Manufacturers of Front Loaders usually recommend only HE detergents be used – HE means high efficiency, as in the efficient use of water. Since water volume is lower in Front Loaders, the detergent needs to be lower on suds than a regular detergent.
If you were to use a regular detergent, you’ll soon notice during the wash cycle that there appears to be a snow storm behind the door. The machine will struggle to mix the clothes effectively and won’t be able to remove all the suds during the rinse cycle. When you open the machine there will probably still be some suds hanging about.
HE detergents are readily available on the shop shelves with regular laundry soap – look for the ‘HE’ symbol.
Prices per load are much the same for HE as regular detergents. Buying in bulk can reap savings and ensure you have it on hand for all your washings.
Front Load Washer Detergents – bulk buys
Country Save HE Laundry Detergent is great for use in Front Loading machines – it’s dye and fragrance free, completely biodegradable, 100% phosphate-free, gentle for sensitive skin and ultra concentrated.
$62.15 for 160 loads ($0.32/load) (5 stars on Amazon)
Tide HE detergent provides excellent cleaning with the right level of sudsing under lower water-use conditions. The original scent leaves your laundry smelling clean and fresh.
$35.42 for 124 loads ($0.29/load) (4 stars on Amazon)
All Small & Mighty liquid detergent is triple concentrated and also hypoallergenic and formulated without perfumes or dyes. Save with a case of 4.
$76.63 for 384 loads ($0.20/load) (5 stars on Amazon)
February 9th, 2009 at 12:17 am
From working in sales in the Appliance Dept at Best Buy, I suggest you use the liquid and no more than 2 tbsp. a load. Also, if you are able to, keep the washer door open for a while after you are done with laundry to dry the drum. Otherwise, you will get a musty smell.You will also want to do an empty load once a month with just bleach to clean it out.
February 9th, 2009 at 2:03 am
I use liquid Tide HE detergent in my front loaders. I don’t have a real reason why- I’ve always preferred liquid and Tide, so I just kept using it, just in the HE type!!
Have fun with your new washer- I got mine last spring and still call it my baby!!