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HE detergent

Pat Z5or6 SEMich

8 years ago

I've done a Search, but please tell me why it is or isn't good to use an HE laundry detergent in a non-HE machine.

Featured Answer

Joel H.

8 years ago

I have used non-HE detergent for years and years, even before Tide came out with HE. I have also used HE detergents that suds like mad in my washer. You do have to dose carefully with non-HE, but for me dosing is not that different from HE to non-HE. I have been using non-HE Cheer and Tide with Bleach for decades, with no incident of dingy clothes, buildup, or stink. ;)

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Comments (10)

georgect
8 years ago
You totally CAN use HE detergent in a non-HE machine.

In fact you will see less sudsing which is a good thing (easier rinsing).
Pat Z5or6 SEMich thanked georgect
dadoes
8 years ago
Keep in mind that the cleaning agents (enzymes, brighteners, etc.) and water conditioning agents in HE detergent are formulated in proportions to deal with smaller quantities of water containing higher concentrations of soil for proper performance in HE low-water machines. A larger dose is typically needed in non-HE, deep-fill toploaders for equivalent performance regards to water conditioning.
Pat Z5or6 SEMich thanked dadoes
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Since you're not having any trouble, I don't see an issue. Being a top loader you don't have the splashing that a front loader has churning up suds so that would also make it less of an issue. The thing to look out for in HE machines is oversudsing. People have and continue to use non-HE detergents in HE machines and there's not a problem despite the Chicken Little crowd that wants to claim it'll "void your warranty!!!!!" and other silly claims. Some HE detergents are formulated differently for cleaning issues, while some are merely a lower sudsing version, or they just are a low sudsing version to start with. Keep in mind that HE compatible detergents will carry the HE logo and they are a regular formula. I think that's misrepresentation but that's the way it is. Personally, were I you, I would consider getting a jug of HE detergent and mix it 50/50 with the regular and use it up. I wouldn't be surprised if it was put in the wrong spot by an inconsiderate customer or even an employee not paying attention or not knowing better.
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As long as the water, feels slippery... I think you're fine. For what it's worth though... any "Ultra" or "2x" Liquid Tide I've ever used in a Top Loader wasn't big in the Suds Department. There's nothing wrong with using a Low-Suds detergent, in a Top Loader. The problem is... when you use a very heavy sudsing (high dilution, non-he) detergent, in a front loader. Although... if you're careful dosing, you can use *some* non-he detergents just fine.
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mamapinky0
8 years ago
Just what Dadoes said...you can use HE in a standard machine, but you will need more. I have lots of HE detergent as the non HE at least in powder is hard to find.
Pat Z5or6 SEMich thanked mamapinky0
Pat Z5or6 SEMich
Original Author
8 years ago
mapi, is your Tide With Bleach powder HE? Mine isn't. Neither is my Cheer powder.
mamapinky0
8 years ago
Pat my Tide with Bleach powder is not HE...Cheer, I have the 120 load for top loaders...and a boat load of the 80 loads he for both.

I have questioned manufactures in the past about the differences concerning HE and non HE detergent. ..I've been told by P&G and SUN...the formulas are the same, same surfactants, same amount of enzymes ect...only in the HE formulas there is added suds supressors...so Pat...I really don't know what to believe. Bur you've stirred my interest in this again, so maybe I'll make a few phone calls this week lol.
Pat Z5or6 SEMich thanked mamapinky0
magothyrivergirl
8 years ago
Interestingly, my brand new TL Speed Queen says to use HE detergent. I bought Arm & Hammer powder non HE for sensitive skin and it works fine. I am playing with the amounts. I have liquid HE detergents also and they work. I think SQ is meeting the energy standards by including the Normal / Eco water cycle & use of HE detergent . I see no other reason for the HE detergent requirement.

Pinky, I want to hear what the makers tell you.
mamapinky0
8 years ago
I've been told directly from Speed Queen that they are recommending HE detergent only because of the Eco Cycle, and that regular detergent can be used on normal cycles. They chose not to make a point of recommending two different detergents because it could becone more confusing to people..LOL...it probably would to the outside world, after all most people can't even understand the reasoning of a seperate detergent for whites. Lol.
doreycrouse
8 years ago
In my old Kenmore I had used Tide HE detergents and had great results. However, there will be less scent than a non HE detergent, which some may like.
mamapinky0
8 years ago
I haven't noticed a difference in scents.

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