Front load washers, also known as horizontal axis washers, are a type of washing machine where the clothes are loaded into the washer through a door on the front of the machine, rather than from the top. This style of washer has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its efficiency and features. But how exactly does a front load washer work? Here is an in-depth look at the key components and functioning of these effective laundry appliances.
How a Front Load Washer is Constructed
Front load washers have a very different internal configuration compared to traditional top load machines. This unique construction is what allows them to operate more efficiently and offer specialized wash cycles.
The Outer Drum
The outer tub of a front load washer is known as the outer drum or basket. This is the compartment that holds the clothes during the wash cycle. It has small perforations that allow water to flow in and out. The outer drum is made of stainless steel or plastic and sits horizontally within the body of the washer.
When the wash cycle begins, the outer drum rotates back and forth to agitate the clothing. The rotation typically changes directions periodically to tumble the clothes more thoroughly. This tumbling action is gentler on fabrics compared to the central agitator used in top load machines.
The Inner Drum
Inside the outer drum is the inner drum, which has a similar perforated surface. However, the inner drum remains stationary and does not move. It serves as an inner wall that helps funnel water and detergent through the clothes as the outer drum rotates around it. This creates additional swirling and tumbling action to remove dirt and stains.
The Porthole Door
Front load washers get their name from the unique front-opening door or hatch. This porthole door provides wide access for loading and unloading the washer. The door includes a watertight seal to prevent leaks during the wash cycle. Users simply pull on the handle to open the door.
Some front load washers feature reversible doors that can be switched to open from either the left or right side. This allows flexibility for installing the washer in different layouts.
The Motor
The motor is what powers the rotation of the outer drum. Front load washer motors are typically high efficiency and remain isolated from the water in a separate compartment. This allows the motor to operate more smoothly and with less noise compared to top load washers.
Motors may be directly attached to the outer drum or utilize a belt drive system. The motor receives electrical power and rotates between washing cycles to tumble clothes and during the spin cycle to extract water.
Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers are fitted between the outer tub and machine frame. As the drum rotates and shifts the load of wet clothes, the shocks compress and expand to minimize vibration and noise. This provides a smooth, quiet operation.
The Pump
An internal pump is responsible for recirculating water during wash and rinse cycles. It pumps water out of the tub at high speed during the spin cycle. This pump may be located underneath the washer or installed within the perimeter of the outer tub.
How a Front Load Washer Operates
Now that we’ve looked at the interior components, let’s examine how they work together during the steps of a typical wash cycle.
Filling
The cycle begins by filling the drum with water. The washer determines the exact amount of water needed for the load size and cycle settings. Water flows into a chamber at the bottom rear of the washer. The pump then recirculates this water, distributing it throughout the drum until the optimal water level is reached.
Washing
Once the tub is full, the washer begins repeatedly rotating the drum back and forth. This agitates the clothing to lift dirt and pull it away from the fabrics.
As the outer drum moves, the baffles inside cause clothes to turn and tumble. The inner drum remains still, creating a spinning effect against the moving outer surface. This forces water through the garments for deep cleaning.
The motor reverses after a short time to keep clothes tumbling in new directions. Detergent in the water works to break down soils. The wash cycle may pause periodically to allow clothes to soak.
Draining
After washing, the pump will drain the dirty water from the drum. The tub spins at a high speed to extract water from clothes before transitioning to rinses.
Rinsing
Many front load washers perform multiple rinse cycles. Fresh water enters the drum and the pump recirculates it repeatedly to eliminate detergent residue. Proper rinsing helps leave clothes clean and prevent skin irritation.
Final Spin
The final spin cycle extracts as much remaining moisture as possible so clothes are ready for the dryer. The drum accelerates to a very high spinning speed while water continues draining away. This high-speed extraction makes clothes coming out of a front load washer much less damp than those from a top loader.
Cycle Completion
With water fully drained, the motor comes to rest and a chime or beep will sound when the cycle finishes. The door then unlocks allowing you to remove clean, damp clothes.
