By Judy Minot • Our Chapter Correspondent in Dublin
Front-loading washers are promoted as more energy-efficient than top loaders. They’re also gentler on clothes and get them cleaner at the same time. Yet American consumers seem to be skeptical. Sales of front loaders have grown haltingly and slowly. In 2023 most new washers sold were still top loaders. American consumers seem to favor the convenience of large loads and fast laundry cycles over energy savings.
If you are more concerned about the environment and the climate, a front-loading machine is the better choice. That’s because front loaders use less energy and less water, and they can spin clothes faster, so less time is needed for drying. Front loaders also use less detergent, clean clothes more effectively and more gently, and usually make less noise than top loading machines.
How Front Loaders Clean
The cleaning mechanism of a front-loading washer is quite different from that of a top loading machine. Top loaders submerge the clothes in water with detergent and swish them around, like you might do in the sink.
Front loaders clean by lifting the clothes and dropping them into a smaller amount of water than is required for top loaders. This tumbling action helps to separate the dirt from the fabric. Detergent helps some more. This is actually a much more gentle and effective way to clean fabric, although front loaders require a longer cycle time to increase the contact time between clothing, water, and detergent. Multiple controlled tests have shown that front loaders remove more soil from fabric than top loaders. Some even have settings for washing wool and silk, which can lower your dry-cleaning bill as well.
Front loaders work best with multiple small loads rather than one or two large ones. Some models have load-sensing capability, and they automatically adjust the amount of water and other cycle parameters, allowing for more efficient operation.
Less Electricity
According to energystar.gov, despite their longer cycle times, front load washers are 25% more energy-efficient than even the most efficient top load washers. Many consumers wonder how this can be true, when the cycle times for front loaders are so long. Most people don’t realize that up to 90% of the cost of running a washing machine is spent heating the water. Modern washing machines draw cold water and heat it to the correct temperature. Therefore, less water means less heating. Even the “cold” wash cycle may involve some heating. In addition, since front loaders use only one-third to one-half of the water used by top loaders, they save energy by not having to slosh around gallons of heavy water and soaked clothing.
Less Time in the Dryer
The dryer is one of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home, using between 1,800-5,000 watts/hr. Front load washers save on drying time and efficiency by spinning clothes much faster than top load washers. By extracting more water out of clothes, they speed up drying time enormously, resulting in lower energy use. Even without a dryer you’ll find your clothes dry faster on the clothesline when spun at rates of 1,200-1,500 rpm.
Money Talks
In Europe, where electricity and heating oil costs have historically been higher, top loaders are rarely found. Many Europeans air-dry their clothes and wash in cold water to save on electricity costs. US consumers would be wise to follow these practices, as retail electricity rates have increased sharply since 2000, from < 11 cents per kWh in 2000 to > 16 cents per kWh in 2022, according to the NJ Energy Data Center.
Is there a Downside?
Because the door on a front loader seals in moisture, it’s important to wipe the gasket (or seal) dry after each load and leave the door open between washes to prevent the formation of mold. We’re all creatures of habit, and using a front loader efficiently means some changes in laundry routine, like doing smaller loads. It’s nice to know that with a front loader you can still save water and electricity, and your clothes actually will come out cleaner and, potentially, last longer.
Isn’t it great when a change that’s good for the environment can also be better for your clothes?