HE Compatible Laundry Detergent: Settings, Products, and Timing
HE Compatible Laundry Detergent: Settings, Products, and Timing
You have an HE washer and need the right detergent. Maybe you see HE on detergent bottles and wonder what it means. HE compatible laundry detergent is specially formulated for high efficiency washers that use less water. Using the wrong detergent in an HE washer can cause oversudsing, poor cleaning, and machine damage. Here’s how to choose and use HE compatible laundry detergent.
HE compatible laundry detergent is a low sudsing detergent formulated for high efficiency washers. HE washers use 60 to 80% less water than standard washers, so they need detergent that produces fewer suds. Regular detergent produces too many suds in an HE washer, which reduces cleaning, can overflow, and can damage the machine. HE detergent is concentrated, so you need less per load.
To use HE compatible laundry detergent, use HE detergent only in HE washers, use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load, choose Tide Free and Gentle (HE compatible), add baking soda to the wash, add vinegar to the rinse, and clean the machine monthly. Don’t use regular detergent in HE washers, don’t use too much detergent, and don’t use fabric softener.
What Works
Use HE Detergent Only in HE Washers
Use HE compatible detergent in HE washers. HE detergent produces fewer suds and is formulated for low water levels. Tide Free and Gentle is HE compatible.
Use the Right Amount
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of HE detergent per load. HE detergent is concentrated, so you need less than regular detergent. Using too much causes oversudsing and reduces cleaning.
Choose the Right Detergent
Choose Tide Free and Gentle for HE washers. It:
- Is HE compatible (low sudsing)
- Has enzymes that break down stains
- Is free of dyes and perfumes
- Works in cold water
- Is concentrated (use less)
Add Baking Soda to the Wash
Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the wash. Baking soda boosts cleaning, deodorizes, and helps soften water.
Add Vinegar to the Rinse
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse. Vinegar removes detergent residue, softens clothes, and brightens colors.
Use the Right Water Temperature
HE washers work with all water temperatures:
- Cold water: Darks, delicates, bright colors
- Warm water: Everyday clothes, synthetics
- Hot water: Whites, towels, heavily soiled
Use the Right Cycle
HE washers offer multiple cycles:
- Normal: Everyday clothes
- Permanent press: Synthetics and blends
- Gentle: Delicates
- Heavy duty: Towels and heavily soiled
Pre-Treat Stains
Pre-treat stains before washing:
- Grease: Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
- Food and drink: OxiClean Max Force Spray
- General stains: Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
- Ink: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
Use the Right Products
Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Clean the Machine Monthly
Use affresh 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 in HE washers. Regular detergent produces too many suds, which 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 use fabric softener. Fabric softener can coat the sensors in an HE washer and reduce performance. Use vinegar instead.
Don’t close the door between loads. Closing the door traps moisture and causes mold and mildew. Leave the door open.
Don’t use powdered detergent in cold water. Powder may not dissolve well in cold water in an HE washer. Use liquid HE detergent.
Don’t overload the washer. Overloading reduces cleaning and can damage the machine. Fill no more than 3/4 full.
Don’t skip monthly cleaning. HE washers are prone to mold and mildew. Clean monthly with affresh.
Comparison: HE vs Regular Detergent
| Feature | HE Detergent | Regular Detergent |
|---|---|---|
| Suds level | Low | High |
| Best for | HE washers | Standard washers |
| Amount per load | 1 to 2 tablespoons | 1/4 to 1/2 cup |
| Concentration | High | Low to medium |
| Cold water performance | Good | Variable |
| Use in HE washer | Yes | No |
| Use in standard washer | Yes | Yes |
FAQ
What is HE compatible laundry detergent? HE compatible laundry detergent is a low sudsing detergent formulated for high efficiency washers. It produces fewer suds and is concentrated, so you need less per load.
Can you use regular detergent in an HE washer? No. Regular detergent produces too many suds in an HE washer, which reduces cleaning, can overflow, 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. HE detergent is concentrated, so you need less than regular detergent.
Is Tide Free and Gentle HE compatible? Yes. Tide Free and Gentle is HE compatible. It produces fewer suds, has enzymes that break down stains, and is free of dyes and perfumes.
What happens if you use regular detergent in an HE washer? Regular detergent causes oversudsing, which reduces cleaning, can overflow the machine, and can damage the pump and sensors. Use HE detergent only.
References
- Tide. “HE Detergent Guide.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “HE Detergent Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Consumer Reports. “Detergent Guide.” consumerreports.org.
- Good Housekeeping. “Detergent Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
