High-efficiency (HE) detergents have become increasingly popular in recent years as more households adopt HE washing machines. HE detergents are formulated to produce fewer suds, allowing HE machines to maximize efficiency. This raises the question – can you use HE detergent in a regular, non-HE washing machine?

How Do HE and Regular Detergents Differ?

HE and regular detergents have a few key differences:

Suds Production: HE detergents are low-sudsing. They contain suds suppressors to curb bubbly lather. Regular detergents create abundant suds.
Concentration: HE detergents are highly concentrated. A smaller dose cleans effectively. Regular detergents are less concentrated. Larger doses are needed.
Water Softener: HE detergents often contain water softeners. Regular detergents may lack built-in softeners. Hard water areas need added softener.
Cleaning Agents: HE detergents use specialized cleaning ingredients attuned to low-water washing. Regular detergents are formulated for high-water washing.
Enzymes: HE detergents tend to contain enzymes for stain removal. Many regular detergents lack added enzymes.

The goal of an HE detergent is to clean efficiently using minimal water and suds. Regular detergents are designed for high-water washers with agitators. Formulations are optimized for different washer types.

Can You Use HE Detergent in a Regular Washer?

Yes, you can use HE detergent in a regular, non-HE washing machine.

HE detergents are formulated to produce fewer suds. This allows them to work well in HE washers. However, they can also function effectively in regular washers.

The key factors to consider are:

Suds Production

HE detergents make far less lather. In a regular washer, minimal suds are produced. This causes no issues. Without abundant bubbles, water and detergent fully penetrate fabrics.

Too many suds can hinder cleaning in a regular machine. Water and detergent get trapped in foam rather than contacting clothes. Low-sudsing HE detergent avoids this.

Rinsing

HE detergents rinse cleanly with less water. Minimal suds ensures no residue gets left behind.

Regular detergents may need an extra rinse cycle to remove all traces of bubbles. HE detergents rinse thoroughly the first time.

Concentration

HE detergents are highly concentrated. Only a small dose is needed per load.

In a regular washer, concentrated HE detergent dilutes thoroughly. Enough water is used to fully dissolve the detergent.

Using too much detergent in a regular machine can cause oversudsing issues. Stick to the recommended HE dose to avoid this.

Performance

HE detergents are designed for low-water washing. However, they can effectively clean in a regular washer too.

The specialized ingredients and enzymes in HE detergents penetrate fabrics and remove soils and stains. Cleaning performance is maintained.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Using HE Detergent in a Regular Washer?

While HE detergent works well in regular washers, there are a couple potential drawbacks to note:

Incomplete Rinsing: HE detergents rinse cleanly with low water volumes. If your regular washer fails to rinse adequately, detergent residue could remain.
Reduced Suds: The low lather won’t provide the billowy bubbly wash some people expect. Minimal suds can mistakenly seem like weaker cleaning.
Clumping: Without agitation, concentrated HE detergent could clump in dispensers rather than fully dissolving. Proper dilution requires sufficient water.
Build-Up: Some HE detergents leave behind a waxy build-up over time. This typically only occurs in HE machines. But it could potentially happen in a regular washer too.
Cost: HE detergents are pricier than regular versions. You’ll be paying more for specialized formulation you may not fully benefit from.

However, overall HE detergents remain a good option for regular washers. Taking some simple precautions will avoid potential issues:

Use the machine’s largest load size to ensure adequate water levels.
Select a hot or warm wash cycle to promote dissolution.
Clean the washer monthly to prevent residue build-up.
Use a rinse only cycle periodically to flush out any traces left behind.

