Excessive foam in a washing machine indicates an imbalance between detergent and water. This imbalance can stem from using too much detergent, using a detergent not formulated for high-efficiency (HE) machines in an HE machine, or a malfunctioning water inlet valve. The resulting suds can overflow, create a mess, and potentially damage the machine or leave residue on laundry.
Eliminating excess foam ensures proper cleaning and rinsing of laundry. Leftover suds can trap dirt and detergent, redepositing them onto clothes and leading to dingy or stiff fabrics. Additionally, persistent suds can contribute to mechanical problems in the washing machine over time. Historically, top-loading machines were less susceptible to oversudsing due to larger water volumes, but the increasing popularity of HE front-loading washers, designed for water efficiency, necessitates careful detergent selection and measurement.