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Can You Use Regular Detergent in an HE Washer?

High-efficiency (HE) washers aren’t your grandma’s old washing machine. They use far less water than traditional models, typically only 20% to 50% of the water a standard washer would use in a load. Instead of filling up a giant tub, HE machines spin and tumble clothes through a small pool of water and detergent. This low-water, tumbling wash action is gentler on clothes and allows for larger load sizes (since there’s no bulky agitator taking up space). HE washers also spin much faster to extract water, cutting down on drying time and energy use. In short, they’re designed to clean clothes more efficiently – saving water, energy, and even detergent (when used properly) in the process.

Another big difference is how these washers handle suds. Because they use less water, HE machines require detergents that are formulated to clean effectively in low-water conditions. Look for the little “HE” symbol on detergent bottles – it indicates a high-efficiency formula. Washer manufacturers strongly advise using only HE detergent in these machines, and we’ll get into why. With an HE washer, you’re already ahead of the game on efficiency; using the right detergent keeps everything working optimally. Think of it like putting the right fuel in a high-performance car – it helps your washer run better and last longer, all while getting your laundry fresh and clean.

Can you use regular detergent in an HE washer?

So, can you use regular detergent in an HE washer? The short answer is no – it’s not recommended. High-efficiency washers are engineered for low-sudsing detergents, and regular laundry soap just produces too many suds for an HE machine to handle. You might be tempted to throw in whatever detergent you have on hand, but here’s the rub: regular detergents create a lot of foam and bubbles that don’t get rinsed out properly in a low-water washer. It’s a bit of a “square peg in a round hole” situation – while you can physically pour regular detergent into an HE washer, the machine won’t be happy about it!

HE washers work best with HE-labeled detergent because it’s formulated to clean with fewer suds. Using traditional soap in a high-efficiency model often leads to excess foam that the washer isn’t equipped to flush away. In fact, Whirlpool advises that regular detergent shouldn’t be used in HE washers because it can produce too many suds. Those suds can confuse the washer’s sensors and even trigger additional rinse cycles, defeating the very efficiency your machine is supposed to deliver. Bottom line: for an HE washer, stick with HE detergent. It’s the best detergent for HE washers, and using anything else is asking for trouble (as we’ll explain next).

What happens if you do?

If you do use regular detergent in a high-efficiency washer, a few unpleasant things can happen. Here’s what to expect if you ignore the guidelines:

Too many suds, too little cleaning: Regular detergent will create a mountain of suds in an HE washer. All that foam actually cushions your clothes, preventing the proper friction and scrubbing action. Ironically, your garments may come out less clean because the suds kept dirt from being rinsed away.
Overflow and longer cycles: Excess suds can overflow from the drum or push up against the door seal. Many HE machines will sense the over-sudsing and automatically add extra rinse cycles to flush out the soap. That means a cycle that should be 45 minutes could stretch much longer. In extreme cases, suds might even leak out onto your laundry room floor – a soapy mess no one wants.
Residue and funky odors: When a washer can’t fully rinse out all that lather, it leaves a sticky soap film on the drum and inside hoses. Dirt and detergent residue may cling to your clothes (yuck), and the remaining gunk in the machine becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Over time, you might notice that notorious “wet dog” or sour smell in your washer. Regular detergent in an HE machine is a common culprit for mildewy-smelling laundry rooms.
Wear and tear on your washer: All those extra suds put stress on your machine. They can clog or gunk up the washer’s inner workings and even interfere with sensors. Suds might seep into places they shouldn’t, potentially causing errors or damage to electronic components. Many manufacturers warn that using non-HE soap in an HE washer can void your warranty and lead to malfunctions. It’s a risk not worth taking for the sake of finishing off a bottle of regular detergent!

Why HE detergent is worth it

Using the proper HE detergent isn’t just about avoiding problems – it’s about getting the best results from your fancy washer. High-efficiency detergents are specifically formulated to be the high efficiency best laundry detergent choice for these machines. They produce fewer suds, but don’t let that fool you: they pack a punch when it comes to cleaning power. HE detergents are often more concentrated, meaning you need to use less per load while still getting great performance. Less soap, less water, and just-as-clean (or cleaner) clothes is a win-win-win for you, your wallet, and the environment.

Why else is HE detergent worth it? For one, it helps protect your machine. With the right detergent, your washer can do its job without extra stress or rinse cycles. No overflowing foam, no residue buildup – just efficient cleansing. Your clothes will rinse free of soap, come out smelling fresh, and won’t carry that sticky film that regular detergents can leave in an HE wash. Over time, using the recommended detergent can prolong the life of your washer by preventing the gunk and mold issues we mentioned earlier. It’s also worth noting that virtually all major brands offer HE-formulated versions of their detergents now, including natural and fragrance-free options. So finding the best detergent for HE washers is easy – just look for the “HE” symbol on the label. You’re not stuck with one or two choices; you can pick your favorite scent or eco-friendly formula, as long as it’s made for high-efficiency machines.

