How to Use a High-Efficiency Washer
Using a high-efficiency washer is a bit different from using an agitator-type washer. Since you'll use 20 to 50 percent less energy, taking the time to understand the differences between the old and the new washers can reward you with cleaner clothes and lower energy bills. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Read your manual for the manufacturer's recommendations on detergents. High-efficiency washers use only 20 to 60 percent of the water that traditional washers use. Therefore, you must use a low-sudsing detergent. If you can't find high-efficiency detergents, check the manufacturer's website to find out where to order them.
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Read the product's label and use only the recommended amount of detergent for the size of your wash load and its soil level. Follow the manual for correct use of your washer's detergent dispenser. If your machine doesn't have a detergent dispenser, consult the user's guide.
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Check your user's guide for recommended load sizes. Most high-efficiency washers can clean larger loads than your old agitator-type machine. Sort your clothes by color, just as you've always done
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Select the correct wash cycle. Cycles are similar to other washers.
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Add fabric softener to the softener dispenser. If you're using liquid bleach, pour it into the bleach dispenser. Consult the user's guide if you're using color-safe bleach.
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Tips & Warnings
Since these washers use much less water and high spin speeds, clothes are significantly less wet when they come out of the machine. It's best to use the auto-dry cycle on your dryer; it will shut off as soon as your clothes are dry. Mixing liquid bleach with liquid detergent will decrease their effectiveness.
Don't mix powdered and liquid detergents or bleaches, since this can clog the dispensers. Limit your use of pretreating and presoaking products. Many of them produce high suds. You can use your high-efficiency detergent as a presoak when necessary. High-efficiency washers use less water, so it's especially important to wash clothes of like colors together, since dyes may transfer.
