About High Efficiency Front-Load Washers and HE Detergents

Front-load high efficiency washers are designed for low energy and high efficiency operation. These washers are loaded with convenience and energy-saving features. However, front-loading washers do require a substantial investment to purchase and washer care and maintenance varies considerably from the more traditional top-loading washer models. Simply stated, front-load washers do require more care.

It is also recommended that HE detergents only be used in front-load washers. The following tips will help you with buying, using and caring for a high efficiency front-load washer.

Buying a High Efficiency Front-Load Washer - Tips & Resources:

• Front-Loading vs Top-Loading Washers - Which is Better?
  Wondering which style of washer to buy? There are trade-offs with each type and significant price differences. Be informed before you make your buying decision.
• Before You Buy a Washer
  Review my washer buying tips which apply to either style of washer. You'll learn what washer cycles are a must and what features are available.
  • Compare Prices of Front-Load Washers
    Learn about washer prices so you'll know what to expect and can spot a good deal.
  • Compare Prices of Washers & Dryers
    This may be a good time to get a companion dryer. Review and compare prices of different brands of laundry appliances.
• Buying Home Appliances - Should You Consider Color?
  Colors can age a appliance but it can also brighten your laundry area. Learn the pro's and con's of choosing a colored appliance.
• Installing a Washer and Dryer for Best Efficiency
  Where you will place the HE washer and dryer is something you should consider before buying these appliances. There is an optimum placement that will make your work flow most efficient.
• Compact Laundry Units
  Small laundry area or home? You may want to explore downsizing your laundry appliances.
• What is EnergyStar?
  An EnergyStar qualified appliance can save you money in energy bills. Learn why this appliance certification is important.
• Laundry Appliance Reader Views
  Reading laundry appliance reviews can help you to make an informed buying decision.

HE Detergent Use for High-Efficiency Washers:

• What is HE Laundry Detergent?
  There are solid reasons for using only this type of detergent in a high-efficiency washer.
• Can I Use Regular Detergent in an HE Washer?
  Sounds innocent enough, but find out why it's not a good idea to use regular detergent in a front-loader.
• Concentrated HE Detergents
  Learn why manufacturers are concentrating detergents and how to use these formulas.
• High Efficiency Washers & Detergents Guide by the SDA
  This guide will answer many questions you may have regarding front-loaders and appropriate detergent use.
• Sources for HE Detergents for Baby's Clothes
  It can be very difficult to find suitable HE laundry detergent mild enough for baby's clothing. This list of retailers can help you find a source.

High Efficiency Washer - Care & Maintenance:

• Laundry Mesh Bags Protect Your Clothing & Washer
  Protecting your washer and clothing is a laundry priority regardless what type of washer you use, but with a high efficiency front-loader, it's a must if you want to save costly washer repair bills.
• Reasons to Read Your Product Manual
  Your HE washer product manual will include care tips as well as how and when to run the cleaning cycle. This is crucial to keeping your front-load washer operating properly.
• Caring for Your Front-load Washer & Preventing Mold Issues
  A front-load washer requires more care than a traditional model due to their overall design and low energy use. These tips will help you to keep it in good operating condition and reduce the risk of washer problems.
• Solutions for Front-Load Washer Mold Problems
  Washer mold can occur in either style of washer, but an HE model is more at risk. Find ways to prevent this annoying washer problem from occurring in the first place and how to resolve on-going issues.
  
• Readers offer tips for preventing and resolving washer mold issues.
  Many consumers are dealing on a day-to-day basis with mold in their high-efficiency front-load washers. Readers share tips on how to resolve these issues.
• Washer Mold - Smelly Washer Syndrome
  Blog of September 2008 - Read how others are handling front-load washer mold and find tips on avoiding this problem.
• Appliance Parts & Repairs Resources
  Washer breakdown? Find sources for parts and repair tips to keep your laundry appliances working properly.

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