Introduction
Front load washers, also known as horizontal axis washers, are becoming increasingly popular in homes today. With their sleek, modern design and eco-friendly benefits, it’s easy to see why. But using a front load washer does require some adjustments from what you may be used to with a top load machine.
The key is understanding how front load washers work differently and learning the proper way to operate them. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is important, but there are also some universal tips and tricks to using a front load washer correctly. We will walk through all the steps and best practices in this comprehensive guide.
How Front Load Washers Differ from Top Load Washers
Front load washers have a horizontal drum that spins back and forth rather than an agitator that moves clothes around. This tumbling action is gentler on fabrics. Other differences include:
- Water usage – Front loaders use less water since the drum is fully immersed in water, unlike top loaders where water has to be continually added. This makes them more water-efficient.
- Spin cycle – The horizontal drum in a front loader can spin much faster, extracting more water from clothes. This reduces drying time.
- Detergent – Less water means less detergent is needed in a front loader. Detergent pods or liquid detergent are recommended.
- Capacity – Front load washers generally have larger capacity drums than top loaders and can wash larger loads.
- Cleaning – Mold and mildew can build up in the seal around the front loader drum opening if not properly cleaned. Regular cleaning is a must.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Front Load Washer
Follow these steps to ensure you are correctly using your front load washer:
Sort Laundry
- Separate clothes into lights, darks, colors, delicates, and whites to prevent colors from bleeding or fading.
- Check pockets and remove any items that could damage the drum.
- Turn delicate items inside out to protect decoration and prevent snagging.
- Separate lint-producing fabrics like towels and sweaters from lint collectors like black pants.
- Heavy items like jeans should be washed separately from lightweight items like t-shirts.
Check Filter
- Open the front load washer door and locate the filter, usually at the bottom of the door opening.
- Remove any lint, coins or buttons collected in the filter.
- Replace the filter securely.
Use Proper Detergent
- Use detergent made for front load washers, such as liquid detergent or pods.
- Powder detergent can clump up due to less water usage.
- Add the manufacturer’s recommended amount of detergent for a medium load.
- For hard water, use extra detergent or a water softener.
- If using pods, place directly in drum before adding clothes.
Load Clothes Properly
- Load clothes loosely into the drum, leaving space for them to tumble. Do not pack tightly.
- Mix large and small items together. Load large items first.
- Keep cloth away from the door seal area to prevent mold growth.
- Wash only 1-2 bulky items like comforters at a time to allow proper movement.
Set Proper Cycle
- Choose the cycle based on fabric type and how soiled the clothes are. Most have normal, permanent press, delicate, and heavy duty cycles.
- The normal cycle is ideal for cottons and linens. Permanent press is good for wrinkle-free fabrics. Use the delicate cycle for silks, fine fabrics and lightly soiled items. Pick heavy duty for very soiled and durable items.
- Select the hottest water temperature safe for the fabrics. Warm is sufficient for most laundry.
Add Fabric Softener Properly
- Do not pour liquid fabric softener directly on clothes as it can stain them.
- Use the dedicated dispenser drawer or compartment made for fabric softeners. Add at the beginning of the rinse or final spin cycle.
- Dilute concentrated softeners before adding to the machine.
- Skip fabric softener for athletic and water-repellent fabrics.
Start Washer and Let It Complete Cycle
- Close the door securely. Lock if there is a safety lock function.
- Select any additional options like pre-wash or extra rinse if desired.
- Press start to begin the washing cycle.
- Avoid stopping the washer mid-cycle unless absolutely necessary.
- If pausing the cycle, do not leave wet clothes sitting for more than 2 days to prevent odor.
Remove Clothes Promptly After Cycle Ends
- Check the door seal for any remaining socks or small items before unloading.
- Remove clothes from the washer drum immediately once the cycle is finished.
- This prevents odor, wrinkles and mildew from setting in.
- Inspect the gasket and door for any moisture and wipe down.
