Why Do You Have to Use HE Detergent in a High-Efficiency Washer?

Using the right detergent can add life to your appliance.

Appliance manufacturers may not agree on which brand or style of high-efficiency washer you should buy, but they do agree you should use an high-efficiency (HE) detergent in that washer, whatever brand it is.

Features

HE detergents are engineered specifically to work in high-efficiency washers. While they cost more than traditional detergents, you don't need as much HE detergent per load. According to Whirlpool, HE detergents directly attack soils and stains while requiring less water than regular detergent.

Benefits

HE detergents are gentler on clothes and rinse away completely. Since high-efficiency washers use less water than others, traditional detergents can leave soap residue on clothes when used in an HE machine.

Prevention

Using an HE detergent can add life to your washer. According to Dave Chowanec, Sears an engineer for laundry products, use of HE detergent is critical to the maintenance and performance of your high-efficiency washer. In an article for the Bankrate website, Chowanec says that the suds created by traditional detergents can get into the washer drum and drive system and keep them from running smoothly.

References

• Whirlpool: Why Choose a High-Efficiency Pair?
• Bankrate: 6 Ways to Dodge Appliance Disaster