A top-load high-efficiency (HE) washer can be a great appliance for busy households that need to get a lot of laundry done quickly. However, to really get the best results from a top-load HE washer, there are some key things you’ll want to know. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to properly use your top-load HE washer and get the best clean for your clothes.

Choose the Right Detergent

The first step to success with a top-load HE washer is using the right detergent. HE washers require low-sudsing detergents to function properly. Standard, non-HE detergents will create excessive suds that can cause problems:

Reduced cleaning performance – Excess suds can prevent the detergent from working effectively to break down soils.
Repeated rinse cycles – The washer may keep trying to rinse away suds, making cycles excessively long.
Leaking suds – Too many bubbles can cause suds to leak out the door seal.
Excess buildup – Over time, regular detergent can leave sticky residue on the drum and parts.

The best practice is to use detergents labeled as “HE” that are formulated for high-efficiency washers. Look for low-sudsing, concentrated HE detergents from reputable brands. Follow the detergent manufacturer’s instructions for the proper amount to use based on your load size.

Detergent Types

Liquid: Liquid HE detergent is a popular choice because it’s easy to measure and dissolves quickly. Pour liquid HE detergent directly into the detergent dispenser. Don’t put it directly on clothes as it may stain them.

Pod or packet: HE detergent pods dissolve well and prevent measuring mistakes. Simply toss one pod into the drum at the start of the cycle. Make sure it lands below clothes where it can dissolve with water flow.

Powder: Powder HE detergent dissolves effectively too. Use the detergent dispenser cup or scoop provided with the detergent to measure out the right amount. Powder may leave some undissolved residue, so add it at the beginning of the cycle for best results.

Tablets: Large single-use tablets are available too. Add 1 tablet in the drum per average size load. Make sure the tablet can freely dissolve and avoid loading clothes on top of it.

No matter what type you choose, be sure to use a detergent specifically labeled as HE-compatible. Standard detergents simply create too many suds and problems in HE washers. Stick with trusted HE detergent brands like Tide, Gain, Persil, and All to get the best wash performance.

Wash Loads Properly

With any high-efficiency washer, how you load it is an important part of the equation. Follow these tips for loading your top-load HE washer properly:

Don’t overload: It may be tempting to pack a lot of clothes into a big top-loader. But overloading will reduce cleaning effectiveness and is tough on the motor. Stick to the washer’s stated capacity for optimal performance.
Mix item sizes: For the best cleaning action, mix large items like sheets and towels with smaller items like socks and shirts in a load. Avoid washing single large items like comforters.
Load loosely: Items need room to circulate and tumble during the wash cycle. Avoid packing tightly.
Balance the load: Spread clothes out evenly across the drum, avoiding an unbalanced pile to one side. This allows the optimal motion for cleaning.
Keep fabric away from the lid: Don’t let lightweight fabrics bunch up near the lid where they can wedge under the seal. This can lead to leaks.
Pretreat stains: Use a stain removal spray or stick to pretreat heavily stained areas before washing to boost your cleaning power.
Check pockets: Empty all pockets to avoid items like tissues getting shredded during agitation. Sharp items like pins should be avoided as well.

Proper loading gives your HE washer the best chance for success. Take a few extra minutes upfront to load clothes properly and reap the benefits of better washing performance.

Select the Right Settings

Modern top-load HE washers offer a variety of cycles and setting options. Choosing the right ones for each load ensures great wash results:

Wash Cycle Selection

Regular/Normal: This is the standard all-purpose cycle suitable for most mixed loads. It provides a complete wash with multiple rinses.
Heavy: This boosts the cleaning action by extending the agitation time for very dirty loads. It’s ideal for muddy sports gear or heavily soiled work clothes.
Bulky: Designed for large bedding and bulky items like comforters, this cycle provides more soak and rinse time to handle their size.
Delicates: For delicate fabrics like silks and lingerie, this provides a gentle, shorter wash cycle without high-speed spinning.
Sanitize: This super hot cycle kills 99% of bacteria, making it perfect for infant clothing, cloth diapers, germ-prone sports gear, and more.
Speed Wash: As the name suggests, this cycle washes lightly soiled clothes in just a fraction of the normal time.

