New High Efficiency Washing Machine

[luvdisney14]

My washing machine broke yesterday. I just purchased a new maytag high efficiency machine top load with no agitator. I think I have to use high efficiency detergent-what do you use? The problem is that I have about 25 gallons of regular laundry detergent. Has anyone used regular laundry detergent in a HE machine?

 

[kathyell]

There is a LOT more sudsing agent in regular detergent than there is in HE detergent. It will over-froth in an HE machine, which can back up into the machine and damage it, or it can overflow and cause water damage to your laundry area or to the machine itself. As much as it hurts our budget senses, I would personally give the extra regular detergent away to a friend who doesn't have an HE machine. It might cost a lot more to repair a broken HE machine than you'll lose giving away the detergent.

If you decide to chance it, I would use it VERY sparingly. Maybe 1/10th of what you would usually use for a load. Perhaps that would be a small enough amount that it won't over-suds the machine. I'm not sure if that will be enough to get your clothes clean, nor can I guarantee that it won't do damage to the machine even if you use it in very small amounts.

(I saw the aftermath when a friend put a regular amount of regular detergent into her HE machine. I would liken it to what happens if you put Dawn in your dishwasher and then turn it on. It was a mess.)

 

[vicki_c]

I would not try to use your regular detergent. I would just gift it to a neighbor, friend, your church/soup kitchen (obviously somewhere with a washing machine)!

 

[amberlynnhawkins]

I DEFINITELY don't recommend trying the other!! We just got new front loaders & Lowe's told us only try it if you want a "house full of bubbles" (yes, I quote). Also, make sure you have high efficiency fabric softener if you use the liquid kind too. I wasn't even thinking about that -- but luckily the kind we were using was HE friendly!!

 

[minnie1928]

I have an HE front loader and I use regular detergent occasionally. Basically, when I do I just use about 50% of the #1 fill line level and I've not had a sudsing problem.

With that said, DH put in a full amount of regular detergent. We cleaned up bubbles for hours!!

 

[littlezar]

We've only used HE detergent in our Maytag but my girlfriend did use regular detergent in hers (Amana? I think.) and didn't have any problems. She only buys HE if it's a really good price. Personally, I wouldn't take the chance.

 

[luvdisney14]

I never thought of fabric softener.

 

[ceecee]

A friend of mine used regular and it really suds a lot and made a mess. I wouldn't chance ruining your new washer. I accidently bought regular Tide and just gave it to my sister to use, give it away.

 

[vicki_c]

Just another thought - if you use regular, I'm pretty sure you will be voiding the warranty in some way.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

25 GALLONS of regular detergent?? You must have way more storage space than I do....

 

[LovableGluttons]

I have a Kenmore H4 Elite washer and I have used regular detergent almost exclusively. No bubbles, works fine. My set is seven years old. I use a quarter of the usual amount usexd for a non HE washer.

 

[herdtoDisney]

Be careful!!! My mother used my front-loader (she needed the handwash cycle for something) and, despite me telling her to 'use the HE detergent that's next to the machine' she brought over her own regular detergent 'to save' mine....I came home from work to find her and my kids wiping up suds from all over the basement floor, and the poor machine flashing 'SUDS' on the display screen

I think I'd just give away the regular det. and get HE detergent.

 

[luvdisney14]

Thanks to all...I am planning to go purchase HE Laundry detergent today. I would rather be safe than sorry. My boys can use the regular detergent at college.

 

[kaligal]

I was given a new washer/dryer set yesterday.

I didn't pick it. It's HE. I would never have chosen this. I like the regular old 'soap and water and swish that stuff around' system.

I'm so worried the clothes won't be clean enough.

I've been doing some online reading and have found that mold tends to be a problem. I can buy the washer-cleaner stuff and do that, but now I have a new worry.

I doubt anyone is going to say, "My clothes aren't clean", but I'm wondering about others' experiences with HE vs. Traditional.

Thanks!

 

[disneychrista]

I have never heard of HE softener before.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

I was given a new washer/dryer set yesterday.

I didn't pick it. It's HE. I would never have chosen this. I like the regular old 'soap and water and swish that stuff around' system.

I'm so worried the clothes won't be clean enough.

I've been doing some online reading and have found that mold tends to be a problem. I can buy the washer-cleaner stuff and do that, but now I have a new worry.

I doubt anyone is going to say, "My clothes aren't clean", but I'm wondering about others' experiences with HE vs. Traditional.

Thanks!

The mold and other smells come from not following directions. Always use the right soap(HE) it won't cause the suds issue or create a build up of "gunk" in the dispensers. For the mold, try to just leave the door and dispenser open when not in use. The gaskets seal so tight on the machine to prevent leaks, they also prevent the machine from drying out, making it a perfect place for mold to grow. Every week or two I will also run white vinegar through the machine dispensers to help keep hard water build up.

I think my clothes get cleaner with my new machine than they did in my old top loader, they certainly rinse better.

 

[SaraJayne]

I was given a new washer/dryer set yesterday.

I didn't pick it. It's HE. I would never have chosen this. I like the regular old 'soap and water and swish that stuff around' system.

I'm so worried the clothes won't be clean enough.

I've been doing some online reading and have found that mold tends to be a problem. I can buy the washer-cleaner stuff and do that, but now I have a new worry.

I doubt anyone is going to say, "My clothes aren't clean", but I'm wondering about others' experiences with HE vs. Traditional.

Thanks!

I've had a HE washer for about 5 years and have never had an issue with mold. When we are done with laundry for the day, we just turn off the machine and leave the door open.

And I've only ever used HE detergent.

Unfortunately, since my son has terrible eczema/sensitive skin, I can only use an un-scented detergent...so no nice, clean smelling clothes here. The clothes are clean, they just don't have that nice "just washed" smell.

 

[The Moonk's Mom]

Save the old detergent for vacations. I had a huge box of powder detergent that I had just bought when we replaced ours with a HE model. Now when we go out of town I put the amount I need in small baggies (pre-measured for a load). If it's liquid just use a used soda bottle and put your liquid in it. (that will not work if you fly...wouldn't you love trying to explain that one!!)

 

[luvdisney14]

I looked in the grocery store today and could not find HE fabric softener. What brand makes? I am thinking that I can just use regular fabric softner.

 

[cm8]

My washing machine broke yesterday. I just purchased a new maytag high efficiency machine top load with no agitator. I think I have to use high efficiency detergent-what do you use? The problem is that I have about 25 gallons of regular laundry detergent. Has anyone used regular laundry detergent in a HE machine?

We have, and we were told that you only need to use 1/4 cup of the regular detergent and mix with water to fill the cup up. That was also on the back of one of the regular detergents, but I am not sure which one it was, either way, I understand that you don't want to risk it. Hope that you are happy with your purchase