elcamino83...

When you first got your SQ did you wipe down the stainless steel drum?

SQ puts a finishing compound that should be wiped off before using the machine.

I think your machine is fine with the detergent your are using but when you get your next detergent, opt for the "he" safe variety.

Enjoy your new washer! Congrats!

Elcamino, hi, I don't think it will cause a problem using non HE detergent in your Queen, after all its still a full fill traditional top loader. I know a lot of traditional top loader manufacterers are suggesting he detergent now, it may be because of Eco cycles. I use HE and non HE detergent in my Queen AWN432. I can't help with regards to your prewash automatically advancing to the wash cycle, my model doesn't do this.

As far as Cheer liquid leaving oily like spots on your clothes, where did you put the detergent? Does your model have a detergent dispenser? Correct me if I'm wrong I thought it had 2 dispensers one for fabric softener and one for liquid chlorine bleach. You didn't accidently put the detergent in the chlorine bleach dispenser did you? I will wsit your answers....welcome to

Thank you for the responses! I put the detergent in the bottom of the machine, mamapinky. Maybe this cycle was a fluke, or maybe the additives that I have been using with the kids sports clothes (4 kids, 6 teams), including Borax and Fels Naphtha, have something to do with the spots even though I wash my darks separately--perhaps residue is left in the machine. Might the clothes placed on top of the detergent get the spots? Is it a Cheer liquid issue? I haven't quite figured it out yet.

When you put the detergent in the bottom of the washer make sure you are adding enough water to disolve and dilute the detergent before adding the clothes. All detergent liquid and powder needs diluted somewhat in a traditional top loader, I can see this happening if the Cheer is put into the washer, than the clothes than the water turned on, also cold water washing and or overloading the machine could cause the liquid detergent to get into the clothing and not disolve and end up looking like oily spots..ask yourself thiS..am I putting the detergent in a washer with no water? Am I adding the clothes on top of undiluted detergent? Am I over loading with too many clothes? Am I using too cool of water? Any of these can cause this issue.

I think you got it. I put the clothes on top of the detergent. I don't have a sorter, so I have dirty piles on the floor and "store" one in the machine. When I'm ready to wash, I move the clothes to pour detergent in the drum. I used to dump detergent on top and then close the lid. Baby steps, I guess. The liquid All I just finished up didn't cause these stains, but I guess the Cheer does. As for the water, I am dismayed at how cool it is. I run the tap until the water is hot (W/D located FAR away from water heater) and yet my "warm" soaking water is cool enough that the temperature does not begin to register on my thermometer (which starts at 100 degrees). I turned up the heater a bit, but now the tap is hotter, and I am a little concerned about the kids. I don't have the wherewithal to boil water and pour it in ;)...I will figure this one out next.

Elcamino, you can not stop your washer for a soak midway thru the wash cycle?? Also any detergent put in the fabric softener dispenser is going to be released during the rinse cycle. Personally I know nothing about your model.

Laundry is a bit of science and a bit of art and does require some important steps..first you should stop using the washer as a hamper, if there are any wet or damp clothes in there you are going to end up with mold on the clothes and in the washer. This is what I recommend..store laundry in some type of breathable hamper, basket...sort on laundry day, put the load your washing in the washer start the machine, after it fills than add your detergent and boosters, make sure you haven't overloaded the machine.

As for water temperature, I understand you can't place the kids in danger with hot water yet a lot of clothes won't come clean in less than hot your between a rock and a hard place there. Lol.

I don't see why one couldn't use normal detergent in the Speed Queen. After all, it does a deep fill wash - even on the Normal Eco cycle. The only difference here is that the water temp is basically cool no matter what you select and the rinse is an extended spray rinse.

To get a warmer wash/soak, you could let the machine fill with some hot water and, once the tub is 1/3 or more filled, switch over to warm. That way, you don't have to turn the water heater up.

When you select presoak or -wash, does the machine drain the water out before the main wash? If so, you have to add the amount of detergent that would have gone in the main wash to the prewash or -soak. You basically add a super-dose to the prewash and then there will be enough superfluous detergent left for the subsequent main wash. I guess an HE detergent is usefull in this case... unless you want to reenact that Brady Bunch episode.

I can't help with TL technique but why couldn't the OP decant some of her detergent into another container and then add 1/2 distilled water to each part. That creates pre-diluted detergent with no need to remember anything. What I do with FS.

Roc I think the problem is there's no detergent dispenser in that washer.

