When it comes to buying laundry detergent, there are lots of factors to consider. Do you want extra stain-fighting power or clean and gentle? Do you want triple-action or standard (and what is the difference, really)? Do you enjoy scented or unscented? Liquid, pods, or powder? Or should you ditch the store-bought stuff entirely and make your own? When browsing in the grocery store's laundry aisle, it can be challenging to discern the differences between all the bright-colored bottles. Most brands use the same few descriptors—"stain-fighting," "gentle," and "extra-strength"—which makes it extra-challenging to understand the distinctions between the various detergents. Show
We all have our preferences and favorites, and more often than not, we'll stick to what we know. But are you using the best detergent for you and your washing machine? While the world of laundry detergent may seem vast and intimidating, we're here to break down one of the more confusing distinctions: high efficiency vs. regular detergent. If you've never heard of these categories, you're not alone. These words may not mean much at first glance, but it turns out that the difference is important to understand, as it can make a big difference in your washing machine's efficiency. It all starts with two washing machine types: high-efficiency and regular washers. What are High-Efficiency Washers?High-efficiency (HE) washers come in front-load or top-load styles, designed to conserve water. Detergent company Tide says high-efficiency washers "use up to 80 percent less water than traditional, top-loading washers, deliver 65 percent energy savings, and wash more laundry in one go than traditional machines." If you're not sold by that fact alone, consider this: "High-efficiency washers are much larger than regular washers, holding up to 40 percent more clothes." So, high-efficiency washers are good for the environment, wash more clothes per load, and save you on your electric bill—sounds like a win-win-win situation. But high-efficiency washers will only deliver these results if appropriately used, enter high-efficiency detergent. What is High-Efficiency Detergent?High-efficiency laundry detergent is designed specifically for high-efficiency washing machines. Since high-efficiency washers use significantly less water than regular washers, it's essential to ensure that your detergent packs a punch to get your clothes clean. High-efficiency detergents create fewer suds, so your HE washing machine can do its job without adding more water to clean your clothes. You can tell that a detergent is high-efficiency by a small HE sticker on the bottle. High-efficiency detergent does cost slightly more than regular detergent, but as it's more condensed in its cleaning power, you'll likely be able to use it for longer. When To Use Regular Detergent in Regular WashersThe best practice would be to use HE detergent in HE washers and regular detergent in regular washers. But if you only have one or the other, here's when you can mix and when you should be wary. Don't use regular detergent in a high-efficiency washer.Using regular detergent in your HE washing machine will produce more suds and lead the machine to a longer rinse cycle that uses more water, therefore canceling the benefits of the HE washer. It can also lead to a smelly washer from leftover suds residue. When To Use High-Efficiency Detergent in HE or Regular WashersThere are minimal differences in the ingredients of high-efficiency versus regular detergents. The primary difference is the amount of suds created, but high-efficiency detergents will still get your clothes just as clean as traditional detergents. Like the popular myth that you need hot water to clean your clothes (cold water can come in handy in these cases), more suds do not necessarily equal cleaner. High-efficiency detergent can be used in regular washers and won't cause any problems. It will produce less suds, but your clothes will come out just as clean. In conclusion, high-efficiency and regular washers can use high-efficiency detergent, but don't use regular detergent in HE washers. Front-load washers are all the rage these days, and not just because of their sleek look. They also provide a lot of energy savings, so you can save a few bucks and fly your green flag. Besides cutting down on power usage, front-loaders also use about 40 percent less water than the top-loaders with their silly baskets full of suds. (You're welcome, Mother Earth.) They do this by filling only the bottom portion of the tub and tumbling the clothes into it. So what's the deal with that special detergent for front- loaders? High Efficiency DetergentYou may notice when you buy your energy-efficient washer that it recommends a high- efficiency (HE) detergent. This is a specially formulated cleaner that allows it to work with less water than a traditional detergent. HE detergents are manufactured to create fewer suds, so using a regular detergent in your HE washer can prevent the clothes from rinsing properly -- turning you into a sudsy mess the next time you're caught in the rain. What's worse, regular detergent can even trigger error codes on that high-tech machine of yours. And buildup from excess suds may lead to a visit from your local repairman. Take it from our personal experiences -- it's an expensive call to make. Top-Loaders and HE DetergentMost top-loaders, as we all know, work by filling a water-tight basket full of water and twisting and turning your clothes until they're clean. They're generally less energy-efficient than the front loaders, but there are some HE models available that load at the top. In any case, using HE detergent in a top load washer is just fine. Even the non-HE models will work with the HE detergent. Since it's based on a low-suds formula though, you may not be thrilled with the level of fragrance. But since it's a more efficient concentrate that will save you some money, it's worth it to give the HE detergent a try in your regular washer. Just remember the law of the wash -- HE detergent is fine for both, but only HE detergents can used in the HE machines. Lots More InformationRelated Articles
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What happens when you use HE detergent in a regular washer?Actually, HE detergents work just fine in a traditional washing machine. This is primarily due to the fact that HE detergents are made from the same ingredients as regular detergents. If you decide to use HE detergents in your regular washing machine, you will likely notice they produce less suds.
Can you use high efficiency detergent in a non high efficiency machine?In contrast, high efficiency detergent can be used in regular washers. You may notice fewer suds but clothes will be just as clean as if you were using a traditional formula.
Can I use HE detergent in my nonCan I use HE detergent in a regular (non-HE) washer? Yes you can use HE (High Efficiency) detergent in a regular washing machine. You might notice fewer suds, but your clothes will still come out fresh and clean!
What is difference between high efficiency detergent and regular?HE detergent contains the exact same cleaning ingredients, surfactants, enzymes, and water conditioners as the non-HE detergents of the same brand. The difference is HE detergent is formulated to be low-sudsing for high-efficiency, energy-saving washing machines that use less water in the wash and rinse cycles.
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Can high efficiency laundry detergent be used in regular machines
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