# Do front-loading washers clean as well as top-loaders? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 1, 2008, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549 "2008-08-01T22:52:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/41 "2008-08-06T15:19:02Z")
Another money saving idea. If you aren’t going to stack them, don’t buy the driers that go with a front-loading washer. We recently bought a new washer and drier at a scratch-n-dent store. We found the washer we wanted and were looking at the driers. The salesperson mentioned that the drier that matched the front-load washer was about $150 more then the same drier that goes with a top-load washer. The only only difference is the placement of the controls. Frontloader gets controls on the front, toploader gets the controls on the top. But because frontloader washers are more expensive, manufacturers have priced the driers to match. ---
**Author:** ![islandmom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e9bcb4/32.png) [@islandmom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/islandmom)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/42 "2011-08-06T20:34:04Z")
> [@Green\_Cymbeline](#): > > I’m used to using a top-loading washing machine, but yesterday I did my laundry at my brother’s house, where he recently got a new front-loading washer. I watched it work, and it seems to me that it can’t possibly clean as well as a top-loader because the clothes are never fully immersed in the water. > > It went like this: the clothes spun around while a meager amount of water spurted on them in periodic bursts. The clothes became damp, but never appeared to be fully soaked and were never fully immersed in water. > > In a top-loader, the clothes are fully submerged in water and agitated briskly, which I would think would clean a lot more deeply. > > So what’s the straight dope on front-loaders?? Can they clean as well as top-loaders without fully submerging the clothes? I’ve recently purchased a front loading set and have had the same question, although, I can attest to my laundry smelling and appearing cleaner since using the front loading machine. ---
**Author:** ![islandmom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e9bcb4/32.png) [@islandmom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/islandmom)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/43 "2011-08-06T20:38:07Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > I think the point is that effective cleaning isn’t really about the amount of water, it’s about the amount of agitation. Front loaders agitate much more efficiently, top loaders compensate for less agitation with more water. You just need to have enough water to dissolve anything, once you get to that critical point adding more water doesn’t have any benefit chemically. I’ve recently purchased a set of front loading machines, and I agree that the longer wash cycle is annoying! Of course, I have no choice but to live with that now. In defense of the frontloader, my clothes definitely smell and look cleaner since using it, and my water and electric bill (?shorter drying time?) have decreased dramatically. ---
**Author:** ![islandmom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e9bcb4/32.png) [@islandmom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/islandmom)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/44 "2011-08-06T20:44:48Z")
> [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](#): > > I’ve been using front load washers for about 14 years now. I’ve installed them in the last 4 houses/condos I’ve owned. I find that my cloths are at least as clean as the top loader. In addition the front loaders seem to do a better job of rinsing out the soap at the end of the run. Have you ever pulled a load of towels out of the washer and heard the soap still crinkling in the towels? I don’t get that any more. > > The only downsides I’ve found to front loaders are: You can’t add that last sock, once you’ve started the load. If the washer isn’t on the lowest level, you can get rattling when they start spinning. They are more expensive, but the difference is getting smaller. My Whirlpool Duet frontloader allows me to pause it to add clothes, as long as it is near the beginnng of the cycle when the “add a garment” light is illuminated. Not sure of the time frame that I have to add something, but I frequently hit the pause button at the beginning of the cycle to add that “last sock”. Not sure if other models have this feature. ---
**Author:** ![islandmom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e9bcb4/32.png) [@islandmom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/islandmom)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/45 "2011-08-06T20:55:03Z")
> [@Max\_Torque](#): > > The Whirlpool Duet I have (which seems like a popular model, based on this thread) has a “Clean Washer” cycle on the dial. About once a month, when you’re not using the washer for anything else, you run that cycle with about 2/3 of a cup of bleach in the dispenser, with no other detergents or clothes in the machine. The machine runs a special cycle with hot water and bleach to clean out the drum thoroughly. They say that’ll keep any nasties from invading. And of course leaving the door open to allow the innards to dry between laundry sessions is a big help, as well. > > As for the fabric softener, I’ve never heard of a problem with it, and there’s a special compartment in the detergent dispenser drawer just for liquid fabric softener (there are three separate compartments, for detergent, bleach, and softener), so it seems odd that they’d advise against it while providing a convenient means to use it. One thing that people apparently have to adjust to is that front loaders are very efficient, and therefore they use less of everything. If you use as much detergent, bleach, and softener as you used to use in your top-loading machine, you’ll be using too much, and that, I would imagine, could indeed cause a problem. > > As far as the speed issue goes, I think that the ability to wash larger loads makes up for the slower