Washing Machine HE: What Works and What to Avoid
Washing Machine HE: What Works and What to Avoid
You have an HE (High Efficiency) washing machine. It uses less water and energy than a traditional washer. But HE machines need special care. Using the wrong detergent, too much detergent, or the wrong settings can cause odors, residue, and poor cleaning. Here’s what works and what to avoid when using an HE washing machine.
An HE washing machine is a high efficiency washer that uses less water, less energy, and less detergent than a traditional washer. HE machines use 20 to 66% less water and 20 to 50% less energy. They require HE-labeled detergent that produces less suds. Using regular detergent in an HE machine causes oversudsing, residue, and odors.
To use an HE washing machine, use HE-labeled detergent like Tide Free and Gentle (2 tablespoons per load), use the right cycle for each load, add vinegar to the rinse, leave the door open between washes, and clean monthly with affresh. Don’t use regular detergent, don’t use too much detergent, don’t use fabric softener, and don’t close the door between washes.
What Works
Use HE Detergent
HE detergent is formulated to produce less suds, which is essential for HE machines that use less water. Tide Free and Gentle is HE compatible.
How much to use: 2 tablespoons per normal load. 1 tablespoon for small loads. 3 tablespoons for large or heavily soiled loads.
Use the Right Cycle
HE machines have multiple cycles. Choose the right one for each load:
- Normal: Everyday cotton and polyester
- Heavy Duty: Towels, bedding, heavily soiled items
- Delicates: Silk, lace, synthetics
- Quick Wash: Lightly soiled items needed quickly
- Bulky: Comforters, pillows
Use the Right Water Temperature
- Hot (105 to 120F): Whites, towels, bedding, heavily soiled items
- Warm (85 to 105F): Everyday items, light colors
- Cold (60 to 85F): Dark colors, delicates, energy saving
Add Vinegar to the Rinse
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser. Vinegar removes residue, softens clothes, and prevents odors.
Add Baking Soda for Odors
Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the drum for deodorizing.
Use the Right Load Size
Don’t overload the machine. Fill the drum 3/4 full for best cleaning. Overloading reduces cleaning and increases wear.
Leave the Door Open
Leave the door open between washes to let the drum dry and prevent mold.
Clean Monthly
Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly. HE machines are prone to residue and odor buildup.
Use Lysol for Bacteria
Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse for heavily soiled loads.
What to Avoid
Don’t Use Regular Detergent
Regular detergent produces too many suds for HE machines. Excess suds reduce cleaning, cause residue, and lead to odors. Always use HE-labeled detergent.
Don’t Use 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 mold. Use 2 tablespoons per normal load.
Don’t Use Fabric Softener
Fabric softener coats the drum and seal with waxy residue that feeds bacteria and causes odors. Use vinegar instead.
Don’t Close the Door Between Washes
Closing the door traps moisture and promotes mold growth. Leave the door open.
Don’t Overload the Machine
Overloading reduces cleaning, increases wear, and can damage the machine. Fill the drum 3/4 full.
Don’t Use Too Much Water
HE machines are designed to use less water. Adding extra water can confuse the sensors and reduce cleaning.
Don’t Skip Monthly Cleaning
HE machines are prone to residue and odor buildup. Clean monthly with affresh.
Don’t Use Non-HE Pods
Non-HE pods contain too much detergent for HE machines. Use HE-labeled pods or liquid detergent.
Comparison: HE vs. Traditional Washers
| Feature | HE Washer | Traditional Washer |
|---|---|---|
| Water use | 13 to 27 gallons | 27 to 54 gallons |
| Energy use | Less | More |
| Detergent | HE only | Any |
| Suds | Low | High |
| Cycle time | Longer | Shorter |
| Cleaning | Better (with HE detergent) | Good |
| Mold risk | Higher (less water) | Lower |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
FAQ
What detergent should you use in an HE washing machine? HE-labeled detergent like Tide Free and Gentle. HE detergent produces less suds, which is essential for HE machines that use less water. Use 2 tablespoons per normal load.
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 detergent should you use in an HE washing machine? 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.
How do you prevent odors in an HE washing machine? Leave the door open between washes, use 2 tablespoons of HE detergent, don’t use fabric softener, use hot water for at least one load per week, and clean monthly with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner.
How often should you clean an HE washing machine? Monthly. Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner in a hot cycle. Also clean the detergent dispenser and rubber seal monthly. HE machines are prone to residue and odor buildup.
References
- Tide. “HE Washing Machine Guide.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “How to Use an HE Washer.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “HE Washer Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- affresh. “HE Washer Cleaning Guide.” affresh.com.
