Different types of washing machines operate differently, hence requiring different types of detergents. The efficiency also relies heavily on the type of detergent you use on a daily basis.
You will often find brands selling different types of detergents, specifically for front-load and top-load washing machines. Since the machines operate in varying ways to clean clothes, they need a differentiated detergent. Using the right detergent will help the washing machine work more efficiently.
Design Differences
Front-load washing machines have a door on the front from where you can load the clothes. They have an agitator inside, which tumbles the clothes in water, forcing the dirt out. They also spin and rinse the clothes, using less water and thereby saving energy.
The mechanism of this machine is based on centrifugal force, which helps in evenly tumbling the clothes and minimizing tangles post completion. During the wash cycle, the front tub is only partially filled with water, just enough to soak the clothes completely. Hence, front-load washing machines use one-third the amount of water that top-load washing machines use.
On the other hand, top-load washing machines have their lid on the top. Here, you open the lid and put the clothes into the machine. Top-load washing machines use an agitator inside and run on a longer wash cycle.
The mechanism involves a rotating wash plate at the bottom of the wash tub, which keeps stirring the clothes continuously in the detergent solution. Combined with friction inside the wash tub, this action helps remove dirt and clean the clothes.
To ensure the clothes are cleaned properly, top-load washing machines need a sufficient amount of water to completely submerge the clothes in the wash tub. This amount of water can be two to three times more than that used in front-load washing machines.
What Happens When You Use the Wrong Detergent?
Given the design difference explained above, the key difference between detergents for front-load and top-load washing machines lies in the amount of suds they create.
Top-load washing machines have an agitator inside the wash tub and require more water. They need to use a detergent that creates more suds or lather so that the dirt can be easily lifted off the clothes. These suds are then easily rinsed away with the amount of water top-load washing machines use.
However, front-load washing machines are completely sealed units, operate on low water levels, and tumble the clothes. So, regular top-load detergent or washing powder may end up making the machine too sudsy, reducing the cleaning efficiency and never rinsing out completely during a normal cycle due to the lack of water. The soap scum build-up inside the washing machine can also hamper its functioning.
Conversely, if you use a front-load washing machine detergent in a top-load washing machine, it will not create enough suds to lift the dirt off the clothes. Front-load washing machines use about one-third the amount of water that top-load machines require, meaning they need detergents that create less foam.
That's why brands recommend using High-Efficiency (HE) detergents, which are formulated to be low-sudsing and work well with less water. They are great for shorter wash cycles, as they clean the clothes without leaving behind any residue.
Meanwhile, when it comes to choosing between liquid and powder detergents, there are a few more differences to consider. Washing powder is generally cheaper than liquid detergent but can leave a residue on clothes and be harder on your machine than liquid detergent.
Different types of detergents also work better on different types of stains. Washing powder works great on outdoor stains, such as mud, while washing liquids excel at treating food stains, such as grease. Additionally, liquid detergents are better suited for pre-treating stains and hand-washing clothes.
Ultimately, it is advisable to use the detergent recommended by the manufacturer of your washing machine. Doing otherwise may result in poor cleaning efficiency and can return dingy clothes. Many people believe that the more detergent, the cleaner and newer the clothes will look. However, the reality is that using extra detergent will only lead to longer wash cycles. Over-washing can also damage your clothes and waste electricity.