How to Use HE Laundry Detergent Correctly for Easy Washing Every Time

HE detergent is a low-sudsing and quick-cleaning detergent that's designed to be used in high-efficiency washing machines like front load or top load washers that use less water and have a more powerful spin cycle than traditional washing machines. Traditional laundry detergent produces lots of suds, which require a larger volume of water (and more time) to wash away.

High-efficiency washers use much less water than older standard washers. The HE detergents are developed as low-sudsing and quick-dispersing cleaners for use in low-water-volume machines. The HE detergents are specially formulated to hold soil in suspension in that lower volume of water, so that it is not redeposited onto clean clothes.

Washer manufacturers recommend that only HE detergents are used in their high-efficiency washers, and most will even recommend a particular brand. Read on to understand what makes this type of detergent best suited to these washers and learn more information that can help guide your laundry choices.

HE Laundry Detergent vs. Regular Laundry Detergent

Any laundry detergent or laundry product like stain removers, boosters, and fabric softeners with the HE symbol are formulated to be used in high-efficiency and low-water washing machines.

Before HE washers, standard washers used nearly 40 gallons of water during a load of laundry, as traditional detergent produces lots of suds, which require an equally large amount of water to wash them away.

However, high-efficiency washers use only 20 to 60 percent of the water used by traditional machines—about 11 to 14 gallons of water. 

When to Use HE Laundry Detergent

High-efficiency detergent can be used in a regular washing machine, but you should never use regular laundry detergent in an HE washing machine. HE detergents are concentrated and low-sudsing.

High-efficiency washers use a small amount of water and cannot properly rinse away the suds produced by standard detergent. Look for the HE symbol on your washing machine to determine if it requires high-efficiency detergent.

What Happens If You Use Regular Detergent in an HE Washer?

Using a traditional laundry detergent in a high-efficiency washer produces too many suds that cannot be fully rinsed away. Excess suds interfere with the tumbling action used to clean clothes in both front- and top-load HE washers. These suds can also cause the washer to leak, damage its electronic system, and may void the manufacturer's warranty.

Using traditional detergents in HE washers also contributes to mold growth—the sticky residue left behind by excess suds and soil can cling to the washer interior and become the perfect breeding ground for smelly and unsanitary mold.

How Much HE Detergent To Use?

As with all detergents, take time to first read the label and guidelines on how much to use per load. Here are some general HE detergent best practices:

• For a normal load of laundry, use one to two teaspoons of high-efficiency detergent. 
• If you're using HE pods, use only one or two per load, and place them in the washer drum before adding laundry.
• Most high-efficiency washers have automatic detergent dispensers. Read your washer's care and use guide on how to fill the dispensers.
• Most HE washing machines will accept either liquid or powder detergents, though they should never be mixed as caking and clogging can occur.

If your high-efficiency detergent isn't cleaning well, don't just add more, as too much detergent leads to stiff and scratchy fabrics, odors, and streaks. Instead, try using a better quality detergent.

Can You Use HE Detergent in a Standard Washer?

HE detergent can be used in a standard washing machine, so if you've got a traditional washer and a bottle of HE detergent, you're in luck. You won't see lots of suds, but your clothes will still be clean.

Use no more than 1/4 cup HE laundry detergent in a standard washer for a normal to large load. You can also learn how to make your own high-efficiency laundry detergent.

Can You Use HE Detergent in a Hybrid Washer?

You can use HE detergent in a hybrid washing machine, which is a top-load machine with auto-sensing water levels and without the traditional top-load agitator. Hybrid washing machines can provide a cleaner wash for bulky items and large bedding, giving you the best of both worlds—traditional and high-efficiency laundry.

When using HE detergent in a hybrid washer, use the recommended amount for an HE machine. Like the use of HE detergent in a traditional machine, you'll see fewer suds, but you'll still have clean clothes.