High Efficiency Washers: Can Regular Detergent Be Used?
High efficiency (HE) washers have become the standard in many households due to their ability to save water and energy. But can you still use regular laundry detergent in a high efficiency washer? The answer is yes, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Can You Use Regular Detergent?
Technically, any regular laundry detergent can be used in a high efficiency washer. However, it is important to ensure that the product you choose is of high quality and reliable. For example, the Ultra Fresh UFPGREGL Platinum Original Green Liquid Laundry Detergent (5 gal, 640 oz) is a trusted choice.
HE Detergent vs. Regular Detergent
While any regular detergent can function in a high efficiency washer, HE detergents are specifically designed for these machines. They have a unique formula that allows them to dissolve and dilute more efficiently with less water.
Modern HE detergents come with a recognizable logo on their packaging, indicating their suitability for high efficiency machines. These detergents are formulated to require less water to dissolve completely or dilute properly. This means that if you were to use a regular non-HE detergent in a modern HE washer, there might not be enough water in the wash or rinse cycles to properly dissolve and remove the detergent residue from your clothes. This can lead to a buildup of soap residues and potentially affect the performance of your washing machine.
Mixing Regular Detergent
If you have old regular detergent and want to use it in your new HE washer, it is recommended to mix it with water to thin it out. This can help ensure that the detergent dissolves properly and doesn’t leave residue on your clothes or in the washing machine.
General Guidelines for Detergent Use
Unless the machine's instructions specifically say otherwise, you can use any detergent you prefer. However, it is important to use the proper amount. Overusing detergent can lead to a soapy mess and an unpleasant laundry experience. It is generally safe to use a precise amount recommended by the detergent manufacturer for HE washers.
The History Behind Detergent Formulations
The issue lies in the formula. Older detergents tend to produce a lot of suds and residue, which can build up inside your washing machine, especially in front-loading machines. This can cause similar issues to soap scum, making your machine less efficient and potentially damaging over time.
Additionally, newer HE detergents are much more concentrated. This means that they can effectively clean clothes while using less water and detergent, aligning with the energy-saving goals of HE washers. Regular detergents, which were designed for older, less efficient machines, might not operate as effectively in modern HE washers.
It’s important to recognize that nowadays, almost all laundry detergents are high efficiency. Therefore, using old type of detergent in a new HE washer could be less effective and may require you to use more water and softener.
While it is possible to use regular detergent in a high efficiency washer, it’s worth considering the potential drawbacks. HE detergents are carefully formulated to work with modern washing machines and can provide better performance and efficiency. Using regular detergent might mean you are not getting the full benefits of your high efficiency washer.
For a cleaner, more efficient laundry experience, it is recommended to switch to high efficiency laundry detergent. While you might find that HE washers take longer, they can save you money in the long run by reducing water and energy consumption.