Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing machines

[soocool]

High Efficiency top or front load washers only. Do you use regular detergent or HE detergent in your washing machines?

I did not know until I looked at the user manual online that it specifically states that only HE detergents must be used with these HE washing machines otherwise it could lead to mechanical damage. I was looking to buy a Whirlpool HE toploader in the next few days, but I have a year's worth of regular detergent on hand to use up first.

 

[meresal]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

We have a Maytag top-loader, and we use both.

I wasn't going to throw away perfectly good detergent. So, we are using our stuff till it runs out, and then we will only use HE. We usually do, one load with the old stuff, and then a load with the HE stuff, and alternate.

 

[Catmom]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I use only HE detergent. My thought was that I paid too much money for this set and I'm not doing anything that can damage it. Plus if something does go wrong, then you may void whatever waranty you may have.

 

[TennesseeGirl]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I understand. I think you will be okay just use about 1/4 of the detergent you would normally use since there is so much less water. I've mixed he and regular before. FYI- I learned the hard way that if your laundry is on the second floor you need a quiet machine. I had an lg at first and it sounded like a jet was taking off. I now have a samsung and it is very quiet. (my laundry also backs up to the master which made it worse)

 

[mary poppins]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

We only use HE detergent in ours, and only a small amount is required.

 

[gemgirl]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I have a Whirlpool Cabrio top loader (not quite a year old yet) and it calls for HE detergent, but I don't always use it. I take advantage of sales when buying my laundry detergent and sometimes that have the HE version and sometimes they don't. I really don't believe that mechanical damage stuff.

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I only use HE b/c they are formulated to be low-sudsing. Regular detergents can create too many suds and can "confuse" the washing machine cycles/sensors, which can mess up the rinse cycle or cause delays etc. sometimes creating evere damage that requires a tech to come out and fix and that isn't cheap! Most HE detergent manufacturers have printable coupon's on their websites so it ends up costing me the same if I use one. Costco's HE All detergent is the same price as the regular and I usually buy my detergent there.

 

[qtiekiki]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

We just got our front loader yesterday, and the manual says to use HE detergents because they are formulated to produce less suds.

 

[soocool]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I have a Whirlpool Cabrio top loader (not quite a year old yet) and it calls for HE detergent, but I don't always use it. I take advantage of sales when buying my laundry detergent and sometimes that have the HE version and sometimes they don't. I really don't believe that mechanical damage stuff.

This is the washer I am considering. At first thought I wanted the 7300, but checked the online manual and compared it with the 5600 and am thinking I want the 5600 instead. That is where I read about HE detergents.

I was doing some reading about why HE detergents are needed in this machine and now have a better understanding of how this can .

I got this off the TLC website:

. HE detergents are manufactured to create fewer suds, so using a regular detergent in your HE washer can prevent the clothes from rinsing properly -- turning you into a sudsy mess the next time you're caught in the rain. What's worse, regular detergent can even trigger error codes on that high-tech machine of yours. And buildup from excess suds may lead to a visit from your local repairman. Take it from our personal experiences -- it's an expensive call to make.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

 

[soocool]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I only use HE b/c they are formulated to be low-sudsing. Regular detergents can create too many suds and can "confuse" the washing machine cycles/sensors, which can mess up the rinse cycle or cause delays etc. sometimes creating evere damage that requires a tech to come out and fix and that isn't cheap! Most HE detergent manufacturers have printable coupon's on their websites so it ends up costing me the same if I use one. Costco's HE All detergent is the same price as the regular and I usually buy my detergent there.

This is what I have been reading online as well.

There have been many people who complain about their machines getting error codes, not cleaning their clothes, etc. but never once did they mention what kind of detergent they wereusing. Only the ones who have no problems stated that they use HE detergents.

 

[soocool]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I use only HE detergent. My thought was that I paid too much money for this set and I'm not doing anything that can damage it. Plus if something does go wrong, then you may void whatever waranty you may have.

After additional info I have found online, I am in agreement with you!

 

[soocool]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I found this document online http://www.docstoc.com/docs/18061322/HIGH-EFFICIENCY-Washers-and-Detergents and after reading it have decided that I should only use an HE detergent.

Also, it warns against buying detergents that are labeled HE-compatible - these are not HE detergents.


My friend who can get me the deal on the Whirpools said that this is currently a 45% off msrp and that there will be more deals. Since I have so much regular detergent on hand I will wait until I am either really low or have just enough on hand before I buy.

 

[kenny]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I bought our Kenmore front loader in 1999.
I've used regular detergent all that time, with no problems.

I use very very little detergent, probably half of what's recommended, or even less.
I experimented for years with finding the minimum that is effective.
This is probably affected by your water's hardness.

 

[rockzilla]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

High Efficiency top or front load washers only. Do you use regular detergent or HE detergent in your washing machines?

