QBeth

Not being able to soak anything is the only downside that I've run into with my front loader (I'm at work and, for the life of me, I can't remember what brand I have!). This is the second one I've owned, the first having lasted about 8 years but I think that was my fault, i.e., I always used the HD detergent but loved to throw a scoop of Oxi-Clean powder in with the wash.

To continue... one day I ran out of spray Oxi-Clean, which I love. Bright idea!!! Put some of the powder form into the now empty spray bottle and fill with water! And, to make it really work, shake the bottle! ___ Oh YES, this will work!___ So much for bright ideas.... it bubbled and fizzed and overflowed, covering the top of the washer before I could get it to the set tub! So, now I'm thinking, on retrospect, that throwing powder Oxi-Clean in the front loader probably has the same result, multi-fizz -- just what the front loaders don't like. I think my use of Oxi-Clean powder probably damaged the bearings on my first machine which caused it to sound like a train wreck.

Now, with the new front loader, no more Oxi powder, only the spray. Its been two years and it's still going strong. When a wash is done, and I'm not going to do more that day, I leave the door ajar. And, about once a month, to get them REALLY clean, I use the ultra-white setting and hot water to wash my towels; that seems to stop whatever moldy smell that might happen.

One last observation... mine has a clock on the front that counts down the wash time. That last minute, for the final spin, can last forever!!! One minute, my fluffy butt!! It's more like five minutes due to the sensor that determines how much water is still left in the clothes. Which reminds me.... if you do a small wash (e.g., a few blouses), the machine goes slightly bonkers, not getting all the water out in the spin cycle.

All that said, I love mine and will get another one again (obviously, since this is my second one). Good luck with your purchase. I think you'll like the front loaders.