How to use front load washing machines

Washing machines, especially the front loading washing machine have emerged as the preferred washers for users in Asia and Europe. Even in America, the numbers show that the demand for front loaders is growing rapidly.

Front-loaders are much more efficient washers compared to top loaders.

A front-loader uses just about half the amount of water required to run a top loader. They are also much faster and hence, power saving.

These save you some money on both water and electricity bills. It is only sensible that front loading washing machines are the standard washers used in commercial facilities.

 Also, front loaders come with more buttons and knobs for better user experience.

At first, the sophistication can make operation daunting but once you get used to them, it’s smooth washing from there.

Step 1: Use of water

To take proper advantage of the efficiency of your front loader, you need to understand its water usage.

It only needs between 20 to 25 gallons of water for a wash that a top loader will consume at least 40 gallons for.

This, alongside the rapid rate at which it spins clothes, ensures your clothes will spend less time in the dryer. 

 Front-loaders with automatic water level selection conserve water by starting a wash with little water, below the door level.

It maintains the water level by adding more water when the initial one becomes absorbed. Other models let you decide the water level.

 Step2: Adding detergents

Since front loaders use less water, it’s only right that they’ll require much less detergent.

The type of detergent to be used is also important, you should only use detergents tagged as “HE” i.e. detergents formulated for high- efficiency machines. 

 If your washer has a dispenser drawer, it will control the quantity of detergent to be used for each load. For washers without this feature, you’ll have to do the measurements yourself.

You should never add more than two teaspoons of HE detergent to each load, the same applies to fabric softeners and bleach. If you’re using a single dose detergent pack, place it at the bottom of your washer before adding your fabrics. 

 Avoid having more than the recommended amount of detergent in your washer. They create excess bubbles and foam which will ruin the electronic parts of your washer.

Also, since front loaders run on limited water, the rinse cycle might not rid your fabrics completely of detergent.

Step 3 : Loading your washer

As with all washers, the first thing you should before loading your front loader is to empty the pockets of your fabrics, close the buttons, and zip all zippers. 

 In a front loader, spacing is very important, more important than the weight of the load. Ensure that there’s enough space for your fabrics to move around.

Without proper spacing, your clothes will come out with uneven cleaning. After loading, you should try to fit your hands in-between your fabrics and your washer.

If it fits, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll have to reduce the load.

For balance and proper maintenance of your front loader, you should include small and large items in each load.

Unbalanced loads are bad for your washer as they create unusual noise, vibrations and premature wear and tear.

Step 4: Adding fabric conditioner to the dispenser drawer

fabric conditioners will give your fabrics better look and freshness after every wash.

Ensure you gauge the conditioner properly, overfilling the dispenser may cause it not to dispense. Another reason why your washer may have trouble dispensing is inadequate water pressure.

When you notice this, you should check the inlet hose screen for any form of blockage.

Step 5: Choose the right Temperature

Always endeavor to check the care labels of your fabrics for the right washing temperature. In a situation where there is more than one temperature, choose the lowest temperature. Some clothes do better in warm water, some do better in cold water while some fabrics are more suited for hot water.

This is to ensure your clothes stay in good condition for longer.

Step 6: Choose the right spin cycle

As with the temperature, you’ll need to consult your fabric care label before selecting a spin cycle. Durable materials should be washed in a fast cycle while more delicate materials should be washed in a slow cycle.

Step 7: Ensure the doors are properly shut

before pushing the button to start the wash, you should ensure there’s nothing impeding the door from closing.

Unless the door is completely shut, the cycle won’t start. Obstructions are mainly caused by fabrics or dirt.

Step 8: Unloading your washer

To keep your clothes fresh, you should take out your clean laundry within a maximum of two hours.

When you leave your clothes in the washer for too long, bacteria and mold build up creating bad smells.

The only way to remove the bad odors will be to restart the wash cycle.

Step 9: Cleanliness and maintenance

keeping good cleaning and maintenance habits will not only make your washer last longer, but it will also keep bad odors away.

A good number of users complain of bad smells in their front loaders after some time. To prevent this, you should clean the washing machine from time to time.

Also, to prevent mildew and mold, you should keep the door and the detergent dispenser drawer open when the machine isn’t in use.

Finally, run a hot water wash from time to time to prevent the accumulation of soap scum.

To get the best user experience from your front loader it is important that you use it in the right way.

In addition to the earlier stated steps, you should always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and also get the best detergents in the market.