How much HE detergent to use

With high-efficiency detergent, less is more. It’s designed to be used in small doses. In fact, for a medium-sized load in an HE washer, you typically only need about 2 tablespoons of liquid HE detergent. (Yes, you read that right – just a couple of tablespoons!) If you’re used to filling the cap to the brim with regular soap, this might feel strange at first. Always check the detergent bottle for the recommended HE dosage – those markings on the cap are there for a reason. Many HE detergent bottles have a “1”, “2”, or “3” line; for most average loads, you might only fill to line 1 or 2. As a rule of thumb, Maytag notes that two tablespoons of HE detergent are usually enough for a regular load in an HE machine.

Why so little? Because HE detergents are concentrated and low-sudsing, a small amount goes a long way. Using more than the recommended dose won’t get your clothes any cleaner – it’ll just create excess suds that your washer then has to work to rinse out. If you have a large or heavily soiled load, you can bump up the detergent slightly (maybe to 3 tablespoons or the next line on the cap), but avoid the urge to over-pour. For HE detergent pods, generally one pod per load is sufficient; toss it in the drum before adding clothes (unless your washer’s manual says otherwise). If you have an HE washer with a bulk dispenser or auto-dosing feature, be sure to use the correct settings and detergent type for that system.

A good practice is to occasionally peek at your just-washed clothes before they go in the dryer. If they feel slimy or have visible suds remaining, it might be a sign you’re using too much detergent. Cut back a bit next time. On the other hand, if clothes come out looking dull or not as fresh as expected, ensure you’re measuring correctly (or consider whether you had an overstuffed load that impeded proper washing). In most cases, though, sticking to the detergent maker’s guidelines will give you the right balance: clean laundry with no excess residue.

Tips to avoid detergent mistakes

Even seasoned laundry-doers can slip up with detergent use. Here are some simple tips to help you avoid common detergent mistakes with your HE washer:

Always use HE detergent: It bears repeating – only use high-efficiency detergent in an HE washer. If the bottle doesn’t show the “HE” symbol, save it for a different machine or hand-wash, but don’t pour it in your HE unit.
Measure, don’t guess: Eyeballing detergent can easily lead to using too much. Use the cap or scoop measurements provided, or even a measuring spoon for precision. A little planning saves you from soap overload.
Don’t overfill the washer: Overloading your machine with laundry can prevent detergent from dispersing properly. Clothes need room to tumble and for water and soap to circulate. When in doubt, do an extra load rather than cramming everything in at once.
Add detergent properly: Follow your washer’s instructions on how to add detergent. Most HE front-loaders have a dispenser drawer – pour the detergent in the designated compartment (usually labeled). For HE top-loaders without a dispenser, pour the detergent into the tub first, then add clothes. This helps the soap dilute evenly. And never mix liquid and powder in the same dispenser at the same time; that can gum things up.
Keep the washer clean: Wipe down the rubber door gasket and drum occasionally, and leave the door open after washes to air out the interior. Many HE machines have a cleaning cycle – run it with a washer cleaner or a cup of white vinegar periodically. This clears out any detergent residue and prevents mildew, keeping that “musty washer smell” at bay.
If a mistake happens, rinse and repeat: Used the wrong detergent or too much by accident? Don’t panic. Remove the clothes and run an empty rinse cycle (or a cleaning cycle) with hot water. For a sudsy overload, you can add a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse to help cut the suds. Then wash the clothes again with the correct detergent (no need to dry sudsy clothes before rewashing). It’s a hassle, but it’ll fix the issue and protect your machine.

When to let someone else handle the laundry

Sometimes laundry care gets complicated or you simply don’t have the time – and that’s okay! Knowing when to hand off your laundry to a professional can be a smart move. For instance, if you’re dealing with huge piles of wash after a trip or you’ve fallen behind on chores, a convenient wash-and-fold drop-off service can be a lifesaver. Maybe you’re unsure about how to treat certain fabrics, or you’re worried you might be making detergent mistakes with each load. In these cases, using a laundry pickup and delivery service or a trusted local laundromat can take the pressure off. Professionals will ensure the right detergents and methods are used for your clothes.

Another reason to let someone else handle it is when you need a level of clean that’s tough to achieve at home. For example, some modern laundromats (like us here at Spincycle) offer an ozone-sanitized wash process – a special system that infuses ozone into the wash water to kill germs and odors. It’s the kind of deep clean technology that can leave your laundry extra fresh and sanitized, ideal for items like bedding, towels, or gym clothes that might harbor bacteria. Moreover, outsourcing your laundry can simply give you back hours of your week. Instead of worrying about measuring detergent or whether you’re overloading the washer, you can trust experienced launderers to do it right. You’ll get neatly folded, clean clothes delivered back to you or ready for pickup, with no detergent mishaps on your mind.

In the end, owning a high-efficiency washer is about making laundry easier and better for you. Using the proper detergent – and the right amount – is key to that success. But when laundry starts to feel overwhelming or confusing, remember that you have options. There’s no shame in handing off the chore to a professional service, especially if it means your clothes get the best care possible. Whether you stick to doing it yourself with HE detergent in hand, or occasionally say “you know what, you do it” to a laundry service, the goal is the same: fresh, clean clothes and a little peace of mind.