My first time using a front loader
- Thread starter spats
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Mike, you might end up spending most of your week positioned in front of the washer. I know I'm having fun watching my new Duet handle different types of loads on different cycles. The pedestal affords optimum viewing. I may have a life, but this Duet washer would give anyone cause to think otherwise.
I've been an avid fan of frontloading washers since I first purchased one in the late 1980's. They clean very well, use less water and energy, spin clothes drier and are very gentle on fabrics.
Having said that, I added a Frigidaire toploading washer to my laundry room about 7 months ago. It sports a 1950s-derived Franklin transmission which utilizes an unequal agitator stroke and an indexing tub, which is great fun to watch.
The FL'er is definitely my daily driver, though; the toploader is no match for it in almost every respect. If you're interested, here's one of three videos I made (of the toploader) and posted on YouTube. You'll notice the clockwise agitator stroke is about 1/3 the length of the counterclockwise stroke. Old-school technology, to be sure.
Having said that, I added a Frigidaire toploading washer to my laundry room about 7 months ago. It sports a 1950s-derived Franklin transmission which utilizes an unequal agitator stroke and an indexing tub, which is great fun to watch.
The FL'er is definitely my daily driver, though; the toploader is no match for it in almost every respect. If you're interested, here's one of three videos I made (of the toploader) and posted on YouTube. You'll notice the clockwise agitator stroke is about 1/3 the length of the counterclockwise stroke. Old-school technology, to be sure.
passatdoc
Well-known member
I have the same machine at home
One year of outstanding performance. I just hope it lasts (being a new model, and priced lower than other full sized FL machines, I just hope they didn't cut corners in terms of longevity---I can deal with construction that is so-so rather than rock solid). There isn't much data because the model was introduced only about two years ago.
Be sure to use "HE" detergent. Regular detergent may oversuds and eat up the bearings. That looked like a standard bottle of Purex you were using. There is a Purex HE version and forgive me if you are using Purex HE and I missed it. Costco's Kirkland detergent is HE-compatible and might make a nice housegift for your aunt, if there is a Costco nearby.
One year of outstanding performance. I just hope it lasts (being a new model, and priced lower than other full sized FL machines, I just hope they didn't cut corners in terms of longevity---I can deal with construction that is so-so rather than rock solid). There isn't much data because the model was introduced only about two years ago.
Be sure to use "HE" detergent. Regular detergent may oversuds and eat up the bearings. That looked like a standard bottle of Purex you were using. There is a Purex HE version and forgive me if you are using Purex HE and I missed it. Costco's Kirkland detergent is HE-compatible and might make a nice housegift for your aunt, if there is a Costco nearby.
jasonl
New member
Sorry, Spats
I hate to break the news to you...
You're hooked now!
I love my Oasis but I miss my Frigemore :-(
I hate to break the news to you...
You're hooked now!
I love my Oasis but I miss my Frigemore :-(
Yeah, front loaders are different, yet interesting to watch 
I sat down there 3 time while up there and watched it, hehe
No, it is not HE detergent. I will tell her about that, and she does shop at Costco, as that was what the fabric softener was, Kirkland Signature.
I sat down there 3 time while up there and watched it, hehe No, it is not HE detergent. I will tell her about that, and she does shop at Costco, as that was what the fabric softener was, Kirkland Signature.
decodriveboy
Member
Question
I still don't get how the wrong detergent can destroy bearings, or whatever else on these new FL's. Can someone explain this for me?
Why was detergent type not an issue with old FL's?
I still don't get how the wrong detergent can destroy bearings, or whatever else on these new FL's. Can someone explain this for me?
Why was detergent type not an issue with old FL's?
oversudsing.
Muck in the form of water and detergent, etc. gets where it is not supposed to.
Water like oxygen brings decay, rust contamination, etc.
Mostly I guess it washes away the necessary grease/oil/lubrication.
Remember the proportion of detergent is not relevant to quantity of clothing; the quantity of detergent is neccessary to be stoichiometrically balanced (in proper porportion to) the amount of water present.
In a nutshell if the machine washes with 1/4 of the water used by a top-loader (in ne fill), you'd use 1/4 of the detergent the top-loader requires.
Muck in the form of water and detergent, etc. gets where it is not supposed to.
Water like oxygen brings decay, rust contamination, etc.
Mostly I guess it washes away the necessary grease/oil/lubrication.
Remember the proportion of detergent is not relevant to quantity of clothing; the quantity of detergent is neccessary to be stoichiometrically balanced (in proper porportion to) the amount of water present.
In a nutshell if the machine washes with 1/4 of the water used by a top-loader (in ne fill), you'd use 1/4 of the detergent the top-loader requires.
You know, I used to think that, but now firmly belive in using HE detergents in a front loader unless the detergent in question is low sudsing. One can get down to one tablespoon of regular Tide powders and still have sudsing problems. Have also found it takes more rinses to get out non-HE detergents as opposed to say Persil. Case in point when using Persil or P&G's "Pro" Tide Stain Remover powder (which is HE and according to the MSDS is really Tide powder, but we're not on that now), by the third of five rinses, the water is clear. This does not always happen with other detergents.
It is important is that one is able reach the necessary concentration of detergent to water without heavy suds. Sometimes using less regular detergent does not allow that to happen. The results may not be apparent after the first wash, but subsequent loads result in dingy, grey and dull whites and colours. Also since oils and muck are not being dissloved and washed away they tend to linger in the washer causing a build up that leads to the whiff many complain about in their machines.
It is important is that one is able reach the necessary concentration of detergent to water without heavy suds. Sometimes using less regular detergent does not allow that to happen. The results may not be apparent after the first wash, but subsequent loads result in dingy, grey and dull whites and colours. Also since oils and muck are not being dissloved and washed away they tend to linger in the washer causing a build up that leads to the whiff many complain about in their machines.
brettsomers
Well-known member
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from what i remember, liquid purex is low sudsing, so should be okay.
rolls_rapide
Well-known member
Frontloaders...
Spatz:
Two things that you have to be careful of:
I see that there is a dirty mark on the door seal; this means that either there is insufficient detergent, or incorrect detergent, or possibly iron content in the water. Frontloaders require a hot maintenance cycle to be run, with a quality powder, to wash away any residues (dirt, stale detergent, etc).
Secondly, liquid detergents: if placed into the drawer, they have a tendency to run straight into the tub, then down into the sump, where they are not used for washing. In the UK, washer manufacturers usually recommend use of a dosing ball, placed on top of the clothes, in the drum.
Spatz:
Two things that you have to be careful of:
I see that there is a dirty mark on the door seal; this means that either there is insufficient detergent, or incorrect detergent, or possibly iron content in the water. Frontloaders require a hot maintenance cycle to be run, with a quality powder, to wash away any residues (dirt, stale detergent, etc).
Secondly, liquid detergents: if placed into the drawer, they have a tendency to run straight into the tub, then down into the sump, where they are not used for washing. In the UK, washer manufacturers usually recommend use of a dosing ball, placed on top of the clothes, in the drum.
Do traditional US non-HE detergents contain any corrosion inhibitors ?
Maybe that explains the bearing spider trouble ?!?
Maybe that explains the bearing spider trouble ?!?
rolls_rapide
Well-known member
Liquid detergents are not all they're made out to be. Excessive overdosing can eventually cause the drum spider to rot through. In the medium term, bad odours can build up from liquid residues.
Good quality powder detergents and hot washes will prolong the life of the machine.
Good quality powder detergents and hot washes will prolong the life of the machine.
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