He Clothes Detergent: What Works and What to Avoid
He Clothes Detergent: What Works and What to Avoid
You want to understand HE clothes 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 what works and what to avoid with HE clothes detergent.
HE (high efficiency) clothes 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 is using the right HE detergent, the right amount, and maintaining the machine regularly.
For HE clothes detergent, use Tide Free and Gentle (HE compatible), 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 Works
Use HE Compatible Detergent
Use Tide Free and Gentle, which is HE compatible. It’s free of dyes and perfumes, gentle on clothes and skin, and cleans well in all water temperatures.
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.
Pre-Treat Stains
Pre-treat stains before washing:
- Most stains: OxiClean Max Force Spray
- Grease and oil: Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
- Food and grease: Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
- Ink: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
Sort by Color and Fabric
Sort clothes by color (whites, lights, darks) and fabric type (cotton, synthetics, delicates). This prevents color bleeding and damage.
Use the Right Water Temperature
Choose water temperature based on the load:
- Cold water: Darks, delicates, bright colors, protein stains
- Warm water: Most loads, everyday clothes, oil stains
- Hot water: Whites, towels, bedding, heavily soiled
Add Baking Soda to the Wash
Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the wash for extra cleaning power and deodorizing.
Add Vinegar to the Rinse
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser for the rinse. Vinegar deodorizes, softens, and removes detergent residue.
Use Lysol for Disinfecting
Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse for disinfecting.
Clean the Machine Monthly
Clean the washer monthly with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner to prevent mold and odors.
Leave the Door Open
Leave the washer door or lid open between loads to allow the drum to dry and prevent mold.
What to Avoid
Using Regular Detergent in HE Washers
Regular detergent causes oversudsing in HE washers, which leaves residue, reduces cleaning performance, and can damage the machine. Use HE detergent only.
Using Too Much HE Detergent
Excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mold and reduces cleaning performance. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load.
Using Fabric Softener
Fabric softener leaves residue that feeds mold and reduces absorbency. Use white vinegar instead.
Overloading the Washer
Overloading reduces cleaning performance and can damage clothes. Load loosely and don’t exceed the recommended capacity.
Closing the Door Between Loads
Closing the washer door traps moisture and causes mold. Leave the door open between loads.
Leaving Wet Clothes Sitting
Leaving wet clothes in the washer causes mildew and odors. Remove clothes as soon as the cycle ends.
Using Hot Water on Protein Stains
Hot water sets protein stains (blood, sweat, dairy) permanently. Use cold water for protein stains.
Not Pre-Treating Stains
Not pre-treating stains before washing means the detergent alone may not remove them. Always pre-treat with the right product.
Putting Stained Clothes in the Dryer
Dryer heat sets stains permanently. Always check for stains before putting clothes in the dryer.
Not Cleaning the Machine
Not cleaning the machine monthly allows mold and odors to develop. Clean monthly with affresh.
Comparison: 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 |
| Amount per load | 1 to 2 tablespoons | 2 to 4 tablespoons |
HE Detergent Routine
Daily
- Sort clothes by color and fabric
- Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle
- Pre-treat stains with OxiClean, Dawn, or Shout
- Add baking soda to the wash
- Add vinegar to the rinse
- Use the right water temperature
- Remove clothes promptly
Monthly
- Place one affresh tablet in the washer drum
- Set to hottest water and longest cycle
- Run the cycle
- Wipe the rubber seal, dispenser, and drum
- Leave the door open
FAQ
What is HE clothes detergent? HE (high efficiency) clothes 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
- Tide. “HE Detergent Guide.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “HE Detergent Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “HE Washer Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- affresh. “Cleaning Guide.” affresh.com.
