Detergent on top of clothes - is this correct?

No. Old method of spreading detergent onto top of clothes will result in it being wasted and give a poorer quality wash. This old method produces large amounts of suds, but a poor water/detergent mixture. Suds are only air bubbles, and air bubbles do not wash the clothes.

My front loader washer has a very low water level?

Front load washers often look like there is low water or no water inside of the machine. This is because after the washer fills with water a high percentage of it is absorbed by the clothes. Also the clothes are tumbling through water, not sitting inside of water as they would be in a top loader. Consequently the amount of water in the machine is always low compared to a top loader.

Out of balance or jumping on floor? Why?

Usually due to an overloaded or out of balance load. Most common culprit are jeans. Therefore, while washing jeans be aware that an out of balance condition can occur more frequently. If machine jumps on the floor during wash or spin causes can include:

- improperly level machine

- worn of broken suspension

- broken or loose foot

- loose wash basket (tub clothes are in)

- worn belt

- loose motor mountings

- worn motor bearings

- worn transmission. 

Floor may be flexing and allowing the machine to bounce slightly. When spinning on a floor that flexes a resonance can build up between machine and floor that results in the machine starting to vibrate.A slippery floor material, such as vinyl, may allow machine to slide along the surface of floor while spinning.

Detergent - why should I measure?

Measure your detergent and you will probably use less. When you find that perfect amount for your type of washing put a mark on your measuring cup so you can be consistent. The amount of crystal detergent required is not the same as the amount of liquid detergent required. So if you use both types then separate measuring cups will be necessary.