Picking the right preset cycle ensures the proper timing, spinning, and settings required to handle that load’s needs. The control panel usually indicates which cycles work best for common fabric types.

Wash Temp Selection

Top-load HE washers typically offer at least three temperature selections:

Hot: Approximately 120-130°F, the hot setting provides the most intense cleaning for bleachable white laundry and heavily soiled loads.
Warm: Around 80-100°F, this is a moderately hot setting suitable for most laundry loads including colors, towels, and sheets.
Cold: With a temperature around 55-75°F, cold is an energy-efficient option for gently washing darks, delicates, and lightly soiled clothes. Detergent efficacy is reduced.

For heavily stained laundry, hot water dissolves and activates detergent best. But warm is suitable for the majority of loads. Cold saves energy if the clothes aren’t too dirty. Avoid excessive hot water to help fabrics last longer.

Additional Wash Settings

Many washers include additional cycle options to customize the wash like:

Soil level: On some machines, you can set light, normal or heavy to match the cycle intensity to the load.
Spin speed: Faster spin speeds extract more moisture, though delicates should use a slower spin.
Extra rinse: Great for loads with excess pet hair or dander where you want maximum rinsing.
Delay start: Program a delayed start time so your cycle finishes when it’s convenient for you.

Take advantage of settings like these to customize cycles for each load’s unique washing needs. Refer to your owner’s manual for details on your machine’s specific capabilities.

Use Proper Maintenance Practices

To keep your top-load HE washer running in peak form:

Clean the door gasket – Check and clean the flexible door seal of any trapped lint or debris regularly.
Wipe the drum – Use a nonabrasive cleaner and towel to wipe residual grime and mildew off the stainless steel wash drum monthly.
Empty dispensers – Remove leftover detergent and softener from the dispensers after washing to avoid buildup.
Freshen the washer – Run an occasional cycle on hot with bleach or other washer cleaner to sanitize the drum and keep odors at bay.
Check hoses – Inspect the water hoses for cracks and replace old hoses every 5 years to prevent leaks.
Clean the filters – Periodically wash the screens in the water valves and hoses to remove any collected debris that can impede water flow.

With proper care and maintenance, a top-load HE washer should provide many years of dependable service and keep your clothes looking their best. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific care recommendations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems with cleaning performance or operation of your top-load HE washer, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Problem: Residue left on clothes

Solution: Use more detergent, prewash heavily soiled items, check water hardness and adjust detergent amount accordingly.

Problem: Musty or mildew odor

Solution: Leave the door open to dry out after use, run wash tub cleaner monthly, check and clean door gasket.

Problem: Leaking water

Solution: Make sure hoses are installed properly without kinks/damage, check and tighten hose connections, clean door seal of debris.

Problem: Excessive noise and vibration

Solution: Make sure washer is level, tighten leveling feet, redistribute unbalanced loads.

Problem: Detergent not dispensing

Solution: Clean dispenser compartments, make sure dispensers aren’t clogged, add detergent before cycle start.

Problem: Clothes too wet after spin

Solution: Clean filter screens, redistribute unbalanced loads, check load size matches capacity.

With some basic troubleshooting, you can diagnose and fix common issues with top-load HE washers before needing to call a repair service. Always refer to your owner’s manual first when problems arise.

Get the Most out of Your HE Washer

High-efficiency top-load washers represent a smart innovation in laundry appliances. Their vertical design allows fast wash cycles while still using far less water than conventional top-load washers. By mastering proper HE detergent use, loading techniques, cycle selections, and troubleshooting, you can keep your washer performing optimally for years to come. With the knowledge above, you’ll be on your way to extracting the maximum cleaning power and efficiency from your top-load HE washer. Here’s to fresh, clean laundry with ease!

