# Washing machine detergent question. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 13, 2003, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083 "2003-03-13T13:17:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gouda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c77e96/32.png) [@gouda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gouda)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083/1 "2003-03-13T13:17:44Z")
We’ve been using a top-loader for the past 17 years (or something like it), but after shifting home, we figured we might as well get a new one. So we bought a new one, a front-loader this time. Now, the user manual for this machine says that we should use “front-loader detergent” only. Is there really a difference in top-loader and front-loader detergents, or is this a weak attempt to force me to buy a certain kind of expensive detergent only (because I noticed in the stores that the front-loader detergents were more expensive than the others)? ---
**Author:** ![ticker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@ticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ticker)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083/2 "2003-03-13T13:26:56Z")
Detergent for front loaders contains foam inhibiters. Normal detergent will cause so much foam that it can leak out the drum and cause damage. ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083/3 "2003-03-13T15:34:39Z")
Our laundromat uses front loaders & we can use any kind of soap we want, but they say only ONE load measure of soap, but they are double loaders. too much soap & it comes out the top of the machine. There is also a ‘how do you do your laundry’ topic in IMHO forum & you might want to ask them. ---
**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083/4 "2003-03-13T15:41:38Z")
I have a Whirlpool Duet front loader and they recommend using “High Efficiency” detergent. I’ve been using standard detergent (about 1/4 of the recommended amount, and about half of what I used to use in a top loader) with almost no problems. The machine does sometimes give me an “F09” error, but it hasn’t yet been determined if the detergent is the cause (the manufacturer wasn’t much help), and since it generally occurs towards the end of the cycle, when pretty much all the soap has been purged from the machine, I doubt that’s the problem. Commercial washing machines are a different animal; they need to cope with people abusing them, so need to be built to survive just about anything. Modern residential front loaders are super-efficient electronic wonders, with sensors everywhere, and may be somewhat more delicate. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083/5 "2003-03-13T15:59:56Z")
We got a new, high-efficiency front loader a few months only to discover it was hard to find the high efficiency detergent (look for the HE symbol on the label). after several emails and calls to both the manufacturer and Proctor and Gamble, they both admitted somewhat grudgingly that we could get our clothes clean without all the foam by using half the recommended amount. It works pretty well, but sometimes we need to pre-treat the heavier stains. The liquid HE detergent is more available than the powder around here, so when we need to use liquid, we do use the genuine stuff. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083/6 "2003-03-13T19:58:27Z")
One nit to pick: it’s [Proct **e** r & Gamble](http://www.pg.com/everyday_solutions/common_feature.jhtml?document=%2Fcontent%2Fen_US%2Fxml%2Fconsumer%2Fconsumer_laundry_basics.xml). But lot’s of people get that wrong. > [@](#): > > From the P&G website: > Front-loading washers may require lower-sudsing products because they tumble the clothing rather than agitate it. The low water volume in these machines contributes to higher sudsing. > > A light layer of suds on top of the rinse water is not unusual. However, excessive suds in the rinse water indicates a need to review the above factors. Another possible source of excessive suds in the rinse water could be overloading the washer, which causes suds to become trapped in the clothing. > > If you have excessive suds in the rinse water, spray the suds with rubbing alcohol or add a small piece of Ivory bar to cut the suds. (Do not add fabric conditioner when a lot of suds are present.) > > Finally, fabrics washed with a liquid detergent may have a spongy feel that makes a squeaky sound. This is sometimes mistaken for a residue of suds in the fabric. I was a little underwhelmed by the info here. I’d suggest either using less detergent or using a non-synthetic, something like Dreft or Ivory Snow, which are made from Soap flakes and tend to have a lot less suds (and are easier on your skin, hence they are often targeted at mothers of young children). I’ll also check with some people I know on if they have anything better in the works. Top loaded washers are used almost exclusively in Europe, because of their smaller footprint (floor space used), more efficient use of water, etc. Still gaining popularity here in the states, but the lack of availability of proper detergents can’t help. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083/7 "2003-03-13T20:03:40Z")
