front load washer users: do you use the "HE" detergents?

[rnch]

or do you just use whatever the cheapest detergent wal-mart has on sale?

has anyone noticed any difference between the HE and non-HE detergents?

 

[miplank]

On the new front loaders you can only use HE detergent. Not sure about other washers.

 

[miplank]

I recently bought my wife those new electrolux washer and dryers, and it says in the owners manual to only use HE, using others will void the warranty.

 

[musclemom]

You've got to use detergents for them or they don't clean right. A laundry booster like OxyClean or Borax is a help, too.

Anyone who gets a front loader, you need to remember to keep the door open after you're done doing laundry, the front gasket on certain models molds and/or rusts like a bitch. Might mold anyway no matter what you do. Lucky me, I bought one of the ones that molds :rollseyes: Fucking waste of money and I'm stuck with it for now. I'll never buy another Kenmore.

 

[guest username]

Only use HE detergent. It's actually formulated differently. The trick with HE is a little goes a long way. Seriously, experiment with it. If you see a lot of suds, then you've used too much. You barely should notice suds when it's washing. Always use an extra rinse as HE is hard to rinse out. Turn your clothes inside out and it'll help get them cleaner.

I'm very impressed with my Bosch front loading washer. Clothes come out extremely clean. Stains (even blood) are removed pretty easily.

 

[PICK3]

I think it's cute how rnch has an affinity for domestic appliances

just sayin'

 

[puddlemonkey]

What the fuck is HE?

 

[canadianhitman]

I have an LG 'Tromm' front load washer...and I only use HE detergent. From what I understand, it's a very bad idea to try and use regular detergent in a front-load wash machine.

And Musclemom brings up a good point...it's good to leave the door of the wash machine open until the gasket is completely dry, or else mold grows. Mine had a funky moldy smell start up when I first bought it and didn't know any better, but after running through a few clean rags with bleach, and then wiping the gasket down completely with a ten percent bleach solution, it killed the mold and it never came back.

 

[vixensghost]

Yo'll ruin the bearings in the washer IF you DO NOT use the HE products!

I love my Whirpool Duet FL's! LOVE 'EM. The steam function rocks my world when it comes to hubbies white collar wardrobe!

 

[guest username]

Yea, leaving the front door open until the gaskets are dry is crucial to preventing mold growth. The thing is completely airtight when shut, unlike regular washers. When I bought it, the salesman told me to use some sort of cleaner to keep the smell out. He suggested it every month. I've had the washer for 2 years and never used any of the cleaner and it doesn't smell. I use bleach with towels, so maybe that helps a bit. I think the best thing is that I use a towel to dry the seals and then leave the door open for another few hours, and then when I shut the door, I never shut it completely (so it's airtight). I leave it cracked open until I use it again.