High efficiency (HE) top loading washing machines work by using a spinning, rotating plate or disk at the bottom of the wash tub instead of a traditional tall agitator post. This method, often involving less water than conventional top loaders, effectively cleans clothes while being gentler on fabrics.
Unlike older top-load models that use a central agitator to move clothes through water, HE top loaders employ a different mechanism.
The Core Mechanism: Impeller Technology
Instead of a traditional agitator, most HE top load washers utilize an impeller. An impeller is a low-profile cone or disk located at the bottom of the wash basket.
- How it Moves Clothes: The impeller spins and rotates, creating currents within the water that gently move the clothes. This action, combined with the rotation of the wash drum, causes fabrics to rub against each other, aiding in the cleaning process.
- Less Water Used: HE washers are designed to use significantly less water than their conventional counterparts. The drum doesn't fill completely; instead, clothes are saturated and then lifted and dropped through the water and detergent solution as the drum spins.
Key Characteristics of HE Top Loaders
Understanding the specific features helps explain how these machines operate efficiently and effectively.
Gentler on Clothes
As noted in the reference, HE top loaders use spinning, rotating plates or disks to wash laundry, providing a gentler way to clean clothes. This gentle action is a key benefit compared to the vigorous movement of a traditional agitator, which can sometimes cause wear and tear on fabrics.
Water Recirculation
Many HE top load models include features that enhance efficiency, such as water recirculation.
- Recirculation Benefit: The reference states that many models recirculate water during the rinse cycles. This involves pumping water from the bottom of the tub and spraying it back over the load. This helps to distribute detergent and rinse aid evenly and improve rinsing efficiency, often using less water overall.
High Spin Speeds
HE top loaders typically have much faster spin speeds than older models.
- Benefit: High spin speeds extract more water from clothes at the end of the wash cycle. This means less time and energy are needed to dry clothes in a dryer, saving on utility costs.
Detergent Requirements
HE washers require the use of HE detergent. These detergents are specially formulated to produce fewer suds, which is crucial in low-water washing environments. Excessive suds in an HE machine can interfere with the washing action and even damage the machine.
Comparison: HE Top Load vs. Conventional Top Load
| Feature | HE Top Load Washer | Conventional Top Load Washer |
|---|---|---|
| Washing Action | Impeller (spinning plate/disk) | Central Agitator |
| Gentleness | More Gentle | Can be harsher on fabrics |
| Water Usage | Less Water | More Water (fills tub) |
| Spin Speed | High Spin Speeds | Lower Spin Speeds |
| Detergent | Requires HE Detergent | Standard Detergent (more suds) |
| Capacity | Often Larger (no central post) | Limited by Agitator |
Practical Insights
Choosing an HE top loader offers benefits like energy efficiency (less water, less drying time) and improved fabric care. However, proper loading is essential. Clothes should be loaded loosely around the impeller, not packed tightly, to allow for optimal water circulation and movement. Using the correct amount of HE detergent is also vital for performance and machine health.
HE top loading washers represent an evolution in laundry technology, combining the convenience of a top-loading design with the efficiency and gentle cleaning capabilities of modern washing methods.
