The best way to do a white load is to fill the machine with detergent and bleach, and then let it go swish, swish, swish. Then, stop the machine, and put in your whites, poking them down with a big stick. Then you start the machine again, and let it go swish, swish, swish. Then you shut it off again, and let the whites soak for at least one hour. Then, start the machine again, and let it run through the cycle. This may seem like a lot of work, but your whites come out all sparkly clean.

Of course, Plaw used to mock my obsession with my laundry. I am VERY happy when I manage to get out a tough stain.