Sorry, just noticed that the OP was from India. Here’s a reco for India: > [@](#): > > New Ariel Total Compact with its revolutionary new technology ‘Smart Eyes’ helps detect and remove stains better than any other detergent. With ‘Smart Eyes’ there is no need to use a bar because all the cleaning happens in the soak itself. This revolutionary new technology will change the paradigms of doing conventional laundry by eliminating the process of scrubbing clothes with a bar or brush. New Ariel Total Compact makes, getting clean laundry simple and effortless, therefore enhancing the washing experience. With New Ariel Total Compact anybody can do laundry with ease. New Ariel Total Compact is ideal for hand wash and top loading washing machines. For front loading washing machines, **New Ariel Front-o-mat** is recommended. > > It is available in 25 gm sachets, packs of 200 gm, 500 gm, 1 kg and 1.5 kg, respectively. Ariel has always been on the cutting edge of best washes and hence continues to innovate to help the consumer, do her laundry with little effort and time. It’s more an advert than anything else, but has the some info re front loading washers in there. ---
**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083/8 "2003-03-13T21:31:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ShibbOleth \* > **Top loaded washers are used almost exclusively in Europe, because of their smaller footprint (floor space used), more efficient use of water, etc.** I assume you meant **front** , not top. Front loaders are definintely becoming more popular here, but there is still a paucity of models compared with top loaders. I don’t believe that detergent availability is affecting sales significantly (although I have no cite to back that up). ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083/9 "2003-03-13T22:13:39Z")
Oops, yes I got my mords wixed. Meant front loaders. ---
**Author:** ![SkeptiJess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@SkeptiJess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkeptiJess)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083/10 "2003-03-13T22:36:58Z")
I bought my front loader several months ago from Sears. At the same time I picked up a medium-sized bucket of the Sears-brand HE detergent, which lasted me until a few weeks ago. I’m not dragging myself clear to Sears just to buy detergent, so I went out looking for HE detergent at the supermarket. My mom was shopping with me and told me that her first washer was a front loader – back in the '60s. At that time, they were told to use _All_ or _Dash_ in front loading machines. _Dash_ is now extinct, but there was a box of _All_ at the market – although it had no mention on the label about high efficiency or front load washers. There was also some _Tide HE_ there – but the _All_ was much cheaper, so I bought that. I kept the little scoop from the Sears HE bucket, though and I’ve been using that instead of the bigger scoop that came in the _All_ – the little scoop is equal to about half of the bigger one. This is working fine – no suds and my clothes are still getting clean. AND, my 80-load box wil last 160 loads. In fact, when I’ve used up the _All_, I’m going to give my old, pre-front-loader brand a try, using the smaller scoop. I used to use _Gain_, which I liked and which is wicked cheap. Jess ---
**Author:** ![GythaOgg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/49beb7/32.png) [@GythaOgg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GythaOgg)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2003, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-detergent-question/161083/11 "2003-03-14T01:48:37Z")
I’ve had a front loader for about three-four years now - one of the earlier Maytag Neptune models. It’s a great machine, and I love it - it’s from before Maytag gave the Neptunes fancy electronic controls, which I don’t care for. Until last year, I used Tide HE. Then, my dryer died and had to be replaced. I was talking with the salesperson at the local Maytag store, and he told me something interesting - you don’t HAVE to use HE detergent in a front loading machine. According to him, especially in areas where the water tends to be somewhat hard, you’re better off using regular detergent; just use half as much as the package/bottle says to. (It’s also a cost savings). I’ve been using regular liquid Tide in my front loader for about the last six months, and have noticed that there is considerably less ‘scummy buildup’ in the detergent dispensing compartment, and there’s been no change in the performance of the washer - my clothes are just as clean. I’ve been really happy with the sales/repair people from Maytag itself as compared with, say, Sears. Several times they’ve saved us money by advising us how to make minor repairs ourselves (rather than trying to sucker us into buying a new machine or charging $$$, both things Sears tried to do to us) and selling us small parts at cost. Gytha