Can you use regular laundry soap in a high efficiency washer?

Author: Kenna Schroeder  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

No. Regular detergent shouldn't be used in HE washers because it produces too many suds in low water levels. This can potentially lengthen the wash cycle, affect the cleaning performance or overflow the machine. High-efficiency washers work at peak performance with HE detergent.

What happens if I use regular detergent in a HE washer?

Regular detergent shouldn't be used in HE washers because it produces too many suds in low water levels. This can potentially lengthen the wash cycle, affect the cleaning performance or overflow the machine. High-efficiency washers work at peak performance with HE detergent.

What's the difference between high efficiency laundry soap and regular laundry soap?

High efficiency is made to be able to suspend dirt, dye, oils and all the gunk in your dirty clothes in low volumes of water where traditional soaps will not. Traditional soaps require a high volume of water to work. These new machines are generally using 12 gallons of water where the old types would be around 56.

Is it OK to use normal detergent in washing machine?

Yes, you can use regular detergent for a washing machine, but it's important to use the correct type and amount to ensure effective cleaning and prevent damage to the machine.

What is the downside to a high efficiency washer?

Overall, high efficiency washers are highly recommended, but there are a few drawbacks. For starters, they cost more than regular washers. They also take longer to wash, and in most cases, they're larger than traditional washing machines.

Why I Don't make Homemade Laundry Soap Anymore

Do high efficiency washers need more detergent?

When using HE detergent in a regular washer, you'll need about 1/4 cup for a normal-sized load. There might be fewer suds, but you'll still get a good clean. For a normal-sized load in a high-efficiency washing machine, the recommended HE detergent amount is usually 2 tablespoons.

Why do high efficiency washers use so little water?

In a high-efficiency (HE) washer, load capacities are generally larger than with a traditional washer, partially because the agitator is gone (or much shorter). This means fewer washloads to process and less water, detergent, and energy to wash and dry.

What if I accidentally used regular detergent in the washer?

If you've accidentally used regular detergent in your HE washing machine, cancel the cycle. Set a spin cycle and then a rinse/spin cycle to remove all the suds. Resume washing the load using cold water. If there are suds left over after a wash, that's a sign you've used too much detergent.

Is all tide detergent high efficiency?

We make a wide range of Tide HE laundry detergents that you can use in your HE machine, which can be identified by the HE symbol on the front of the pack. Look out for the symbol in the following places: Pods - on the front of the pack (all Pods are suitable for HE and regular washing machines.)

Does it really matter what laundry detergent you use?

But our tests of dozens of laundry detergents show there are significant differences from one formula to the next. Some detergents are effective at getting clothes clean while others barely clean better than running a wash cycle using nothing but water.

Can I use Woolite in my HE washer?

We have an HE washer at home, and I have used Woolite extra delicates in place of regular HE detergent several times. It's never caused an oversudsy problem when I've used it in the washer.

Can you use Tide PODS in a non-HE washer?

Laundry detergent pods work best in standard top load washers and high-efficiency top-loading and front-loading washers. Washers with automatic detergent or fabric softener dispensers don't mix well with pods.

Are Tide PODS high in efficiency?

Because Tide PODS® also act as an HE detergent, they work just as well when used in high-efficiency machines.

What detergent is considered high efficiency?

Contents
  • Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10X Liquid Laundry Detergent.
  • All 2X Ultra Oxi-Active.
  • Gain Botanicals Laundry Detergent.
  • Arm & Hammer Clean & Simple Crisp Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent.
  • Seventh Generation Laundry Packs Free & Clear.

Can I use homemade laundry detergent in he washer?

Homemade laundry soap can be HE machine-safe if formulated to produce low suds that meet the machine's requirements. However, homemade laundry soap that causes too many suds can cause issues, residue build-up, or insufficient cleaning, which affects the machine's longevity and efficiency.

What happens if you use regular detergent in a high efficiency washer?

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.

What's the healthiest laundry detergent to use?

The best non-toxic laundry detergent is one that delivers cleanliness to your clothes while ensuring safety and sustainability.
  • NaturOli* (Our Top Pick)
  • Truly Free*
  • Ecos Free & Clear*
  • Meliora Unscented Powder Detergent*
  • Molly's Suds*
  • Aspen*
  • ATTITUDE*
  • Clean Cult*

Can I use normal detergent in a top load washing machine?

Suitable for Washing Machines - Be it front load or top load washing machine, or any other type of semi-automatic or fully automatic washing machine, liquid detergent works well with all the appliances. The liquid detergents leave little or no residual clumps in the washing machines.

Can laundry detergent damage a washing machine?

The same film that can coat your clothes if you use too much laundry soap in the washer can affect your appliance as well. Detergent build-up can clog hoses, valves and other components, preventing water from draining properly.

Can I use regular detergent in my HE washer reddit?

Most HE machines can use regular detergent as well, but you should use even less detergent if doing so.

What is the best laundry detergent?

The Best Laundry Detergent
  • Top pick. Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Top pick. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Runner-up. Persil Original Liquid Detergent Everyday Clean. ...
  • Best for... Tide Pods Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Best for... Dirty Labs Free & Clear Bio Laundry Detergent.

Are he washers better than agitators?

Compared to normal top load washers, these HE bad boys use far less water while also extracting more water (thanks to its faster spin mechanism) so it takes less dry time and provides more savings to your wallet. HE top load washers come without an agitator so there's room for more laundry per load.

Is arm and hammer detergent safe for he washers?

ARM & HAMMER Laundry Detergents are formulated for high efficiency washers and are compatible with all machines. Below are some of the different types of formulas & forms so you can choose which is the best high efficiency detergent for you: ARM & HAMMER Clean Burst provides loads of clean and fresh laundry.

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