wash cycles. The instructions for my washer say you can fill the drum completely full, as long as you don’t “pack” it. Top-loaders need extra room to work, so even the larger tubs need some overhead. I have the bad odor problem with my front loading machine. I find I need to use the Whirlpool Duet “Clean Washer” feature twice a month, at least. The stores sell a special cleaner (Affresh or Tide are two brands I’ve seen) that seems to work better than the bleach, I’ve found. Of course, the special cleaners are another expense. I always leave my washer door open when not in use; wide open until it’s dry, then just ajar a couple of inches after that. I use liquid fabric softener, per the instructions on the machine. I might try using less as suggested to avoid the odor build up, but I dont really like the idea of using less softener because I like the way it makes the clothes smell. The long length of the wash cycle and the odor issues are the two things I do not like about the front loaders. In their defense, however, my clothes are cleaner, I can wash very large loads, and my water and electric bills are significantly reduced. ---
**Author:** ![islandmom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e9bcb4/32.png) [@islandmom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/islandmom)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/46 "2011-08-06T21:03:34Z")
> [@miamouse](#): > > Living here three years ago were me, my husband (who makes big messes), our three boys, my MIL and a foster child. The youngest was of an age where bed wetting was an issue. > > One year’s worth of water with just me husband and three boys last year was about $1,150. We are a family of 6 who average 6 showers and 2 loads of laundry/day, have a dishwasher run twice daily, a swimming pool which needs partial filling in the spring, I water outdoor flowers in the summer months, and we occasionally(couple times a month) run the sprinkler system in the months of July/Aug. Previously our yearly water bill approached $2000, and have noticed it reduced by about a third since weve had the front loading washer. Also, perhaps water costs vary depending on the part of the country you reside in? ---
**Author:** ![boozilu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4da419/32.png) [@boozilu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boozilu)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/47 "2011-08-06T21:48:16Z")
I can’t use a front-loader due to space constraints – do the HE top-loaders work as well? Or are they a marketing gimmick? ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/48 "2011-08-06T22:28:56Z")
Which is better at washing braaaiiinnnnnnnss? I thought most zombies did their laundry at the all-night laundromat, rather than buying their own washer and dryer. ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/49 "2011-08-06T22:42:55Z")
I think the image some have of a front loader just spraying the clothes with water or using “just a couple of cups” is misleading. If, for whatever reason, you ever need to interrupt a wash cycle, you’ll find the clothes are dripping wet; as if they were completely immersed. Because they were, just not all of the time. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/50 "2011-08-07T00:44:31Z")
> [@Green\_Cymbeline](#): > > I’m used to using a top-loading washing machine, but yesterday I did my laundry at my brother’s house, where he recently got a new front-loading washer. I watched it work, and it seems to me that it can’t possibly clean as well as a top-loader because the clothes are never fully immersed in the water. > > It went like this: the clothes spun around while a meager amount of water spurted on them in periodic bursts. The clothes became damp, but never appeared to be fully soaked and were never fully immersed in water. I have been using front-loaders for years, and on two occasions had to have my clothes “rescued” mid-cycle from a malfunctioning washer. They’re wetter than you think they are. The spin cycles really do remove a lot of the water. > [@](#): > > So what’s the straight dope on front-loaders?? Can they clean as well as top-loaders without fully submerging the clothes? My perception is that front-loaders actually clean better, and are less likely to damage my dedicates. ---
**Author:** ![Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/96bed5/32.png) [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/51 "2011-08-07T00:55:41Z")
> [@Green\_Cymbeline](#): > > Although I am still a bit skeptical… I want my clothes to be fully submerged and immersed in water! :dubious: I assume you never take showers, always baths? ---
**Author:** ![No\_umlaut\_for\_U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ea5d25/32.png) [@No\_umlaut\_for\_U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_umlaut_for_U)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/52 "2011-08-07T15:33:33Z")
I would never go back to a top loader. I couldn’t believe how clean the first load of towels I did in the front loader was, and how grey the expelled water was. (To be fair, the top loader had had a declining spin cycle.) To use up the stock of detergent we had (not recommended) I used 5 ml/per load. I still have nearly a full bottle! It doesn’t seem like my colors run the way they used to, and I can actually do my lingerie in the machine rather than by hand. I think the longer cycle inconvenience is more than overcome by the slightly larger capacity. I just had to plan a little better. ---
