Yes, you can use bottled or filtered water when doing laundry in a top-loading washer. The type of water you use should not cause any issues with the washing machine itself. However, there are some factors to consider:
Detergent compatibility: Some detergents work better with certain water types. Hard water, for example, can reduce the effectiveness of detergents, leading to less effective cleaning. Using bottled or filtered water can help mitigate this issue, especially if you have hard water in your area.
Cost and environmental impact: Using bottled water for laundry can be expensive and generate a significant amount of plastic waste, which is harmful to the environment. If you're concerned about these factors, using a water filter or water softener for your home's water supply might be a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run.
Capacity and convenience: Depending on the size of your washing machine and the frequency of doing laundry, using bottled water may not be the most practical option. Washing machines typically require a considerable amount of water, and using bottled water for large loads might not be feasible.
In most cases, tap water is perfectly acceptable for doing laundry, and modern washing machines are designed to work efficiently with various water types. However, if you live in an area with extremely hard water or other water quality concerns that impact laundry results, investing in a home water softener or filter could be a more suitable solution.