High Efficient Detergent: A Repeatable Care Routine

You want to understand high efficient (HE) detergent. Maybe you have an HE washer, you see HE detergent at the store, or you wonder if it matters which detergent you use. HE detergent is specifically designed for HE washing machines. Here’s a guide to high efficient detergent and a repeatable care routine.

High efficient (HE) detergent is a low-sudsing detergent designed for HE washing machines, which use less water than traditional machines. HE detergent produces fewer suds and rinses cleaner, preventing residue buildup in the machine. Using regular detergent in an HE washer causes oversudsing, which leaves residue, reduces cleaning performance, and can damage the machine. The key to using HE detergent is using the right amount, the right product, and maintaining the machine regularly.

To use HE detergent, choose an HE detergent like Tide Free and Gentle, use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load, sort by color and fabric, use the right water temperature, add vinegar to the rinse, and clean the machine monthly with affresh. Don’t use regular detergent in HE washers, don’t use too much detergent, and don’t use fabric softener.

What Is HE Detergent

HE detergent is a low-sudsing detergent designed for HE washing machines. HE washers use 20 to 66% less water than traditional washers. The low-sudsing formula prevents excess suds that can interfere with the machine’s cleaning action and leave residue.

HE Detergent vs. Regular Detergent

Feature	HE Detergent	Regular Detergent
Suds level	Low	High
Water usage	Less	More
Rinsing	Cleaner	More residue
Best for	HE washers	Traditional washers
Machine care	Prevents buildup	Can cause buildup in HE

The Repeatable Care Routine

Daily: Laundry Habits

Step 1: Sort clothes by color and fabric.

Step 2: Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle per load.

Step 3: Pre-treat stains with OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, or Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam.

Step 4: Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the wash.

Step 5: Add half a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser for the rinse.

Step 6: Use the right water temperature for the load.

Step 7: Remove clothes promptly after the cycle ends.

Monthly: Machine Maintenance

Step 1: Place one tablet of affresh Washing Machine Cleaner in the washer drum.

Step 2: Set the machine to the hottest water setting and the longest cycle.

Step 3: Start the machine and let it run.

Step 4: Wipe the rubber seal, dispenser, and drum after.

Step 5: Leave the door open to dry.

Weekly: Quick Maintenance

Step 1: Wipe the rubber seal with a dry cloth.

Step 2: Check the dispenser for buildup and clean if needed.

Step 3: Leave the door open between loads.

How to Use HE Detergent

Use the Right Amount

Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of HE detergent per load. For small loads, use 1 tablespoon. For large loads, use 2 tablespoons. Don’t use more than 2 tablespoons.

Use the Right Detergent

Use Tide Free and Gentle, which is HE compatible. It’s free of dyes and perfumes and gentle on clothes and skin.

Don’t Use Regular Detergent

Don’t use regular detergent in HE washers. Regular detergent produces too many suds, which leave residue and can damage the machine.

Don’t Use Fabric Softener

Don’t use fabric softener in HE washers. Fabric softener leaves residue that feeds mold. Use white vinegar instead.

Use the Right Water Temperature

Choose water temperature based on the load:

• Cold: Darks, delicates, protein stains
• Warm: Most loads, everyday clothes
• Hot: Whites, towels, bedding

Add Boosters

Add half a cup of baking soda to the wash for extra cleaning power. Add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse for softening and deodorizing.

Use Stain Removers

Pre-treat stains before washing with OxiClean, Dawn dish soap, or Shout foam. For ink stains, use Amodex Ink and Stain Remover.

Use Laundry Sanitizer

Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse for disinfecting.

What Not to Do

Don’t use regular detergent in HE washers. Regular detergent causes oversudsing, which leaves residue and can damage the machine. Use HE detergent only.

Don’t use too much HE detergent. Excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mold and reduces cleaning performance. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load.

Don’t use fabric softener. Fabric softener leaves residue that feeds mold. Use white vinegar instead.

Don’t close the door between loads. Closing the door traps moisture and causes mold. Leave the door open.

Don’t skip monthly cleaning. Monthly cleaning with affresh prevents mold and odors.

Don’t leave wet clothes sitting. Leaving wet clothes causes mildew and odors. Remove promptly.

FAQ

What is high efficient detergent? High efficient (HE) detergent is a low-sudsing detergent designed for HE washing machines, which use less water than traditional machines. HE detergent produces fewer suds and rinses cleaner.

Can you use regular detergent in an HE washer? No. Regular detergent causes oversudsing in HE washers, which leaves residue, reduces cleaning performance, and can damage the machine. Use HE detergent only.

How much HE detergent should you use per load? Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of HE detergent per load. For small loads, use 1 tablespoon. For large loads, use 2 tablespoons. Don’t use more than 2 tablespoons.

What is the best HE detergent? Tide Free and Gentle is one of the best HE detergents. It’s HE compatible, free of dyes and perfumes, and gentle on clothes and skin.

How often should you clean an HE washer? Clean your HE washer monthly with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner. Run an empty hot cycle with one tablet to prevent mold and odors.

References

1. Tide. “HE Detergent Guide.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “HE Detergent Guide.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “HE Washer Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. affresh. “Cleaning Guide.” affresh.com.