High-efficiency (HE) washers are designed to use less water and energy than traditional top-load washers. But to maximize cleaning performance, it’s important to add the right amount and type of detergent. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly add detergent to an HE washer.
Choosing the Right Detergent
The first step is selecting a detergent formulated for HE washers. These low-sudsing detergents are designed for the low-water wash cycles in high-efficiency models. Using a regular detergent can cause oversudsing, which reduces cleaning performance.
Look for the “HE” label when buying detergent. Popular brands like Tide, Gain, Persil, and others offer detergents formulated specifically for HE machines. Liquid HE detergents are most common, but powder and pod/tab forms are also available.
Avoid detergents with added fabric softener. Softener can leave residue on clothes that reduces the washer’s effectiveness over time. Use plain HE detergent, and add softener separately in the appropriate dispenser or as a dryer sheet.
Consider a plant-based or sensitive skin formula if you have allergies or skin sensitivities. These are gentler while still cleaning effectively in an HE machine.
Make sure it’s low-sudsing. Even if not labeled HE, some “free and clear” detergents are low-sudsing and can work. Check for HE compatibility before using.
Understanding HE Detergent Cap Fill Lines
HE washers need much less detergent than conventional models. Adding too much detergent can hinder performance and leave residue on clothes.
Most HE detergent caps have fill lines inside showing how much to use:
- 1X or low soil line: For lightly soiled loads
- 2X or medium soil line: For most average loads
- 3X or high soil line: For very dirty clothes
The lines correspond to the different soil level settings on your machine. Just fill to the line matching the setting you choose.
Pay attention to load size recommendations on the bottle too. You may need to adjust the amount of detergent depending on how full the washer is.
When to Use More or Less Detergent
While the fill lines provide a good guide, you may need to tweak the amount of detergent you use in certain situations:
Use less for:
- Lightly soiled loads
- Smaller load sizes
- Softer water (fewer minerals)
Use more for:
- Heavily soiled loads
- Larger load sizes
- Hard water (more minerals)
- Pets or family members with oily skin/hair
Add an extra rinse if clothes seem sticky or detergent residue is left behind.
Run a maintenance wash to purge soap scum and residue. Run a hot water cycle with bleach but no detergent.
Don’t go by suds alone – more doesn’t mean better cleaning. Just use enough to eliminate dirt and odors.
Adding Liquid HE Detergent
Liquid HE detergent is the most commonly used type. Here are some tips for adding it:
- Don’t pre-mix or dilute it. Add directly from bottle into drum or dispenser drawer.
- Slowly pour along inside wall of drum so it immediately mixes into wash water.
- Make sure to leave drum open after adding to allow water to dilute and activate detergent.
- Don’t use with a top-fill washer. Only suitable for front-load HE machines.
- Wipe up any spills immediately to avoid buildup and residue.
- Store upright and closed to prevent leaks.
Using HE Powder Detergent
While less common, powder HE detergent is another option:
- May cause buildup if not fully dissolved in wash water.
- Mix 1 tbsp in a cup of hot water first, stir to dissolve, then pour into drum.
- Sprinkle directly into drum immediately before starting wash cycle.
- Don’t leave sitting too long or it can become gummy and clump up.
- Moisten inside of detergent drawer before adding powder to prevent clumping.
Powders may work better for very hard water. But liquids are often easier to use in HE washers.
Adding HE Pods or Tabs
Single-dose HE detergent pods are convenient but proper use is important:
- Place pod directly in drum, on top of laundry near center.
- Don’t place in detergent dispenser – can clog mechanisms or release too slowly.
- Don’t cut or tear open pods before adding – delays dissolving.
- Avoid pods with fabric softener beads which can stick to clothes.
- Reduce drying time slightly to prevent residue from softener in pods.
- Close drum immediately so water contacts and dissolves pod faster.
Pods allow easy pre-measurement, but can be more expensive per wash than liquid.
Getting the Most From Your HE Detergent
To maximize efficiency and cleaning power:
- Follow loading guidelines – don’t overload washer.
- Use warmest suitable water temperature. Heat aids cleaning.
- Don’t use too much detergent. More is not better with HE machines.
- Match detergent type to fabric type. Some are better for cottons, delicates, etc.
- Pretreat heavily stained areas for better cleaning results.
- Clean dispenser drawer regularly to prevent detergent buildup.
- Clean wash drum monthly to reduce odors and residue.
FAQs About HE Washers and Detergent
Should I use more detergent if I have hard water?
You may need to use a little extra detergent if you have hard water, which contains more minerals that can interfere with cleaning. But don’t go overboard, as too much detergent can cause buildup on the wash drum and clothes.
What temperature should I wash with?
For most loads, warm is ideal. Hot water can help for very dirty clothes. But cold washing is fine for lightly soiled loads, saving energy. Avoid overloading on cold settings though.
Why is my HE washer not rinsing well?
Excess detergent or oversudsing can hinder rinsing. Try less detergent, a rinse-aid product, wipe the drum regularly, and run maintenance washes. An additional rinse cycle can help too.
How often should I run a maintenance wash?
Most manufacturers recommend monthly maintenance washes. Add bleach or a drum cleaner to hot water, and run a cycle with no detergent and no clothes. This prevents buildup.
What’s the white residue on my dark clothes?
White streaks or film on clothes is likely undissolved detergent. Make sure detergent is fully mixed into water before starting cycle. Try less detergent, a warmer wash, and better rinsing.
Conclusion
Adding the proper amount of quality HE detergent is essential for effective cleaning and preventing issues like residue. Follow the recommended fill lines on the detergent bottle, adjust for load size and soil level, and allow detergent to fully dissolve. With the right practices, your high-efficiency washer can deliver clean, fresh laundry with less water and energy.