Fisher Paykel owners, I just got mine and have a question

[nukeswife]

Hi all,

 

I just got my new Fisher Paykel ecosmart washer and so far I'm really enjoying it. A few months ago I thought I loved my LG Frontloader and then the nightmare started. I won't go into that but I'm kind of curious about a few things.

 

1. What kind of detergent do you use? Brand and if it's powder or liquid would be nice to know.

I have a bunch of HE left here and when I emailed FP they said that was fine to use but that I could also use regular if I wanted.

 

2. Do you use Fabric softener at all if so what brand?

 

3. Any other tips you'd like to share for a new FP owner?

 

Thanks in advance

[Maria/ME]

OH boy...I love, love, LOVE my FP/Ecosmart...

 

The only thing that took some getting used to was the lock. I"m used to watching my washer fill w/water then adjusting accordingly...but if you're used to a front load that's not a problem so much.

 

1) I use All Concentrate Clear (we have sensitivity issues with smells) or often, some Dr. Bonner's or whatever is on sale in the free of chemicals/scent etc aisle.

 

2) I don't use Fabric Softener because aforementioned issues and I never really like the "film" I get from Fabric Softener...but that's just a preference thing...someone else may have ideas...

 

3) You've probably already done this, but I took some time with my FP and bonded...read the manual, fooled around with settings etc...because it was a bit to get used to after my 25 yr old washer. I didn't really love the setting that tells you when clothes were "off balance". The FP will try up to five times, I believe, to rebalance the load, but in so doing will drain some water, refill, agitate, fill a bit more...and I found it was a waste of water...maybe not for smaller loads..I WAS trying to do some rugs...but I just "listen" and adjust the balance myself. The only other difficulty is that I'm the only one who has learned to use it! My husband is helpless and really needs his own bonding time with FP! We'll get him trained yet.

 

If I think of anything else whilst doing laundry today, I'll let you know!

[Mel in K-zoo]

I've had my Fisher Paykel washer for a couple of years now and love it. I use Tide just because I think it does the best job of getting my clothes clean. The soak cycle is great for those really dirty clothes.

 

When I bought mine, the shop I bought it from told me not to use fabric softener, so I never have. He said something about it being bad for the washer.

 

I don't have any other tips. It is really a nice easy washer to use.

[nukeswife]

Thanks ladies.

 

So far I'm on my 4th load since they dropped it off and I'm really having fun bonding with it LOL

 

I love that I can program each of the cycles with my preferences. I usually used fabric softener, but I'm going to try a few loads without it, so as to not have a "Scrud" buildup as the FP manual calls it. For now I've just been using half my normal amount and diluting it a bit with water. I've always had to leave an "instruction list" in my laundry room for dh, he's so used to how they do things on the ship and asked me for a step by step list for at home, since he knows I'm very picky about laundry LOL

 

If anyone else has more input bring it on, I'd love to know more from other owners out there.

[orangearrow]

We use All F&C and Era. I usually use the smallest amount of detergent (fill to the "1"). I find the clothes come out looking/smelling/seeming better than when I use more detergent. Definitely use your HE until it's all used up, though! :)

 

I use fabric softener rarely. Usually once a month on sheets (I wash them weekly, but only douse them with fabric softener once a month). I use dryer sheets instead.

 

I LOVE my Fisher Paykel washer! Love it, love it, love it! :D

[nukeswife]

 

I use fabric softener rarely. Usually once a month on sheets (I wash them weekly, but only douse them with fabric softener once a month). I use dryer sheets instead.

 

 

 

That's what I was thinking of doing. I definately don't want to damage my new baby buy causing scrud build up and even with using a minimal amount of downey and diluting it, when I went to clean the fabric softener cup it was already gunky after just a few loads. I have a bunch of downey left (like 2 large jugs but maybe I'll just give them to a neighbor or something) I can't return them because it's been about 2 months since I bought them.

 

I'll keep using my Tide HE until it's gone then I'll see what else is out there. I only use the small amount too (the 1 line) because it seems to be plenty.

[SapphireStitch]

I use Arm & Hammer powdered detergent in mine. I only use fabric softener when I wash afghans or fleece throws; I have to use it to get the cat hair to come loose! :) After using it, though, I take the dispenser thingy apart and clean it out really well, it gunks up fast.

 

I love my F&P, and I second/third/fourth/whatever the advice to read your manual and play around with the cycles. I've had mine almost a year now and have been customizing my laundry as I go along.

 

For instance: if I have enough of my son's clothes to do a small load, I'll put them all in together. They're all dark in color and all covered with ground-in Carolina red clay from digging in his dirt holes. I run them on the Heavy Duty cycle and if they're super bad I add the 2 hour soak to it. This is wonderful for getting out the clay without pretreating.

 

Another example: I wash all our undies as a separate load because we all have some skin sensitivity issues. Those get washed on Regular with the Softener Rinse. I have my Softener Rinse programmed to be two deep rinses. (It explains in your manual how to program it.) I wash sheets this way, too, to be sure to get every last bit of detergent out to avoid itchies.

[jacqui in mo]

You can dilute the softener 50/50 with water in a spray bottle, then spray a wash cloth with the solution & put it in the dryer. That way you won't have to give away your FS or go out & buy FS sheets right away.

 

http://tipnut.com/frugral-fabric-softener-recipes-dryer-sheet-tips/

[Medieval Mom]

I've used several detergents successfully, including Tide and Seventh Generation. (I've also used shredded Ivory soap mixed with washing soda-- hee hee!;))

 

For fabric softener, I use vinegar (and maybe a drop or two of rose geranium oil). When I do this, I make sure to use the extra rinse cycle. The clothes smell lovely! (For linens, I use lavender oil, rose geranium, or even mint-- whatever you like, but only a drop or two. You can also add a drop or two to a washcloth and throw it into the dryer with your clothes for a similar, or enhanced, effect.)

 

My best laundry tip is what I learned from Hanna Andersson (clothing store): use Fels-Naptha soap for stains. I just wet the bar of soap, rub it on the stain (keep wetting as needed), and wash normally. No more stains :w00t:

 

For woolens, I like Eucalan.

 

Congratulations on your new washer! Laundry is, honestly, one of my favorite household "chores" now!:blushing:

[TraceyS/FL]

IFor fabric softener, I use vinegar (and maybe a drop or two of rose geranium oil). When I do this, I make sure to use the extra rinse cycle. The clothes smell lovely! (For linens, I use lavender oil, rose geranium, or even mint-- whatever you like, but only a drop or two. You can also add a drop or two to a washcloth and throw it into the dryer with your clothes for a similar, or enhanced, effect.)

 

:iagree: I was going to post this, use vinegar!

 

Fabric softner does nasty things to machines from what i have read, people have discovered big ole nasty build-ups of mildew/mold on the FL seals from it and i swear after reading what i have - i'll never use it again! LOL!!

 

But vinegar works!!!

 

Here is a list of uses: (note that starts in the middle apparently)

 

http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-how/extraordinary-uses-for-vinegar/article24053-5.html