“softener leads to machine failure“ Is this true or is it hogwash?

[gelaundry4ever]

my take on the softener situation

It all comes down to how you use it, as well as the design and styles of the softener dispensing process. Some softener dispensers spin out the softener during spin, while others flush them out while filling. My mom has her LG and in all her years of using softener, nary an issue out of it has come up. Softener being flushed out is better because you essentially clean it out. Believe me.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

all temps

I have used fabric softener in all temps and I have yet to have an issue. If you are going to use cold water, also use warm and hot as well depending on color content. Just keep in mind.

 

[DADoES]

 
Jerome, the problem is softener gunk accumulating on the interior of the outer tub, on the exterior of the spin basket, and under the agitator.  The method of dispensing has no relation to those areas.  My AquaSmarts flush and drain the softener dispenser five times and residue still accumulates in the dispenser and thus the dispenser needs cleaning on a recurring basis according to the usage pattern.  Neptune TL flushes the softener dispenser continuously while the final rinse level increases from the low normal level to the higher bulky level (the final rinse always fills to bulky level).  Its dispenser also accumulates residue and must be occasionally cleaned.  So, if residue accumulates in the dispensers on those machines even with the amount of flushing they do, then it certainly can accumulate in the other hidden areas.

 

[mrboilwash]

Not sure how much sense it makes to compare accumulation in the softener compartment where it sits for a long time undiluted with other machine parts where is diluted and then at least in theory should be washed away again with detergent in the next wash cycle.

Never had a problem with FS build up in a washer so far but I always use plenty of detergent and I frequently run very hot washes. Suppose this helps a lot.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

Don't believe the hype!

Don't even believe the hype. Nothing is as good as softener when you use it correctly. I use it all the time. No harm done!

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

Honestly same here, when used correctly it’s always done a

WONDERFUL job speaking of which that reminds me, I’ve gotta do a little bit of laundry to do before I take on Melbourne trip

 

[gelaundry4ever]

caustic comment

Somebody needs to post a caustic comment due to this stupid crap that dude said. How dare he? I'll do laundry Saturday and yes, with fabric softener! I promise you, nothing bad happens to the machines! EVER!!!!

 

[DADoES]

 
Somebody?  Why not yourself?

 

[gelaundry4ever]

I did...

I did, but it has fallen on deaf ears. Like I don't know how to do laundry. He thinks we're that stupid. I'm not stupid! His suggestions in the video do not work. Anything "eco friendly" is a farce!

 

[foraloysius]

Very rude to demand a caustic comment. Where are your manners?

 

[maytag85]

Jerome, I know how you feel at times but I’d put the “fabric softener destroys machines” subject on ‘cruise control’ if you will. Everyone has their own experiences, but I’d just put this topic/subject to rest for awhile.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

Sean A806

I appreciate your feedback. I'll just put it on cruise control and not bother with this stupid dude, who has no idea what he's talking about. He's just spewing baloney.

 

[maytag85]

Reply #41

The only one who can really comment on this is John Lefever since he’s been working on and servicing machines for the past 50 years or so. He’s seen it all from bad laundry practices to good laundry practices along with people who were meticulous with taking care of their machines inside and out.

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

It would be nice if when we mentioned someone by their

by their @ (eg @adam-aussie-vac) And it would show up in the message section “someone has asked for a demonstration, please reply to @Westihaus on T:123456 R:23”
T short for thread, R short for reply

 

[gelaundry4ever]

proper use

I completely agree that proper use should always be practiced. Maybe that's probably why they have "smart" dispensers for laundry detergent and fabric softener to prevent over or under use. But again, there's something that can always go wrong. It would be nice if the bulk dispensers had water flowing through them to turn the above products into a solution that does an effective job.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

downy ball

I do have downy balls I use in the Speed Queen laundry. I always use heavy soil on the normal cycle to get a deep rinse and there's no softener residue. If anything, it's completely mixed through during final deep rinse.

 

[me]

The machine in the second video looks to me like somebody tipped it over to work on it, having forgot the draw was still full of fabric conditioner and liquid detergent.

Also from all that mould and bacterial sludge, I think they probably leave the door and draw closed between washes, so the insides stay nice and humid for mould and bacteria to grow, and probably use a liquid washing detergent, and quite likely not hot enough water.