Just got my Speed Queen FF7 and DF7, but what's the deal with detergent?

The first thing you need to know is to stay away from the **Eco cycle**. It’s basicly there to satisfy government regulations and it’s garbage for actual cleaning. It’ll default to cold water and use the bare minimum amount of moisture, which completley defeats the purpose of buying a Speed Queen. Stick to the Normal or Heavy Duty cycles if you actually want the water temprature you selected on the dial. These machines really shine when you let them use the hot water they’re capable of pulling. As for detergent, don't let the heavy-duty build fool you into thinking it needs more soap. Even though these use more water than a typical LG or Samsung, they are still high-efficiency machines. If you’re using standard HE liquid, start with two tablespoons at most. If you see suds sticking to the glass during the rinse, you’re still using too much. Oversudsing is the fastest way to kill the pressure sensor and gum up the outer tub, and it's a pain to fix once that buildup starts.

You mentioned comforters, and the FF7 handles them well, but don't overstuff it. It’s a 3.5 cu ft drum, which is smaller than the massive plastic tubs you see at big box stores. It relies on the clothes actually dropping and hitting the water to get clean. If it's packed too tight, nothing moves. Also, keep in mind that the door on these isn't reversible. It’s a major design quirk that drives people nuts if thier laundry room layout is backward. One thing to watch for over time is the control board. While the mechanicals are industrial grade, the electronics can still be finicky after a few years. Best thing you can do for longevity is leave the washer door cracked open when you aren't using it. These seals are tight, and if you trap moisture in there, you'll get that nasty mildew smell just as fast as any other brand. Wipe down the gasket every now and then and you should be solid for a long time.

I'm relly curious about the spin speeds on the FF7. My old LG used to vibrate the entire floor when it hit the high-speed cycle, so I'm wondering if these feel more stable becasue of the weight or if they still make a racket. Does it get enugh water out so the dryer doesn't have to run forever? Also, since you mentioned the electronics being a bit finicky later on, is it a good idea to use a surge protector on these, or is that just for the fancy touch-screen models?

Regarding the vibration, the FF7 is a beast. It uses a heavy-duty suspension system that keeps it from walking, but make sure your floor is level. If you're on a second story with wooden joists, you'll still feel some resonance during the high spin. It's not the "jet engine" sound of an LG, more of a low-frequency hum. defintely pick up a dedicated surge protector. Speed Queen’s electronics are generaly robust, but a cheap protector can save you a $400 board replacement down the line. Also, run a Tub Clean cycle with some citric acid every few months to keep scale off the heater and sensors.

Don't overlook the DF7 dryer settings. If you use the moisture sensor mode, it can sometimes shut off while the waistbands are still damp. I usually just bump it up to the 'More Dry' setting or use the timed dry for heavy loads like jeans. Also, the lint filter on these is huge—make sure you're cleaning it every single load or the airflow drops fast. It’s definitely louder than the LGs, expecially the 'cycle end' buzzer, but you'll actually hear it from the other side of the house.