Front Loading Washers

We had some negative feedback today on the show about front loading washers.  If you'd like to add yours, leave a comment

Hi Ken,
I heard your radio program this AM, and I also have a front load washer 
that I now realize was a HUGH mistake.  My washer makes so much noise it's 
unbelieveable, and if it keeps moving when it spins, I'm going to have to 
change my address.  I believe you mentioned knowing about something like a 
rubber footing to be placed under it - can you let me know what that is.   
Thanks so much.
Donna

Subject: front load washers (LUV mine!)
Your Question or Comment:
Ken, I live and work on a ranch with HARD well water, and I wouldn't trade my 
front loader for anything.  My top loader wouldn't get the cow manure out of 
my husbands pants unless I washed them 2 or 3 times.  My 3 yr old front 
loader not only does it's best to get the cloth clean given our water, but 
spins them dry enough that my OLD dryer doesn't have to work nearly as hard.  
I have found that Cheer Free and some liquid Calgon makes for soft and whiter 
clothes.  I listen every Sat and have gotten some great advice and ideas.

Subject: laundry smells, hard water
Your Question or Comment:
I have had a high efficiency front-loader for a year or two.  The longer I 
use it, the worse the clean clothes smell and the rougher the towels are,  in 
spite of using an extra rinse and fabric softener.  I discovered at my 
sister's that the rough towels are probably due to hard water.  Internet 
research reveals that the smell is probably from mildew due to front-loaders 
retaining small amounts of rinse water when the door is kept closed. They gave 
helpful suggestions for clearing the mildew.

This was all news to me, and may be for others who are on the front-loader 
bandwagon.  If you think it pertains to your program, could you talk a bit 
about water softeners just for the laundry and good maintenance for 
front-loaders to prevent mildew?