New HE Washer Question...Budget Related

[GOOFY4DONALD]

We are getting a new HE washer next week. I have a stockpile of laundry detergent (not a huge one but still) that I don't want to toss unless I have to. Is there any way to use a lot less per load until I use it up and then buy HE detergent or will it break my new washe (it is a top loading if that makes a difference)r?

 

[momejay]

I just bought one of those washers myself. I wasn't there when it was delivered or bought so I had no idea about HE detergent. I have been using whatever I had until today. My washer said it needed cleaning. I had no idea what it needed cleaning for I wipe it out when I am finished with a load. Apparently if you use too much detergent or wash VERY dirty laundry often that light comes on. (According to the person I spoke to at the hotline number.)
So I guess it doesn't damage the washer just makes the "clean washer light" come on more often? I hope?

 

[ceecee]

Give the detergent to someone and use the HE. I was told when they delivered my new set that it could damage it using the old kind.

 

[Tiger926]

This question has been asked a million times on here, so you might want to do a search for other related info, as the salespeople sometimes don't tell you what you need to know about HE machines, so here it is:

1. Keep door open after each washing load, so that it can air dry.

2. Clean the bellows (seal) inside after each load, as mold will accummulate on it, as well as on the inside of the door.

3. Must use HE detergent, as it is a less sudsing formula. It is made differently than old detergent, which is why you really only need a tiny amount of soap. Regular soap can clog up tubes and HE machines are fickle, so don't take that chance.

4. At least 1x a month or every couple of months, run the washing machine clean cycle. You can buy the tablets (Affresh, or other like brands), that will clean the inside of the machine.

Hope this helps, Tiger

 

[abolanwoski]

I had about 1/2 of the BIG box of Tide left when I got mine. I just used ALOT less (probably about 3 TBSP) but finished the box last week and had NO issues Wash came out great and machine seems to have survived. I just couldn't justify getting rid of $15 worth of Tide.

 

[Marionnette]

Will using the wrong detergent void the warranty? Is it worth taking the chance of damaging your new machine because you have $15 worth of the old detergent left?

Just because you can do something, it doesn't mean that you should.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Will using the wrong detergent void the warranty? Is it worth taking the chance of damaging your new machine because you have $15 worth of the old detergent left?

Just because you can do something, it doesn't mean that you should.

That is a very good question and since each manufacturer will have different rules you really should read up on your specific machine. In general though non HE detergent will cause a build up(a service tech woul be able to tell) that may effect the performance or life of the machine. Only you can decide if it is worth it to use the last couple bucks worth of detergent you have sitting around.

 

[Tiger926]

I had about 1/2 of the BIG box of Tide left when I got mine. I just used ALOT less (probably about 3 TBSP) but finished the box last week and had NO issues Wash came out great and machine seems to have survived. I just couldn't justify getting rid of $15 worth of Tide.

You really don't know if it's ok, as the detergent builds up, and that's how damage is done. You might not see the damage until months from now, and it may not be covered under warranty. Hardly worth a few dollars of soap...

Tiger

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I used my non-HE soap to wash outdoor furniture, my tub, garage floor.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Thanks for the replies. Turns out not only is it closer to 2 weeks from getting the HE washer...some of my stockpile (almost half) is for HE...guess my mistake wasn't a mistake after all. I will use up whatever reg I have before it gets here (we do a lot of laundry) and I will leave the reg detergent with the old washer.