{"id":516,"date":"2026-10-17T16:31:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T16:31:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/?post_type=docs&#038;p=516"},"modified":"2026-10-17T16:31:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T16:31:39","password":"","slug":"washing-machines-on-ro-spotzero-water","status":"publish","type":"docs","link":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/?docs=washing-machines-on-ro-spotzero-water","title":{"rendered":"Washing Machines on RO\/ SpotZero Water"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Onboard washers and washer-dryers run fine on watermaker (RO) water, but need reduced detergent and correct hardness settings. This article covers Ocean Alexander yachts where the domestic system is fed by a watermaker or shore water passed through RO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applies to: crew and owner laundry machines, front-load and stacked units<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Audience: Ocean Alexander owners, captains, crew and authorized service providers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Out of scope: dishwashers (same water principles apply; separate article)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Background: RO \/ zero-TDS water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">RO water has near-zero dissolved minerals (TDS close to 0 ppm, hardness close to 0 \u00b0dH), so it behaves like extremely soft water in a washer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No calcium or magnesium<\/strong> to tie up detergent surfactants, so the same dose produces far more foam. LG notes soft water causes detergent to over-suds and calls for a reduced dose even with HE detergent (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lg.com\/us\/support\/help-library\/too-many-suds-in-washing-machine-CT10000010-1337715937395\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LG<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Less detergent needed.<\/strong> Detergent demand rises sharply with hardness, so on RO water the dose can be cut substantially (<a href=\"https:\/\/data.epo.org\/publication-server\/rest\/v1.2\/patents\/EP0578006NWA1\/document.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EP0578006<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No scale.<\/strong> Heating elements and valves stay clean; descaling is rarely needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Slightly aggressive.<\/strong> Demineralized water tends to be mildly acidic and pulls ions from metals. Expect more wear on copper, brass fittings and seals over time; this is general water-chemistry guidance, not a manufacturer finding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Known issues on RO water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nearly every RO-related washer complaint traces back to too much detergent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Issue<\/th><th>What crew sees<\/th><th>Root cause<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Oversudsing<\/td><td>Foam in drawer or door, long cycles, extra rinses, &#8220;suds&#8221; error codes<\/td><td>Full detergent dose in zero-hardness water<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Unbalanced \/ no spin<\/td><td>Load stays wet, spin aborts<\/td><td>Machine&#8217;s suds detection blocks spin to protect the pump<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Residue and odor<\/td><td>Stiff towels, slimy gasket, musty smell<\/td><td>Unrinsed detergent and softener building up in drum and hoses<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Leak at door or drawer<\/td><td>Water on deck under the unit<\/td><td>Foam pushed out of the dispenser vent or door seal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Drain pump faults<\/td><td>Pump error, slow drain<\/td><td>Foam air-locking the drain pump<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fitting corrosion<\/td><td>Green or white crust on brass inlet fittings<\/td><td>Long-term exposure to demineralized water<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Required settings and detergent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Set the machine to its softest water setting and start detergent at one-quarter to one-third of the label dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Water hardness setting:<\/strong> set to the lowest \/ &#8220;soft&#8221; level if the model has one (see Maytag and ASKO below). This shortens dosing on auto-dose models.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Auto-dose (bulk dispensers):<\/strong> set dose to minimum or switch to manual dosing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Detergent:<\/strong> HE, low-suds only. Liquid preferred. Start at 1\/4\u20131\/3 of the label dose; increase only if cleaning is poor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pods:<\/strong> avoid. Fixed dose cannot be reduced and is the most common cause of foam calls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fabric softener:<\/strong> use sparingly or not at all; RO water already leaves fabric soft.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance cycle:<\/strong> run a hot drum-clean cycle monthly with no load and no detergent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crew briefing:<\/strong> add the reduced-dose rule to the laundry placard and the vessel handover notes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maytag and ASKO units<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both brands foam heavily on RO water at label doses; the fix is the same, but the symptoms and settings differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maytag<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maytag states that very soft water may need less detergent, and that excess suds slow the spin, leave loads very wet and can trigger error codes (<a href=\"https:\/\/producthelp.maytag.com\/Laundry\/Washers\/Top_Load_Washer\/Cleaning_Performance\/Excessive_Detergent_or_Suds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maytag<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sud \/ Sd on the display<\/strong> (front-load): the washer has detected excess foam and extends the rinse, pausing to let suds break. Let it finish; then run a Clean Washer cycle (<a href=\"https:\/\/producthelp.maytag.com\/Laundry\/Washers\/Front_Load_Washers\/Error_Codes\/Other_Error_Codes\/SUD_or_Sd_-_Front_Load_Washer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maytag<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>F0 E2<\/strong> on many Whirlpool-platform Maytag models is also an over-suds code; treat it the same way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the detergent concentration: HE detergents run 2x, 4x and 8x, so an 8x product needs about a quarter of a 2x dose. On RO water, start below even that.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid &#8220;no splash&#8221; or thickened chlorine bleach; Maytag notes its thickener adds suds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Run Clean Washer monthly with affresh or liquid chlorine bleach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ASKO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ASKO washer manuals set the detergent amount by water hardness and include a dosing table by hardness level (e.g. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancefactoryparts.com\/content\/pdfs\/291793-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">W6863<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancefactoryparts.com\/content\/pdfs\/291807-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">W6903<\/a>). On RO water, use the softest-water figure, then reduce further if foam persists.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the model&#8217;s settings menu has a water hardness option, set it to the lowest level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ASKO units are often built in on yachts; foam escaping the dispenser can run behind cabinetry. Check the base and door seal after any foam event.