Front Load Washing Machines – Appliances Online’s Guide

March 22nd, 2007

Laundry

As using top load washing machines is significantly different to using front load washing machines, here is a step-by-step guide on how to successfully use a front load washing machine, while maximizing the results. Following the steps here will ensure your get the most out of your front load washer.

1. Separate laundry into whites, light colours, dark colours, also into different fabric groups: cottons, delicate woollens/hand wash.

2. Load washer. For cottons full capacity, for delicates, woollens 1/3 to is recommended. Easy care mixed fabrics should not exceed full to avoid creasing. The use of fabric conditioner is also advisable as this will relax the fabric and make ironing easier.

3. Use appropriate low suds front load detergent, these are available in various forms: Tablets, powder (regular or concentrate), or liquid.

4. Liquid detergent is recommended for colours as they contain no bleaching agents;

• Liquid wool detergents for delicates and woollens
• Powder and tablets which contain oxygen based bleaching agents are suitable for whites and heavily soiled washing.
• For lightly soiled washing you can reduce the amount of detergent by 1/3.

5. Wash temperatures are important for good wash results, as a rule of thumb:

• 60 degrees for whites
• 40 degrees for colours
• 30 degrees for dark colour reds, delicates, woolens, silks

Cold water washes are not recommended as they do not allow the detergent to work effectively and gives you poor soil and stain removal. Detergent enzymes activate at 30 to 40 degrees.

Front load washing machines allow you to wash at very high temperatures (90 degrees) this is only reserved for whites and laundry you want to sanitise eg. Sheets, towels, table linen and tea towels.

6. Wash options: For light to normal soiling without visible staining a ‘short’ or ‘quick wash’ option should be sufficient as this saves you time when an extended cycle is not required.
If you normally soak laundry before washing, the extended wash times with pre wash option will allow you to eliminate the need for this. In this case, divide detergent between compartments 1 and 2.

7. At the end of each programme leave the door and detergent dispenser ajar to dry them out.

For more information about front load washing machines, refer to your instruction book, go to Appliances Online or call us on 1300 000 500.