When you have an HE laundry washing machine, it is recommended to use only High Energy laundry detergent. The detergents have low sudsing while being more effective than regular detergents. It is only these detergents that are compatible with High-Efficiency washers.
While these washers cut energy and water usage by as much as 80%, this can only happen by using the right detergent. So which are these HE washing detergents? Read on to discover 10 of the best laundry detergents for a cleaner, more efficient wash.
The best HE laundry detergents have low sudsing problems while lifting soil much faster and more efficiently than the standard detergents. They work best with the HE washing machines, reducing energy and water consumption.
Tide Hygienic 10X Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent
When it comes to HE laundry detergents, few come close to this detergent. Tide 10X heavy-duty laundry detergent boasts an array of 10 concentrated additives that ensure the obliteration of all manner of soil in your clothes.
These include assorted organic enzymes and surfactants not found in other detergents. The detergent is so effective that it penetrates within the clothing fiber, lifting out even the unseen dirt hidden between the clothes fiber.
And with a 10X formulation label, this means it is one of the most highly concentrated HE detergents on the market. Consequently, you only need a small dosage compared to the standard detergent. Clearly, this is quite a cost-effective detergent.
Gain Botanicals Laundry Detergents
This is another of the leading detergents with HE features. Backed by years of detergent-making experience, Gain is a brand with top-notch HE detergents in the market.
But recently, they have upped their game further by making a serious foray into the HE organic detergent market with this entry-level detergent.
Its fabulous tea and lavender scent boasts 65% organic ingredients in its formulation. These include plant-based solvents, cleaning agents, water softeners, and suds reducers.
Furthermore, it is made without any dyes, phosphates, or brighteners. This makes it free from any skin irritants, a favorite for most people, including those with low immunity levels. Of course, this also makes it one of the safest use HE detergents.
Another great plus for Gain botanical laundry detergent is that it is a versatile detergent. While it is formulated for HE washing machines, you can still use it for standard washers as well. And to crown it all, it is made of recyclable packaging, making it one of the greenest detergents.
Arm & Hammer Oxiclean Liquid Laundry Detergent
If you are looking for a powerful pack of HE laundry detergent, then look no further. The Arm and Hammer Oxiclean laundry detergent is one of the best in this category of cleaning agents.
This is courtesy of its formulation, which is supercharged with OxiClean Stain Fighters technology, aimed at fighting even the toughest of stains. So, whether you are battling grass, oil, grease, food stains, or sweat, this detergent has got your back.
And speaking of its unique formulation, the detergent is designed with the HE washer’s proper functioning in mind. What with its low sudsing formulation that kicks out soil without raising a lot of lather?
This makes your HE machine safe as lots of suds are known to block the HE machine sensors. Additionally, rinsing is made easy, meaning usage of less water, time, and power.
As for cost-effectiveness, it is still among the best among its peers. Considering that a 224 oz pack shells out over 256 loads, those are many wash loads to last quite a while.
Seventh-Generation Laundry Detergent Free and Clear
Seventh-Generation is a renowned brand in the laundry detergent market. And their liquid laundry detergent free and clear attests to this. Based on a plant-based formulation, this detergent kicks stains and soil out of clothes with authority.
This is all thanks to its plant-based surfactants that leave a clear and naturally smelling wash while being gentle on the user. Speaking of user-friendliness, it means its formula is devoid of any harmful additives such as parabens, phosphates, brighteners, or synthetic fragrances.
Besides, it is clinically tested, hypoallergenic and non-irritating to the skin. This is great news not only to all users but especially to people prone to allergic attacks.
And when it comes to efficiency in washing, you can trust its arsenal of washing ingredients, all designed for HE washing machines while being functional in the standard ones as well. These include enzyme stabilizers, viscosity modifiers, and anti-foaming agents.
Consequently, all this shows a laundry detergent that is in sync with top functioning HE machines’ functionality for the cleanest wash.
Biokleen Laundry Detergent Citrus Essence
Biokleen Laundry Detergent needs not to have much introduction. Backed by a wide reputation in the laundry industry from its manufacturer, it is formulated to penetrate deep into the clothing fiber, dissolving all types of soils and stains.
And that is as is expected of a powerful cleaner boasting of a power pack of “plant-based surfactants, with extracts of citrus and grapefruits seeds” for a thorough wash. These include plant-based lauryl sulfate, inulin, and glycerin.
And as evidenced above, almost all the ingredients are organic. That means no harmful ingredients such as chlorine, phosphates, ammonia, dyes, or brighteners in its formulation. Therefore Biokleen citrus essence is one of the most eco-friendly detergents on the market today.
And above all, its production is based on ethical standards; no animal cruelty. So you can use it with a clear conscience. If you’re looking for a clear all-rounder detergent, this is it.
Tide PODS Laundry Detergent
Tide PODS are high-efficiency laundry detergents that fight all kinds of soil and stains quite efficiently. And that is because it is a 3-in-1 killer punch in its formulation; super concentrated detergent, extra odor fighters, and extra stain removers.
These ingredients make the Tide pods one of the most effective laundry detergents on the market today. Plus, as packed in nice easy to dispense pods makes using it all too easy and convenient.
In terms of HE machines compatibility, tide PODS aligns quite well with its efficient working. That is due to its “special film and HE turbo technology” that dissolves suds.