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After a foam event, run a rinse-only cycle with no detergent before the next load.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Open item:<\/strong> confirm Maytag and ASKO model numbers fitted by hull so this section can list exact menus and codes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inlet screen and water supply checks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clean the inlet screens at each annual service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Inlet screens:<\/strong> remove with needle-nose pliers, rinse, reinstall. Debris after watermaker or tank work is common.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Supply pressure:<\/strong> most domestic washers need roughly 1\u201310 bar (15\u2013145 psi) at the inlet. Confirm the domestic pump and accumulator hold pressure through the fill; low pressure causes slow-fill and &#8220;no water&#8221; errors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hot supply:<\/strong> if the unit is cold-fill only, cap or do not connect hot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shutoffs:<\/strong> valves should be reachable without pulling the unit. Close them when the vessel is left unattended.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Troubleshooting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Symptom<\/th><th>Likely cause<\/th><th>Action<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Foam out of drawer or door<\/td><td>Over-dosing on RO water, pods<\/td><td>Cut dose to 1\/4\u20131\/3; stop pods; run rinse-only cycle<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Load wet, spin skipped<\/td><td>Suds lock-out<\/td><td>Rinse cycle, then reduce dose<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Musty smell, slime on gasket<\/td><td>Detergent\/softener residue<\/td><td>Hot drum-clean cycle; clean gasket and drawer; reduce dose<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Slow fill \/ no-water error<\/td><td>Clogged inlet screen, low pump pressure, kinked hose<\/td><td>Clean screens; check domestic pressure; reroute hose<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Water under unit<\/td><td>Hose or fitting leak, foam overflow<\/td><td>Check hose ends and washers; check AquaStop trip; see oversudsing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Leak protection tripped<\/td><td>Leak detected at base or hose<\/td><td>Find leak before reset; replace safety hose if it was the source<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Crust on inlet fittings<\/td><td>Corrosion at brass<\/td><td>Replace fitting and hose<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warranty notes and escalation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oversudsing, residue and odor from detergent misuse are operational, not warranty defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Not covered:<\/strong> suds-related faults, residue\/odor, hoses damaged by routing or chafe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Possibly covered:<\/strong> pump, control board or valve failure with correct dosing confirmed; factory hose or fitting failure inside the warranty period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Before filing:<\/strong> photograph detergent in use, dose setting, hose condition, and any error codes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Escalate to the appliance OEM<\/strong> for board, motor or leak-protection failures; submit through Ocean Alexander Yacht Service with the hull number.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lg.com\/us\/support\/help-library\/too-many-suds-in-washing-machine-CT10000010-1337715937395\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LG: Too many suds in washing machine<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/producthelp.maytag.com\/Laundry\/Washers\/Top_Load_Washer\/Cleaning_Performance\/Excessive_Detergent_or_Suds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maytag: Excessive detergent or suds<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/producthelp.maytag.com\/Laundry\/Washers\/Front_Load_Washers\/Error_Codes\/Other_Error_Codes\/SUD_or_Sd_-_Front_Load_Washer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maytag: SUD or Sd front-load washer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beaconsaves.com\/blog\/maytag-washer-f0e2-error-code\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maytag F0 E2 code reference<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancefactoryparts.com\/content\/pdfs\/291793-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ASKO W6863 owner&#8217;s manual<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancefactoryparts.com\/content\/pdfs\/291807-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ASKO W6903 owner&#8217;s manual<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/data.epo.org\/publication-server\/rest\/v1.2\/patents\/EP0578006NWA1\/document.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EP0578006: water purification in washing machines<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Need Assistance?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For technical support, warranty assistance, parts, or to schedule service:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ocean Alexander Yacht Service<br><\/strong>East Coast Yacht Group<br>2955 W State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale FL, 33312<br>954-530-2033<br><br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.oayachtservice.com\/\">oayachtservice.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow us for maintenance tips, technical updates, and service announcements:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/eastcoastyachtgroup\/\">&nbsp;<strong>Instagram<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This article is part of the Ocean Alexander Yacht Service Knowledge Base. Information is provided for general guidance and should not replace the applicable Owner\u2019s Manual or service procedures.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a9 Ocean Alexander Yacht Service \u2013 East Coast Yacht Group, Inc.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Onboard washers and washer-dryers run fine on watermaker (RO) water, but need reduced detergent and correct hardness settings. This article covers Ocean Alexander yachts where the domestic system is fed by a watermaker or shore water passed through RO. Background: RO \/ zero-TDS water RO water has near-zero dissolved minerals (TDS close to 0 ppm, &#8230; <a title=\"Washing Machines on RO\/ SpotZero Water\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/?docs=washing-machines-on-ro-spotzero-water\" aria-label=\"Read more about Washing Machines on RO\/ SpotZero Water\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"doc_category":[12],"doc_tag":[],"class_list":["post-516","docs","type-docs","status-publish","hentry","doc_category-general-faq"],"year_month":"2026-10","word_count":1102,"total_views":"2","reactions":{"happy":"0","normal":"0","sad":"0"},"author_info":{"name":"admin","author_nicename":"oaadmin","author_url":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/?author=1"},"doc_category_info":[{"term_name":"General FAQ","term_url":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/?doc_category=general-faq"}],"doc_tag_info":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/docs\/516","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/docs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/docs"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=516"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/docs\/516\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":517,"href":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/docs\/516\/revisions\/517"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=516"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"doc_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fdoc_category&post=516"},{"taxonomy":"doc_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oayachtservice.com\/knowledgebase\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fdoc_tag&post=516"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}