Correct, there is no detergent dispenser in this washer. The users manual openly says to add detergent to drum, add clothes on top, AND THEN close the lid so the washer can fill. This doesn't work with liquid Cheer. Also, I have discovered that by using the Pre-Wash option on the electric control models, the machine will wash, spin, drain, and then fill and wash again with no pause in between rendering it a pretty useless option IMHO. I tried it with an HE detergent. My results were no different than without the pre-wash. The manual is no help at all in this matter. One would have to sit by the machine and listen for the spin, and be ready to add detergent for the second wash. The manual does helpfully say that one should absolutely NOT press start/pause or lift the lid for a soak (hey, great idea!). Also, one should not disable to locking mechanism either (I suppose I could you tube this one). I'm going to try "soak" next by lifting the lid after a fill. I would like to see what a mamapinky soak could do for these stained white school uniform shirts. Honestly, I am truly appreciative of all of the responses. I am going to try a partial fill with hot to get my soak to around 90-100 degrees AND I bought a proper 3 bag hamper from Overstock to properly sort my clothes instead of using my washer as a stand in. I love these suggestions. My family thanks you.

I reviewed the user guides for the two SQ electronic-control models (AWNE92 and AWNE82).

AWNE92 has both Soak and Prewash options, so I assume that's your model.

AWNE82 has Prewash but not Soak.

In both cases, the manual makes no mention of how to handle detergent for the added Soak and/or Prewash functions.

Per the cycle sequence charts, there's a drain/spin after both Soak and Prewash. Either option can be added to a cycle, or both can be selected.

The Soak period occurs first if both options are selected. Fill, agitate briefly, soak for 27 minutes, drain/spin. Proceed into the Prewash, which is a fill, brief agitation, drain/spin. Proceed into the selected cycle (wash, rinse, spin, extra rinses if selected).

Since there's a spin after both the Soak and Prewash, detergent will be lost down the drain and another dose reasonably should be added for each phase. That means the user would need to return to the machine after the Soak period spins to add detergent for the Prewash, then again after the Prewash to add another dose for the regular/main wash period.

Alternatively a double-dose or triple-dose (not a good idea even with HE products) could be added at the start ... but I don't think there'd be much residual detergent left after the spins in either case.

Liquid detergent is too thick to be placed in the softener dispenser, the instructions advise not to do that.

Softener also should NOT be placed in the dispenser if using the Soak or Prewash option (or both). Spinning is what throws the softener out of the inner cup. It's held in the outer area of the dispenser by centrifugal force until spin stops, then dribbles down into the agitator and out of the slots into the tub. The spins will dispense the softener prematurely (into either the Prewash period after the Soak, or into the main wash after the Prewash).

Could she use liquid detergent in a Downy Ball for the prewash or presoak?

I am surprised they think the liquid detergent is too thick but things have changed. My top load Maytag said when using the soak to wash option to fill the softener cup with liquid detergent. Maybe it is because the SQ uses a slow spin for the spins until the last one so all the detergent would not dispense till the completion of the cycle. Sometimes the agitator dispensers don't empty completely when on slow spin(all brands not just SQ).

Downy ball...that's worth a try...it just might work. Good idea Whirlpool!!

Downy Ball will open when soak cycle spins, so you would have detergent for pre wash, then another spin and no detergent for the main wash cycle. Best thing is keep and eye on it and add detergent for wash cycle OR add pre-wash detergent and fill the ball or dispenser (FS) with liquid and let it dispense for wash.

You can dilute liquid detergent in the fabric softener dispenser, will the dispenser hold enough?

The FS dispenser won't work. I tried it with Persil 2 in 1 which was a huge mistake! That thick liquid dispensed during the spin and I had to rewash everything to get that smell out. The detergent didn't properly rinse away either. I think I will give the Downy Ball a shot. The worst that can happen is that I have to rewash my clothes. I have to say, I am perplexed by Speed Queen. As Dadoes summarized, no clear directions are given on how to use the pre-wash and soak functions. I checked the Internet, and the only help I found was on the SQ Facebook page where I originally found the idea for using the FS dispenser from a fellow SQ owner. When SQ was asked the question straight out, they did not give a satisfactory answer. Right now, I set the Preset cycle to "Spin" and used the soak function. The machine just finished the cycle, so I am about to use a proper wash cycle with fresh detergent. The guinea pig clothes are from today's soccer games played in the rain; they have lots of grass stains, plus they smell. The earlier comment about laundry being an art and science is correct. I have to add Borax to remove the smell, but add too much and the laundry smells like pepper. 1 TBPS Fels Naphtha seems to neutralize the smell of the Borax, but add too much and it won't completely dissolve.

That's odd, Borax making laundry smell like pepper, never heard of that. How long have you used Persil 2 in 1? May it was reacting to that. I know a lot of people, myself included, have found that Persil leaves an awful odor.

If you want to perform a soak cycle and not worry about catching the main wash, simply select the spin only cycle then add the soak to it. It will complete the soak and spin out, then you can return to set the main wash without fear of missing it.

