Ask A Scientist© Engineering Archive

Index Key:   ENG031
Author:      sandeen
Subject:     Washing machines: top versus side loaders.
I am told by European friends that the front-loading type of washing machine
gets clothes cleaner and conserves water.  I am old enough to remember the
old Bendix.  Am I misinformed?  If not, why do most American households have
top-loading machines?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      rickru
Thanks for the question.  I am not sure if I can explain why most American
households have the top loaders, except to say that probably is really all
the market has to offer, and that given acceptable washing results, the
washing machine manufacturers are not likely to retool to make front
loaders.
Some ideas on the front versus top loading results.  I could explain part of
better results in that in a front loader, spinning goes in a vertical
direction bringing clothes and washables into certain contact and non-con-
tact with the blades of the washer and the water detergent mixture.  In a
top loader, the spinning occurs on a horizontal plane, but since the clothes
are partially buoyed by the water detergent mixture, contact with the blade
(resulting in more cleaning action) is more random, that is, clothes must be
"pulled" into action by the blade, instead of it occurring naturally by
gravity.  I do not have any practical experience comparing the results of
the two types of washers.  Other factors to consider include temperature of
the water used, its pH, its relative hardness or softness, the manufacturer


of the washer, the type of clothing being washed the type of detergent used,
and finally the type of "dirt" being washed out of the clothing.  This might
make an interesting experiment, and you might consider giving your results
to washer manufacturers!