Machines at the laundromat use higher water levels like the ones that you are describing. My Duet uses very low water levels in comparison. The cycles that use the low water levels can keep the highly concentrated detergent and water solution while having higher levels of wash action since the load will hit the metal of the drum. If the water levels were higher, the water would create a "softer" impact and reduce the amount of wash action, in theory. There is a point where the water level would be too high and the movement of the clothes is limited. However, there is nothing wrong with a high rinse water level. Most front load machines use two rinses, which I find to be very similar if not better in some aspects to a traditional top loaders one deep rinse. A majority of the newer machines use such a low water level to be more efficient and comply with the EPA standards. I'm hoping that clarifies somethings up for you!

"DoreyCrouse: If the water levels were higher, the water would create a "softer" impact and reduce the amount of wash action, in theory."

That's fact! A few months ago I washed several sheer curtain panels in a 2005 Duet on the Delicate cycle, which fills with more water for gentler action. Used powder detergent, warm water. The items floated in the water, never turning over even once, and had undissolved detergent in them after the final spin. I rewashed them on Normal, MUCH better action and the detergent residue was gone.

Thank you for info. I bought a kenmore front loader and it puts about 2 inches of water and i thought it wasnt working right because when i washed my first load they didnt smell clean but my daughter did clothes and they smelt better. Maybe i am just used to the old fashion ones that fill up with water.

Carol, Your machine is working! I am on my second set of Kenmore/Whirlpool frontloader and dryer. The first set lasted about 14 years and needed several small repairs, so I decided to buy a new pair. I often set a 20 minute soak before the wash cycle. These guys work hard and do a great job.

The clothes are saturated dripping wet and the machine adds an amount more (determined by a level sensor in the outer tub) to form a small puddle up into the inner drum. Some cycles, as discussed above, add more water for a deeper level up into the drum to cushion the tumbling/slapping of the clothes for more delicate action.

Does "smell clean" mean there wasn't much residual detergent scent? This may indicate the dosage was a bit low, or this machine rinses better than your previous machine.

Also to mention ... you don't necessarily have to use the various cycles for the types of loads per their labeling. Watch how the various cycles perform and select them per how you want the load treated ... faster or slower tumbling patterns, perhaps a bit more water, etc.

Thank you for all the advice.

Carol, use the Auto Soak feature whenever time isn't a big deal. It will add a 30 minute soak and increase performance quite a bit!

Carol, just as dadoes said, I don't use the cycle for its intended label. Iuse my Jeans cycle because it offers a gentle tumble pattern, cool down before wash water drain, and spins at medium spin speed. I use White (heavy soil) for anything I want a hot water wash--heaiest soil allows heater to heat wter longer. I use Bulky for some casual wear and colors because of more water and medium tumble pattern.

Thank you for the explanation doreycrouse.

Also if I am not mistaken, if you are using the Normal cycle it will use less water than some of the others.

Carol Solze, what is the capacity of your FL?

How much detergent are you using?

My Bosch Nexxt is 4.0 ft3 & I only use 1.5-2.0 TBSP [HE Persil or HE Tide F&C].

I experimented with dosages and was very surprised how much over-dosage by as little as 1 TBSP (to 3 TBSP = 45mL, which is detergent manufacturers recommended line 1 for medium loads) affected cleaning ability and caused crunchy dingy greys from white towels. They were obviously not rinsed enough and suffered from soap residue.

PS - prolonged over-dosage will result in crusting of internal parts from soap suds causing premature wear/tear/breakdown.

I recommend washing in warm, hot or hottest [sanitary] as cold washes don't clean as effectively and will result in mold in the washer.

Reality is, unless your hot water tank is within 10 feet of your washer, the 'warm' water will only be lukewarm, and 'hot' water will only be warm by the time it reaches and fills the drum (~4-5 gallons of H2O).

"colle: PS - prolonged over-dosage will result in crusting of internal parts from soap suds causing premature wear/tear/breakdown."

Not necessarily true. Any internal tub/drum parts exposed to suds during the wash period will be flushed by rinse water and water extracted from the clothes and spraying around on the surface of the outer tub through the drum perforations during spin.

On the other side of the dosage concern ... insufficient dosage doesn't properly sequester mineral content out of the water and mineral residue may accumulate on surfaces when the water dries ... there's your crusting.

collie its a 4.0 and i fill to normal line on detergent line

i have been experimenting with different cycles I like the bulky for most of my clothes

Carol, I've found the normal line on the detergent line can vary from 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60-120 mL), which IMO is too much.

What is your water hardness as that's a factor too?

Try 2.0 TBSP (30.0 mL) and experiment with dosing +/- 5.0 mL (1 tsp) at a time.

My water hardness: moderately hard

I've been using 1.5-2.0 TBSP (HE Persil or HE Tide F&C) and found 2.0 TBSP may be too much as towels are were coming out slightly crunchy dingy greys vs 1.5 TBSP softer whiter towels.

I came across this site from appliance repair and they recommend using less.

While it is helpful, I wish they would reference the size of washing machine so people can use it as a baseline.

So I'm going to try 1.0-1.5 TBSP (15.0-22.5 mL) and experiment with dosing +/- 5.0 mL (1 tsp) at a time.

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https://www.appliancerepairspecialists.net/blog/how-much-laundry-soap-to-use/

Here’s the breakdown of how much laundry soap to use in HE washers:

• HE liquid detergent= Use one tablespoon (1 TBSP)
• Regular detergent= Use two teaspoons (2 tsp)
• Powder detergent= Use two tablespoons (2 TBSP)