MRB

I would not be adding tablespoons of Fels Naptha to laundry loads, Fels is a soap, it won't take long before its in the fibers of clothing and building up on washer parts. Soap is the real dickins to rinse out, and should never be used in any washer except a wringer and than only if proper steps are taken.

Mama? No Fels Naptha?

Yikes, I've used a little on a stain. I always rub a little Fels Naptha on the stain & rinse in the sink. I'm sure some gets in my washer but not often. (Didn't use any this weekend).

Also, it's a very odd soap. After using on a stain it makes my hands feel weird. Not slippery or clean.

I figured it was a more natural stain remover instead of Shout or Spray & Wash. I'll stop using it though. I do not want that residue in my washer.

I learn something new everyday! Thanks Mama!

A prewash cycle should be the bomb for stain removal. But it's criminal if you can't add detergent to the main wash separately.

Recalculating: Think I did this when I had machines way back with no dispenser. I never liked throwing detergent directly on the clothes.

What I used to do was start the machine and then add detergent early on in the fill, then add the clothes. Would be same for powder or liquid. BTW - the 2 in 1 Persil Pro Clean should be great at removing stains like grass -- plus with a little Oxy booster (like 1-2 Tb) those should come right out.

Could that work?

.

Paw, its fine to rub a littlle fels on a stain..its when you start adding tablespoons of it to the wash..your fine in what your doing Paw.

Roc is right about Persil 2 in 1 it should do fine with those stains expecially with hot water, last I checked it has enough enzymes to eat a bowl of mac and cheese.

Paw I want to add I also have been known to rub a little Fels on a stubborn stain really that's fine to do.

Uuuggghhh. No wonder my machine died. I violated about every rule in the book! I used Fels Naptha because I have to use it on church linen, and it is a common ingredient in home detergent recipes. Regarding Persil, the smell is strong, but I cut back to 1.5 oz down from the recommended 2 oz., and the smell is all but gone out of the dryer. I don't see what the fuss is though, it leaves grass stains on clothes unless pretreated. I really want to like it as we need a TOL detergent that isn't P&G. Off to get the Downy Ball!

Another question. ...can I wash the stained sports clothes (dri-fit and the like poly material) on hot? I am a little concerned about screen printed numbers, insignias, etc. I have been using the Perm. Press mode. Most directions say to use cold, but that doesn't work.

I don't have an answer about the prints...I do know though the kind of stains your talking about won't usually shift in anything less than hot water....do you machine dry these garments? Dryers can get as hot as 130-150 so if your machine drying your already subjecting them to heat..also do you have any old ones that you could use as a tester.

The Downy ball works! I put Cheer in the prewash and The remnant of my All liquid in the ball. I used my usual 1.5 oz. which hit the "extra large" line on the Downy ball. The detergent released during the prewash spin, and the main wash filled on top of the released detergent. Brilliant whirlpool trainee! Problem solved for $2. I have to ask, what has happened to detergent scents in the last 20 years? I have been using <fill in the blank brand> original scent without thinking for decades, but today I decided to smell some other scents. Hands down, Tide Simply Clean (cheap candy and cologne) and Tide Sportswash (polyester sport socks pulled off of sweaty feet) were 2 of the worst scents, masquerading as detergent, that I have ever smelled. Either I have become completely divorced from the tastes of my fellow man or P&G has. Geez. If they change Cheer, I will need therapy. Thank you everyone for your help!

I'm dying of curosity, what was the original scent detergent you have been using for the past 20 years lol??

I have been using Tide, Gain and Cheer. Original scents only. I noticed they didn't smell the same, but I thought it was just me. I really like a light, fresh scent. There seemed to be so many until the powers that be discovered heavy, perfumey, vanilla-y (the worst, to me) smells. I saw apple, mango, or was it tango, Gain today (?!?!) I really don't want to want to eat my clothes.

You find original scent Cheer and Tide???

With poly uniform type things, stains are very difficult to remove I think. Don't feel hot water works for those. I think those are OxyClean soaks for an hour in cold followed by a warm wash with enzymes. As mamapinky said, that Persil 2 in 1 should zap those.

mamapinky, I wish I could find original Tide. I didn't recognize the smell change at first, because I stopped paying attention. I just bought the same ole thing. Today's Cheer is pretty close to the original (at least the smell I remember from the 80's). It has that light fresh smell that I can't find anywhere else. I have read here how everyone is so disappointed in the changes in detergent scent. I can tell you that 95% of the people don't pay attention. They just continue to buy whatever they have been using. My washer dying (at the exact time my water heater, air conditioner, and dishwasher, among other things) was a "come to Jesus" moment for me. This will make sense to you: I bought a new dishwasher around 2010-2011 because mine wasn't working anymore. The general public isn't informed/doesn't really care about their cleaning products. They just assume then name brand is the best.

rococogurl: Thank you for the advice! I think you are right about a cold soak followed by a warm wash. I will be able to try that after tonight's games. Will cold temps be enough to activate sodium percarbonate?

