r/clothdiaps • u/LittleP13 • 3d ago

Washing Samsung HE washer Heavy Duty vs. Bedding Cycle

Doing a pre-wash to prep flats, plus crib sheets and some baby clothes. I decided to run a Bedding Cycle and it seemed to fill the washing with a decent amount of water and run for about 90 min. However, it will only let me go up to the 3rd out of 5 heat levels. It seems like it’s filling more than Heavy Duty cycle but that will go to the highest heat. Anyone have an opinion on if height heat or more water I should prioritize for my diaper main wash?

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u/2nd1stLady 3d ago

More water isn't better. The heavy duty cycle has better agitation than the bedding cycle. That's why you need to use it for the mainwash. You also need to fill the drum 3/4 full or more with the Samsung HE toploads. If it's a hybrid (can choose load size small medium large etc) then you need to check for stew in the mainwash.

Are you using a plant based detergent? That would be the only reason you'd need a hot mainwash. You can use any temperature you want with synthetic or mineral based detergent.

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u/LittleP13 3d ago

It’s a front loader so, that’s why I was sort of interested in finding a cycle that uses more water since when I do towels or diapers they are wet but not like agitating IN water. I can’t choose load size either. It weighs it and decides the length of cycle time for me. I can only choose cycle type, and the. Sometimes adjust temp (1-5 no idea what actual temp is), rinse, spin or soil level. Right now I’m trying TidePur but baby isn’t due for 2 weeks so I haven’t used it on soiled diapers yet. Was previously using Tide Free and Clear, and I have the Esembly powder that I was experimenting with.

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u/2nd1stLady 2d ago

Eta: even if it's a front load, more water isn't better. Proper agitation isn't things swimming in water.

Tide pur is plant based so you'll need to use hot for the mainwash. If you can't set it to the hottest, then the hottest you can set it to is probably OK. Tide free and gentle is usually a better choice. Esembly isn't strong enough for diapers.

What's your water hardness number for hot and cold from the washing machine? Have you tested it?

For a frontloader, In between the pre and main wash cycles peel diapers off the sides of the drum and fluff them up. Add small items of clothing no larger than a recieving blanket to get the drum 2/3-3/4 full. Measure the drum when its empty from top to bottom inside the drum (the diameter) and mark the side of the drum or the door or keep a measuring tape next to the washer to measure the mainwash every time. Do not eyeball fullness or count ridges or holes. Some machines like to be exactly 2/3, some like to be exactly 3/4, and some of them are fine anywhere between the two. You'll have to try them and find your machine's sweet spot.

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u/LittleP13 2d ago

My area is supposed to be around 250 for water hardness. Thank u for these tips and advice about maximizing agitation

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u/2nd1stLady 2d ago

The pipes that carry your water ro and through your home can give or take minerals so knowing your areas average at the water treatment facility isn't helpful. You need to test your water hardness number for hot and cold from the washing machine. Test kits can be found a Walmart, pool supply stores, hardware stores, pet stores, and online. You'll need to make sure the kit says it tests for Total Hardness or General Hardness and has a scale that goes to at least 250ppm. Testing water directly from the machine is best. If you plan to use hot water to wash, or use a plant based detergent, both hot and cold should be tested. Put a small container in the detergent drawer and start a cycle on cold. When you hear water running cancel the cycle and collect the sample. Test it. Repeat for hot. ** Avoid the free Whirlpool and Water Boss brand tests as they have been known to give inaccurate results. Also, avoid the electric TDS tests as they do not test Hardness.

If you have a Petsmart nearby they test water samples for free. Canada Home Hardware tests for free, as well.

If you don't want to search for a kit, here's one you can order from Amazon