Clean Washer Regularly
- After each cycle, wipe down any visible moisture from the door and seal.
- Leave the door open slightly between uses to allow ventilation.
- Sanitize the interior monthly using washer cleaner or a hot water cycle.
- Clean the door gasket every few months using a soft cloth and bleach solution.
Best Practices When Using a Front Load Washer
Follow these tips and best practices when operating your front load washer:
Leave Washer Door Open Between Loads
Leaving the door open after finishing a load allows air circulation inside the drum and gasket. This prevents mold, mildew and odors from developing in these damp areas.
Use Low-Sudsing Detergent
Regular detergent creates more suds due to the tumbling of the drum. For front loaders, use a low-sudsing detergent made specifically for their low-water wash cycles.
Wash Bulky Items Separately
Washing one large, bulky item at a time allows it to properly tumble and soak during the cycle. This goes for things like comforters, sleeping bags, pillows, or large plush toys.
Avoid Overfilling the Drum
It can be tempting to pack a lot of clothes into a front loader since it has so much space. But overfilling can prevent proper movement of the clothes. Stick to the recommended maximum load for best results.
Clean the Gasket
Check the rubber gasket after each use for black mold or mildew growth. Keep it clean by wiping with a soft cloth and diluted bleach solution monthly.
Use Proper Load Sizes
Top loaders can handle a wide variety of small to large loads. But front load washers operate best with a lightly loaded drum, or around 2/3 full.
Level the Washer
Due to the horizontal drum, it is important that a front load washer is completely level when installing it. An unbalanced washer can vibrate excessively and have other issues.
Fabric Softener Tricks
Skip liquid fabric softener on athletic wear and water-resistant fabrics as it can hinder their performance. Use dryer sheets or put vinegar in the rinse instead.
Wash Bedding Regularly
Frequently wash pillowcases and sheets in hot water cycles to eliminate dust mites that can trigger allergies. Use an allergen-fighting detergent.
Clean Interior Monthly
Run a hot water cycle monthly using either bleach or a drum cleaner to fully sanitize the interior and prevent mold growth from residual moisture.
Remove Lint Regularly
Since front loaders tumble clothes more aggressively, they produce more lint. Remember to clean the lint filter before every cycle.
Pretreat Stains
The gentler tumbling of a front loader may require pretreating heavily soiled clothing for best results. Target stains with pretreatment sprays or powders first.
Troubleshooting Common Front Load Washer Issues
Clothes Come Out Damp
- Excess moisture in clothes after the cycle ends is typically due to overloading the drum. The washer cannot properly spin and drain a tightly packed load.
- A weak drain pump can also inhibit good water extraction during the spin. Make sure the drain hose is clear of obstructions.
- Level the feet of the washer to balance the drum and improve spinning.
Musty Odor
- Mold and mildew buildup in the gasket can cause foul odors. Clean the gasket monthly with bleach.
- Leaving wet clothes in the washer too long promotes odor. Remove immediately after cycle ends.
- Run cleaning cycles monthly to disinfect and dry out the drum. Leave door open between uses.
Leaking Water
- The door gasket seals the drum closed during a cycle. Foreign objects or damage to the gasket can cause water to leak.
- Overloading the drum stretches out and damages the door seal. Load less in the drum.
- Make sure the drain line is properly connected and draining fully. Clogs can back up the water.
Excess Noise/Vibration
- Unbalanced loads can cause the drum to wobble and vibrate. Properly sort and load laundry.
- Heavy vibrations may mean the washer is unbalanced or uneven. Check leveling of all 4 feet.
- Noisy operation can also indicate worn out shock absorbers. Have a technician inspect internal components.
Not Draining Properly
- Kinks in the drain hose can prevent good water flow. Straighten hose and clear any clogs.
- Overloading the drum leaves less room for water to drain out. Do not overpack the washer.
- Screen filters protect the drain pump from objects. Clean filter regularly.
