Detergents for front load washing machines

The efficiency of your washing machine depends greatly on the type of detergent and how you use it for washing.

However, there are many types of detergents in the market, making customers confused about the one they should choose. Some are designed to be used for hand washing, or with only washing machines; some are made for removing tough stains, and some are for delicate items like silk and woolen.

Also, due to the differences in washing mechanisms, there are different detergents for front-load and top-load washing machines.

In this article, Electrolux Indonesia will briefly compare front-load and top-load washing machines so that you know how to choose the proper front load washing machine detergent. Plus, some extra tips on how to put detergent in washing machine will also be provided.

Differences between front load and top load washing machines

The main difference between these two types of washing machines is the location of the door. For top-load washing machines, you put in the laundry from the top, whereas front loaders are opened from the front of the machine.

Top load washing machines have an agitator in the drum, so they consume more water and have a longer washing cycle. Front loaders, on the other hand, have no agitator and clean laundry using tumbling. Find out more about the here.

After gaining a basic understanding of the two types of washing machines, we can now move on to determining which detergent should be used with each washer.

>> Read more:

Three types of washing machine detergents

Hand wash powder is designed for washing clothes by hand or for semi-automatic washing machines which need more water and suds (foam) to remove stains with less agitation. Since this type of detergent produces more suds, it takes more time in dissolving. If you are unsure about what a semi-automatic washing machine is, you can might find helpful guidance in our post about differences between 1 tub and 2 tub washing machines.

Machine wash powder is commonly used in a fully automatic washing machine where you generally require less water and detergent to clean your laundry. It takes less time to dissolve, yet it is harsher on your clothes and not suitable for hand washing.

Liquid detergent is the most widely used detergent and can completely dissolve in the water even in cold water, thereby not leaving any residue on the clothes. It is also can be used in a fully automatic washing machine.

The table below summaries the different usage of those three detergents:

	Do’s	Don’ts
Hand wash powder	- Hand washing - Semi-automatic washing machines - Remove tough stains	- Fully-automatic washing machines
Machine wash powder	- Fully-automatic washing machines - Wash whites - Remove outdoor stains or soil	- Hand washing - Semi-automatic washing machines
Liquid detergent	- Fully-automatic washing machines - Pre-treat stains - Remove greasy stains - Wash colors and baby clothes	- Hand washing - Semi-automatic washing machines

What is the best detergent for front load washing machines?

A top-load washing machine needs a detergent that generates a lot of suds because it has an agitator or pulsator in the drum. It also requires more water and washing cycles to clean your laundry.

However, the best laundry detergent for front-loaders is high-efficiency (HE) detergent. Because a front-load washing machines uses less water than its top-load counterpart, the low suds formula of the HE detergent produces less lather and removes all the dirt and detergent residue with less water.

What is the best detergent for front load washing machines

If you use any type of detergent that is not HE in a front loader, it may cause excessive foam, which creates a residue of detergent over the clothes and machine. Plus, this can also block up the system, which can prevent the washer from draining out water from the washer and, in turn, cause more suds.

Many washing machine’s manufacturers recommend only HE detergents for use with their front-load washing machine. Don’t use regular detergents in an HE washer as it could overflow the machine.

>> Relevant reading:

How to clean a 1 tub washing machine
How to use an automatic washing machine

FAQs about detergents for front load washing machines

1. Can we use top load detergent in front load washing machine?

No, absolutely not. Top load detergent produces more lather and so leaves more residue behind, thus your clothes may not be effectively washed if you use top load detergent for front load washers. Your clothes may appear dark and dirty due to the detergent residue sticking to their fabrics.
Plus, excessive forth will build up and clog the parts of the washing machine, deteriorating its lifespan.
2. Can we use hand wash detergent in front load washing machine?
No, hand wash detergent takes more time to dissolve residue and produces the highest amount of soapy lather, which may harm both your clothes and your washer.
3. Can I use normal detergent in front load washing machines?
Only use the detergents that are recommended by your washing machine’s manufacturer. An improper detergent will harm the washing and rinsing process, or even overflowing.
4. How do I know if the detergents that are displayed in the shops are suitable for top load or front load washing machines?
You should take time to read the label as the usage of the detergents is normally specified on the packaging or represented with a picture of a front load washing machine in front of the packet or box.
5. Can I mix detergents when using front load washing machine?
Mixing liquid and powder detergents can cause the dispenser to clog. So, don’t mix detergents.
6. How to put detergent into front-load washing machine?

There are usually 3 compartments inside a front-load washing machine, which are: pre-wash compartment, main wash detergent, and fabric softener/conditioner. The ‘main wash’ compartment is located on the left side and this is where you pour the liquid detergent into when you want to clean your clothes.

Before you pop in your detergent, you should consider what you’re planning on washing, and read the packaging to put the correct amount into the load.
The pre-wash compartment is located on the right side. This is where you pop in some detergent when you’re going to do a ‘pre-wash’ cycle. The smallest compartment in your washing machine drawer will be your fabric softener slot.
7. What is the difference between front load and top load detergent?

The main difference between the top-load and front-load detergent is the amount of suds in the detergent. Front-load machines require a high efficiency (HE) detergent that is specifically designed to create fewer suds, while still achieving excellent cleaning results.
8. How to measure liquid detergent for front loading washing machines?
As a rule of thumb, a tablespoon is the correct measure of liquid detergent for front loading washing machines per regular load size.

Electrolux washing machines for a more sustainable laundry routine

Through Make it last campaign, Electrolux seeks to inspire changes and shape a more sustainable world.

Electrolux washing machines do more than just clean. With AutoDose feature, you don’t have to be worried about the amount of detergent used. The AutoDose technology precisely measures the amount of clothes in the drum and automatically releases the correct dose of liquid detergent and softener, for great cleaning performance with less wear and tear.

Plus, our SensorWash technology automatically detects dirt and soil levels and adjusts the cycle duration accordingly. Our washing machine can effortlessly remove 49 different visible stains, including oil, red wine, mud and chocolate stains.

See some top pick Electrolux washing machines from our UltimateCare series: