NBR: Tell me about your Front Loaders (how to use)

tab890

We bought a new house (yay!) and from the owners, their front loader washer and dryer.

The owner was telling me that she uses Borax and and a tiny amount of liquid detergent for regular loads, and towel loads she uses Borax only. 

What do you use for your front loader?  100% detergent or a mix?  If you use 100% detergent, do you use less than you would use for a top loader?  I've heard the front loaders require less detergent, but i've read so many things online, i'm just confused now.

Thanks for the help ladies!

BitsyKelly

I have no answers for you, but I'm interested in what others have to say.  I, too just bought a house and inherited a front load washer from the current owners.  I haven't even begun to think about the fact that it would be different from any other washer!

Telyco

Borax is really dangerous around children. I definitely would NOT even have that in the house, to be honest.

Plain detergent should be fine - unless they are high efficiency and then you need to look for the "he" symbol on the detergent. Maybe they have the manuals or you could probably download them from the manufacturers site.

missyjg

We have kenmore front loaders. You need to use about a third of the detergent or high efficiency (He). We found this out the hard way when the pump clogged by using too much detergent. I don't know about the borax. I never use it. I love my front loader though!! Uses less detergent, less water and the clothes are cleaner then they were with the top loader. The users manual should be on the manufacturers website. I would try there.

missyjg

Oh and congratulations on your new house! How exciting.

preggersin2011

I only use HE detergent and fabric softener, you can use less detergent with the regular- but i dont recommend it since it isn't chemically designed for less water. The BEST way to see if you used too much detergent is to wash your clothes again with out putting in additional soap.... if you see it soap up then you used way way way to much.  Also, leave the door open!! I don't use bleach for my clothes so once a month I run the machine with bleach. Since there won't be any air circulation inside the drum once you close the door that is how mold will build up. 

meryltheresa

We have front loaders too.  We've had them for almost a year and I love them!  I just buy the HE detergent, and for softener I have the bounce bar that attaches inside of the dryer.  Which I would like to add I ALSO LOVE!  Like PP said, leave the door open and when try to remember to wipe around the inside of the rubber part when you're done.  It helps keep mold out.  Last week on Dr. Oz they were talking about front loaders and the expert said as long as you wipe, leave the door open and run one load with bleach during the week you should be all set!