**Author:** ![Louize](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@Louize](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Louize)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2012, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/53 "2012-04-29T18:48:14Z")
NO - Front Loaders DO NOT clean well or work well. DO NOT BUY ONE! Its a fad and will fizzle out! We have had a pair for 3 years.[http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/smack.gifWe](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/smack.gifWe) too bought into the “Green” explanation and are always ready to save a buck on utilities. Of course Consumer reports would be in favor- the Green explanation is a convincing one! And enthusiastic NEW owners REALLY BELIEVE the front loader cleans better, they have to - they just spent big bucks on such products! I too was in denial for a while! Are new owners going to report to friends that they made a BIG mistake, rarely, because pride is a powerful thing. Think about it. Common sense tells us, more water means more clean! Soaking clothing, towels, sheets etc deeply immersed in hot water is condusive to the best cleaning. When consumers are considering buying a front loader, most everyone’s first thought is- HOW can a front loader with a small amount of water clean as well compared to a top loader? Unbelievable right?[http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/dubious.gif](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/dubious.gif) _Well your first thoughts are correct, duh! [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/smack.gif](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/smack.gif)_ Do you really think most store owners or Salesmen in a store are going to tell you what they “might” know as the truth? No, the store owner has to move his inventory and the salesman has to make a commission! 1. Front loader washers do not spin well. Think about it - spinning of a top loader centered ON TOP of gravity’s pull as compared to the spinning of a front loader. The front loader is constantly working against gravity. The whole drum is literally hanging from its mounts while it spins in opposition to gravity - which we have learned a) accounts for the constant re-occuring imbalance during large loads like towels or jeans. b) Clothes still being heavy and wet at the end of the cycle rather than damp as they should be. 2. They use too little water for effective cleaning. The clothes often still smell dirty and so we literally must wash a lot of loads twice! _Its the only way to compensate!_ So I do it! 3. They do not drain well, again its the fact that the drum is hanging instead of centered on top of gravity. This factor causes leaves sitting water at the bottom of the drum which stagnates and smells, molds etc, after use and we have to always leave the front loader washer’s door open so this un drained water can dry up. This causes the wide open washer door to stick out in the pathway to the garage- always in the way of people traffic! The whole green thing sounds good in theory! Saving on water and power sounds good too. But front loader washers are just not for home use. The BIG front loading washers in laundry mats and hospitals and hotels are “industrial” for sanitation purposes using heavy chemicals and I doubt they use less water. Also manufactures of washers/dryers need to revitalize their business and create “new improved products” with the popular sell tactic label of “high-tech” which is popular for lots of NEW products today. Most everyone wants \*to sport \*“the new improved high tech versions of everything”, again a pride thing. Unfortunately many of us fall into these traps which manufactures and advertisers devise for we the trusting consumers to fall in and they smile all the way to the bank! **Somethings simply cannot be improved upon since our ancestors** - like the spoon AND needless to say, using of lots of water to effectively clean our clothing and textile products adequately! \*\*As in the long standing use of top loading washing machines! I am looking forward to my next new washer- a good reliable deep top loading washer with lots of settings!THE SMART BUY - A TOP LOADING WASHER! ---
**Author:** ![Candyman74](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Candyman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candyman74)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2012, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/54 "2012-04-29T19:01:09Z")
> [@Louize](#): > > NO - Front Loaders DO NOT clean well or work well. DO NOT BUY ONE! Its a fad and will fizzle out! We have had a pair for 3 years.[http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/smack.gifWe](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/smack.gifWe) too bought into the “Green” explanation and are always ready to save a buck on utilities. Of course Consumer reports would be in favor- the Green explanation is a convincing one! And enthusiastic NEW owners REALLY BELIEVE the front loader cleans better, they have to - they just spent big bucks on such products! I too was in denial for a while! Are new owners going to report to friends that they made a BIG mistake, rarely, because pride is a powerful thing. Think about it. Common sense tells us, more water means more clean! Soaking clothing, towels, sheets etc deeply immersed in hot water is condusive to the best cleaning. When consumers are considering buying a front loader, most everyone’s first thought is- HOW can a front loader with a small amount of water clean as well compared to a top loader? Unbelievable right?[http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/dubious.gif](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/dubious.gif) _Well your first thoughts are correct, duh! [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/smack.gif](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/smilies/smack.gif)_ Do you really think most store owners or Salesmen in a store are going to tell you what they “might” know as the truth? No, the store owner has to move his inventory and the salesman has to make a commission! > > 1. Front loader washers do not spin well. Think about it - spinning of a top loader centered ON TOP of gravity’s pull as compared to the spinning of a front loader. The front loader is constantly working against gravity. The whole drum is literally hanging from its mounts while it spins in opposition to gravity - which we have learned a) accounts for the constant re-occuring imbalance during large loads like towels or jeans. b) Clothes still being heavy and wet at the end of the cycle rather than damp as they should be. > > 2. They use too little water for effective cleaning. The clothes often still smell dirty and so we literally must wash a lot of loads twice! _Its the only way to compensate!