
The CleanSuds Blog
Where education and truthful facts are easy to come by.

Which Washing Machine is Best?
Which Washing Machine is best?
I've been knee deep in laundry questions and troubleshooting for over a decade and the question I get asked the most is, "What Washing Machine is the best?" There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a washing machine, but don't worry, I'm here to guide you through it. By the end of this post, you'll know exactly which machine is right for your home. So let's get started!
Top-loading washing machines are less expensive than front-loading washing machines
The cost of a washing machine isn’t something that many people eagerly anticipate, yet it’s an unavoidable expense. But if you are looking for major savings, then you should consider investing in a top-loading washing machine. Not only are they less expensive than their front-loading counterparts, they will also save you a lot of backache; after all, bending down each time is not the greatest fun. Plus, changing the settings to suit your laundry needs can be done with minimal hiccups. A world full of stains stand no chance against a top-loading washing machine!
Top-loading washing machines clean better than front-loading machines
Top-loading washing machines might not be as energy-efficient as their front-loading counterparts, but they definitely clean better. Why did I make that bold statement? Because I've talked to thousands of people and the majority of people who have owned both types of machines state that the top-loading machines wash better. Why? That's because front-loading machines rely on tumbling clothes in order to clean them, and that simply doesn't work as well as the good old-fashioned method of using water and soap to scrub them clean. So if you're looking for a machine that will get your clothes really clean, you should go with a top-loader with an agitator. If you live in an area where you pay for water or your region has a water shortage, look for a top-loading high efficiency (HE) washer.
Top-loading washing machines break less than front-loading washing machines
If you're wonder which type of washing machine needs less maintenance here is your answer: top-loaders break less often. Studies have found that front-loaded machines experience more breakdowns due to their complex designs and electronics, whereas top-loaded models tend to be simpler in function and construction. So while front loaders may save energy with their lower water level requirements, they might put you at risk of a much bigger headache down the line if something goes awry! Ultimately, if reliability is your main concern when buying a washing machine, your best choice may still be a trusty top loader. What's even better than a top loading machine with an agitator? One that has mechanical settings instead of electronic; it's much easier and cheaper to fix.
What are the top 3 top loading washing machines
When it comes to top loading washing machines, Speed Queen is unrivaled and takes the cake every time. Speed Queens are a powerhouse for spinning clothes clean and fast— plus, an extra spin cycle afterwards to minimize drying time. The GE 5.3 Cu. Ft. High-Efficiency Top Load Washer with Agitator is another great option, as its deep fill feature aids in tackling even the toughest loads. Last but not least the Whirlpool 4.8 cu. ft. Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator. With Speed Queen, GE, and Whirlpool vying for third place — these are the top 3 brands that MamaSuds customer love.
Overall, it is clear that top-loading washing machines offer a number of advantages when compared to front-loading washing machines. Not only are they cheaper than their front-loading counterparts, but they use less energy and clean better as well. Plus, their ease-of-use and the fact that you don't have to strain yourself by bending down to load or unload them make them a great choice for those who suffer from mobility issues.
On top of all of this, they don't even require special detergents like front-loading washing machines do! So why not save some money while being kind to the environment AND your back at the same time? It would appear that one possible way of ticking all of these boxes would be with a top-loading washing machine. What type of washing machine do you have and would you recommend it? Let us know in the comments below!

4 Surfaces You Probably Haven’t Cleaned in a While
Keeping it clean doesn't stop at countertops, windows and the usual germ-accumulating suspects like toilets and sinks. For the deepest and most thorough cleanse, there are some surfaces that are absolute must-cleans that often get overlooked. Here are four important surfaces that you may be forgetting to clean.
Dishwasher
The all-important dishwasher sanitizes your dishes making them safe to eat off of once again, but it is a frequently neglected appliance that doesn't often get a cleaning of its own. It's good to keep in mind that a clean dishwasher gives you cleaner dishes so making sure to give your dishwasher the care it needs inside and out ensures that your dishwasher will not only cleanse your dishes more efficiently, but it will also keep your dishwasher healthier for longer by preventing food buildup that could cause clogging issues.
Doorframe
Be sure to add your doorframes to your cleaning to-do list. Many people do not think to clean their doorframes, but dust can easily accumulate over time, causing irritation to those suffering from allergies. Neglecting to clean doorframes simply creates more settled dirt that can potentially affect your health, so regularly cleaning them reduces the amount of dust that settles and can be dispersed into the air if the door is opened and closed frequently.
Doorknob
Doorknobs are used often but are rarely cleaned. A doorknob can rapidly accumulate germs, so it's important to clean them frequently to prevent germs from spreading unnecessarily. Staying on top of the care of the doorknobs in your home decreases your chances of contracting a virus or other illness that can be spread through touching the same surface as a person with a contagious virus or infection.
Driveway
Cleaning the exterior of your home is equally as important as the cleaning you do on its interior. Your driveway needs love too, and cleaning it regularly allows it to remain intact and reduces the number of cracks that unwashed driveways experience. Neglected driveways get more cracks than driveways that are cleaned regularly, so properly maintaining your driveway by recognizing its need to also be cleansed saves you time and money for repairs in the long run.
Cleaning the seemingly insignificant surfaces on the interior and exterior of your home keeps the smooth running of your house, your loved ones and yourself going strong. Incorporating the regular cleaning of surfaces that you may miss provides you with a cleaner, happier and healthier home.
Ready to clean any overlooked surfaces in your home? Shop our eco-friendly cleaning products today!