Not Cleaning Well
- Heavily soiled clothes may need to be pretreated prior to washing in a gentle front loader cycle.
- Residue left in dispensers or drums can lead to poor cleaning. Do a hot rinse or drum cleaning monthly.
- Adjust loading so clothes have enough space to move and soil can be removed.
Clothes Tangled/Twisted
- Overstuffing the drum restricts movement needed to untangle clothing. Load larger but fewer items.
- Wash delicates or lightly loaded cycles on the gentle or permanent press setting to reduce tangling.
- Try loading items evenly around the tub walls, not just in the center.
Detergent Not Dispensing
- Make sure to use high-efficiency (HE) detergent appropriate for front loaders. Standard detergent may clump.
- Wipe down the dispenser to remove any residues left from poor rinsing.
- Start a wash cycle with hot water to flush out the dispenser if needed.
Cycle Stops Mid-Wash
- Loose wiring connections can intermittently cut power. Have an appliance repair technician inspect electrical components.
- The door switch stops the cycle if the door is opened mid-cycle. Avoid adding clothes once started.
- Clothes crammed around the door seal can trigger the door sensor. Load drum evenly.
Tips for First Time Front Load Washer Users
Switching from a top load washer to a front load machine takes some adjustment. Keep these first-time tips in mind:
- Read manuals and instructions thoroughly before the first use.
- Have the machine professionally installed and leveled.
- Start with smaller loads until you get used to capacity.
- Never wash items with sharp exposed zippers or buttons.
- Be prepared to clean the door gasket regularly.
- Use proper low-suds, HE laundry detergent.
- Remember that less detergent is needed due to less water use.
- Leave the door cracked open after each use to dry out machine.
- Wipe down any moisture along gasket and door after a load.
- Expect to use less fabric softener and dilute it more.
- Set up alerts and reminders to clean machine interior monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Front Load Washers
How often should you clean a front load washer?
It’s recommended to wipe down the gasket after each use, clean the gasket monthly with bleach, and do a hot rinse or drum cleaning cycle monthly to fully sanitize the interior.
Why do front loaders smell?
The rubber door gasket can trap moisture and allow mold and mildew to develop, causing foul odors. Keeping it clean and leaving the door open helps prevent this.
Do front loaders clean better than top loaders?
Front loaders tend to be more effective at stain removal and cleaning because clothes are soaked and moved through the water instead of just rinsed.
Should the door be locked on a front load washer?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to use the safety door lock function on all front load washers, especially if you have children in the home.
How long should a front load washer last?
With proper care and maintenance, front load washers can last 10-15 years. Their lifespan is comparable to top load machines.
Does a front load washer require special detergent?
Yes, front loaders require high-efficiency (HE), low-sudsing detergent. Standard, regular detergent will create oversudsing issues.
Should you wash towels and sheets separately?
Yes, towels and sheets should be washed separately from other clothes because they produce heavy lint that will cling to fabrics like black pants.
How do you clean the gasket on a front load washer?
Use a soft cloth dipped in a diluted bleach-and-water solution. Gently scrub the folds and crevices of the gasket to remove grime and mildew.
Why is my front loader not spinning clothes dry?
This is typically due to an overfilled or unbalanced drum preventing proper spinning. Only load the washer halfway and redistribute clothes.
How do you reset a front load washing machine?
Most front loaders can be reset by unplugging the machine for 1 minute to clear any glitches in the computerized controls. Check the manual for model-specific reset instructions.
Conclusion
Washing clothes in a front load washer has advantages like better stain removal, greater energy efficiency, and gentler on fabrics. But fully reaping those benefits requires using proper procedures. Load correctly, use the right detergent, clean regularly, pretreat stains, and take care of odor issues. With the tips provided in this guide, you can get the best performance out of a front load washing machine. Just take note of the key differences from a top loader, and you’ll be washing clothes like a laundry expert in no time!
Sources
A Complete Guide for Front Load Laundry Care
Front Load Washer Operating Tips