If its oxiwash or biz sure but not if its pure ...have you tried powdered Biz..sodium percarbonate and enzymes. .

I saw Biz today, but I passed it up because I have a small tub of Clorox Oxi Magic to use up before I buy something new. The ingredient list is as follows: sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate.

What's that ingredients list for the clorox oxi magic??

Sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate.

With a natural fiber like cotton or linen it's clear cut. But the poly fibers are petroleum based so you never know what you're dealing with. Why the complaints about stinky sports clothes. Elasticizers are petroleum. Much harder to get stains out of those but the fabric is cheap and tough.

They hold in stains and odors because it's oil + oil. Hot water affects them less and too hot may damage. Why I suggested soak + warm.

I swear by the Oxi Clean. It's made by Arm & Hammer (Church & Dwight). Never used Biz but many like it. But I suspect with the kids sports uniforms a pretreat like Shout + warm (125F) with enzymes will give best results and be easiest on a routine basis.

But I get it. You know the uni is clean but there's still stains so it looks dirty. It's like when DGD goes around with unkempt hair and looks like a neglected child though that couldn't be farther from the fact. She just doesn't like it brushed. That sort of thing drives me crazy.

I love your comment about your DGDs hair as that is exactly what my boys looked liked like today. Their shoes are polished, but they have breakfast around their mouths, and their hair is everywhere! Your description of the poly material is very helpful, and understanding the material now, I will remember how to take care of it. I washed the uniforms in warm with a warm soak (stains were pretreated. ..usual routine). Out of the washer, I could still see grass, but out of the dryer, the stains were imperceptible. I will take that as a victory. Thank you!

Mamapinky, the laundry sorter arrived yesterday and the kids were summoned for an instructional new product meeting. The chance of them following through is close to zero, but no more storing clothes in the washer!

I think one of the differences in Oxiwash and Biz is ..Biz has added enzymes. I personally think Biz (powsered form) is one of the best on the store shelf products as fas as a booster goes.

Roc, you really should pick up a box of Biz powder when you get a chance, its a excellent product. I don't know about sudsing though. But its loaded in sodium percarbonate and enzymes. Oxiwash does a good job whitenening and I understand why you would use it. I like Biz for tub soaking whites with stains.

You are training them well! Your comment about the hampers is correct. I end up having to collect clothes from their rooms. My 15yo daughter is the worst. I have to avoid her room if I don't want to ruin my day, and her clothes are the deplorable. The underwear, the deodorant stains, and she is the brute on the soccer fields, her uniforms are always stained up. She is a lost cause for now. I can just see your little guy sorting his clothes. ..I think I still have some time with my boys to get a few lessons in, after I learn them myself. I have been washing my clothes since I was 12, but I never learned how to properly do laundry, even in Home Ec.

Lots of Biz fans here. I'm almost out of Oxi so I'll look for it. My stains are mostly in things like cloth napkins and DH's pants/shirts (we are ink-stained wretches) so I only use it occasionally. Rarely in whites.

Guess I feel with having spent the $$$$ for the Miele their profile wash should handle most things with minimum of product and it usually does. After I saw the 3-day old coffee stains come out of chinos I realized I didn't need to work so hard!

I second the cloth napkins. I have perpetual stains in mine. I've soaked, and pre-treated, and soaked again, and the orange stains are still there, mocking me. Now, Persil 2 in 1 and Oxy Magic has helped me rid my daughter's clothes of some older stains (*ahem*), or at least lightened them considerably, but the stains on the napkins allude me. While at the grocery store this morning, I forked out the $4 for a box of Biz just out of curiosity.

Roc, I think you will like all the added enzymes in biz, but try to smell it thru the box first, you may not be able to tolorate the scent, although to me its fine.

As for cloth napkins I use all white, sometimes I find them at thrift stores, I go thru tons of these since after you get a stash they are cheaper than paper napkins, at least nice paper napkins. I have mine seperated into two categories, one for guests for dinner and holidays..one for everyday use, the everyday ones are the ones that have stains that refuse to shift and or are fraying in places..

I look forward to trying the Biz on my older stains. I've never given up the idea that a magical unicorn of a product is out there somewhere just waiting for me to find it. I didn't notice the smell, I suppose it's nothing Persil can't kill. I'm hoping it doesn't leave fabric as stiff as Borax does.

mamapinky...the Biz worked. I used it in a warm soak for my whites (thank you rococogurl), and it took out stains from boys' white school uniform shirts.

Elcamino, ahh, that's great news, I thought the Biz might work since its loaded in sodium percarbonate and enzymes. Biz has always been my favorite enzyme booster..any way good news thanks for letting us know.