This not only delivers the cleanest wash but prevents mildew-causing suds build up in the machine. Moreover, the detergent infuses a lingering fruity and natural floral scent for that mental nourishing feeling.
Ecos Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent
Ecos Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent is showcased as “plant-powered” due to its organic formulation, propelled by the “power of coconut.” In a nutshell, this is all about a formulation that packs a rich blend of plant-based surfactants and other additives to effectively obliterate all soils.
The formulation based on plant ingredients creates a unique power that makes it tough on stains but gentle on the user, the fabric, and the washing machine.
Speaking of the gentleness of the washing machines, dosage requirements for the HE washing machine is lower than the standard detergent.
Compared with the standard laundry detergent measured at 2oz, with ECOS Hypoallergenic, you require only 1oz. This prevents excess sudsing, which blocks the HE washing machine.
And as a mark of confidence as a safe product, it is EPA Safer Choice Certified and dermatologist tested for allergens. If you’re looking for the best detergent for yourself, your garment, and your HE washing machine, look no farther than this one.
Sapadilla Grapefruit+Bergamot He Laundry Detergent
The biodegradable and earth-friendly sapadilla laundry detergent is a popular product for its emphasis on effectiveness blended with ecofriendliness. This marches the HE washing machines’ feature of low energy and water usage, which is great for the user and the environment.
Coming to its cleaning power, sapadilla HE laundry detergents clear all manner of dirt and odor fast, leaving no residues. This detergent derives its power from a wide range of plant-based ingredients super concentrated into a powerful formulation.
And to spice, all this is a choice of three flavors of fragrance that leaves your clothes naturally smelling, calming to your brains. These include lavender lime, grapefruit bergamot, and rosemary peppermint. For a great detergent that packs all these qualities, surely it is worth it.
Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent
Purex liquid laundry detergent is specifically formulated for the HE washing machine. And that accounts for its less-foaming powerful ingredients, which deliver more washing power compared to the standard washing detergents.
And with its super concentrated formulation, it means you only need a fraction of the amount required for the standard detergents. This feature makes the Purex laundry detergent super cost-effective.
And the icing on the laundry cake is its natural fragrance dabbed “after the rain” that lingers on the wash after rinsing and drying. The natural scent is so refreshing that one reviewer on Amazon summarized it as “purifying.”
Planet He Ultra Laundry Detergent
Aptly named Planet HE ultra laundry detergent, it has all the features of an eco-friendly, efficiency-optimized laundry detergent. First, the detergent is a versatile cleaning agent that works perfectly with both the HE and the standard washing machine.
Owing to its unique formulation, it packs a powerful cleaning punch without producing excess suds. Considering that this feature is quite important when it comes to caring for your washing machine, it makes this detergent truly worthy of your choice.
But that is not all there’s to this washing detergent. It is hypoallergenic, too, meaning it is perfect for laundry of children and people with allergy issues.
Moreover, the all-clear label means no unnatural additives such as dyes, fragrances, and synthetic additives and is free from animal cruelty.
Expert Tips on Using He Laundry Detergents
Know Your HE Detergents’ Concentration Level
High-Efficiency detergents are formulated with different concentrations, for example, “2X”, “8X”, or “10”. The higher the number, the more potent the detergent is. That is why it is important to read the detergent wash instructions to understand the dosage and other care instructions.
Avoid Mixing Liquid and Powder Detergents
Mixing liquid and powder detergent together is not recommended. This is because the two types have different dissolution rates and may also react with each other. However, if you wish to, you can alternate wash loads with the different detergent forms. But do this only after rinsing out the residues of the previous load before applying the next one.
Clean the Washer Regularly
Be sure to run the washer through a cleaning agent often. Over time, mold builds up in the washing machine, causing bad odors. Luckily, there are a variety of helpful machine-cleaning agents in the market currently. Additionally, regularly leave the washer door open to allow for drying and circulation of fresh air.
More on washing machine care here.
High-Efficiency Detergents Are Different
All HE laundry detergents are not the same in terms of ingredients. Ensure you have clearly read the formulation ingredients to understand its content. Some detergents may contain harmful additives. Some of the signs to look out for in a safe-to-use detergent include “free and clear” and “hypoallergenic,” among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Use HE Detergent for HE Washers?
High-efficiency detergents and standard detergents are formulated differently. Owing to their mode of action, HE washers use only a tiny fraction of water. That is why they require detergents that do the same level of cleaning while producing much less suds. Other than creating problems with rinsing, sudsing reduces the functionality of the HE washing machine by blocking the sensors and washers outlets. So, only use HE detergents for HE washers.
How Do You Know You’re Using HE Detergent?
Normally, HE detergents should have an indication or a symbol “he” both on the bottle label and on the packaging material. Always look out for a conspicuous and encircled lower case “h” and “e.” Remember, it is recommended to never use non-HE detergents on an HE washing machine, though the reverse is acceptable. If unsure, ask the store attendance for guidance rather than risk.
What Should I Do if I Use the Wrong Detergent?
Having realized you’ve used regular detergent on an HE washer, the first thing is to stop the wash cycle. Next, run a rinse and spin cycle to clear up the standard detergent residues and suds. Thereafter, put the right detergent into the washing machine and wash normally.
Next, you can check out my article on how to use HE laundry detergents for more information.