Every detergent is made different.
Some are designed to be used with only washing machines, some are made for removing tough stains, and some are to be used only with delicates like silk, woollen, etc.
That is why you should use the right type of detergent in the right amount for cleaning your laundry.
Front-load detergents are high-efficiency detergents that can clean your clothes even with lesser water, they produce less soapy lather, and are costly while top-load detergent produces more lather. You should avoid using a top-load detergent in a front-load washer.
Basics To know First
Before getting information about the difference between Top Load and Front Load washing powder you should know some basic stuff.
Hand Wash vs Machine Wash Detergent
Companies make different washing powder for hand washing and machine wash.
Normal washing powder produces more sud or lather and takes more time in dissolving.
While detergent designed for machine wash produces less lather, takes less time to dissolve, is more harsh on clothes, has more enzymes, and may even contain bleach.
Normal detergents for hand washing should not contain bleach in them and they are less harsh on clothes. This means clothes last longer which are usually hand-washed and that is why it is said to hand wash delicates like silk or woollen.
Front vs Top Load Washing Machine
Front Load washing machine cleans laundry using agitation and top load washing machine cleans laundry using tumbling.
Clothes need to be submerged in the top loader and so it needs more water while in the front loader water usage is very low.
You can check our in-depth article on front vs top load washer to know more.
Can we use Top Load detergent in Front Load Washing Machine?
Top load detergent produces more lather and so leaves more residue behind while a front loader needs a high-efficiency detergent that can clean clothes effectively even with less water. Such a type of detergent produces less lather and so leaves less residue behind.
The problem with using a top load detergent in a front loader is that cleaning may not be that effective, more foam will form and stick on the fabric of clothes and the parts of the machine.
Your clothes may appear dark and dirty due to the detergent residue sticking on its fabric.
The soapy lather can also come out of the washing machine during or after the wash cycle when you open its door.
With time the froth residue will build up and clog the parts of the washing machine deteriorating its life.
Can we use Front Load Detergent in Top Load Washing Machine?
There is no harm in using a front-load detergent in a top load washing machine neither for the laundry nor for the washing machine.
However, as top loaders use more water and front loader detergent produces less lather and gets easily dissolved.
A portion of the soapy lather will be wasted by getting dissolved in high volumes of water inside a top loader.
You will need to add more detergent even twice or thrice times, front load detergent is expensive. This will waste your money.
Can we use hand wash detergent in Washing Machine?
Hand wash detergent takes more time to get dissolved in water and produces the highest amount of soapy lather.
If you use such detergent for machine washing you will need to pre-soak your laundry for a longer time and more residue will build up damaging your machine.
Which type of detergent to use for my washing machine?
The best detergent is the one recommended by the manufacturer of the washing machine.
Or look for a detergent that comes specially designed for hand wash, machine wash, etc.
If you have a front load washer, look for detergents that are designed for front loaders, they will specifically write on their cover that it should be used with a front loader.
The same goes for a top loader.
Now you must have gained the basic knowledge regarding top load and front load detergent, we have created a list of best washing machine detergent for both types. Do check that out. If you have any queries still left then please ask in the comment section.
