How do you know if you have a high efficiency washer?

Author: Ms. Marcella Predovic PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Since you only need a HE detergent if you have a HE washer, the first step is to check your machine. If it's a front-loader or a top-loader without an agitator in the middle of the drum, it's an HE washer by design. If you aren't sure what type of washer you have, look for the HE high-efficiency logo.

How can I tell if my washer is high efficiency?

While not all high-efficiency washers are front loaders, they do have some visible signs: The HE symbol proudly displayed and a missing agitator.

What is the symbol for high efficiency detergent?

How do I know if my detergent is high efficiency? When shopping for laundry detergent, look for the “HE” symbol on the container or packaging to ensure the detergent is made for your HE washer. The HE symbol is comprised of a lowercase “h” and “e” inside a circle.

What happens if you use regular laundry detergent in a high efficiency 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.

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.)

Buying a new washer and dryer? Watch this first!

Are all washers high-efficiency?

Not all top load washers earn the HE designation, so the best high-efficiency top load washer will use less energy than a traditional top load washer. Portable washers are also available as HE models. These washers are ideal for small spaces, apartments, individuals or two-person households.

Which washing machine do I have?

For Front Load Washing Machines, the Model and Serial numbers are usually printed around the front door, otherwise, they will be printed at the back of the appliance.

How long should a washing machine last?

Average washing machine lifespan

Well, this figure obviously varies depending on lots of different factors - including brand, model, how you use it, and how well you maintain it. But generally, if you look after your washing machine properly you should it expect it to last anywhere between 7 and 12 years.

How do I tell what GE washer I have?

Find Your GE Top-Load Washer Model & Serial Numbers
  1. Under lid, near the right hinge.
  2. Exterior, on the back of the control panel.
  3. Exterior, bottom left corner.
  4. Exterior back, near the water inlets.

What brands are HE detergent?

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.

What kind of detergent for top load washers?

For best results, use a high-efficiency detergent because they are designed for top load washers like yours, which use less water. High-efficiency detergents are also formulated to reduce soap suds and ensure proper cleaning.

What is the difference between he and non he washers?

High-efficiency washers (HE) feature technology that helps to reduce the amount of water and energy needed to do a load of laundry. They use up to 80% less water than traditional, top-loading washers, deliver 65% energy savings, and also can wash more laundry in one go than traditional machines.

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.

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 year did high efficiency washers come out?

“The term was first used to describe more energy-efficient clothes washers back in the late 1990s when the EPA issued new standards for designs that would reduce the amount of water used to wash a load of laundry, as well as the energy used.” Fast-forward to today, and those standards still, well, stand.

What brand of washing machine lasts the longest?

Brand-by-Brand Lifespan Comparison
  1. Speed Queen (20-25 Years) Speed Queen is in a league of its own regarding longevity. ...
  2. Miele (15-20 Years) Miele sets the gold standard for premium washing machines. ...
  3. Bosch (12-15 Years) ...
  4. Maytag (10-12 Years) ...
  5. Whirlpool (10-12 Years) ...
  6. Kenmore (10-12 Years) ...
  7. LG (10 Years) ...
  8. Electrolux (10 Years)

Is it worth fixing a 7 year old washing machine?

Factors to Consider

If you spent $650 on your washer seven years ago and you're doing seven loads per week (a lot of wear and tear), a new washer purchase makes sense. But if the machine is 3 years old and you spent $1,000 for it, a repair may be the better financial choice.

How do I know when my washing machine needs replacing?

6 signs it's time to replace your washing machine
  1. It's not kind to your clothes. ...
  2. The drum won't spin at the end of the cycle. ...
  3. The machine still works but the water hasn't drained. ...
  4. It's more noisy than it should be. ...
  5. It's no longer big enough for your family. ...
  6. It's much older than your latest smartphone.

What is the most reliable washing machine brand?

Whirlpool and LG were the two washing machine brands recommended by Puls who said they had the fewest problems and were the cheapest to repair, on average. Maytag came in at third.

How much should I spend on a washing machine?

The average range for washing machines is from about £300 up to £1000 plus – quite a choice. If your budget is towards the lower end of this range, you will still find quite a difference in quality and reliability, which is why it is so important to do your homework first, so you know which ones to avoid.

How can I tell what washing machine I have?

For Front Load Washing Machines, the Model and Serial numbers are usually printed around the front door, otherwise, they will be printed at the back of the appliance.

How do I tell if my washer is high efficiency?

If it's a front-loader or a top-loader without an agitator in the middle of the drum, it's an HE washer by design. If you aren't sure what type of washer you have, look for the HE high-efficiency logo. It's usually found inside the washer near where you pour detergent.

Does Home Depot remove old appliances?

Home Depot offers free pick up of used appliances of all kinds, from old dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers to oven ranges and stovetops.

Is it bad to use regular detergent in a high efficiency washer?

High Efficiency (HE) laundry detergent is specially formulated for HE washing machines, which use less water than regular washers. You should never use regular detergent in an HE machine due to differences in how they suspend soils and dyes in water and the amount of suds generated.

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