What is HE detergent? Key differences from regular detergent

What is HE detergent?

High-efficiency laundry detergent is specifically formulated for high-efficiency washing machines, allowing you to reach an optimal cleansing in low water levels and a shorter cycle.

HE detergent also yields fewer suds than standard detergent and disperses dirt and dyes quickly, minimizing the likelihood of soils redepositing on your garments.

How does HE detergent work?

HE detergent functions by producing less sudsing than regular detergent. While regular detergent may also effectively clean your clothes, it may lengthen the washing cycle and utilize more water than necessary; it is also not a good idea to use regular detergent in an HE washing machine. In addition to HE vs. regular detergent, learn more about the differences between powdered vs. liquid laundry detergent.

Here is how HE laundry detergent works to get your clothes clean:

• Creates quick-dispersing, low-volume suds to help break apart stains and release soils.

• Suspends stains, soils and dyes in water, so they’re not redeposited on clothes.

• Freshens clothes to keep them looking their best.

How HE washers are designed to work with HE detergent

HE washers are built to clean with less water, using high-pressure sprays and constant movement to help lift soils. Because there’s less water in the drum, they need a detergent that won’t create excess suds, so HE detergent is made to disperse quickly and clean effectively in low-water conditions.

Shop Whirlpool^® HE Washing Machines

Find Whirlpool^® HE Washers in top loading agitator, top loading impeller and front loading models for the fit that best suits your laundry routine. Select Whirlpool^® Washers feature the Deep Water Wash Option that gives you more water to help break down loose soils, or look for Whirlpool^® models that are ENERGY STAR^® certified, exceeding government standards to help conserve natural resources and save money on your utility bills.

How do I know if my detergent is high efficiency?

When shopping for laundry detergent, look for the “HE” symbol on the container or packaging to ensure it is designed for your HE washer. The HE symbol is comprised of a lowercase “h” and “e” inside a circle.

Can you use regular detergent in an HE washer?

Regular detergent shouldn’t be used in HE washers because it produces too many suds in low water levels. This can potentially lengthen the wash cycle, affect the cleaning performance or overflow the machine. High-efficiency washers work at peak performance with HE detergent.

Can you use HE detergent in a regular washer?

Yes! If your washer doesn’t require HE detergent, you can still use it for an optimal washing cycle. Since regular washers use more water, you’ll likely need to use more HE detergent per load than you would in a high-efficiency washer.

Can you use detergent pods in an HE washer?

Your owner’s manual is your best guide in determining what types of detergent you can use in your washer. Generally, you can expect to find single-dose HE detergent pods that are compatible with HE washers.

These detergent pods can help you prevent detergent overdosing and, when used with the appropriate wash cycle, help provide optimal cleaning for your laundry.

How much HE detergent should you use?

When using HE detergent in a regular washer, you’ll need about 1/4 cup for a normal-sized load. There might be fewer suds, but you’ll still get a good clean.

For a normal-sized load in a high-efficiency washing machine, the recommended HE detergent amount is usually 2 tablespoons.

However, the recommended dosage is also dependent on the detergent concentration level. Different types of detergents may have different concentrations. Please consult your owner’s manual or detergent manufacturer’s recommendations to better understand the proper detergent amount for your washer model.

Shop Swash^® Laundry Detergent

Swash^® Laundry Detergent from Whirlpool Corporation¹ is 8x concentrated, so you can use less per load and still get the clean you want. Swash^® Laundry Detergent is safe for all washing machines, including HE.

Tips for using HE detergent

When using HE detergent in your high-efficiency washer, there are a few more guidelines to follow for optimal results:

• Don’t mix powder and liquid detergents in the same dispenser at the same time as this may clog the dispenser.

• Use softener dispensing agents in your HE washer only if your use and care guide recommends them.

• Measure the amount you use carefully. 

• Don’t overload the washing machine. 

• If using laundry pods, place them in an empty washer before adding clothes.

Shop all Whirlpool^® Washing Machines

If you’re looking for a new high-efficiency washing machine, Whirlpool brand can help. Shop washing machines from Whirlpool brand to find the right HE model for your family, or learn more about other convenient washer features on select Whirlpool^® models, like the 2-in-1 Removable Agitator, that lets you customize any load to care for your clothes the way you want by easily swapping the agitator post in or out. And, to help simplify washer maintenance, the Antimicrobial Rubber Seal on select Whirlpool^® models helps keep your washer fresh by preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold.