You’ve just picked up a bottle of HE detergent—maybe because it was on sale, or it’s the only kind left on the shelf. But now you’re wondering: Is it safe to use HE detergent in my regular washing machine?
This is a common question, especially with more detergent options than ever before. The right choice affects both your laundry results and the health of your washing machine.
In this article, we’ll give you a straightforward answer, explain why it matters, and share helpful tips for making laundry day a breeze.
Related Video
Can You Use HE Detergent in a Regular Washing Machine?
Many people wonder if high-efficiency (HE) detergent is a good choice for their traditional, non-HE washing machine. Whether you picked up HE detergent by mistake or simply want to streamline your laundry room with a single detergent, it’s a common question. Let’s take a deep dive into what happens when you use HE detergent in a regular washer, the benefits and challenges, and the best ways to get great laundry results every time.
Understanding HE Detergent
HE stands for High-Efficiency. These detergents are specifically formulated for high-efficiency washing machines, which use less water and energy per load than traditional washers. HE detergents are:
- Low-sudsing: They produce fewer bubbles, making them ideal for machines that use less water.
- Concentrated: Smaller amounts are needed for each wash.
- Effective in lower water volumes: They’re developed to rinse cleanly in less water.
Regular detergents, on the other hand, are designed assuming your machine will use more water and can handle more suds.
The Main Question: Can You Use HE Detergent in a Regular Washer?
Yes, you can use HE detergent in a regular, non-HE washing machine — and it’s typically safe and effective.
Using HE detergent in a traditional washer won’t harm your machine or your laundry. In fact, you may notice several interesting outcomes:
- Less Suds: Your washer may have fewer bubbles during the wash cycle.
- Comparable Cleaning: Clothes will still come out clean, as HE detergents are designed to be effective even with less water.
- Need to Adjust Amount: Since HE detergents are concentrated, you might need to use a bit more than you would in an HE machine, but usually less than a standard detergent.
Benefits of Using HE Detergent in a Regular Washer
Switching to HE detergent isn’t just about convenience—there are some real benefits.
1. Efficient Cleaning Power
- HE detergents are formulated with advanced chemicals to break down stains, making them highly effective.
- They work well with all types of water: hard, soft, cold, or warm.
2. Cost Savings
- Because HE detergents are concentrated, a smaller amount goes a long way. Over time, this can save money compared to regular detergent.
- Less detergent per load means a bottle lasts longer.
3. Reduced Suds
- Less suds mean your machine rinses out detergent more easily.
- This is helpful if you sometimes battle with residue or need extra rinse cycles.
4. Environmental Friendliness
- Lower detergent usage and less packaging waste.
- Designed for efficiency, which often translates into fewer chemicals in each wash.
Challenges or Considerations
Switching to HE detergent in a regular washer isn’t a perfect switch for everyone. Here are some aspects to keep in mind:
1. Amount to Use
- Because regular washers use more water, you might find yourself needing to use slightly more HE detergent than the instructions for HE machines suggest.
- However, avoid using as much as you would with traditional detergent; start with a small increase and adjust based on results.
2. Suds Perception
- Some people equate lots of bubbles with cleaning power.
- With HE detergent, you won’t see as many suds, but don’t worry—bubbles are not an indicator of cleaning strength.
3. Heavily Soiled Loads
- For very dirty items (sports gear, muddy clothes), you may need to pre-treat stains or add a little extra detergent.
- Always consult the detergent label for guidance.
How to Use HE Detergent in a Regular Washing Machine: Step-By-Step
If you’re ready to use HE detergent in your traditional washer, here’s a simple process to follow:
1. Determine the Right Amount
- Begin with the same dosage recommended for a medium load in an HE appliance.
- If you notice clothes aren’t coming out as clean, try adding a bit more detergent next time.
- Avoid overfilling the detergent compartment, as this doesn’t improve cleaning and can make rinsing harder.
2. Load Your Washer
- Add clothes as usual.
- Place detergent in the main detergent tray or directly into the drum for top-load models.
3. Select Wash Cycle
- Use your preferred water temperature and cycle.
- For heavily soiled loads, a longer or more intensive wash may help.
4. Evaluate Results
- Check if laundry feels clean and fresh.
- If not, incrementally adjust the amount of HE detergent next time.
5. Maintain Your Washer
- Regularly run a cleaning cycle with an empty load to prevent detergent buildup or musty smells.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Start Small: Begin with the minimum recommended HE amount and only increase if needed.
- Pre-Treat Stains: If you have tough stains, pre-treat before washing to boost results.
- Don’t Overuse: Using more detergent than necessary can leave residue on clothes and waste money.
- Rinse Well: If your garments seem soapy after washing, increase rinse cycles rather than detergent amount.
- Store Properly: Keep detergent in a cool, dry place to maintain effectiveness.
Will Using HE Detergent Damage My Regular Washer?
You can rest easy—using HE detergent in a regular washer will not damage the appliance. In fact, because it produces fewer suds, there’s less risk of oversudsing, which can occasionally be a problem with traditional detergents (especially in high-efficiency machines, but not typically in standard ones).
Can You Go the Other Way? Regular Detergent in HE Machines
It is not advisable to use regular detergent in a high-efficiency washer. Regular detergent creates too many suds for these machines, leading to:
- Potential overflow or leaks.
- Clothes not rinsing thoroughly.
- Build-up inside the washer, causing odors or even possible mechanical problems.
If you’re uncertain, always choose HE detergent for HE machines and know that HE detergent is safe for both HE and regular machines.
When Might HE Detergent Not Be the Best Choice in a Regular Washer?
Certain circumstances may make standard detergent a better option for regular washers, such as:
- Extremely Large or Very Dirty Loads: Sometimes, the extra suds and wash action from regular detergent help break down tough grime.
- Heavily Perfumed Loads: Standard detergents often have stronger scents, if that’s your preference.
However, HE detergent is still an excellent, versatile choice for most users and needs.
Summary
If you ever find yourself with only HE detergent and a regular washer, there’s no need to worry. HE detergent works well in regular washing machines and offers a few extra perks, such as reduced sudsing, efficient cleaning, and cost savings. The key is starting with a moderate amount and adjusting as needed, since your traditional washer uses more water and might require a bit more detergent. Ultimately, HE detergent is versatile enough to meet the needs of both modern and classic laundry rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use HE detergent in a regular washer all the time?
Yes, you can use HE detergent regularly in a traditional washing machine. It’s safe for both your machine and your clothes. Just keep an eye on the quantity used for best results.
Will my clothes get clean with HE detergent in a regular washer?
Absolutely! HE detergents are designed for effective cleaning, even in lower-water settings. In a regular washer, you’ll still get fresh, clean laundry, especially if you adjust the amount to match the higher water use.
Should I use more HE detergent in a regular washer?
You may need to use slightly more than you would for an HE washer, but less than a traditional detergent. Start with the HE dosage listed for medium loads and adjust up if your clothes aren’t coming out as clean as you’d like.
Is using HE detergent in a regular washer better for the environment?
Generally, yes. HE detergents are concentrated and require less packaging, resulting in less waste. They’re formulated to be efficient and are often biodegradable, making them a greener choice.
Can I use regular detergent in an HE washing machine?
No, it’s not recommended. Regular detergents make too many suds for HE machines, which can result in poor cleaning and even damage to your washer. Always use HE detergent for HE machines.
With these tips and insights, you can confidently use HE detergent in your regular washing machine, simplify your laundry routine, and achieve spotless results every time. Happy washing!