HE clothing washers don't work as well as an old fashion top loader with an agitator?

Question

We went from an old fashion top loader to a HE front loader. My wife is not happy with it she says it's not getting cloths as clean as the old top loader used to. She also said it doesn't get the soap out we are using HE soap and only filling it to the line which is very little soap. Has anyone else had this experience.

Answer 1

Pretty much everyone. Those HE washers sound better in theory than they work in practice. Yes they do use less water, but you aren't saving any if you have to wash the clothes a second time just to get them clean.



Try going with half the recommended amount of detergent, and if the washer has the option for a second rinse, USE it. The rinse cycle is the real problem; there's not enough water used in the rinse to get the dirty water and detergent out.



Wash smaller loads but use the setting for a larger load if possible. Again, you're defeating the HE features, but you'll probably find that the clothes get cleaner that way.



Or, do what I did ... buy another top-loader with an agitator. I did a lot of research before replacing my old washer and found so many complaints about the HE washers, I didn't even consider buying one.

Answer 2

Despite the comments here there are a large number of front loading "HE" washing machines that do a terrible job out there. Without identifying the model there is no way to be sure. Poor construction, mold and poor cleaning results are all too common. There are a number of class action lawsuits against certain manufacturers Kenmore, whirlpool LG, are happening right now. Simple googling will find this out for those that don't know. I'm not sure if this is a design problem or what but, it is a real problem. I personally had a new kenmore "HE" front loader new in '06 and it was a piece of junk. I replaced it with a Speed Queen top loader almost 2 years ago and all those problems vanished. For those that don't know google "amazon Speed Queen" and find out what real users are experiencing.

Answer 3

Sounds like you've got a rinsing problem. Try just washing the clothes without detergent... I'll bet you'll see a fair amount of old detergent residue coming out in the wash. Once you get rid of the old residue, the clothes clean up nicely with the recommended amounts of detergent. You may find (particularly in hard water areas) something like powdered Calgon water softener or vinegar in the last rinse will be helpful.

Answer 4

With a front-load washer, you have to use slightly less detergent than the manufacturer recommends and make smaller loads--you can't overload the machine.

Answer 5

HE washers will ALWAYS givea superior wash to an old top loader ONLY if you are using it as per the manufacturers instructions. I guess you are washing in cold water?.....DONT.....Cold water is damaging to clothing and you machine. Detergent is an acid, it wont dissolve properly in cold water. PLEASE use warm water no matter whet type of machine you have. Look at the label on your clothing. Does it reccommend warm water?????? ...I wonder why....Make sure you are using a detergent that is designed for a HE machine.

USE a lot less detergent as your new machine uses a lot less water. A large load will alway wash better than a small load.Use the cycle recommended. PLEASE< PLEASE< PLEASE....READ,ABSORB AND UBDERSTAND THE INSTRUCTIONS. THEY SERVE NO OTHER PURPOSE