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Detergent and Additive Usage - Front Load Washer
Front load washers are designed to operate a little bit differently from top load washers. They are craftily designed to be gentler on clothes, use less water, and extract more water during the spin cycle than a conventional top load washer. Therefore, to enjoy the maximum performance of your front load washer, the factors below are crucial and of the utmost importance.
- The type of detergent.
- The amount of detergent.
- Is the softener too thick?
- Additive and wash booster usage.
To understand the proper usage of detergents and additives, watch this interactive video :
Type of Detergent - Detergent Usage Guidelines
Use HE detergents ONLY
HE detergents are referred to as highly efficient detergents. The next time you go out shopping for your detergent, look closely for HE detergents; they are easily recognizable by the symbol of letters 'h' and 'e' separated by a red dot on a blue circle, often surrounded by a white circle swirl.
Why choose HE detergents?
HE detergents, with the 'HE' symbol, are formulated to be used in washing machines which uses less water. Fortunately, LG front load and top load washers are highly efficient machines that use 20-66% less water, and they have a reduced energy consumption rate of almost 50-80%, compared to the contemporary washing machine.
HE detergents are carefully designed to hold soil in suspension with low water; so that the soil is not re-deposited on clean clothes. More importantly, HE detergents are very low, and quick dispersing cleaners.
The Amount of HE Detergent
Use the amount recommended by the detergent manufacturer.
- If you see soapsuds (bubbles that form when soap is mixed with water), use half of the recommended amount.
- Keep reducing your detergent until no suds are seen anymore.
- If you live in an area with soft water, it may be necessary to keep reducing to as little as 2 tablespoons, until you understand the right amount that can complete your washing cycle without any form of suds.
- HE detergents that are 2x or 3x concentrated may require you to use even less than 2 tablespoons.
- If using a powdered HE detergent, the blue liquid detergent insert must be removed from the drawer. Place the powdered detergent in the cavity; where the blue insert was located.
Is the Fabric Softener Too Thick? Is the Bleach dispensing prematurely?
If your fabric softener is too thick, it will cause dispensing issues, such as fabric softener or detergent not dispensing properly. We recommend that you dilute the fabric softener with water at a ratio of 50:50. When you use fabric softener, only use liquid fabric softener; and add it to the softener dispenser only.
If you need to add bleach (depending on the model of your machine), only add the bleach to its separate compartment. If you are not sure, check the guide images on your machine or refer to your owner's manual. Lastly, do not exceed the maximum fill line in any of the compartments; the over-use of the detergent, softener or bleach risk causing premature release resulting in sudsing and leaking of your machine from the safety air vents at the back of your machine.
- Liquid Bleach, whether regular or Color-Safe, is recommended over powdered Bleach. If you absolutely need to use powdered bleach, do not put it in the dispenser. Instead, toss it in the tub before putting in the load.
- AVOID OVERFILLING BLEACH DISPENSER! As the dispenser operates by suction principle, filling it past MAX line will see entire quantity dispensed prematurely & uselessly.
Detergent and Additive Usage
The Internet is a wonderful valuable tool in recommending BEST "HE" detergents to use in your LG front load washer. Here is an EXAMPLE of such recommendation:
source: https://bestreviews.com/best-high-efficiency-laundry-detergents
If you prefer using powdered detergent for environmental reasons or any other valid reason, that is fine. But, please use sparingly to avoid making too much suds and put the powdered detergent in the tub with the load before starting the wash cycle.
If your preference are PODS, again do NOT put pods in the dispenser. Please toss it in along with the laundry load prior to starting the wash cycle.
The reasoning behind the omission of long period presoaking has certainly to do with the washing performance prowess of Front Load washers. By tumbling clothing and water, the detergent-induced water goes through the fabric for through & thorough cleaning whereas the agitator-based top load washer had the water rub against the clothing never penetrating through the fabric to fully remove stains.
A customer inquired about the use of scent booster (beads) in her washing machine.
“Laundry scent boosters are safe to use in front load and high efficiency washers, as well as top-loaders. However, users need to follow instructions when using them. That includes always placing beads directly into the drum of the machine, and not putting them in the dispenser drawer.
Be careful not to use too much of the scent beads - that’s why a useful measuring lid is included to help guide customers on using the right amount.
Scent beads have the potential to clog your washing machine if they don’t properly dissolve, or if they are excessively or improperly used. That is the reason it is always so important to follow manufacturer instructions.”