Additional Cycle Options
Along with standard wash cycles, front load washers offer different cycle options for optimal fabric care.
- Handwash or Delicate Cycle – Gentler agitation for delicate items. The drum rotates slower and for shorter durations.
- Quick Cycles – Provide faster wash and rinse times for lightly soiled clothes.
- Heavy Duty Cycles – Use longer wash times and higher water levels for heavily soiled clothes.
- Sanitize Cycles – Boost temperature to sanitize clothes and kill germs. Useful for kitchen linens or sick rooms.
- Allergen Cycles – Remove common household allergens with additional rinses and higher heat.
- Bulky/Bedding Cycle – Designed for large or oversized items that require more tumbling action.
Newer front load washers may also offer specialized cycles using steam or smart sensor technology to customize cleaning.
Front Load Washer Benefits
There are several advantages that make front load washers a popular choice over traditional top load machines:
- Energy Efficiency – Front load washers utilize less water and power. High-speed spin cycles remove more water to cut down on drying time. This provides significant energy savings.
- Water Savings – Less water is needed to effectively clean clothes in a front loader. This saves tens of thousands of gallons over the life of the machine.
- Gentleness – The tumbling wash action is less harsh and abrasive compared to agitator washing. This helps protect fabrics and allows faster spin speeds.
- Capacity – Front load drums offer greater flexibility to wash larger bedding and bulkier items. Capacity is measured in cubic feet instead of gallons.
- Performance – Clothes get exceptionally clean and free of dirt, debris, stains, and allergens thanks to specialized wash motions.
- Quietness – With advanced shock absorption, front load washers operate very quietly compared to noisy top load models.
- Space Saving Design – A front load washer can be stacked with a matching dryer, saving considerable floor space.
While front load machines come at a higher upfront cost, their superior performance and efficiency make them worth the investment for most households.
Common Questions
How much detergent should be used in a front load washer?
Significantly less detergent is required in a front load washer compared to a top loader. Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons max. Excess suds can build up and lead to issues. Always use HE (high-efficiency) detergent formulated for front loaders.
Why do clothes take so long to wash in a front loader?
The tumbling action provides a very thorough clean, but operates slower compared to top loader agitation. However, total wash time is not much longer as cycles include fewer fills and drains. The machine also monitors load dynamics to determine optimal times.
How full can you load a front washing machine?
Aim to fill the drum just over halfway, allowing space for clothes to tumble freely. Overloading can lead to poor cleaning performance and foul odors inside the washer. Underloading wastes water and energy.
Should the door be left open after washing?
It’s recommended to leave the door propped open between washes so the drum can fully dry out. This prevents mold and mildew growth. Be sure to wipe the door gasket as well.
Why do front loaders sometimes smell bad?
Detergent buildup and stagnant water inside the watertight drum can produce unpleasant odors. Be sure to wipe seals, leave the door open to dry out the tub, and run occasional maintenance cycles.
How long should a front load washer last?
With proper care and maintenance, a front load washer should provide dependable service for 10 years or more before requiring repairs. Higher-end models may last 15 years.
Key Takeaways: How Front Load Washers Work
- Front load washers are loaded from the front through a porthole door rather than from the top.
- Inside is a large outer drum that rotates back and forth to gently tumble clothes clean.
- An inner drum, water pump, motor, and shock absorbers allow the washer to function smoothly.
- Less water is utilized but clothes get thoroughly soaked and cleaned by the tumbling action.
- Front load washers offer greater efficiency, capacity, performance, and gentleness over top load designs.
- Following manufacturer guidelines for detergent, loading, and care will maximize washer life span and effectiveness.
Conclusion
This breakdown of the internal workings and operation of front load washing machines showcases how advanced engineering allows them to deliver superior fabric care and resource efficiency. While the mechanics may seem complex, front load washers are simple to operate, providing robust cleaning power from your laundry room. Just load, select a cycle, add a small amount of HE detergent, and let the horizontal drum go to work tumbling your clothes spic and span.