akrogirl

I have had FL machines most of my life and have never, ever had a problem with any of them smelling or leaking. I bought a TL after my divorce, because it was cheaper, and couldn't wait to get back to a FL.

That said, all my FLs have been 240V models with internal heaters and it is my understanding that there can be problems if only the cold temperature wash cycles are used.

Check your manuals carefully. Some makes and models do allow you to add extra water on certain cycles. Also, most of the models with heaters do not use them on all cycles. The laundry forum on gardenweb.com is a great place to find out what the capabilities are of any given machine.

akrogirl

Not all FLs are the same. I can, and do, add items to my machine after starting the wash, and was able to do the same with my previous FL also.

bjr

chiaraquilts, I need to cut my electric bill in half, what brand is your front loader?

bjr

chiaraquilts
Oops, I meant high efficiency TOP loader.

Sewze

I have had my Maytag Neptune FL since 1999......never had a smell come from it and have even washed horse blankets in it (with no after smell). I can push the start/stop button for 5 minutes after it has started to add something else. It does not have a soak cycle.........but pre-soaking in the sink works for me. Also, Retayne is for commercially dyed fabrics and Synthrapol is for hand dyed fabrics (ie. batiks). I have not used either product in the past but since I made a totally batik quilt, I plan on using the Syntrapol on it once the LQS gets her order in, and I guess I'll pre-soak in the laundry tub.

akrogirl

My FL has also been used for washing a lot of horse blankets, saddle pads and leg wraps, lol. One day, if I manage to win the lottery, I will buy one of the Miele professional machines specifically designed to do horse laundry ;-)

CorgiNole

I asked about using it in our front loader and was told to soak the fabric in a sink or bucket as it wouldn't work in the front loader.

Cheers, K

alageeps

thanks for the correct info. I have never heard of either of those products and did not know that they should be used. How would you know what fabrics require this? I do not know enough about fabrics and so far have not run into this problem.

G'ma Kay

I also love my energy efficient front loading washer. It gets my clothes clean with cheap detergent. I can add a forgotten item if I need to, and it spins them so well the dryer doesn't take long. I have never used Retayne, but I have used white vinegar in this machine. I don't know that it made a difference that it didn't soak.

Earleen

DITTO to this reply. Love my top loader with pause and can add also.