Front load and top load washers
Comparison of the Two
Water consumption has become a big topic of discussion recently, and this is obviously the first topic we’ll talk about. If you have an older top loading washing machine, you probably have no idea just how much water you’re using each time you do a load of laundry. Many of those older machines typically used somewhere between 45-55 gallons of water per load. This may not seem that bad on paper and may look like just a number, but imagine going to the grocery store and having to purchase 50 one gallon bottles of spring water. This is an average of how much water that is used each time a load of laundry is done in one of those machines. Many of them did have the ability to adjust the load size to help lower that number, but it’s still too high by today’s standards for what is needed to effectively get the clothes clean.
One thing we’ll touch on briefly, is the use of laundry detergent and fabric softener inside these machines. Since these machines use so much less water than a traditional washing machine, they require a different type of detergent. The type of detergent recommended is a high efficiency (HE) detergent, and these can be purchased at any local supermarket and is usually located with its ‘non HE’ counterpart. Look on the lower corner of the bottle and you’ll likely see that symbol which designates this.
The reason why this type of detergent is needed is because this is a higher concentration formula and it’s also a lower sudsing detergent, and allows for proper rinsing of the clothes. If you used the same amount of regular detergent in these machines you would be required to add additional rinses, but more importantly it could lead to potential service calls.
Most washers also have a fabric softener dispenser, which is on a time release system and is added at the necessary point of the wash cycle, so there’s no need to wait until the right time to add it.
While these machines are extremely energy efficient on their own, they also cut your dry times dramatically since they spin out much faster than a traditional top loading machine. Most top loaders usually max out at 600rpm, but most of these newer front loading washers spin out at around 1000rpm* which you’ll find leads to drying times that average 35 to 45 minutes (and sometimes even shorter) depending on the size of your load. Compare that to the 60-90 minutes that you’re probably use to, and the savings can be significant.
So there are many different benefits to upgrading your laundry pair. You can do more laundry with better results, while also extending the life of your clothes. More importantly it may be an investment that in the long run could also end up saving you time and money.
One thing we’ll touch on briefly, is the use of laundry detergent and fabric softener inside these machines. Since these machines use so much less water than a traditional washing machine, they require a different type of detergent. The type of detergent recommended is a high efficiency (HE) detergent, and these can be purchased at any local supermarket and is usually located with its ‘non HE’ counterpart. Look on the lower corner of the bottle and you’ll likely see that symbol which designates this.
The reason why this type of detergent is needed is because this is a higher concentration formula and it’s also a lower sudsing detergent, and allows for proper rinsing of the clothes. If you used the same amount of regular detergent in these machines you would be required to add additional rinses, but more importantly it could lead to potential service calls.
Most washers also have a fabric softener dispenser, which is on a time release system and is added at the necessary point of the wash cycle, so there’s no need to wait until the right time to add it.
While these machines are extremely energy efficient on their own, they also cut your dry times dramatically since they spin out much faster than a traditional top loading machine. Most top loaders usually max out at 600rpm, but most of these newer front loading washers spin out at around 1000rpm* which you’ll find leads to drying times that average 35 to 45 minutes (and sometimes even shorter) depending on the size of your load. Compare that to the 60-90 minutes that you’re probably use to, and the savings can be significant.
So there are many different benefits to upgrading your laundry pair. You can do more laundry with better results, while also extending the life of your clothes. More importantly it may be an investment that in the long run could also end up saving you time and money.
HE DetergentYou may have noticed a new symbol on detergent bottles and boxes – HE. Now, that doesn’t mean it is for men only, It actually stands for High Efficiency laundry detergent.
These detergents are formulated to be used in high efficiency washing machines like front load washers. The HE detergents are low-sudsing and quick dispersing for use in low water volume machines. HE detergents are developed to hold soil in suspension in that lower volume of water so it is not re-deposited onto clean clothes. Using a traditional laundry detergent in a high-efficiency washer will produce too many suds that will interfere with the tumbling action HE washers use to clean clothes. It can also damage the electronic system of the washer and may void the warranty. The use of traditional detergents in HE washers also contribute to the growth of mold and the odor that can linger in the washer. There just isn't enough water used in each load to wash away all the suds and they cling to the washer. Those suds and the soil they contain are perfect breeding grounds for mold. However, you can use HE detergent in a traditional washer with no problems. You won't see suds but your clothes will still be clean. Most HE washers have detergent dispensers. Read your washer's care and use guide on how to fill the dispensers. Most will accept either powder or liquid detergents. Never mix the two in the same dispenser because caking and clogging can occur. As with all detergents, take time to read the label and guidelines on how much to use per load. More is not always better! For a normal size load of laundry, you need only 1 to 2 teaspoons of HE detergent. Overdosing only leads to problems! |
How Front Loaders WorkWhile front load washers have long been the standard in Europe, they are a relatively new addition to the United States consumer market. Commercial front load washers are common in the United States. Since top load washers with a central agitator have served the U.S. for so many years, front load washer systems are somewhat of a mystery. Can they really clean clothes without much detergent, no agitator and very little water? There are similarities between top loading and front loading washers. Both use a stainless steel inner drum as well as an outer wash tub, a motor, control system, drain pump and rotational spinning to remove water from the clothes; and there the similarities end.
Front load washers work by filling the bottom of the inner tub with water and using rotation of the tub and gravity to move the clothes through the water. The rotation action is similar to the tumbling action found in a clothes dryer. The side paddles on the inside drum lift the clothes and moves them in and out of the water and provides the mechanical action (scrubbing) needed to remove soil from fabric. This type of mechanical wash action does not require that the clothes be surrounded by water at all times, which is why front load washers use so much less water. And, of course, with less water you should use less detergent to prevent over-sudsing and residue left in clothes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, front load washers cut water use by nearly 40 percent. Front load washers always fill the the same low water level during the wash cycle no matter how many clothes are loaded into the washer. If the load is larger and absorbs much of the wash water - causing the level to drop - more water is added to maintain the set water level. The water on most models is added to the drum during the tumbling action of the clothes to rapidly saturate the clothes so that less additional water must be added. |