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Q: Why do HE washing machines suggest running a maintenance cycle?
A: Because HE washing machines use less water and the front-load models have an airtight seal, the maintenance of these machines is different than the top-loading ones you may be used to. Low wash temperatures may prevent some soils from completely rinsing out of the HE washing machines. Because oily soils and some dirt-type soils are especially sensitive to lower wash temperatures, over time these soils may accumulate in the HE washer. This can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold, which can create odors in the HE washer. You can usually avoid these potential problems by using a maintenance cycle, which involves running a full wash cycle without any laundry in the machine. Ideally, this should be done once a week or, at minimum, once a month. Some HE washers have a special cycle. Check the user's manual and follow its directions. If your machine doesn't have a designated maintenance cycle, here's what to do:
- Select the hot water setting. If there isn't one, then select a "white" or a "stain" cycle setting.
- Select the "extra rinse" option, if offered.
- Add liquid chlorine bleach to the bleach dispenser. Fill to its maximum level.
- Run the cycle through its completion.
- If the HE washer doesn't have a second rinse option, manually select an additional rinse cycle to ensure that no chlorine bleach remains in your washer.
- If your HE washer still has unpleasant odors, repeat steps 1 through 5 as necessary.
Q: We have very hard water, so I need to use a water softener additive in my HE washer. However, it seems to be causing too much sudsing. How can I solve this problem?
A: As you may have guessed, the water softener is causing the detergent to suds more than usual. Try using less softener and be sure you add powder or liquid softener to the empty tub before adding the laundry. If you're still having problems, experiment with other types of HE detergents to find one that's more compatible with your water softener.
– Nancy Bock is Vice President of Education at The Soap and Detergent Association
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