How to Get the Best Performance from Your Front-Load Washer

This guide breaks down essential front-load washer tips—from detergent usage and mildew prevention to vibration control and cleaning routines—so your laundry game stays strong and stress-free.

Front-load washing machines are sleek, efficient, and increasingly popular in households looking to save on water, energy, and detergent. But if you want your machine to run like a champ and avoid common issues like mildew, noise, and suds overload, there are a few key things you need to know.

1. Use HE Detergent—And Only HE Detergent

If there’s one rule you must follow with a high-efficiency washer, it’s this: only use HE (High Efficiency) detergent. HE washers are designed to use less water, which means using a regular detergent can lead to excessive suds that your machine can’t rinse out. These suds can create a mess, reduce cleaning effectiveness, and even cause mechanical problems over time.

Look for the HE symbol on the detergent bottle to be sure you're using the right type. And here’s a bonus tip: you don’t need as much as the detergent companies recommend. Most loads can be effectively cleaned with just one tablespoon of detergent. That small amount still delivers a powerful clean while preventing residue buildup in the washer and on your clothes.

Pro Tip: Suds overload can cause sensors in the machine to misfire or delay cycles. Less is truly more with He detergent.

2. Keep Mildew Away with a Simple Habit

A common myth about front-load washers is that they're mildew magnets. And while it's true that mildew can form, the reality is that it’s entirely preventable with one easy habit: leave the door open when the washer is not in use.

Front-load doors create a tight seal to prevent leaks, but they also trap moisture inside the machine. Allowing air to circulate dries out the drum and door seal, stopping mildew before it starts.

Three of us in our circle use front-load washers at home, and we’ve never once had mildew issues—because we all leave the door cracked open after each use. It really works!

How to Prevent Mold in Front-Load Washers

3. Manage Vibration—Especially on Upper Floors

One thing front-load washers are really good at? Spinning. These machines hit incredibly high RPMs during the spin cycle to extract more water from clothes, which reduces drying time. The downside? They can shake like a rocket launch if not properly balanced—especially on wood-framed floors or second stories.

Here are some tips to reduce vibration:

• Use a thick sheet of ¾" plywood under the washer and dryer to help disperse the vibration across multiple floor joists.
  
  

• Consider anti-vibration pads like Shake Away if the washer “walks” during spin.
  
  

• Check the load balance—an uneven load can dramatically increase movement and noise.
  
  

A well-leveled and properly supported machine will last longer, sound quieter, and stay in place.

4. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Washer

Even though your washing machine is used to clean clothes, it also needs a cleaning routine of its own. Detergent residue, hard water buildup, and fabric softener gunk can all accumulate inside the drum and dispensers over time, leading to odors and less effective washes.

Here’s how to clean it:

✔ Run the “Clean Washer” cycle every 30 days (check your manual for specifics).

✔ Use Affresh tablets, ⅓ gallon of white vinegar, or the recommended amount of bleach.

✔ Wipe down the door seal, gasket, and inside the detergent drawer to prevent buildup and mildew.

Routine cleanings will not only keep your washer fresh but also extend its lifespan.

5. Load Your Washer the Right Way

If your washer is shaking or taking longer than usual to finish a load, an unbalanced load is often to blame. Proper loading is crucial for the performance of your front-load washer.

Follow these tips:

• Wash items of similar fabric weight together.
  
  

• Always combine large and small items in the same load.
  
  

• Place large items first, but don’t let them make up more than half of the total load.
  
  

• Avoid washing a single item—it can throw the drum off balance. Add one or two more similar items to stabilize the cycle.
  
  

Balanced loads reduce wear and tear on the motor and suspension system—and help avoid the dreaded “thump-thump-thump” sound during spin.

6. What Detergent to Avoid in a Front-Load Washer

Not all laundry detergents are created equal—especially when it comes to front-load washing machines. High-efficiency (HE) washers are designed to use less water, which means regular detergents can cause serious issues. Here’s what you should not use:

Avoid These Detergents:

• Regular (non-HE) laundry detergent – These create too many suds for HE machines to handle, leading to poor rinsing and potential overflow.

• Dish soap (like Dawn) – Even a small amount can fill your washer with suds and possibly leak water and foam onto your laundry room floor.

• Powder detergents not marked HE – They may not dissolve completely in low water levels and can clog your washer over time.

• Overly scented or thick liquid detergents – These can leave a sticky residue, especially if not labeled for HE use.

• “Natural” or DIY detergents not tested for HE machines – These often don’t rinse properly and can build up over time.

In Conclusion

Your front-load washer is a fantastic appliance when it’s used the right way. With just a few mindful habits—like using HE detergent, cleaning the drum, keeping the door open, and loading smartly—you can avoid common problems and enjoy fresh, clean clothes for years to come.

If you have questions or need help choosing the right washer for your home, stop by our store or give us a call. We’re happy to help!