Have had front loading washer for almost 10 years. I washes great. Always use HD detergent for front loaders. I perfer Tide. Clothes are clean. My daughter and her family have a front loader, with a teenage son that plays football he comes home very stinky and dirty. His clothes and sock are clean and smell good after washing. Yes, front loaders do a good job. In never use fabric softer when drying a quilt.