I’ve noticed that more and more of our wonderful customers have discovered the many advantages that come with investing in a high-efficiency (HE) washing machine. While most high-efficiency washers are of the front-loading variety, there are a growing number of great top-loading models that also qualify as high efficiency units.
So, what’s the big deal with a HE washer?
HE washing machines do not use an agitator to wash clothes, as is the case with traditional washers. No agitation means less wear and tear on your clothes. High efficiency washers also use as much as 1/3 less water per load then traditional machines. That means there is less water to heat, resulting in significant energy savings.
Do I REALLY need that fancy HE detergent?
YES! There is one very important thing to always remember when using any high efficiency washing machine: Be sure to use only specially formulated, high-efficiency laundry detergent. Traditional detergents are designed to work with more water than is used in a high-efficiency machine. If these detergents are used in a high-efficiency unit, they will produce an excess of suds. And excessive suds in a HE washer can create a couple different problems.
1. Most machines are designed to detect an over sudsing condition and will add additional water and cycle time in an attempt to minimize the suds, resulting in reduced water and energy savings.
2. Not only will the washer be less effective at cleaning your clothes, oversudsing can also cause drain and circulation pumps to overheat and fail.
3. In extreme cases, severe over sudsing will cause moisture to penetrate seals resulting in premature tub bearing failure.
Most laundry detergent manufactures produce high efficiency versions of their products. Look for the letters ‘HE’ on the label. Following just this one simple rule will help ensure years of peak performance and energy savings from your high efficiency washer.
To learn more about high efficiency washers and proper detergent use, go to: http://www.cleaning101.com/laundry/HE.pdf
