HE Washer 101: Can You Use Regular Detergent in a High-Efficiency Washer?
Can High-Efficiency (HE) Washers Use Regular Detergent?
Regular detergent produces more suds, which traditional washers can handle because they use more water. HE washing machines, however, aren’t built to handle those extra suds. So when you use regular detergent in an HE washer, it can leave detergent residue behind on your clothes or inside the machine. Continuing to use regular detergent in an HE machine can lead to excess buildup, unpleasant smells, or performance issues. A single detergent mishap won’t necessarily cause problems, but an HE-compatible detergent can help prevent avoidable challenges.
HE Detergent vs Regular Detergent
The main difference between HE detergent and regular detergent comes down to suds. HE detergent is low-sudsing and formulated to dissolve and clean effectively in the smaller amount of water HE washers use. Regular detergent produces more suds, which an HE machine can’t fully rinse away, leaving residue on your clothes and buildup inside the washer over time.
If you have an HE washing machine, look for the HE symbol on the detergent label to ensure it’s compatible. Always follow the dosage recommendations on the packaging based on the load size and soil level. And remember, more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. If you’re dealing with stubborn odors or heavily soiled clothing, pretreat stains and care for your garment as directed on the tag instead of adding extra detergent.
There are lots of HE detergents out there, but the right one should suit your machine and laundry needs. Truly Free Home Laundry Wash is compatible with HE machines, plus it’s made with plant-derived ingredients that tackle tough stains without unnecessary fillers, additives, or harsh chemicals.
How to Tell If You Have an HE Washer
Not sure whether your washing machine is HE? Most front-load washers are high-efficiency models, while top-load washers can be either traditional or HE. When in doubt, look for the HE symbol—a lowercase "h" and "e" inside a circle or curved wave—usually on the machine’s control panel, near the detergent dispenser, or on the door. If you don’t see the HE symbol, check your washing machine’s manual.
How Much Detergent Do You Need In an HE Washer?
So how much detergent do you need for an HE washer? Less than you might think. Because HE machines use less water, too much detergent can leave behind residue that builds up over time. With a concentrated formula, a small amount goes a long way. Truly Free Home Laundry Wash is highly concentrated and formulated for both regular and HE washers, so just 1/4 cap is enough for most loads, even heavily soiled ones. Measure it out instead of eyeballing the amount or adding “a little more” for especially muddy clothes.
Beyond using the right detergent in the right amount, a little upkeep can go a long way toward keeping your washer fresh and running at its best. Refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the machine, or check out our How to Clean Your Washing Machine Guide for an easy step-by-step. And in between loads, leave the door and dispenser drawer open to let the inside dry and help prevent musty odors.
