Everything You Need to Know About High Efficiency (HE), Front-Load Washing Machines

Energy Usage

Front load washers are engineered to use less power than old-fashioned top loaders. Front loaders do not have an agitator, they rely solely on spinning action to do their job. "HE" rated front loaders (which all of the new washers must be now) are designed to use even less energy than models produced only a few years ago. Top loaders use more electricity to clean the same amount of clothing and the newer model top loaders are especially poorly rated, since government regulations have reduced the amount of energy they consume, which has resulted in shortened cycles and much less effective cleaning, especially compared with the relative inefficiency of "agitation" cleaning anyway (not to mention the occasional mangled piece of clothing wrapped around the agitator).

Water Usage

High Efficiency model washers only use an average of 8 gallons per load compared to 15 gallons for a top load washer - that's a HUGE difference. If a household washes just one load of laundry per day, that saves 2,555 Gallons of water per year. That's quite a savings, especially if you live in an area with restricted use or high water bills each month. These models are perfect for homes on septic tank systems, since the water load and amount of detergents going in to the tank is greatly reduced. This helps reduce the risk of flow-overs and backups of the plumbing.

Detergent Usage

High Efficiency detergents are widely available now, however, these machines do not absolutely need the special formulations. You can run the HE models using regular liquid detergent - just use a maximum of 2 Tablespoons in them (no more or you'll get too many suds which can clog the machine).

Cleaning Efficiency

Front load machines have a longer wash cycle than top loaders and consumer testing has shown that they actually remove dirt and stains to common laundry better and are also are gentler on garments due to the lack of an agitator.

Ease of Use

The main difficulty with everyday use of a front loading machine is the need to bend over to remove the wet clothing unless you also purchase a base to elevate it. For smaller adults, this isn't a problem, and it may actually be physically easier than getting loads out of a top loader. The base or "platform" which the machines (both washers and their matching HE dryers) may add $100-$200 to your purchase price - the bases usually are an "accessory" and not included with the basic unit. The platforms themselves are attractive, handy for storage, and raise the washer up to a more comfortable loading and unloading position. The units operate just as well with or without the bases.

Odors

These machines have gotten a bit of bad press about odor and mold issues. Users need to keep in mind that the inside of a washing machine a damp area (usually a warm, damp area) and that front loaders need to seal air-tight for use (or water would leak out during use). You cannot leave the machine closed up and damp for days on end and then be surprised when an odor or mold develops, it's similar to what happens if you leave an ice chest with a bit of water still in it shut up and left in the hot sun for a few days. With a top loader, if you leave wet clothes in them for a couple of days, the same thing happens, it's just less likely to happen with an empty tub because the lid just sits on top, it doesn't seal. The best thing to do is to leave the door ajar if you won't be washing another load within the next day or so. If you have young children or pets in the home, you may want to look into purchasing a desiccating (drying) bag to keep in the machine between uses. Just take the bag out when you're washing a load.

*IF YOU DO HAPPEN TO GET AN ODOR PROBLEM, THE BEST WAY TO GET RID OF IT IS TO RUN A CYCLE WITH ONE SCOOP OF *POWDERED* DISHWASHER DETERGENT (LIKE PLAIN ELECTRO-SOL OR CASCADE POWDER) ONLY (NO CLOTHES). THAT SHOULD DO THE TRICK.

Door Positioning

While many common dryers can be installed with the door opening either to the left or to the right, most HE models cannot be adjusted. They are manufactured with the locking mechanism on either the left or the right and cannot be switched. When shopping, you'll either need to make sure that the model you purchase opens the way that works best for your laundry area if you absolutely need to have it open a certain way.

As a side note, just like any washing machine, small items like baby socks and thong panties really should be placed in a lingerie bag to wash them. They can clog the machine and cause damage - be sure that after each cycle you gently pull back the rubber flange and check for small things.

If you're in the market for a new washer an HE front-load model is the way to go. They wash clothes and linens more effectively, use less detergent, use less water, and use less energy. They also may become the only washers on the market within a few years, as government restrictions on energy and water use become tighter and more commonplace. Manufacturers are under intense pressure to produce only the most efficient models possible. An old-fashioned top loader will soon be a thing of the past.