What Is an HE Washer?
What Is an HE Washer?
You see HE on your washer and detergent and wonder what it means. HE stands for high efficiency. An HE washer is a washing machine designed to use less water, less energy, and less detergent than a standard washer. HE washers are better for the environment and your wallet, but they require special detergent and different washing habits. Here’s what an HE washer is and how to use it.
An HE washer is a high efficiency washing machine that uses 60 to 80% less water and 50 to 60% less energy than a standard washer. HE washers use a tumbling action (front load) or a low water plate (top load) to clean clothes with less water. HE washers require HE detergent, which produces fewer suds and is formulated for low water levels.
To use an HE washer, use HE detergent (Tide Free and Gentle is HE compatible), use less detergent (1 to 2 tablespoons), don’t overload the washer, use the right cycle, and clean the machine monthly. Don’t use regular detergent, don’t use too much detergent, and don’t leave the door closed between loads.
How an HE Washer Works
Front Load HE Washers
Front load HE washers use a tumbling action to lift clothes and drop them into a small pool of water. This uses less water and is gentler on clothes. The horizontal drum rotates to clean clothes.
Top Load HE Washers
Top load HE washers use a low water plate instead of an agitator. The plate moves clothes through a small pool of water. This uses less water than standard top load washers.
Low Water Usage
HE washers use 60 to 80% less water than standard washers. This saves water and energy (less water to heat).
Low Energy Usage
HE washers use 50 to 60% less energy than standard washers. This is because they use less water to heat and have more efficient motors.
High Spin Speed
HE washers spin at higher speeds (1000 to 1600 RPM) than standard washers. This extracts more water, reducing drying time and energy.
What Works
Use HE Detergent
Use HE detergent in an HE washer. HE detergent produces fewer suds and is formulated for low water levels. Tide Free and Gentle is HE compatible.
Use Less Detergent
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of HE detergent per load. Using too much detergent causes oversudsing, which reduces cleaning and can damage the machine.
Don’t Overload the Washer
Fill no more than 3/4 full. Overloading reduces cleaning and can damage the machine.
Use the Right Cycle
Choose the right cycle for the load:
- Normal: Everyday clothes
- Permanent press: Synthetics and blends
- Gentle: Delicates
- Heavy duty: Towels and heavily soiled
Use Cold Water When Possible
Use cold water for darks and colors. Use hot water for whites, towels, and heavily soiled items.
Add Baking Soda
Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the wash for extra cleaning and deodorizing.
Add Vinegar to the Rinse
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse. Vinegar removes detergent residue and softens clothes.
Use the Right Products
Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle (HE compatible)
Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
Clean the Machine Monthly
Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly. HE washers are prone to mold and mildew because they use less water. Cleaning monthly prevents odors.
Leave the Door Open
Leave the washer door or lid open between loads to allow the drum to dry. This prevents mold and mildew.
What to Avoid
Don’t use regular detergent. Regular detergent produces too many suds for an HE washer. Suds reduce cleaning, can overflow, and can damage the machine. Use HE detergent only.
Don’t use too much detergent. Even HE detergent can cause oversudsing if you use too much. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load.
Don’t overload the washer. Overloading reduces cleaning and can damage the machine. Fill no more than 3/4 full.
Don’t leave the door closed. Closing the door traps moisture and causes mold and mildew. Leave the door open between loads.
Don’t use fabric softener. Fabric softener can coat the sensors in an HE washer and reduce performance. Use vinegar instead.
Don’t skip monthly cleaning. HE washers are prone to mold and mildew. Clean monthly with affresh.
Comparison: HE vs Standard Washers
| Feature | HE Washer | Standard Washer |
|---|---|---|
| Water usage | 13 to 26 gallons | 40 to 50 gallons |
| Energy usage | Low | High |
| Detergent | HE only | Regular or HE |
| Detergent amount | 1 to 2 tablespoons | 1/4 to 1/2 cup |
| Spin speed | 1000 to 1600 RPM | 500 to 800 RPM |
| Cleaning action | Tumbling or plate | Agitator |
| Cycle time | Longer (60 to 90 min) | Shorter (30 to 45 min) |
| Mold risk | Higher | Lower |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
| Operating cost | Lower | Higher |
FAQ
What is an HE washer? An HE washer is a high efficiency washing machine that uses 60 to 80% less water and 50 to 60% less energy than a standard washer. HE washers require HE detergent.
Can you use regular detergent in an HE washer? No. Regular detergent produces too many suds for an HE washer. Suds reduce cleaning, can overflow, and can damage the machine. Use HE detergent only.
How much detergent should you use in an HE washer? Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of HE detergent per load. Using too much detergent causes oversudsing and reduces cleaning.
Why do HE washers smell? HE washers use less water, which means more water stays in the drum between loads. This creates a damp environment where mold and mildew grow. Clean monthly with affresh and leave the door open between loads.
Are HE washers better? HE washers use less water and energy, which saves money and is better for the environment. They also clean gently and extract more water, reducing drying time. But they cost more upfront and require HE detergent.
References
- Energy Star. “HE Washer Guide.” energystar.gov.
- Consumer Reports. “HE Washer Guide.” consumerreports.org.
- Tide. “HE Washer Guide.” tide.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Washer Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
