HE Detergent Brands: What Works and What Makes It Worse

You have an HE (High Efficiency) washing machine and you need HE detergent. But there are many brands to choose from, and they’re not all the same. Some clean better, some are gentler, and some are cheaper. Using the wrong brand or the wrong amount can cause residue, odors, and poor cleaning. Here’s what works and what makes it worse when it comes to HE detergent brands.

HE detergent brands are manufacturers that produce high efficiency detergent formulated to produce less suds for HE washing machines. HE machines use less water than traditional washers, so they need low-sudsing detergent. Using non-HE detergent in an HE machine causes oversudsing, residue, and odors.

To choose the right HE detergent brand, look for the HE symbol on the label, choose an enzyme detergent for best cleaning, use 2 tablespoons per load, and pick a fragrance-free option for sensitive skin. Don’t use non-HE detergent, don’t use too much detergent, and don’t choose based on price alone.

What Works

Look for the HE Symbol

Always look for the HE symbol on the detergent label. This means the detergent is formulated for HE machines and produces less suds.

Choose an Enzyme Detergent

Enzyme detergents contain enzymes that break down proteins, fats, and starches. They clean better than non-enzyme detergents.

Recommended: Tide Free and Gentle is an enzyme detergent that’s HE compatible, fragrance free, and dye free.

Use the Right Amount

Use 2 tablespoons per normal load. 1 tablespoon for small loads. 3 tablespoons for large or heavily soiled loads. The lines on the cap are 3 to 5 times larger than needed.

Choose Fragrance-Free for Sensitive Skin

Fragrance-free detergents are better for sensitive skin and don’t leave a chemical smell on clothes.

Choose Liquid for Best Results

Liquid detergent dissolves better than pods in HE machines that use less water. Pods can leave residue in low-water machines.

Use Boosters for Extra Cleaning

Add Arm and Hammer Baking Soda for odors and OxiClean Max Force Spray for stains.

Use Lysol for Bacteria

Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse for heavily soiled loads.

Clean the Machine Monthly

Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly. HE machines are prone to residue buildup.

What Makes It Worse

Using Non-HE Detergent

Non-HE detergent produces too many suds for HE machines. Excess suds reduce cleaning, cause residue, and lead to odors. Always use HE-labeled detergent.

Using Too Much Detergent

Excess detergent doesn’t rinse away in the low water of an HE machine. It builds up in the drum, dispenser, and seal, feeding bacteria and causing odors. Use 2 tablespoons per load.

Using Pods

Pods contain too much detergent for most loads and can leave residue in low-water machines. Use liquid detergent and measure it yourself.

Using Fabric Softener

Fabric softener coats the drum and seal with waxy residue that feeds bacteria and causes odors. Use vinegar instead.

Choosing Based on Price Alone

The cheapest detergent may not clean well or may leave residue. Choose based on cleaning power, not just price.

Using Fragrance to Mask Odors

Fragrance in detergent masks odors temporarily but doesn’t remove them. Use an enzyme detergent with baking soda and vinegar instead.

Not Checking for the HE Symbol

Some detergents look like HE detergent but aren’t. Always check for the HE symbol on the label.

Comparison: HE Detergent Types

Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Liquid	Dissolves well, easy to measure	Can be messy	Most loads
Pods	Convenient	Too much detergent, residue	Quick loads
Powder	Cheap, long shelf life	May not dissolve in cold water	Hot water loads
Sheets	Lightweight, no waste	New, limited options	Travel

How to Choose an HE Detergent

Factor	What to Look For	Why
HE symbol	On the label	Required for HE machines
Enzymes	Listed in ingredients	Break down stains
Fragrance-free	No added fragrance	Better for sensitive skin
Dye-free	No added dyes	Better for sensitive skin
Liquid form	Easy to measure	Dissolves well in low water
Cost per load	Calculate cost per load	Compare value
Reviews	Check customer reviews	Real-world performance

FAQ

What are the best HE detergent brands? Tide Free and Gentle is a good choice. It’s an enzyme detergent that’s HE compatible, fragrance free, and dye free. Use 2 tablespoons per normal load for the best clean.

Can you use regular detergent in an HE washing machine? No. Regular detergent produces too many suds for HE machines. Excess suds reduce cleaning, cause residue, and lead to odors. Always use HE-labeled detergent.

How much HE detergent should you use per load? 2 tablespoons per normal load. 1 tablespoon for small loads. 3 tablespoons for large or heavily soiled loads. The lines on the cap are 3 to 5 times larger than needed.

Are pods OK for HE washing machines? Pods can be used in HE machines, but they contain too much detergent for most loads and can leave residue. Liquid detergent is better because you can control the amount.

How do you choose the right HE detergent? Look for the HE symbol on the label, choose an enzyme detergent for best cleaning, pick a fragrance-free and dye-free option for sensitive skin, use liquid form for best results, and compare cost per load. Don’t choose based on price alone.

References

1. Tide. “HE Detergent Guide.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “HE Detergent Guide.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Detergent Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. Consumer Reports. “Detergent Ratings.” consumerreports.org.