforters,
or loads of five or six pairs of jeans at
one time are common. Increased load size produces savings of time since the total number of loads
required is less.
Many front loaders are physically smaller than
a top loader. This can be
important if space is restricted such as in an apartment.
Disadvantages
The first thing that
discourages consumers are prices that range from $850 to $1700.
Secondly, these machines can be expensive to repair. Plus,
not every service company has the expertise required to repair them.
Therefore before purchase confirm there is a local (within 20Km) factory authorized service agent.
One that has experience at repairing this new generation of machines.
Thirdly, because of their high spinning speed a front loading washer
requires a firm, level floor. A weak or un-level floor can allow the
washer to bounce, resulting in premature shutdown as the machine senses
an out-of-balance load. Installation on a concrete floor is best, but if
located on an upper floor it should be one that you have confirmed as
very firm.
Finally,
mature consumers should be aware that these washers are lower to the
floor and require more bending over to retrieve the
clothes. This could be a consideration for
anyone with back or knee problems. Manufacturers have responded by offering
pedestals that raise the washer, but at an additional cost.
So if a washer replacement is in your future consider
the front loader as one of your choices. Like all major purchases it
should not be an impulsive decision. Do your homework, ask lots of
questions, and be prepared to hear varied answers and opinions. Base
your choice upon what is best for your budget, your circumstances,
space, and particular
needs. Only then decide whether spending the extra money on a front load
washer will be to your advantage.
Operation
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.
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.
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 the vanes inside the wash drum
for any build-up of lint that 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.
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
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