Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

How much do you put in the washing machine if you don't use the HE detergent specified by the company?

Do you fill it up to the 1 on the cup, or less??

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

You must use HE. I was told b/c HE uses less water, and it cannot handle the normal sudsing capacity that regular detergent gives off.

Makes sense to me.

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

I was told that you do not have to use HE. Just to use less than you normally would of regular detergent. I've been doing that and I haven't had any problems.

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

Using HE detergent is such a marketing ploy!! Seriously! I have a front loader that states to use HE detergent and I NEVER have. I use 1/2 of what I normally would. A little less than the 1 on the cup.

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

I just found this on about.com:

Washer manufacturers recommend that only 'HE' high efficiency detergents be used in their front load and high efficiency washers, and most will even recommend a particular brand of HE detergent.

There is a good reason for using detergent that is specially formulated for these newer front load washers. HE detergent is a concentrated laundry soap that is low-sudsing especially for use with low water high efficiency washers.

If regular detergents were to be used in front-loading and high efficiency washers, the presence of too much suds could 'confuse' washing cycles, cause delays and make proper rinsing of clothes difficult.

Similar to why dish detergent does not work well in a dishwasher which requires specially formulated no-sudsing dishwasher detergent, performance can be severely affected by the use of improper detergents in low water washing machines.

HE detergents can readily be found where regular laundry soap is sold - look for the 'HE' symbol the next time you shop.

There is no difference in price for this particular type of detergent, nor is there any reduction in loads per container. Buying in bulk can reap savings and ensure you have it on hand for all your washings.

I've used both Tide® HE and Ultra Sunlight® HE and found they both clean very well. The Tide® brand has a nice mild fragrance and is safe for septic systems, and the Ultra Sunlight® brand sports the HE, Sensitive Skin and Fragrance Free labels, a real plus for allergy sufferers.

Using proper HE detergent for your high efficiency low water washer will enable your laundry appliance to perform as it should.

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

Becareful...you could be voiding your warranty if you use regular detergent.

I read that it's not just about sudsing, but it could also affect your sensors by leaving a residue on them.

ETA: Is HE detergent any more expensive than regular detergent?

Message edited 7/9/2007 4:08:39 PM.

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

besides using HE- read instructions first - our washer only uses a tablespoon or two per a load max - don't always go by the measuring cup in the HE boxx

we have an asko -

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

don't use regular detergent - I JUST BROKE OURS BY USING REGULAR DETERGENT

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

I use the all free and clear that I get at BJ's and I just discovered that is is HE and I dont even have an HE machine. It is 11.59 for 300 oz.

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

WE use regular detergent... no more than 1/2 of what we are suppose to use.

As far as the buildup of residue... once a month I put a cup of vinegar in the machine and run it through a full cycle. My MIL taught me that trick. She has done that every month and her washers last forever. She's never had a washing machine break, they just get so old she replaces them because they are so inefficient after 15 years.

Oh, and there is no way HE detergent is the same price as non-HE. I stock up on Dynamo when it is on sale at Shop-rite for $2.99 a bottle.

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

Well, ours is a top loading HE machine and the store people said we could use non-HE detergent, just to use less of it. I was just wondering how much less to use.

Vinegar in the mchine - I'll have to try that too.

Re: Regular Detergent in an HE Washing Machine