Do top-loading washers with agitators clean clothes better than front loaders? What laundry pros say

Key Points

• Top-load washers with agitators or impellers clean tough fabrics well by physically moving clothes to loosen dirt.
• Front-load washers are gentler on delicate fabrics and use tumbling and soak time to clean effectively.
• Choosing between styles depends on your laundry habits and the types of fabrics you wash most often.

A new washing machine can be a significant financial investment, so doing thorough research before making a purchase is important. If you’re wondering what the difference between a top-load and front-load washing machine is, there’s actually more to it than just the location of the opening.

“Top-load and front-load washing machines provide different washing actions to clean,” explains Morgan LaLonde, the senior brand manager at Whirlpool Laundry.

To help you make the right choice for your home and laundry habits, we tapped two appliance pros to break down the key differences between top-load and front-load washing machines and to answer this frequently asked question: Are top-load appliances better at getting clothes cleaner because they have an agitator?

Meet the Expert

• Morgan LaLonde is the senior brand manager at Whirlpool Laundry.
• Amy Chernoff is the VP of marketing at AJ Madison, and appliance retailer.

The Difference Between Top-Load and Front-Load Washing Machines

While both machine styles move laundry back and forth to loosen soils and effectively clean items, LaLonde says they do so in two very distinct ways. A top-load appliance uses an agitator (a long stick in the middle) or impeller (a disc at the bottom) to move clothes around a wash basket, whereas a front-load appliance rotates the drum to create a tumbling action.

“While each model provides a similar cleaning experience, the differences ultimately come down to style, installation requirements, and laundry habits,” LaLonde says.

Benefits of Top-Load Washing Machines

There is a reason why top-load washing machines have had a loyal following for decades: They’re workhorses built for real-life laundry piles.

“An agitator gives the load more hands-on movement, which can help loosen dirt from sturdy fabrics like denim, towels, uniforms, and outdoor clothes,” says Amy Chernoff, VP of marketing at AJ Madison.

“In addition to breaking apart stains, appliances equipped with agitators can also provide multiple wash motions for a hard-hitting clean, help reduce wash times, and often offer familiar functionality and design,” LaLonde adds.

And although agitators give clothes a rigorous wash, LaLonde says improved washer technology ensures they remain gentle on clothing.

Are Top-Load Washing Machines Better Than Front-Load Appliances?

When asked whether top-load washing machines are really better than front-load appliances, Chernoff’s answer is “not across the board.”

Although a top-loader’s agitator-equipped design is known for effectively moving the load around the wash basket, for Chernoff that doesn’t automatically make it better than a front-load appliance.

“A top-loader with an agitator can be a good choice for muddy uniforms, gardening clothes, pet bedding, or anything that really needs a good scrub, but a good front-loader can clean beautifully, too—it just does so with tumbling, soak time, and steady water movement instead of that scrubbing action from the agitator,” the expert explains.

For Chernoff, it’s less about which style of washing machine cleans better and more about what’s being washed week to week.

Which Is Best for Your Laundry?

If your day-to-day wardrobe consists more of silk blouses, knit sweaters, or textured fabrics, you might want to go with a front-load machine, which doesn’t risk tearing anything with the added spinning piece in the middle. Even bras, leggings, or thinner graphic tees could be stretched or worn down more quickly by the agitator.

If your day-to-day wardrobe consists more of thick coveralls, denim, or scrubs, you might want to go with an agitator washing machine, which will physically move your clothes around more and shake dirt free.

Top-Load

• Denim

• Pet beds

• Heavily soiled outdoor clothes

• Muddy sports and work uniforms

• Towels

• Washable shoes

• Bulky blankets

• Comforters

• Standard cotton items

Front-Load

• Delicates

• Synthetic fabrics

• Everyday shirts

• Delicate knits and sweaters

• Sheer fabrics

• Textured fabrics

• Silk

• Washable jackets

• Activewear

Read the original article on The Spruce