? About Front Loader and Powder

[almostamom]

I want to start adding 20 Mule Team Borax to my laundry again. I used it when I had a top loader, but I stopped using it when we got the front loader two years ago. I think we need it again. We have very hard water. How, when, and where do I add it? I'm reading a lot of mixed information - no powders ever in a front loader (mine has a spot designated for powder detergent), only in the rinse cycle (do I stand there and wait for it?), mix with hot water and use in place of softener/vinegar, etc. Does anyone here use it with their front loader?

TIA,

Linda

[boltfam]

I have not used it yet but am hoping to start. I have heard of some people sprinkling it into the tub beforehand but am not sure if that is what you are supposed to do or not. I'll be watching this thread, too.

[Claki]

The directions on my front loader say to put the powder directly into the basin, not into the dispensers.

[boltfam]

I have not used it yet but am hoping to start. I have heard of some people sprinkling it into the tub beforehand but am not sure if that is what you are supposed to do or not. I'll be watching this thread, too.

ETA: I just read in my owner's manual that laundry enhancers can be added to my detergent dispenser and it says my detergent dispenser can accept liquid or powder detergent. However, it also says not to mix detergent. Well, how will that work?

I would read your owner's manual, and hopefully it will be less confusing than my owner's manual.

[wellyes]

I put oxyclean in the basin and powder detergent (if I have it) in the dispenser.

[almostamom]

I have not found a clear answer for this. My washer also has a set spot for powder detergent, but it would have to be instead of the liquid. My owner's manual has been zero help!

I've been mixing 1/4 cup of Borax with about cup of hot water and stirring it. It doesn't completely dissolve, but then I put it in the washer before I add the clothes. It's definitely helped with the odor that was in DH's clothes. I haven't seen any residual on the clothes. I am worried about the powder clogging things in the washer though.

Am I the only person who regrets purchasing a front loader?

Linda

[boltfam]

I

Am I the only person who regrets purchasing a front loader?

Linda

nope! I e-mailed GE and am waiting for an answer about where I should add powder laundry enhancers. My owner's manual is oh so helpful in telling me how to get rid of the odor in the basin...wipe it dry and keep the door open. Wow! You think?! Thanks for all the help! Obviously, if I'm consulting my owner's manual, I'm beyond that point. What do I do when it REEKS?

[maestramommy]

Um, I use Charlie's Laundry powder with my front loader. Have for almost 2 years. I also use Arm and Hammer powder detergent for the really smelly loads. Never had a problem.

We have hard water too, and liquid just doesn't rinse out well.

[clb]

Never used powder detergent, but have a suggestion for the smell.

boltfam- We started to use affresh tablets to clean it. If it smells already, the directions says to run three cycles in a row with one tablet per cycle. After I ran it, the mildew wiped off. Not sure that it will help mold. My machine was started to smell and this helped.

I agree it is a pain to clean it out the door gasket. I do wish my machine had a cleaning cycle on it but it is 8 yrs old. Next time, I know.


http://www.repairclinic.com/SSPartDe...PartID=1373065

[secchick]

This is why I got an HE no agitator top loader (well, that and I was freaked out about that story about the child who drowned when her toddler brother closed te door and started it with her in the washer).

For the smell issue, is there a reason you can't run a few loads with vinegar in it (either directly with the clothes or in the detergent dispenser) or just do a couple empty cycles with vinegar and hot water? That's what I would try.