Front Load Washer

[kilee]

Okay dh and I had our new washer/dryer set delivered and for the FIRST TIME I'm excited to do a load of wash. I'm sure that will wear off by tomorrow. Anyhow, it says we have to use a high energy detergent for the front load washer to reduce suds. Is this a real must or do they have some "thing" going w/ Tide??? All's I can picture is putting in regular detergant and the thing foaming up like a dishwasher w/ regular detergent.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I've never heard of this. I have always used Gain powder in ours and have never had a problem.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

The family I nanny for has a Bosch front loading washer. I *THINK* you can use about half the amount of regular liquid laundry detergent if you don't have any of the HE on hand. I can't remember if it said that in the manual or if I made that executive decision on my own! Definitely don't put a full measure of regular liquid in there!

Even if the machine doesn't suds all over your laundry room it might not be able to rinse all the regular soap out of your clothes. I would go get some Tide HE when you have a chance. They have it at Target, and sometimes they have it at Sam's. Happy washing!

 

[kilee]

Thank you!!! Now I want dh to lay new tile to match the washer/dryer (it's slate blue). He thinks I'm nuts !!!

 

[dairyou]

We just purchased a new front load washer and I had the same question as you. I went to the Tide website on their boards. Quite a few people said that if you purchase regular soap and only use half your clothing will not come out as clean. It was a bummer because I just purchased a huge box at Costco and had to return it.

I've washed probably 20 loads and I do notice our clothing is cleaner

Deb

 

[PaulaSue]

I got mine in November and asked on a budget board (I stockpile with sales and coupons). They all told me to use half normal regular detergent or less. I have had NO problems at all and VERY clean clothes. A lot less loads too.

 

[MrsPete]

I just got a front-loading, energy-efficient machine this week too! I love it.

People told me that I could use 1/2 the amount of regular detergent, but I bought the HE detergent anyway. The manual says that regular detergent could cause damage to the machine; that may or may not be true, but I'm not willing to risk my brand-new expensive washing machine for the sake of using up $2 of soap.

The HE detergent I found at the grocery store and Walmart was very expensive; however, I bought a huge bucket (literally a plastic bucket -- huge) at Sears. It says it'll do 175 loads and it cost 19.99, which I thought was a good price. I've done about 15 loads, and it seems to be good stuff.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Never mind

 

[Brianne]

Gain makes an HE detergent as well but we use Tide HE because it comes in a "free" formula. I don't like using scented detergents because it mixes oddly with the fabric softners I use.

 

[PaulaSue]

I just got a front-loading, energy-efficient machine this week too! I love it.

I've done about 15 loads, and it seems to be good stuff.

WOW 15 loads in a week. With my new washer I only do about 6 with a family of 5.

 

[OhioTony]

On the HE detergent...A capfull or "serving" of regular detergent has a measures amount of enzymes that eliminate body oils and other gross stuff in our clothes that we don't like to think about! by cutting that "serving" in 1/2 you lessen the cleaning properties. Your machine will, over time, develope a "sludge" in the tub, and start to smell! Use the HE detergent and you get the proper cleaning. PS not using HE detergent can void your warranty.

From an appliance repairman!

 

[DaisyD]

I use the Tide HE. In my stores it cost the same as the regular Tide.

 

[ZachnElli]

I use GainHE, I really like it. I'm a rule follower though, it says use the HE specific detergent then that is what I use!

 

[PlutoPony]

Quite a few detergents are now made in the HE variation, but finding a place that carries more than just TIDE can be hard. I've seen Gain, Cheer, and a few others at Target lately.
I just saw the blue front loader at Sears last week - I love the color! Wish it had been out when I bought mine...

 

[ducklite]

On the HE detergent...A capfull or "serving" of regular detergent has a measures amount of enzymes that eliminate body oils and other gross stuff in our clothes that we don't like to think about! by cutting that "serving" in 1/2 you lessen the cleaning properties. Your machine will, over time, develope a "sludge" in the tub, and start to smell! Use the HE detergent and you get the proper cleaning. PS not using HE detergent can void your warranty.

From an appliance repairman!

Tony,

I wonder if that's part of the problem with people who complain their front loaders have an odor.

For the record, I use All Free & Clear HE in my front loader and have no odor problems with it as well. I also leave the washer door ajar after I remove the load to make sure the seal throuroughly dries.

Anne

 

[sammi]

We've owned a front loading washing machine (actually a stackable set)for a year and I use Tide cold water(both liquid ad powder) without a problem. I've also used regular detergent too....only you tend to use less detergent as the slide out cup only holds so much but I don't have any problems with oversudsing etc. I'm really pleased with ours as it's also an energy saving unit and with the price of hydro here in Canada every little bit helps!

 

[OhioTony]

Tony,

I wonder if that's part of the problem with people who complain their front loaders have an odor.

For the record, I use All Free & Clear HE in my front loader and have no odor problems with it as well. I also leave the washer door ajar after I remove the load to make sure the seal throuroughly dries.

Anne

Thats the problem!

U can perform a Maintenance cleaning by using 1/2 cup bleach and 1/2 cup "GRANULAR" dishwashing detergent..pour solution directly in machine & run on the hottest wash cycle (No clothes)...Use extra rinse if it is an option..The solution will remain slightly "grittty" and scrape any build-up from the plastic tub surounding the stainles steel basket..then rinse it away!...do this once or twice a year, or as needed, and you will never have bad oders!

 

[B&B Mom]

We have had the front loading Kenmore model for about 6 months and I love it!

I recall reading in the manual somewhere that HE detergent should be used because the tumbling action of the front loaders results in more suds. The machine we have senses the amount of suds left and will do an extra rinse if there is too much in the load. I guess after time the extra rinses would add to the wear and tear of the machine.