High Effiency washers

I have a front loader HE washer. Here is what I've learned:

Always use the proper setting for the load you're doing. Use the prewash when neccessary.

Always leave the door to the washer open when not in use. Otherwise mold will show up.

Make sure you run a very hot load about once a month to get rid of mold or other slimey stuff.

Every now and then run an empty load with bleach and hot water to get rid of crud.

Check between the gasket and the drum every now and then to make sure that a sock or other small object hasn't fallen between the crack.

Don't use too much detergent.

Use only HE detergent.

Pretreat when required.

To learn more than you'd ever want to know about laundry try this link: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/laundry/

With kids, I do a lot of laundry, and I was told about a product that was to be used with the washer, Magic clean?

as an alternative to bleach, you can run a load with vinegar to defeat the dank smell.

OMG SGB you linked to the laundry forum. I used to hang out at thathomesite (decorating, kitchens, lurking in laundry & remodeling) but have been too busy for the past year or so. You might scare Florida Girl ... those people know way too much about laundry.

Florida Girl I have a Bosch FL set and I agree with everything SGB said. I've had it for almost 5 years and been very happy with the cleaning performance. I use Oxy Clean spray to pretreat and the bleach pens when necessary. A good long soak gets the whites nice and bright.

Mine doesn't soak, uses 8 gallons of water during the cycle.

So now we're on the subject of washers (and dryers), I will soon need to replace mine in GA because the dryer is sort of flakey.

Why do virtually 100% of the advertisements for washers/dryers show them on pedestals? I realize that one doesn't have to lean over to load/unload them. But that's no problem for me. I use the tops of my washer/dryer as an extended folding area. If you get the tall ones, unless you're really tall, you can't do that. So, am I missing something? Will my laundry room look "old school" if I don't buy the platforms?

Why do virtually 100% of the advertisements for washers/dryers show them on pedestals? I realize that one doesn't have to lean over to load/unload them. But that's no problem for me. I use the tops of my washer/dryer as an extended folding area. If you get the tall ones, unless you're really tall, you can't do that. So, am I missing something? Will my laundry room look "old school" if I don't buy the platforms?

Currently mine are stacked on top of one another so I do not have the pedestals. Since they're stacked and the dryer is on top, I have to admit it's very nice to have the dryer at eye level. I have a counter next to the washer/dryer. However in about a week we will be starting some remodeling and due to the new laundry configuration, I will have to unstack the washer/dryer or else I won't have any counter space. Like you, I will be using the top of the W/D for folding. So I guess I'll find out if it's a pain to have the W/D lower. We're going to put a laminate counter top over the W/D. Note that the depth of these front load W/D are much deeper than typical front loaders. So the counter space will be deep. I have friends that have the front load W/D side by side without the pedestals and they look fine.

florida girl - I've never heard of magic clean.

My washer doesn't have a "soak" cycle either, which really bothers me, but it does have a prewash cycle that seems to get my clothes white and bright.

John R - good idea on the vinegar! I'll try that next time.

Note that the depth of these front load W/D are much deeper than typical front loaders.

We have plenty of counter space -- the laundry room is actually also a butler's pantry that we only use for that function when we have catered parties. But I only do the laundry about once every three weeks (whether I have to or not - LOL), so my counters get pretty full since I despise folding after each load.

If the depth of these "new school" appliances is greater, I guess we'll have to remodel the room because the counters are currently the same depth as the washer and dryer.

Thanks for the info.

I have been extremely happy with my HE washer/dryer. BR, mine are not on pedestals so that I can fold on top of them. It has worked out well.

I MUST chime in because 3 months ago I purchased the best washer ever and need to share my good fortune. It is not a front-loader, but it seems to act like a front loader, i.e., uses very little water, very little energy, gets the clothes really clean, and spins them out so that they are almost completely dry. I bought mine sight unseen when I had 2 friends recommend the same washer. It is called a Fisher & Paykel Ecosmart washer and is simple, simple, simple to use. I think it is from Australia. I love it! Plus, it was only $599. I got it at Walco and they delivered it the day after I ordered it.

I have been extremely happy with my HE washer/dryer. BR, mine are not on pedestals so that I can fold on top of them. It has worked out well.

Thanks for the info.

I MUST chime in because 3 months ago I purchased the best washer ever and need to share my good fortune. It is not a front-loader, but it seems to act like a front loader, i.e., uses very little water, very little energy, gets the clothes really clean, and spins them out so that they are almost completely dry. I bought mine sight unseen when I had 2 friends recommend the same washer. It is called a Fisher & Paykel Ecosmart washer and is simple, simple, simple to use. I think it is from Australia. I love it! Plus, it was only $599. I got it at Walco and they delivered it the day after I ordered it.

You know, the inexpensive washer and dryer that we have at the beach clean clothes better than the more expensive ones we have in GA. Plus, they don't rip things up, such as towels and t-shirts which are ripped up by the Whirlpool washer we have in GA. I put anything I care about in mesh bags. It is really a pain. No, I don't overfill the washer, as the manufacturer has accused me of in the effort to put the blame on me.

We have plenty of counter space -- the laundry room is actually also a butler's pantry that we only use for that function when we have catered parties. But I only do the laundry about once every three weeks (whether I have to or not - LOL), so my counters get pretty full since I despise folding after each load.

If the depth of these "new school" appliances is greater, I guess we'll have to remodel the room because the counters are currently the same depth as the washer and dryer.

Thanks for the info.

Big D must have tons of tighty whities!!

Big D must have tons of tighty whities!!

Oh, yeah. I couldn't begin to count how many. And I send all of his shirts to the cleaners. Heck, they're as big as the small condo we stayed at last week when we came down for a meeting (and couldn't stay at our house because it was rented). No way I'd iron those. I iron twice a year whether I have to or not. I still haven't ironed the Thanksgiving table linens. My "housewife," a 70-year-old woman, moved away, and my home has been in chaos ever since.

I MUST chime in because 3 months ago I purchased the best washer ever and need to share my good fortune. It is not a front-loader, but it seems to act like a front loader, i.e., uses very little water, very little energy, gets the clothes really clean, and spins them out so that they are almost completely dry. I bought mine sight unseen when I had 2 friends recommend the same washer. It is called a Fisher & Paykel Ecosmart washer and is simple, simple, simple to use. I think it is from Australia. I love it! Plus, it was only $599. I got it at Walco and they delivered it the day after I ordered it.

I can't highly recommend my very expensive front loaders. I like them and they clean well and hold a lot, but the extra attention needed to keep them slime and smell free, just should not be needed. I sometimes wish I too had listened to the mutual friend that GG and I have....

but the extra attention needed to keep them slime and smell free, just should not be needed.

Really? I had not heard about that.

I just bought 2 sets of LG Tromm front loaders (one set for the upstairs and one for downstairs) for our new Watercolor home and after reading this thread am afraid that I might have made a mistake. Is there anybody that has the LG Tromms that can make me feel better? I seem to remember that John R had them and liked them.

as an alternative to bleach, you can run a load with vinegar to defeat the dank smell.

I've used baking soda, not too keen on the smell of vinegar, unless it's in food! Still, I find I have to rewash, and/or prewash several times to get things to smell really clean. Also use Lysol in the prewash. I did hear an article that they weren't what they were cracked up to be. I wish I'd gotten a regular front loader.