HE Vs. Normal Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergents are designed for different types of washers

Doing laundry is a necessary household task, but choosing the right laundry detergent can make it easier.

Washing Machines

HE (high efficiency) laundry detergent is designed specifically for HE washing machines, which can be front or top loading. Normal laundry detergent is used in traditional agitator washing machines, which are typically top loading.

Availability

Many companies make both HE and normal laundry detergents. Some popular brands are Tide, Wisk and All. Both HE and normal detergents can be found at most supermarkets and drugstores or can be ordered online.

Suds

HE detergent produces less suds than a normal laundry detergent. Because of the high production of suds from the tumbling motion of HE washers, it is important to use a low-suds HE detergent in these machines. Excess suds from normal detergent can leave a moldy smell in HE washers.

Dyes

Normal laundry detergent is designed to operate in large volumes of water and to hold any dye released from clothes in the water and prevent dye from redepositing onto other items in the washer. HE detergent has a different formula that does the same thing in low levels of water.

Cost

Normal laundry detergent is usually cheaper than HE detergent, but the machines that use HE detergent save money in electricity and water costs.

References

• Laundry He
• Cleaning 101: Laundry