Tips for Using HE Detergent in a Regular Washer

Follow these tips to maximize success when using HE detergent in a regular washing machine:

Use Proper Dosing: Don’t overdose HE detergent. Start with half the recommended amount and adjust as needed. Too much concentrated detergent can cause oversudsing.
Select Larger Load Sizes: Choose the machine’s largest load setting, even for small loads. More water ensures proper dilution and rinsing.
Pre-Dissolve Detergent: Dissolve powder HE detergent in warm water before adding to the dispenser. This prevents clumping.
Allow Extra Rinse Time: Use the “deep rinse” or “extended spin” setting. The longer rinse duration flushes away any residues.
Clean Washer Regularly: Vinegar rinses and tub cleans remove any waxy build-up over time. Keep the washer fresh and residue-free.
Air Dry the Washer: Leave the door open after washing to allow the tub to fully dry. This prevents musty smells and detergent sticking.
Use Liquid for Front-Loaders: Liquid HE detergent won’t clump in front-loading dispensers. Powder needs extra dilution.
Skip Fabric Softener: Fabric softener can react with HE detergent and leave residue. Stick to dryer sheets or other softening alternatives.

HE Detergent Use by Washer Type

Here are some general guidelines on what washers benefit most from HE detergent:

Front-Load Washers: All front-loaders are high efficiency machines. They require an HE detergent.
New Top-Load Washers: New top-load washers are optimized for HE detergents. Models with low-water wash options need an HE detergent.
Classic Top-Load Washers: HE detergent can be used in older, classic agitator models. It produces minimal suds for effective cleaning.
Portable Washers: Small portable washers have low water use similar to HE machines. HE detergent prevents oversudsing in these units.
Commercial Washers: Many laundromats now use larger scale HE machines. Check before washing – commercial HE machines need HE detergent.

The Bottom Line

While designed for HE washers, HE detergents can work effectively in regular top-load and front-load washers too. The low-sudsing formulation prevents oversoaping issues. Concentrated cleaning power dissolves fully to wash clothes clean.

Take care when dosing to avoid residue build-up over time. Allow for extra rinse time as needed. With some minor adjustments, HE detergents offer reliable performance in both high-efficiency and conventional laundry machines. Give them a try in your regular washer to enjoy specialized cleaning power and minimal bubbles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can too much HE detergent cause problems in a regular washer?

Yes, using too much HE detergent can lead to issues in a regular washer. HE detergents are highly concentrated. Adding extra can result in oversudsing, residue left behind, and build-up over time. Stick to the recommended low dose.

Should water temperature be adjusted when using HE detergent?

Warm or hot water can help HE powder dissolve fully. But temperature adjustment is not mandatory. As long as adequate water is used per load, HE detergent will dilute and clean effectively at any temp.

How often should a regular washer be cleaned when using HE detergent?

Clean the washer tub monthly using vinegar or a machine cleaner. This prevents any waxy build-up that some HE detergents can leave behind over time. Proper machine cleaning will keep your washer fresh.

Will HE detergent clean as well as regular detergent in a normal washer?

Yes, HE detergent cleans just as effectively as regular detergent in a conventional top-load or front-load washer. The special surfactants and enzymes in HE detergents penetrate fabrics to remove soils and stains.

Should HE detergent be used in portable washing machines?

Yes, portable washers benefit from HE detergent. Their low water use makes regular detergent prone to oversudsing. HE detergent prevents this, while still cleaning effectively in small portable units.

Can you use regular detergent in an HE washer?

It’s best to avoid using regular detergent in an HE machine. The suds production can interfere with the washer mechanics. Without special low-sudsing agents, cleaning is compromised in an HE environment. Stick to HE detergent.

Key Takeaways:

HE detergents can be used in regular top-load and front-load washers, despite being formulated for HE machines.
Benefits include low suds, concentrated cleaning power, and effective stain removal.
Take care with dosing to avoid oversudsing and build-up from extra detergent.
Allow for additional rinse time to prevent residue. Clean washers monthly too.
Follow tips like pre-dissolving powder and using liquid detergent to optimize results.

Conclusion

HE detergents are a smart choice even for regular washers. Their low-suds specialized formulas provide top-notch cleaning without oversoaping issues. While made for high-efficiency machines, they can be used effectively and safely in conventional top-load and front-load washers too. Take care when dosing and rinsing, and you can enjoy excellent results from advanced HE detergents in any type of washer.