New Washing Machine.. DO's & Don'ts

Well our washer blew up and as much as i'm annoyed at the extra expense i am now getting a new BIGGER washing machine which will be better for our family of 4.

So we are getting a fisher & paykel top loader, what are some DO's and DON'Ts with a new machine, is there anything you suggest using or not using from the start to assist in prolonging it's life?

* What do you use to clean it
* Do you prefer powder or liquid for your washing
all different opinions would be greatly appreciated.. both for my washing and my machine.

dont use fabic softener!!

Really?
I don't use it very often anyway, only on towels sometimes... what does it do?

Oh also for people who use liquid washing detergent do you dissolve it in the water 1st then add the clothes?
No matter what i use sometimes my old machine (prob the machine more than anything) would leave white marks... whether it was liquid or powder... hmmmmm

Oh i use sensitive liquid for DD's clothes and whatever liquid is on special for DP's & mine.. any hints on a GREAT washing detergent?

use vinegar for towels. it does the same & doesn't eventually build up gunk to clog your machine like softener does.
Clean with vinegar, or bi carb. I just do a full load, but only a rinse cycle to clean mine. With vinegar in the cycle & in the softener part.

My FP top loader is a couple of years old, but mum has a newer one with the detergent dispenser - she HATES it. Leaves residue gunked up everywhere in the machine and the clothes.
Don't know if your has that but she has had to use liquid to wash despite powder being her preference.
Also I find that when I wash my stuff in her machine I put it on the gentle spin, cos her's is so hard it spins the crap out of your clothes and they end up so creased because they are almost dry.
Mine doesn't do either of those things. so I just use powder on the auto setting to save water and make sure I dissolve my powder before I add the clothes.
This is my second FP and I have to say - they're keepers!

is it an aquasmart?
i use ecostore or aware powder - only half the amount on the box (maximum) - i never use any fabric softener
ummmm, try to match cycle to load - if there is a particular cycle that matches what you're doing, use it
i love my aquasmart!

Awesome... keep the tips coming, i want the prefect clothes and washer... lol

My PG brain is so stupid ATM i can't remember exactly which one it is, once DP brings it home tonight i will let you all know, am also going to study my user manual for extra tips.

Sounds stupid really, have been out of home and washing my own clothes (and everyone elses while at home) for well over 10yrs and i still ask dumb questions... hehe

Each to their own and with other advice i might just turn out to be a house wife after all! :ROFL:

Mine's an aqua smart. The powder actually goes down the adgitator (ps?) in mine. You pull out the softener dispenser & put the powder down the middle.

I put my powder in the same spot Skye. That's where the sales person told me to put it and surprising the older ladies at work were all surprised that us young ones didn't know about that.

Lol, I only know coz it was in my instruction manual! The arguments I've had with DH over that one & the softener :wall: