Front-load and top-load high efficiency (HE) washers are designed for low energy and high efficiency operation. These washers are loaded with convenience and energy-saving features. However, high efficiency washers do require the use of HE detergents and a substantial investment to purchase, over the traditional washer. Washer care and maintenance for HE washers also varies considerably from the standard top-loading washer models.

Simply stated, HE washers require more care.

It is also recommended that HE detergents be used in front-load and top-load high-efficiency washers. The following tips will help you with buying, using and caring for a high efficiency washer.

Making Buying Decisions:

Wondering which style of washer to buy? There are trade-offs with each type and significant price differences. Be informed before you make your buying decision to ensure you are satisfied with your purchase. Review my washer buying tips to learn about washer styles to choose the one that's right for you. You'll learn what washer cycles are a must and what features are available. When it comes color, you might want to give this some consideration. Colors can age an appliance but it can also brighten your laundry area.

• Before You Buy a Washer
• Before You Buy an All in One Washer Dryer Combo
• Buying Home Appliances - Should You Consider Color?
• What the Steam Feature on a Washer Does

Read reviews and compare prices of different brands of laundry appliances so you'll know what to expect and can spot a good deal when you see it.

How other consumers feel about their HE washers can help you decide if this is the right model for you. Learn the benefits of buying an Energy Star appliance and how to compare estimated energy use labels of various models so you can project operation costs.

• What is EnergyStar?
• Understanding the Yellow EnergyGuide Label
• What the CEE Tier Rating Means for Washers
• Laundry Appliance Reader Views
• Compare Prices of Front-Load Washers
• Compare Prices of Washers & Dryers

If your laundry area is small, you may want to explore downsizing your laundry appliances. Where you will place the washer and dryer is something you should consider before buying these appliances. There is an optimum placement that will make your work flow most efficient and available space often dictates the size of units you can purchase.

• Compact Laundry Units
• Installing a Washer and Dryer for Best Efficiency

HE Detergent Use for High-Efficiency Washers - A Must!:

While it may sound like a marketing ploy, there are solid reasons for using only HE detergents in high-efficiency washers. And if you're wondering why manufacturers are concentrating detergents, you can read about the benefits of these 'green' initiatives. While they may be difficult to find, there are some HE detergents that are formulated especially for washing baby clothes.

• What is HE Laundry Detergent?
• Can I Use Regular Detergent in an HE Washer?
• Concentrated HE Detergents
• Does 2x Detergent Need to be Diluted?
• High Efficiency Washers & Detergents Guide by the SDA.
• Sources for HE Detergents for Baby's Clothes

Use, Care & Maintenance:

Looks are not the only difference between traditional washers and high-efficiency machines. There's a considerable difference in washing operation and you can expect a high-efficiency washer to need more care. There may be a slight learning curve to work through with this new generation of washers. And protecting your washer, as well as your clothing is even more important with this new style of washing machine. I cannot emphasize enough, the importance of reading the manual if you have a high-efficiency washer. It will include unique maintenance and washer cleaning instructions, that is not typical to standard models but is crucial to keeping your new HE washer operating properly.

Because of design issues with most front load washers, many consumers have had mold issues within the washer, smelly towels and a bad odor in the washer. The only solution I've found, is to install a WasherFan at the back washer vent. This is a more permanent solution for washer mold and front load washer odor. Read my WasherFan review. Watch WasherFan Video on YouTube

• How a High Efficiency Washer Differs from a Traditional Washer
• Where to Put the He Detergent in an He Washer
• Laundry Mesh Bags Protect Your Clothing & Washer
• Controlling Suds When the Wrong Detergent is Used in an He Washer
• Reasons to Read Your Product Manual

It's sad to say but many consumers have reported instances of mold occuring in their HE washers. This is very unfortunate and is the downside of an energy-saving high efficiency washer. Though there are tips to follow that can help to reduce the risk of mildew, it can and does still occur. But readers have added many comments that are worth reading; they have helped many deal with this health concern and confirm the importance of the extra care required for this style of washer. If you already have a washer but have repair questions or need parts, these online sources may help you find what you need.

• Caring for Your Front-load Washer & Preventing Mold Issues
• Solutions for Front-Load Washer Mold Problems
• Readers offer tips for preventing and resolving washer mold issues.
• Washer Mold - Smelly Washer Syndrome
  Blog of September 2008 - Read how others are handling front-load washer mold and find tips on avoiding this problem.
• Appliance Parts & Repairs Resources

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