Sears carries several HE powders, available both online and in the store.

Fab powder isn't tagged as HE, but tends to be low sudsing. 1/4 to 1/2 cup typically works well, depending on load size, soil level, and water conditions.

Fresh Start powder is not widely available, but is also low sudsing. It can usually be found here.

The brands Dadoes mentioned are all options. Some other options are usually found in the natural line of laundry detergents. There is Seventh Generation, Charlie's Soap, and Country Save just to name a few.

Seventh Generation would be the easiest to find locally for most people, but the other two can be purchased online very easily.

Another very inexpensive brand is SUN. It is sold at most dollar type stores. I get the one with color safe oxygen bleach in it and I have been very happy with it's performance.

It does not have the HE symbol on the box, but on the side of the box are instructions for using it in front loader machines. Of course I use even less of it then they say to use. It's low sudsing and rinses out completely.

Janet

Costco sells their own Kirkland brand of an HE formulated detergent. It's not the one that comes in a big plastic tub. As I recall, it's in a big red or orange box.

Personally, I like Persil Megaperls, a high efficiency detergent from Henkels in Germany. I order it on line. It cleans very well, is very concentrated so you only need a small amount, and it doesn't have much fragrance. I can't stand Tide because it has such a strong and sickening smell.

Alas, if you find Tide HE expensive, you almost certainly would find the cost of Persil - way over the top.

Tide HE is often on sale in our area, and P&G has been good about providing $1+ coupons. That, coupled with the small amount needed, means the per wash cost isn't too high.

My Wal Mart has the powder Tide HE in 2 sizes now. Not sure about this but I think it is 31 use and 63 use boxes.I know one is $8 and the other is $14

Cheer Free & Clear is often recommended here as another low sudsing and very effective detergent.

I have been using the Costco Kirkland He powder for years in my front loader. Cleans well and no overpowering scent. It is in a large red/orange box and does have the HE seal on it.

Thanks for the info. I will look for the Costco Kirkland detergent on my next trip to Coscto.

I picked up the Costco Kirkland HE powder today. As I was driving home the scent of the powder was so strong it was giving me a headache. Now I'm wondering if I should return it and just go back to Tide. The box is so heavy it'll be a hassle to return. How much powder do you use for a full normal load?

I use it myself. Love it and recommend it to friends. I'm on a well that has lots of dissolved minerals in the water. (Tastes almost like a European mineral water to drink it w/o filtering.) Seems to handle our well water fine and clothes haven't gotten dingy like some of our neighbors complain about from the minerals. I don't use chlorine bleach and seldom use oxyclean (only if there are stains on whites).

FYI... Costco recently (end of last year) changed the size of the Kirkland HE box. Going against the trend for downsizing, they added 40 more loads to box and kept the price the same. Now THAT's value.

As for the odor, it's never bothered me. Hint, open the box and leave the top open for a day. Use white vinegar as your fabric softener and you'll have just the right scent.

I also use the new Kirkland environmentally friendly HE liquid. (White bottle)

- IT Geek.