HE detergent

[Lori63]

I think there is another thread on this topic, so please feel free to direct me there :)

FINALLY getting a new washer-takes HE detergent-any way to use regular? Any info is appreciated.

[mrsdatabits]

Just use less is what I've heard. We have a HE washer and when I was using regular detergent (I've been trying homemade for a couple months) I just used the smallest amount for the type of detergent. That sounds confusing, but basically say the cap has 3 marks for different amounts, we use the one with the least amount. We've never had troubles. My parents, who have had their HE washer for several years more than we have had ours, do the same thing and have never had troubles. In fact, it was the place they bought theirs at that told them how to use regular detergent.

If when you pull your clothes out they are still sudsy/soapy, you know you've used too much. It is my understanding that the big concern with HE washer's and regular detergent is that the washer's use a lot less water than the recommended detergent amounts account for. So if you use what you are used to using in a regular washer, you end up with lots of sudsy soap that doesn't get washed away. And if you get too much sudsy/soapy build up it can harm your HE washer (something like using dish soap in a dishwasher instead of dishwasher detergent).

My problem, however, is figuring out how much softener to use! Course, when I use up this batch I'm going to try some homemade alternatives as well.

Good luck!

[$Saving!]

I think there is another thread on this topic, so please feel free to direct me there :)

FINALLY getting a new washer-takes HE detergent-any way to use regular? Any info is appreciated.

When we bought ours a couple years ago, we were told the reg detergents produce too much suds, could damage/cause leaking in the front seal.

BUT, it's also long known that the amount recommended on the bottles of any detergent is way more than is necessary to successfully clean clothes, so if you were to cut way back on the amount, I'm sure you could use it.

Just remember that your front loader uses a lot less water and plan accordingly.

[434Teresa]

Just use regular it will be fine..I have had one and used regluar for years with no problems from it. Just use about half the amount..

[Rene S]

When we bought ours a couple years ago, we were told the reg detergents produce too much suds, could damage/cause leaking in the front seal.

We were told that, over time, the suds could ruin the inner workings of the machine, not to mention void the warranty.

We use HE detergent only, and a third of what is suggested on the bottle. Most brands have HE versions available and the price is nearly the same as the regular stuff. IMO it's not worth saving a few dollars to ruin an expensive machine (we paid close to $1000 for ours a few years ago).

[isis]

I had a friend ruin her washing machine by using reg detergent. I did read that using vinegar every few cycles will help clear the funk that accumulates with regular detergent. I'd just go with buying HE, as pp said, the price is the same and almost all of the brands have HE available.

[Lori63]

I keep going back and forth-use very little regular, or just but HE. I have another week before it is delivered :)

[JulieDB]

I would not use regular. My mom did because she had a lot of it. She just used less. But she didn't do this for very long and didn't tell me why. I can only imagine.

I was using Method prior to getting this machine and it can be used in either kind of machine. I did have one jug of regular stuff. I gave it to the plumber's assistant who had a regular machine.

[uummm]

I used my regular detergent since I got my HE because I had 40+ bottles of it and then they were clearancing it out of the stores when they decided to remove the water from it and make the bottles smaller...I only just finally used up all those huge bottles of detergent. Also that was back when only Tide was making the HE and I was NOT going to buy Tide that was more expensive just for the HE bull that they pushed....
I do remember in the beginning I would find suds on some of my clothes and it was because I was heavy handed with the detergent that time.
I have had my washer for more than 5 years...the only problem I have ever had was it did start to smell about a year ago and I ran a bottle of the washing machine cleaner through it and it went away...Also sometimes I forget to leave the door ajar when not in use.

[Gertie2u]

According to my uncle, who has been repairing washing machines for years, the main problem with using regular detergent in a washer that requires HE is that most people think more detergent = more clean so fill the cup up with detergent. This isn't such a big deal in the older top loaders. They have a lot of water in them and they don't swish the clothing and water around as much. Plus, they work in a different way than do the front loaders, without all the tubing. If you put that much into your typical HE machine, you're going to find you get certain problems. You'll have way too much suds. Your clothing will not rinse out properly. You can tell you've got too much by taking a wash cloth directly from the washer and placing it in a sink full of warm water. If you get a bunch of bubble when you swirl it around, it is still full of suds. The suds may also actually build up and clog certain workings of the machine if this problem gets too extreme. This problem can build up over time because from load to load, suds is left in the machine. If you use less of the regular detergent, you can avoid this problem, but may still end up with a soapy coating inside the works of your machine.

It is possible to use regular detergent in a front loader on a limited basis if you make sure to only use the least amount of detergent possible as directed by your washing machine guide. Usually, that means a line inside the cap about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way up. Be sure not to overload the washer with clothes. Your washing machine should come with a guide to how many items your washer may wash at once.

Every 10 or 15 loads, put a cup of white vinegar in your washer and run a hot rinse cycle to clear any buildup from inside the workings of the machine. This is actually something that is good for your machine even if you are using the proper HE detergent, as it helps keep everything clean and sweet-smelling. You should also make sure to leave your front load washer open until any moisture around the seal dries. If there is a lot of moisture down in the folds, dry it with a paper towel. These preventative measures will keep your washer from developing that smell you sometimes hear people complaining about. The moisture and detergent deposits can allow mildew and mold to grow in your washing machine.