Frequently Asked Questions About Top-Load HE Washers

Now that you have the basics on getting great performance from your top-load HE washer, you may still have some lingering questions. Here we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about this popular laundry appliance.

Why do HE washers use so little water?

High-efficiency top-load washers are designed to use far less water than conventional washers – roughly half the amount. There are two key reasons for the reduced water usage:

Water conservation – Using less water per load helps consumers save water, an increasingly precious resource. HE washers use advanced technology to clean efficiently using less water.
Energy savings – With less water to heat, HE washers require much less energy to run each cycle. This saves significantly on electricity or gas. Lower utility bills make HE washers an eco-friendly choice.

How should water hardness affect detergent use?

The mineral content that makes water “hard” can affect cleaning performance in HE washers. With hard water, avoid oversudsing by using less detergent – about 1/3 less per load. You can determine your water hardness from your local water company. Softeners and Detergent boosters can also help compensate when washing in very hard water.

Why do some loads take so long?

Some cycles on HE washers do take longer than older conventional washers. Key reasons include:

The HE washer relies more on soaking and rolling clothes through water rather than intense agitation. This gentler wash action often requires more time.
HE washers use a series of rinses to eliminate detergent residue that standard washers leave behind. The extra rinse steps add time.
Large water load sizes, heavy soil levels, and bulky items can all extend cycle length as well.

While some cycles take longer, others like the speed wash can finish more quickly. Allow the HE washer full cycle time for best results.

Should I use liquid or powder HE detergent?

Either liquid or powder HE detergent can be effective. Liquid detergents offer convenience and accuracy. But some powders provide better cleaning power for heavily soiled laundry. Try both to see which works best for your washing needs. Be sure to use amounts recommended for your specific HE washer and load size.

How often should I run a self-clean cycle?

Most experts recommend running a special washer cleaning cycle monthly to control odor and buildup. Wash tub cleaners that you load in the drum and run on an empty, hot cycle do best for thorough cleaning. Bleach alone can also work if wash tub cleaner is not available. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the cleaning method recommended for your model.

Why does my HE washer sometimes smell?

Due to the low-water use, HE washers can be prone to developing mildew and bacteria buildup that causes odor. Be sure to leave the door propped open after each use to allow drying. Clean the gaskets and run a self-clean cycle monthly. Check that drain hoses are installed properly. Avoid leaving wet clothes in the machine too long before drying.

Should I use fabric softener?

While optional, liquid fabric softener dispensed into the drum at the right time can make clothes feel softer without interfering with the washer’s cleaning performance. Avoid using excessive amounts that lead to buildup. Follow directions for proper dispenser use. Skip fabric softener on towels, which can affect absorbency.

How can I adjust settings on my HE washer?

Many HE washers allow adjustments to customize cycles for your needs. Check your owner’s manual on how to reprogram preset cycles, adjust soil level, change spin speed, turn on extra rinses, and more. Simple programming selections allow you to tune cycles for optimal performance.

We hope these answers help provide further guidance as you continue learning the ins and outs of your high-efficiency top-load washing machine. With time and experience, you’ll discover which settings and practices work best for your laundry needs. Here’s to clean, fresh clothes with minimal water and energy!

Conclusion

Top-load high-efficiency washers represent a quantum leap forward in laundry technology. Their advanced cleaning action uses far less water and energy than conventional top-load machines, while still delivering outstanding results. By understanding how to properly operate your HE washer and care for it over time, you’ll enjoy the benefits of an eco-friendly appliance with lower utility bills. Using the right detergents and cycles for each load is the key to success. With some helpful troubleshooting tips, you can keep your washer running optimally for years. Equipped with this comprehensive guide, you now have the knowledge to unlock the full cleaning power, convenience, and efficiency of your top-load HE washer.

Get the Best Results From a Top-Load HE Washer