Don't overdose when doing laundry.
No washing machine, no matter it rank in our continuously updated ratings of
front-loaders and
top-loaders (available to
subscribers), can perform at its best if you don't use the right type or amount of detergent. Follow this advice from our
February 2010 report on washers and dryers to be sure your loads come out looking good.
Pick the right laundry detergent. Regular detergents are too sudsy and can affect the performance of front-loading and high-efficiency top-loading machines. (What's more, using regular detergents might void the warranty on a front-loader or HE top-loader.) That's why manufacturers recommend HE detergents. Check out our
ratings of HE and conventional laundry detergents (available to
subscribers).
Use the correct amount of cleaner. Today's detergents are more concentrated, so you need to use less cleaner. You should measure carefully and add the proper quantity, since overdosing can affect performance and prolong the wash cycle. Follow directions and highlight fill lines on laundry caps as a reminder. For more on proper dosage, read "
Some Laundry-Detergent Caps Can Lead to Overdosing," and learn about the new
Method Laundry Detergent With Smartclean technology.
Finally, if you own a front-loader, remember that the door seal can trap moisture and debris, leading to mold and odor. According to the Annual Product Reliability Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, 8 percent of front-loader problems were caused by mold or mildew. LG and Maytag front-loaders were slightly more susceptible than most brands covered in the survey.
If you don't have young children at home, leave the washer door ajar, allowing air to circulate, and wipe dry the door gasket and glass. Also clean dispensers monthly. Some manufacturers suggest that you regularly run an empty load with bleach added. Wipe under and around the dispenser and run another load after that to remove residual bleach. Whirlpool claims its Affresh tablets can prevent odor by removing residue, but in our tests the residue remained.
Essential information: When you're in the market for a new washer, use our
free buyer's guide to washing machines. If washers are
eligible for a rebate in your state, take advantage of the
$300 million cash for clunkers for appliances program. And before you buy, find out
where to get the best deals on appliances.
