Can You Use HE Detergent In A Regular Washer? (Important Facts)
If you’re curious about the compatibility of HE detergent with your regular washing machine, you are on the right article.
Did you know that using the wrong detergent in your washing machine can affect your machine’s performance and lifespan?
Most people agree that HE detergents are the best option for laundry due to their efficiency and eco-friendliness. But if you don’t own an HE washing machine, you may wonder if you can use an HE detergent on your regular non-HE washer.
So can you use HE detergent in a regular washer?
You can use HE detergent in a regular washer, but it may not be as efficient. HE detergents are designed to work with high-efficiency machines that use less water, while regular detergents are formulated for machines that use more water. You will also use more detergent, and there might excess suds.
This article will explore the nuances of using HE detergents in a regular washer so you get well-informed.
Table of Contents
Difference between HE detergent and Regular detergent
You may find a few differences between HE and standard detergent, as their chemical composition and cleaning power are similar.
The main difference between HE and regular detergents is that they are specially formulated to produce very low suds, disperse quickly, require less water, and increase their efficiency while giving you a perfect wash cycle.
Traditional regular detergents are formulated to clean efficiently using higher water volumes in regular agitator washers.
To identify which detergent is HE or not, you will find the High-efficiency symbol on the detergent bottle, “He”.
Tide Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap
America’s number one detergent brand, Tide. It cleans deeply and leaves a fresh scent while whitening and brightening clothes. The detergent is designed to be measured using the cap, with instructions provided for medium and large loads and HE machines. The detergent is also infused with the Original Scent that customers love.
Difference between HE and regular washing machine
While regular washers have been around for a long time, HE washers are pretty new and just about a decade old.
Though they both operate using the same fundamental principle of agitating with water to clean clothes, there are some differences in how they function.
The table below shows the main differences between HE and regular washers.
| HE Washing Machine | Regular Washing Machine | |
| Water Usage | Uses only 20-66% of the water used by regular machines | Uses more water than HE machines |
| Energy Efficiency | Uses as little as 20-50% of the energy used by regular machines | Uses more energy than HE machines |
| Detergent | Requires specialized HE detergent formulated to work in low-water environments and produce fewer suds | Compatible with regular laundry detergents and produces more suds during the wash cycle |
| Spin Cycles | Have faster spin cycles that extract more water from clothes and reduce rinsing and drying time | May have slower spin cycles that result in longer rinsing and drying times |
| Cost | More expensive upfront but may lead to long-term cost savings due to energy and water efficiency | Less expensive upfront but may result in higher utility bills over time due to higher water and energy usage |
Related article: Where to Put Detergent in Hotpoint Washing Machine (Easy Guide)
What happens if I use HE detergent in a regular washer?
Using HE (high-efficiency) detergent in a regular washer can result in excess suds, preventing the proper cleaning of your clothes. HE detergent is formulated to produce fewer suds in low-water environments, such as in HE washing machines.
When you use it in a regular washer, the excess suds can interfere with the washer’s availability to remove dirt and stains from your garments effectively.
The excess suds may also leave behind residue on your clothes, which may cost you additional rinsing cycles to remove.
It is not recommended to use HE detergent in a regular washing machine. It’s best to use regular detergent in a regular washing machine and reserve HE detergent for HE machines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix HE detergent and regular detergent?
You should not mix HE detergent and regular detergent, as they are formulated differently and can cause issues with cleaning performance and potential damage to the washing machine.
Mixing the two detergents may not clean clothes effectively, as they are formulated differently to work in different types of washing machines. Therefore, using the appropriate detergent for your washing machine is best. Regular detergent should be used in regular washers, while HE detergent should be used in HE washers.
Is using HE detergent in a regular washer bad for my clothes?
Using HE detergent in a regular washer is not necessarily bad for your clothes, but it may not clean them as effectively as using regular detergent. HE detergent is formulated to work in low-water environments, such as in HE washing machines, and produce fewer suds.
Will using a regular detergent in an HE washer damage the machine?
Regular detergent should not be used in an HE washer. Using a regular detergent in an HE washing machine will produce too many suds in the low water levels contained in HE washers, which can negatively affect the efficiency of your washer.
The excessive suds produced can cause overflow and potentially cause damage to your washer.
Can I use less HE detergent in my HE washer?
Less HE (high-efficiency) detergent in an HE washing machine is generally recommended. HE machines use less water, and their detergent formulations are designed to work effectively in low-water environments while producing fewer suds. Using too much detergent in an HE machine can lead to excess suds, which can interfere with the machine’s performance and potentially cause damage over time.
Most HE detergent manufacturers provide guidelines on the recommended amount of detergent based on the load size and soiling level. You should follow these guidelines for the best results.
Are all HE detergents the same?
Not all HE detergents are the same. While all HE detergents are formulated to work with low-water washers, there can be differences in their chemical composition, cleaning power, and other features. Some HE detergents may be designed specifically for front-loading washers, while others may be formulated for top-loading machines.
HE detergents, such as liquids, powders, and pods, may come in different forms. Some HE detergents may contain enzymes or other additives to help remove stains, while others may be fragrance-free or hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.
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