Do front loading washing machines clean as well as top loading washing machines?

Question

I currently own a top loading machine, but I need to buy a new one and I am wondering which machine works better?

Answer 1

In a word. YES. One front load washers will fit more in them (10-15) garments. And will also use less water then your top loader. As for as the cleaning. In a top loader the garments are moved to the bottom of the washer by the agitator. If you have a full load sometimes they wont make it to the bottom and not get has clean.

In the front load the tumble over each other. This is how they get clean when the rub each other. Because they use less water and power you should see some savings there. Also some water and power companies give rebates for them.

If you get them you will also have to change to an HE detergent. They can be found at the same store you buy your stuff now and cost the same.

Answer 2

Top loading machines clean better because there is enough water to flush out the dirt, lint and oils. In a top loading washing machine the clothes get tumbled together and they fold over on each other trapping the dirt between the layers of clothes; there's no way for that dirt to get flushed out.

I used a front loader for over 6 years. I had some kitchen towels that had old spill stains on them that never came out. After about 5 or 6 washes in a top loading washing machine the stains came out with no extra treatment. The same happened with work clothes that got all gray and dim after a year in the front loader. After several washes in a top loader they were much brighter and cleaner.

Also, the first several times I washed my laundry in a top loader after using a front loader for so long, the water was really gross. Now the water only gets slightly gray when I wash a load of laundry because all the filth that had built up from using a front loader for so many years is now gone.

Answer 3

Since the cost of water is so high, we have only purchased the water-savers. They do a good job of cleaning our laundry. CARE OF FRONT LOADERS: Read & follow instructions. With the Maytag Neptune, that was very important. We now have a Fridgidaire which is much simpler (and cheaper). We never overload our washing machines and periodically we run a load of whites (towels, etc) with bleach and since the doors seal tightly when closed, we leave the door ajar after use and we have never had any problem with mold in our machines. You can interrupt a wash but must wait until the door unlock button clicks before pulling the door open. When you finish doing whatever adjustment you need, then you push the control to resume your wash. (The little water that comes out & drips on the front of the machine & floor when you retrieve your garment during an interrupted cycle, you can easily solve by wiping it away after you have closed your door.) AFTER SAD EXPERIENCE: It isn't worth the expense of damaging your own machines by stuffing and overloading it. With scatter rugs and other large or bulky items (true even when we had top loaders) we always take to the laundromat and put it in their large front loaders. Also we feel the larger machines is more appropriate for those things. Recommend the water savers. Whatever you decide, it's sure nice to have your own laundry equipment.

Answer 4

Front loaders, needless to say, are more expensive than top loaders, BUT...front loaders only use between 16-20 gallons of water per load as compared to 40-45 gallons of water per load with a top loader. Keep away from GE products. Maytag,now owned by Whirlpool, is not the machine it once was; buyer beware!! With front loaders, you should be usung High Efficiency detergent (look for the "HE" symbol in the detergent aisle. OR... go to LOWE's and have them show you FISHER/PAYKEL top loaders. Energy efficient, uses 18-22 gallons of water per load, a lot less than your average front loaders, it has no belts, etc... the dryers have sensor controls which will automatically stop as soon as the clothes is dry, usually in less than 30 minutes because the washer's final spin reaches close to 1200 rpm's per minute. AND... they offer a two yrs manufacturer's waranty on their products, as opposed to one yr on front loaders. A New Zealand Company, known all over the world. Have been in the USA for 11 yrs and their products are made in thsi country.

Answer 5

Consumer Reports has a recent issue on appliances. They found that front loaders have to be repaired twice as often overall as toploaders. Nothing is worse than a broken washing machine. I bought a Duet dryer about 4 years ago- i was going to buy the washer to match until I read that report- I went to Lowes and bought the large capacity Roper for less than $300- saved over $600- Thats an awful lot of efficiency to pay for the front loader!!

Answer 6

They should work equally well; the front loader will use less water but the top loader will cost less to buy. Go to the library and look for Consumers Reports for reviews of the things.

Answer 7

Front loaders are supposed to be more engery effienct since they use less water. And the chances that you will have clean clothing is higher compared to the top loading.

Answer 8

A good front-loading machine cleans very well indeed. Just make sure it is shut well, and that there are no problems with the seal.

Answer 9

I have a front loader and find it cleans better,uses less water, and is much easier on your clothes. I have had mine for about 3 years and purchased it because we have a well and I am extremely glad I did.

Answer 10

I have one and really like it. Because I doesn't have an agitator, it is a lot easier on your clothes, and is more energy efficient and consumes less water. I only wish mine had a larger drum.