_ So I do it! > > 3. They do not drain well, again its the fact that the drum is hanging instead of centered on top of gravity. This factor causes leaves sitting water at the bottom of the drum which stagnates and smells, molds etc, after use and we have to always leave the front loader washer’s door open so this un drained water can dry up. This causes the wide open washer door to stick out in the pathway to the garage- always in the way of people traffic! > > The whole green thing sounds good in theory! Saving on water and power sounds good too. But front loader washers are just not for home use. The BIG front loading washers in laundry mats and hospitals and hotels are “industrial” for sanitation purposes using heavy chemicals and I doubt they use less water. > > Also manufactures of washers/dryers need to revitalize their business and create “new improved products” with the popular sell tactic label of “high-tech” which is popular for lots of NEW products today. Most everyone wants \*to sport \*“the new improved high tech versions of everything”, again a pride thing. Unfortunately many of us fall into these traps which manufactures and advertisers devise for we the trusting consumers to fall in and they smile all the way to the bank! > > **Somethings simply cannot be improved upon since our ancestors** - like the spoon AND needless to say, using of lots of water to effectively clean our clothing and textile products adequately! \*\*As in the long standing use of top loading washing machines! I am looking forward to my next new washer- a good reliable deep top loading washer with lots of settings!THE SMART BUY - A TOP LOADING WASHER! A fad? I don’t think I’ve ever used a top loader. I certainly don’t know of anyone with them. Washing machines have been front loaders all my life. I don’t think it’s a “fad”. Also, I and everyone I know don’t walk round in dirty smelly clothes. I’d suggest dialling the hyperbole and CAPS back a bit. Clearly both work just fine. It’s not that bug a deal; calm down. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2012, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/55 "2012-04-29T19:08:03Z")
The big capacity washers at Laundromats have always been front loaders (going back to the late 70’s in my experience). I still go twice a year to wash my blankets and bedspreads. Those huge capacity washers seem to do a great job on my blankets. ---
**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2012, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/56 "2012-04-29T19:09:33Z")
Every washing machine sold in Norway for the last couple of decades is a front-loader, and no, we’re not all walking around in dirty clothes or washing our clothes twice. Even my ancient washing machine, bound to be more than 40 years old, has a drum with a horizontal axis even though it loads from the top. ---
**Author:** ![Louize](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@Louize](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Louize)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2012, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/57 "2012-04-29T19:23:54Z")
> [@Candyman74](#): > > A fad? I don’t think I’ve ever used a top loader. I certainly don’t know of anyone with them. Washing machines have been front loaders all my life. > > I don’t think it’s a “fad”. > > Also, I and everyone I know don’t walk round in dirty smelly clothes. > > I’d suggest dialling the hyperbole and CAPS back a bit. Clearly both work just fine. It’s not that bug a deal; calm down. If you dont know anyone owning them or using them or have never used them yourself HOW do you know enough to be objective? Yes they are a FAD for home washers recently! People asked a litigimate question and have gotton a lit answer because I care about others who might buy these products for the home. To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed! Consumers looking for input before purchasing are wise. ---
**Author:** ![Candyman74](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Candyman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candyman74)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2012, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/58 "2012-04-29T19:40:07Z")
> [@Louize](#): > > If you dont know anyone owning them or using them or have never used them yourself HOW do you know enough to be objective? Yes they are a FAD for home washers recently! People asked a litigimate question and have gotton a lit answer because I care about others who might buy these products for the home. To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed! Consumers looking for input before purchasing are wise. I know I don’t stink. I know that CAPS and over-excitement is not appropriate. And if it’s a “FAD!!1!one” then it’s a 30 year “FAD!!!one!!11” which hardly qualifies as “recently” in my eyes. It’s just a washing machine. Calm down. Did a washing machine kick your puppy or something? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2012, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/59 "2012-04-29T19:57:23Z")
I plan to purchase a new top loader in the next year or so. I need to soak heavily soiled clothes in water with bleach. That’s the only way to remove sweat stains from my t-shirts and underwear after working or hiking outdoors. How do people wash diapers in a front loader? They have to be soaked in bleach to get the piss & poop stains out. We always soaked our kids diapers a full half hour before turning the cycle back on. AFAIK you can’t soak clothes in a front loader. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2012, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549/60 "2012-04-29T20:04:10Z")
One big advantage of a front loader is that you can stack a dryer on top of it and use less floor space. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-front-loading-washers-clean-as-well-as-top-loaders/458549.md?page=4)