Does Vinegar Damage Rubber Seals?
• The pH of distilled white vinegar measures between 2.4-3.5 and has a lower pH than commercial rinse aids containing citric acid.
• Use a small glass filled with white vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher to avoid contact with the rubber seals in the rinse aid dispenser when using vinegar in the machine.
• Purchase an all-natural, biodegradable dishwasher powder detergent with a sample pack option or opt for an all-natural laundry detergent soap free from synthetic ingredients, fragrance and dye.

Can Soap ruin my Clothes or Washer?
Laundry is based on science. You need something that cleans. Sure, it's not black and white, our water systems are so different from region to region making laundry hit or miss for many people. What works for you may not work for my household. But there is still science behind it. Salts and minerals soften water and do crazy scientific and ionic things to help the soap or surfactants do their thing- which is getting the dirt out of your laundry.
If you're here on this site, you're probably trying to find a more earth-conscious company to wash with. If you've turned to Facebook groups you have probably heard many people claim that soap-based laundry products don't work and can ruin your machine and your clothes. They claim all soap-based laundry products leave behind a residue.
NOT TRUE.
Many soap makers create soaps (both liquid and bar) that have extra fat in them. This is called superfatting. In the end, it creates a product that has extra fat that has been left behind during saponification. The thought is that these extra fats make a soap that is more moisturizing and emollient (soothing and softening).
MamaSuds does not superfat their liquid soap. Why? Many people who have skin issues react to anything left behind from soap.
Creating a liquid soap that is zero superfat also means it won't leave any oils behind during cleaning. Which is great news for people who need a laundry soap that does not leave a residue behind! This is a link to a great explanation of superfatting soaps.
MamaSuds DOES work for all types of clothes (including cloth diapers). If you've read this article about how DIY laundry recipes ruin your washer (and yes they CAN if you aren't using the right soap!), you can use MamaSuds Castile Soap as you soap in your DIY recipe!

How to Clean your Washing Machine
No you do NOT need a special cleaner for that!
Have you looked at the upper rim of your washing machine drum? Mine was pretty gross. I don't even know what prompted me to look there, but I caught a glimpse of it and immediately felt the need to clean it. How does all that gook get there? My washing machine is just over a year old and has never been clean. My previous washing machine was just over 7 years old and I never even thought to look at the drum to check for gunk. Yikes!
Isn't that gross? First I took a wet washcloth and put a squirt of laundry soap on it and scrubbed it. Then I thought I was going to have break out an old toothbrush or the cotton swabs. I really didn't want to get that crazy with it so I grabbed some scissors to jam my washcloth into the knicks, crannies and ridges. It did the trick!
I then took a dry washcloth and poured some vinegar on it and wiped it all down until it was all sparkly.
Now my washing machine drum is nice a clean! Try it :)

How to Wash Cloth Diapers
• It is a natural, oil-based detergent that is effective in removing poo from diapers without causing burns or irritation.
• Effective washing routine includes an initial cold rinse, followed by a hot wash with 4 oz of MamaSuds soap, then a cold rinse and extra cold rinse.
• Drying can be done in the dryer with wool dryer balls or in the sun during warmer months.
• Reviews of MamaSuds available on Change-Diapers.com, Eco-Friendly USA, Every Child is Blessing, Housewife Mama, Fort Worth Examiner MamaSuds and Customer Reviews Kid Tested... Mommy reviewed.