HE detergent

[SOnotLayuh]

We have a new washer and dryer being delivered on 3/11

The sales person told us that we would have to use HE detergent in it. Is this something that can be ignored or do we absolutely need to do it?

I'll be heartbroken if we have to do it since I've been stocking up on detergent and have a ton of non-HE stuff! I mean... I only paid about .25 a bottle for it... but still

 

[Psychodisney]

I've heard conflicting info. If you do use the regular detergent, definitely use less(maybe half) becuase it suds more.

 

[MrsPete]

I've had my machine for three years, and I have always used HE stuff. The machine is too big an investment to risk.

I buy mine at Sears (used to keep it in the appliance section, now it's with the paint -- go figure). It's BY FAR the cheapest price I've found.

 

[jenjifer]

Stick to the HE stuff: not worth the price of a repair that likely wouldn't be covered by warranty if you're not using the correct detergent.

 

[cjnix29]

I would stick the the HE stuff. I accidently put the wrong stuff in my machine once, and had to wash the load an extra three times to get the suds out. Maybe you could donate your stockpile, and get to take the tax deduction.

 

[Catira]

I've had my machine for three years, and I have always used HE stuff. The machine is too big an investment to risk. I buy mine at Sears (used to keep it in the appliance section, now it's with the paint -- go figure). It's BY FAR the cheapest price I've found.

I totally agree with MrsPete.. the investment was too great for my washer and dryer to risk voiding the warranty. I am always checking for specials on HE detergent. Last year our grcery store had buy Tide HE and get the store brand free. Guess how many bottles are in my laundry room I have not bought any detergerent in months!!

 

[dawson5]

I think the HE detergent is non or low-sudsing cleaner.

I have used the non-HE detergent but I seem to notice that my machine will keep cycling through the rinse cycle and sometimes when I open afterwards, there are a lot of suds in the rubber seal.

 

[sbtrfly74]

Absolutely use HE, I luckily didn't have a stock pile of regular when I got my new washer/dryer but used it to hand wash stuff... then just gave it away. Don't want to risk ruining a brand new, possibly expensive washer.

 

[arihillfarm]

I've used both in our washer for over 4 years with no issues, averaging 1-2 loads a day. I just take note of which detergent I am using and if it's the non-HE kind, I use about 1/2 to 2/3 of what I would use of the HE kind. I use all brands too, whatever is cheapest or on sale. No problems at all.

-Astrid

 

[LilMommyBug]

I usually always do HE - but one day I accidentally bought a bottle that wasn't HE. I used a teeny tiny bit of the regular kind until the bottle was gone & it didn't do anything to my washer - but I'm not willing to risk doing it all of the time.

 

[Tanzanite]

Iuse ECOS from Costco its great natural nice smell.

 

[3mickeymom]

If it is, here is some info I've gained from reading these boards and from others.

-leave the door open as front loaders mildew easily and it is hard to get the smell out.
-dry the rubber seal completely and dry the inside of washer to prevent mildew
-run a hot water and bleach only(no clothes) wash for the same reason
-Use white vinegar as a softener to prevent soap scum build up.
-You can buy HE washer cleaning tablets at Sears and Lowes to use occasionaly.
-My washer has a drain to let out smelly water on the bottom. I do it weekly.
-Use even LESS detergent than called for on the cap of the detergent bottle.

I can't say I love my new machine. Hopefully you will like yours. Happy laundering!!

 

[kelcoppens]

I bought an HE washer last summer and luckily I only had 1 1/2 bottles of regular detergent left. I gave the full one to my mom. For the 1/2 bottle, I heavily watered it down. But I dont recommend that either. I just did that to use something until I went out and bought HE detergent.

You should give the detergent away or sell it somehow.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

The main reason they told you that you have to use it is becuase there is something in regular detergent that makes it suds more and it can ruin these newer machines. I have heard you can use only half of the regular detergent, but as expensive as washers are, I wouldn't take that chance. That is also the reason you want to do the monthly cleaning tablets or Clorox machine cleaner.

We had to purchase a new washer last summer and it said you had to use He detergent and I won't use anything else, But I have not had to buy as much detergent as I was buying with my old machine. The He stuff is a little more expensive, but sure goes a long way.

I had purchased several large bottles of the regular stuff when my old machine died and had some my cousin had given me, but I was able to pass it along to one of DH's coworkers that didn't have a machine that required He detergent.

Clorox makes a washing machine cleaner, that you can use monthly to keep your machine working perfectly, it was about $3 for the bottle, but is good for 3 times. It seems much better than those tablets, that I was told don't do much.

Suzanne

 

[tmccullough]

I don't have and HE washer but noticed when I bought Purex the last time that it had the HE symbol on it too and it says that it can be used for either. Don't know but you might want to ask around.

 

[kelcoppens]

I don't have and HE washer but noticed when I bought Purex the last time that it had the HE symbol on it too and it says that it can be used for either. Don't know but you might want to ask around.

Not all Purex bottles has the HE on it. In fact, some stores dont carry Purex HE, which is why I have trouble finding it.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Not all Purex bottles has the HE on it. In fact, some stores dont carry Purex HE, which is why I have trouble finding it.

I haven't found it anywhere around here, but when I had my old machine, I had to stop using Purex, because it just wasn't strong enough to get DH's clothes clean. I now use Wisk HE or Era HE and both work great and they are't as expensive as some of the other brand and I often find good coupons for them.

Suzanne

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Heartbroken? Really?

Donate the 25 cent bottles and go get some HE detergent. Honestly. If you use the regular stuff it may void your warranty AND your clothes will have a soapy residue. HE washers use far less water and cannot completely get rid of all the suds from regular detergent. If you don't believe me, run the same load again without ANY detergent and you'll see a nice sudsing on the just washed clothes.

We have a new washer and dryer being delivered on 3/11

The sales person told us that we would have to use HE detergent in it. Is this something that can be ignored or do we absolutely need to do it?

I'll be heartbroken if we have to do it since I've been stocking up on detergent and have a ton of non-HE stuff! I mean... I only paid about .25 a bottle for it... but still

 

[disneychic2]

I hate to pay the extra money, but have always used the HE in my new washer, not willing to risk the consequences. Sounds like some are using regular, but I think I'll stick to the HE. As a pp said, it actually is about the same cost since it lasts longer. Congrats on your new washer. You'll be shocked at how much more efficient your new appliance is. I'm getting my laundry done in no time b/c I don't have to wait on the dryer to finish drying my clothes. They are dry and folded by the time the washer if finished! Love it!

 

[phred52]

I've had a front loader probably 10 years now. Never had a problem & I've never used HE detergent. I used to use less of the regular stuff but now I make my own. I second the recommendation to leave the washer door open between uses. That will eliminate any mildew issues before you even have issues!