WHAT IS HE DETERGENT AND WHY SHOULD I USE IT?
HE detergent, or high-efficiency detergent, which is low sudsing and quick dispersing, is specially designed to work in front-load and top-load machines that can run low-water wash cycles. Find out why it’s important to use HE detergent in a high-efficiency washing machine and learn how you can impact your appliance’s performance if you use regular detergent in your HE washer.
HOW can YOU TELL IF YOU HAVE AN HE WASHER?
You can easily tell whether your washing machine is an HE model by looking for the HE symbol on the exterior of your appliance.
WHAT DOES THE HE SYMBOL LOOK LIKE?
The HE symbol is a lowercase “h” and “e” inside a circle. This symbol can also be found on all HE laundry detergent packaging so you can be sure you’re using the right type of detergent for your washing machine.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HE DETERGENT AND REGULAR DETERGENT?
The difference between HE and regular detergent is the formulation. HE detergent is formulated to produce fewer suds than regular detergent and allow for shorter cycle times and lower water usage during the wash cycle.
WHAT’S REGULAR LAUNDRY DETERGENT?
Regular or traditional detergent is designed to suspend stains, soils and dyes in the water to help prevent them from redepositing on your clothes during the wash cycle. This type of detergent is formulated for use in higher water volumes generated in standard, non-HE washing machines.
WHAT’S HE LAUNDRY DETERGENT?
Low-sudsing and quick dispersing, high-efficiency detergent is specially formulated to work in HE washers, which clean clothes with lower water levels. By producing fewer suds and dispersing dirt and dyes quickly, soils typically won’t redeposit on clothes.
Like cars that run best on their recommended fuel grade, if you want optimal performance from your HE washer, then you should use HE detergent. To ensure that the detergent you’re using is made for your HE washer, look for the HE symbol.
CAN YOU USE REGULAR DETERGENT IN AN HE WASHER?
Using regular detergent in an HE washer produces too many suds. This could potentially lengthen the wash cycle, affect cleaning action or overflow the machine. Learn more about different types of laundry detergents.
CAN YOU USE HE DETERGENT IN A REGULAR WASHER?
Yes! There might be fewer suds, but you’ll typically get a great clean. Because there’s more water in a regular washer, however, you’ll need more detergent—usually about ¼ cup for a regular-sized load.
HOW MUCH HE DETERGENT SHOULD YOU USE IN AN HE WASHER?
Typically, you only need about two tablespoons of HE detergent in an HE washer for a medium sized load. However, you should always consult the product instructions on your HE detergent and your washer’s user manual for brand and model-specific detergent dosage amounts. The amount may also vary based on your load size and type.
TIPS FOR USING HIGH-EFFICIENCY LAUNDRY DETERGENT
You can get the most out of your laundry routine when you use high-efficiency detergent and washers properly. Explore tips for using HE laundry detergent and washing machines below.
Avoid mixing powder and liquid detergents in HE machines, as it may create a clog in the detergent dispenser.
Only use fabric softeners if your owner’s manual recommends it.
If you’re washing a heavy load with cold or hard water, you may need to use a little more detergent than you typically would.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for detergent dosage and wash cycle water levels.
FIND YOUR NEXT HE WASHER AT MAYTAG BRAND
If you need a new high-efficiency washing machine, trust Maytag brand for a quick, thorough clean. Browse washing machines to find a new HE model or learn more about Maytag® washers and dryers.
