HE washers need more detergent because they use less water than regular washers, which means the detergent is more concentrated and needs to work harder to clean the clothes. HE washers also have different cycles and settings that require more detergent to achieve optimal results. In this article, we will explain the reasons why HE washers need more detergent, how much detergent you should use, and what kind of detergent is best for HE washers.
HE washers, or high-efficiency washers, are designed to save water and energy by using less water than regular washers. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HE washers can use up to 80% less water than regular washers. This means that the detergent is more concentrated in the water and has to work harder to remove dirt, stains, and odors from the clothes. If you use too little detergent, your clothes may not get clean enough and may have residue or bacteria left on them. If you use too much detergent, you may end up with excess suds that can damage your washer or leave your clothes feeling stiff or sticky.
HE Washers Have Different Cycles and Settings
HE washers also have different cycles and settings that require more detergent to achieve optimal results. For example, HE washers have longer wash cycles than regular washers, which means the detergent has to last longer and maintain its cleaning power. HE washers also have special settings for different types of fabrics, such as delicate, bulky, or heavy-duty, which may need more detergent to handle the specific needs of the clothes. HE washers may also have options for extra rinse, sanitize, or steam, which can help remove stubborn stains or germs, but also require more detergent to work effectively.
The amount of detergent you should use for HE washers depends on several factors, such as the size of the load, the soil level of the clothes, the water hardness, and the type of detergent. As a general rule, you should follow the instructions on the detergent label and measure the detergent carefully using the cap or scoop provided. You should also use HE detergent, which is specially formulated for HE washers and produces less suds than regular detergent. HE detergent usually has a symbol on the label that indicates it is compatible with HE washers.
Some tips to help you use the right amount of detergent for HE washers are:
Use less detergent for smaller loads or lightly soiled clothes, and more detergent for larger loads or heavily soiled clothes.
Use more detergent if you have hard water, which can reduce the effectiveness of the detergent, and less detergent if you have soft water, which can increase the sudsing of the detergent.
Use more detergent if you choose a cycle or setting that requires more cleaning power, such as heavy-duty, sanitize, or steam, and less detergent if you choose a cycle or setting that requires less cleaning power, such as delicate, quick, or cold.
Adjust the detergent amount based on the results of your wash. If your clothes are not clean enough, have residue or odor, or feel stiff or sticky, you may need to use more detergent. If your clothes are too sudsy, have detergent stains, or feel slimy or slippery, you may need to use less detergent.
The best kind of detergent for HE washers is HE detergent, which is specially formulated for HE washers and produces less suds than regular detergent. HE detergent is designed to work well with less water and longer wash cycles, and to prevent residue or damage to your washer or clothes. HE detergent usually has a symbol on the label that indicates it is compatible with HE washers.
Some examples of HE detergent are:
Tide HE Turbo Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent, which claims to provide 10x the cleaning power in half the time.
Gain Ultra Flings Laundry Detergent Pacs, which claim to offer 3x the scent and 2x the Oxi Boost and Febreze.
All Free Clear Mighty Pacs Laundry Detergent, which claim to be gentle on skin and free of dyes, perfumes, and allergens.
You should avoid using regular detergent, which is not designed for HE washers and can produce too much suds that can clog your washer, reduce its performance, or damage its components. You should also avoid using additives, such as bleach, fabric softener, or boosters, unless they are labeled as HE compatible and used according to the instructions.
Conclusion
HE washers need more detergent because they use less water than regular washers, which means the detergent is more concentrated and needs to work harder to clean the clothes. HE washers also have different cycles and settings that require more detergent to achieve optimal results. You should use HE detergent, which is specially formulated for HE washers and produces less suds than regular detergent. You should also follow the instructions on the detergent label and measure the detergent carefully using the cap or scoop provided. By using the right amount and type of detergent for HE washers, you can ensure your clothes are clean, fresh, and well-cared for.
