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Have you ever stood by your washing machine wondering if you can just toss in regular laundry detergent in your fancy high-efficiency washer? Well, you’re not alone!
Let’s dive into the bubbly world of laundry detergent, high-efficiency appliances, and whether you really need to use HE detergent every time you do your regular laundry.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Never use regular detergent in HE washers – excess suds can damage your machine.
- ✅ HE detergent is eco-friendly & cost-effective – highly concentrated formulas save money and reduce waste.
- ✅ Use 1–2 tbsp per load – adjust based on load size, water hardness, and soil level.
Can You Use Regular Detergent in HE Washer?
No, You don’t use regular detergent in those fancy HE washing machines! We’ve learned this the hard way.
Y’know how HE washers use way less water? Well, regular detergent goes nuts in there, making way too many suds. It’s a mess! The wash takes forever, your clothes don’t get as clean, and sometimes it even overflows. Yikes!
Plus, all those extra suds? The washer can’t rinse ’em out properly. You end up with gunky clothes and a gunky machine. Trust me, it’s not fun when your washer won’t drain ’cause everything’s all clogged up.
That’s why we gotta use the special HE detergent. It’s made for those low-water machines – less suds, quick to break down. You can actually use HE stuff in any washer, but you’ll notice it doesn’t get all foamy. Don’t worry though, your clothes still come out squeaky clean!
When we’re using HE detergent in our HE washer, here’s what we do:
- Throw in about two tablespoons for most loads
- Check what the washer manual says (boring, I know, but helpful!)
- Think about how big and dirty the load is
We’ve figured out that this works pretty well for us. Give it a shot and see how it goes for you!
What Happens When You Use Regular Detergent in an HE Washer?
Excess Suds: HE washers use 40% less water. Regular detergent creates foam that the machine can’t rinse, leading to:
- Longer rinse cycles
- Residual grime on clothes
- Potential mold growth
Machine Damage: Over-sudsing strains pumps and valves, risking costly repairs.
Poor Cleaning: Clothes emerge less clean due to improper detergent dispersion.
Pro Tip: Accidentally used regular detergent? Run an empty hot cycle with vinegar to clear residue.
How Does HE Detergent Differ from Regular Detergent?
Research Findings on Differences Between HE and Regular Detergents
Research highlights several key differences between HE and regular detergents, based on their formulation, performance, and compatibility:
Formulation and Purpose:
HE Detergent: Formulated for HE washers, which use 11-14 gallons of water per load. It is designed to work effectively in low-water, short-cycle conditions, holding soils and dyes in suspension with minimal water.
Sources like Whirlpool and The Spruce emphasize that HE detergents are quick-cleaning and low-sudsing, ensuring compatibility with the tumbling action of HE machines.
Regular Detergent: Designed for traditional washers using nearly 40 gallons of water per load. It produces more suds to aid in cleaning through submersion and agitation, as noted by ARM & HAMMER™ Laundry. Regular detergents are not optimized for low-water conditions and can lead to inefficiencies if used incorrectly.
To illustrate, consider the following table summarizing key formulation differences:
| Characteristic | HE Detergent | Regular Detergent |
|---|---|---|
| Water Volume Compatibility | 11-14 gallons per load | Nearly 40 gallons per load |
| Cleaning Action | Supports tumbling, low water | Relies on submersion, high water |
| Sudsing Level | Low, prevents overflow in HE washers | High, necessary for traditional washers |
| Environmental Impact | Optimized for water and energy savings | Higher water use, less efficient |
Sudsing Level and Cleaning Mechanism:
- HE Detergent: Produces fewer suds to avoid interference with the tumbling action in HE washers. It suspends soils and dyes effectively in lower water volumes, ensuring clothes are clean without residue. Southern Living notes that more suds do not necessarily mean cleaner clothes, debunking the myth that suds are essential for cleaning.
- Regular Detergent: Creates more suds, which are crucial for lifting dirt in the higher water volumes of traditional washers. However, excessive suds in an HE washer can “cushion” clothes, preventing them from tumbling freely and leading to poor rinsing, as per The Appliance Technician.
The following table summarizes compatibility and usage:
| Aspect | HE Detergent | Regular Detergent |
|---|---|---|
| Use in HE Washer | Required for peak performance | Not recommended, risks damage and poor cleaning |
| Use in Regular Washer | Safe, use 1/4 cup for normal load, fewer suds | Standard use, not for HE washers |
| Potential Issues | None in regular washer | Excessive suds, overflow, mechanical damage in HE |
Concentration and Dosage:
HE Detergent: Often more concentrated, requiring less per load. For example, Whirlpool suggests using 2 tablespoons for a normal load in an HE washer, with variations based on concentration (e.g., Swash® is 8x concentrated).
Overuse can lead to sudsing issues even in HE washers, as per The Spruce, which recommends 1-2 teaspoons for a regular load or 1-2 pods per load.
Regular Detergent: Less concentrated, requiring more per load due to higher water volumes. Specific dosage is not detailed in the sources, but it is implied to be higher to match the water levels.
Impact on Machine Performance and Environmental Considerations:
Using regular detergent in an HE washer can lengthen wash cycles, utilize more water, and cause mechanical problems, undermining the energy-saving benefits of HE washers.
Southern Living notes this can lead to a smelly washer and dirty clothes from leftover suds residue.
HE detergents, when used correctly, support the 20-60% water savings and 50-80% energy savings of HE washers, aligning with environmental conservation efforts.
An unexpected detail is the versatility of HE detergents: they can be used in both HE and traditional washers, offering flexibility for households with multiple machine types, as noted by ARM & HAMMER™ Laundry. This bidirectional compatibility is not always highlighted but can be useful for consumers.
What Is the Correct Amount of HE Detergent to Use?
Using HE Detergent in High-Efficiency Washers
- For regular loads, use 1 oz of HE detergent.
- Adjust detergent based on load size:
- Small load: Fill drum by 1/3, weigh less than 6 lbs.
- Medium load: Fill drum by 1/2, weigh about 6 lbs, to prevent using too much detergent.
- Large load in a traditional washer: Fill drum by 3/4, weigh about 11 lbs.
- Soft water? Use less detergent.
- Hard water? Use about 1/4 more detergent.
- Always follow the detergent maker’s guidelines and measure each time to avoid problems like too much suds or detergent buildup.
FAQs
Can I use HE detergent in a regular washer?
Yes, you can use HE detergent in a regular washer.
Is HE detergent more expensive?
Initially pricier, but its concentration means long-term savings.
Why does my HE washer smell musty?
Using regular detergent leaves residue. Clean with a washing machine cleaner monthly.
Does HE detergent work in cold water?
Absolutely! Most HE detergents are formulated for cold-water efficiency.
