The Spruce / Sarah Lee

HE Laundry Detergent vs. Before HE washers, standard washers used nearly 40 gallons of water during a load of laundry.

Traditional detergent produces lots of suds, which require an equally large amount of water to wash away.

Heed the manufacturer’s recommendations to keep your washing machine working longer.

Laundry basket filled with towels and detergent

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

What Happens If You Use Regular Detergent in an HE Washer?

Can You Use HE Detergent in a Standard Washer?

You won’t see many suds, but your clothes will get clean.

pouring liquid detergent into a measuring spoon

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

Can You Use HE Detergent in a Hybrid Washer?

When using HE detergent in a hybrid washer, use the recommended amount for an HE machine.

Too much detergent produces stiff and scratchy fabrics, odors, and streaks.

closeup of the HE notation on a bottle of detergent

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

Instead, try using a better-quality detergent.

Here are some other guidelines:

High Efficiency Washers and Detergents.American Cleaning Institute.

Mold.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

he laundry detergent

Illustration: © The Spruce, 2018

Soapy water inside washer machine

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

different types of HE deteregents

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija