Tag Archives: Washer Tips

Understanding Washer Water Level Settings

How do you know which washer water level setting to choose when you put a pile of laundry in the machine? Do you take a guess? You’ll save energy, water and money if you understand Washer Water Levelshow to select the appropriate load size on your machine.

Determining Maximum Load Size

Do you know how much laundry your washer can actually clean in one load? The average full-size top-loading washer, with an interior capacity of about 3 to 4 cubic feet, can clean about 12 to 16 pounds of laundry. Large-capacity machines with 5 or more cubic feet can hold up to about 20 pounds. Look on your machine or in your product manual to find your model’s capacity, and determine the maximum load size for your washer.

You can get an idea of what this maximum load size looks like ― and avoid overloading the machine ― by bagging up some laundry and weighing it. For the sake of reference, a twin-size bedspread weighs about 4 pounds.

Setting the Washer Water Level

Most top-loading washing machines have at least three load size settings, and you’ll want to choose the right setting for every load without having to weigh the laundry. Fortunately, most machines follow the same general guidelines for water level settings. Choose your setting based upon how full the washer looks. A small load of laundry fills the machine about one-third full. A medium load fills about half of the washer, and a large load fills it about three-quarters full. Make sure to load the laundry loosely into the machine; if you pack it in, you may end up picking an incorrect setting and your laundry won’t come out clean.

How Washer Water Levels Work

After you set the load size and turn the machine on, the tub begins to fill. On the outside of the tub, a pressure switch tube also begins to fill with water, pushing air toward the top of the tube. Once the desired fill level has been reached, the switch is activated and the washer stops filling.

If your washing machine isn’t filling properly, you may have a damaged or defective water level switch. In most cases, a washing machine repair specialist can easily replace a cracked or loose tube. Failing to have this repaired, however, can be a sure recipe for disaster. If the switch doesn’t activate to stop the flow of water, the tub will continue to fill, potentially overflowing and flooding your home. Experts advise that you keep an eye on your washing machine whenever it’s in use, to avoid any such problems.

Need advice on the load sizes for your washer or help determining if your machine is filling properly? Contact the experienced professionals at Complete Appliance Repair, serving Bountiful, Woods Cross and the surrounding communities. We have the knowledge and experience to troubleshoot and repair any home appliance problems, and we will be happy to help you understand your washer’s water level and operation.

High Efficiency (HE) Laundry Detergent Facts

High efficiency, or HE, laundry detergent was formulated specifically to work with HE washing machines for the purpose of achieving truly clean laundry while saving power and water. Using HE (High Efficiency) Laundry Detergent Factsthis combination, you can potentially save as much as 65 percent of the water and 50 percent of the energy consumed by a standard washer. Not only will this provide significant cost savings over time, it will also benefit the environment.

What is HE Laundry Soap?

The purpose of laundry soaps and detergents of all kinds is to clean your clothes and remove odors, but to do so in such a way that the extracted dirt and clothes dye does not redeposit on clothes when the machine drains. The key difference between regular laundry detergent and the HE variety is that high-efficiency wash products are able to achieve the same goals while using a greatly reduced amount of water.

Can I Use HE Laundry Detergent in a Regular Washer?

Top-loading washers with standard agitators are generally not high-efficiency machines, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use HE soap in them successfully. You will experience significantly fewer suds and, consequently, probably less soap scent on your clothes once they’re done. Nevertheless, they’ll be clean and you might save money, since you can use the shortest cycle available to achieve that goal.

Do You Have to Use HE Laundry Detergent in a HE Machine?

The short answer is YES. Regular detergents create too many suds for the low water level a high-efficiency machine uses. This prevents the tumbling action that removes soil from clothes, potentially causing the machine’s pump to overheat. In addition, regular washer soap won’t rinse away completely in an HE washer. In an attempt to achieve this goal, the washer may continue to add more water, extending the cycle unnecessarily and potentially cause overflowing. Excess sudsing can cause a buildup over time inside the washer, resulting in unpleasant odors and damage to the machine. Remember the formula: HE detergent is safe in any washing machine, but HE washing machines can only use HE soaps.

Does Homemade HE Laundry Detergent Work?

Many people seek to avoid the chemicals, additives and artificial fragrances found in many commercial laundry detergents, preferring to use homemade or DIY laundry products instead. The technology that goes into HE detergent is difficult, if not impossible to duplicate at home, however, and manufacturers warn against using anything other than those products officially designated on the packaging as safe for HE wash systems. Not only can homemade products do a poor job at cleaning your clothes, they can void your manufacturer’s warranty or, worse, ruin your machine.

Complete Appliance Repair of Salt Lake City, Utah, provides a full range of professional home appliance and HVAC sales, service, maintenance and repair. Contact them today for help with all your HE laundry equipment questions and needs.

Front Loading Vs. Top Loading Washers

Appliance consumers seem to have clearly drawn battle lines in the debate between front- and top-loading washing machines, with little middle ground. Front-load washers have been available for years, and prices have steadily become more affordable. Meanwhile, top-load washer models have begun to fall off, as the benefits of front-loading models become more well-known. You still have a choice today, so let’s take a look at some facts related to each type of washer, and consider the pros and cons of each type.

Front Loading Washer Facts

These machines are more energy efficient and use less water (about 1/3 the amount used by Housework: young woman doing laundry (shallow DOF; color toned itraditional, top-load washers). Front-load models will bear larger loads, place less wear on clothing, and have a faster spin speed, which reduces drying time. At this time, they are often more expensive than traditional, top-loading models. Front load washers require the use of HE (high efficiency) laundry detergent. Wash cycle times may be longer due to lower water use and extra care is required to prevent mold and odors. These washers are more reliable and do not become unbalanced while running, but have a shorter overall life expectancy than top-loaders. Some models have a steam feature available for extra cleaning power. Finally, front-load washer dryer units can be stacked, saving space.

Top Loading Washer Facts

Although top-loading machines are less expensive than front-loaders, they are less efficient, carry smaller load sizes, and place more wear and tear on clothing thanks to the agitating action that cleans the clothes. Steam is not available in top-load washers but any type of laundry detergent may be used. Wash cycle time is shorter and life expectancy is longer for top-loaders than for front-load models. Top-loaders are much noisier than front-loading models, especially if the load becomes unbalanced. These washers need maintenance and have many parts (hoses, belts, sensors, etc.) that may often break, requiring professional service. The good news is that they are not prone to mold or odors.

Should I Buy a Front Loader or Top Loader

The answer to this question depends on you, your budget, your lifestyle, and the demands you place on your washing machine. A high efficiency front load washer offers many advantages over a traditional model, but at a higher cost. Your local appliance repair service can be a helpful resource. Appliance repair techs have a wealth of experience in working on both types of machines, and will have insight as to which may be more appropriate for you. Make an appointment to have your current machine serviced and ask the technician which might be right for you.