Front loader arriving today & I'm clueless about them + CD's.

Skeemer

I did a board search & didn't really come up with anything specific. Can you guys fill me in on how they differ from a traditional machine in regards to washing diapers & what kind of detergent you use? DS2 had a problem with amonia when we used anything except Tide original powder. I certainly don't want that happening again to this LO that's coming soon. Any tips & advice is appreciated.

freezorburn

It's hard to make any broad strokes because machines can be so different. Is it an HE machine? Generally they use less water so you would need to experiment with your machine / read the manual to figure out which cycles use the most water.

If it's an HE machine make sure you use a detergent that is formulated for HE.

That's about it. Having now done diaper laundry in a bunch of different situations with different machines, I actually think water quality (hardness/softeness) + the right amount of detergent is a much bigger factor in how effective a wash and rinse are, vs. the differences between machines.

Skeemer

Thanks for the tips.

It is a HE washer. Which I have no experience with.

abby8279

I would say just be patient.  It took me a while to figure out the proper wash routine with our HE FL and there were several times I wanted to give up because we were having stink issues and build-up issues (we also have hard water).  But I think we are finally on the right track.  With some experimentation you will find the right wash routine for you.  Definitely read the manual on the washer and see which cycle will give you the most amount of water.  Detergent kind/amount are really important too.

nanabanana06

It's taken me a long ass time to figure out my HE FL. We have super hard water and tons of ammonia issues. So far, the only thing that works for us is this:

• Express wash warm/warm, heavy soil, w/ extra rinse
• Delicates cycle warm/warm w/ spin turned off
• "Whitest Whites" cycle w/ detergent (this is a heavy duty hot wash w/ 2 cold rinses)
• Express wash cold/cold w/ extra rinse

My wash routine is pretty extreme. It's the only thing that works. We also use 2-3 TBS of homemade powder detergent and 1/2 cap of Calgon in the wash cycle. I find the trick with HE machines is rinse like crazy before your hot wash. I'd start at either a warm/warm or warm/cold express or delicates cycle and then do your hot wash w/ 2 cold rinses after. If that works then keep with it, if it doesn't then add some more rinse/washes before your hot one.

TJ1979

I do a rinse and spin, no detergent. Then a normal wash with extra wash, extra rinse, and extra spin with original tide for HE to the 1 line, we have slightly hard water.
It's going to take some trial and error. Post with more specific questions if any issues come up. We will be happy to try to trouble shoot. And I agree with PP that you need to figure out what kind of water you have and go from there.

Kelly11235

Just a thought, but if you have trouble and need help troubleshooting, take a picture of the dial on your machine so the board knows what cycle options you've got.

PS: I've got a HE washer and use regular (non-HE) Tide in it because I bought the wrong kind.  I usually use a bit less than a tablespoon for a load of 2 days diapers.

No problems yet.

Skeemer

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the help. You know you're a grown up when you're excited over new appliances & diaper laundry.