I did not know until I looked at the user manual online that it specifically states that only HE detergents must be used with these HE washing machines otherwise it could lead to mechanical damage. I was looking to buy a Whirlpool HE toploader in the next few days, but I have a year's worth of regular detergent on hand to use up first.

This may be a silly question...but how do you end up with a year's worth of laundry detergent? Where do you put it all?

 

[soocool]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

High Efficiency top or front load washers only. Do you use regular detergent or HE detergent in your washing machines?

I did not know until I looked at the user manual online that it specifically states that only HE detergents must be used with these HE washing machines otherwise it could lead to mechanical damage. I was looking to buy a Whirlpool HE toploader in the next few days, but I have a year's worth of regular detergent on hand to use up first.

This may be a silly question...but how do you end up with a year's worth of laundry detergent? Where do you put it all?

Ok, maybe not a year's worth, but perhaps 6 months +. I got all on sale of at least 50% then coupled with double coupons amounted to "FREE".

So I just spoke with DH and he said,"Remember we have a kid going off to college this year who will be very happy to get the detergent for free from us." How soon I forget. And if she needs it, DD can sell the dtergent for extra money at school.

 

[pennquaker09]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I only buy HE.

 

[luv2sparkle]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I also buy HE detergent at Costco. It works great. Most companies recommend liquid detergent as well but my manual
also stated that all the products should be the same-liquid with liquid fabric softener. I had some left over powdered oxyclean
and I just threw it on top of the clothes. I thought it was interesting that you couldn't mix a powdered detergent with
fabric softener.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

During the summer I used a front load...didn't realize about high end. I also only use about one third the amount of detergent.

What is a good high-end brand? Most of my clothes are darker colors.

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

HI:

I buy HE only, for reasons already mentioned. BTW you can give your soap to the Food Bank, etc!

cheers--Sharon

 

[pennquaker09]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

During the summer I used a front load...didn't realize about high end. I also only use about one third the amount of detergent.

What is a good high-end brand? Most of my clothes are darker colors.

I used Gain HE.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

During the summer I used a front load...didn't realize about high end. I also only use about one third the amount of detergent.

What is a good high-end brand? Most of my clothes are darker colors.

I used Gain HE.

Thanks. I recall hearing Gain works the best (but didn't know there's a HE version). Is it scented? I use All Free & Clear for mostly everything and Dreft for my handwashables.

In my experience, the WORST detergent for over-foaming in Tide.

 

[gemgirl]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I have a Whirlpool Cabrio top loader (not quite a year old yet) and it calls for HE detergent, but I don't always use it. I take advantage of sales when buying my laundry detergent and sometimes that have the HE version and sometimes they don't. I really don't believe that mechanical damage stuff.

This is the washer I am considering. At first thought I wanted the 7300, but checked the online manual and compared it with the 5600 and am thinking I want the 5600 instead. That is where I read about HE detergents.

I was doing some reading about why HE detergents are needed in this machine and now have a better understanding of how this can .

I got this off the TLC website:

. HE detergents are manufactured to create fewer suds, so using a regular detergent in your HE washer can prevent the clothes from rinsing properly -- turning you into a sudsy mess the next time you're caught in the rain. What's worse, regular detergent can even trigger error codes on that high-tech machine of yours. And buildup from excess suds may lead to a visit from your local repairman. Take it from our personal experiences -- it's an expensive call to make.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

I know the Cabrio pair has been talked about as the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I was absolutely dying for a washer without an agitator, but I would strongly advise against this particular washer. It comes with a boatload of problems. First of all, it works completely differently from your average washing machine. Clothes never really sit and get agitated in a washer full of water. It's a direct injector system. It's great because they use let water but it doesn't clean the same way. The fabric softener is also injected into the clothes and that causes faded marks on the clothes (especially colors) wherever the fabric softener hits. It doesn't drain completely when the wash is done and when I walk into my laundry room the next day? It smells like a swamp. Google "problems with Whirlpool Cabrio washers" and you'll come up with a TON to read. I didn't google this washer before I bought it. I bought it because all of my appliances are "Whirlpool Gold" which is the upper selection in each category (fridge, oven, dishwasher) and I wanted a great high end washer since I had waited so long to buy one. Please rethink this choice. The list on these machines is $1,000 and even if you get a break on one, it's still going to be expensive. I just finished paying off my washer and dryer after a year and I'm chomping at the bit to choose another washer, but I have assured my husband that I will use this one for the ten yrs. it's supposed to last before I do that.

 

[bagelboy]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

We have a LG and I have never used the HE soap. I never have had any problems either. My guess as to why the manufacturer's recommend using HE soap is that it is liquid soap which cannot clump up and clog something inside the washing machine. I use powdered ALL, just dump some into a large plastic cup and add hot water to dissolve it into a liquid again. You use very little soap in these machines. I also dry the rubber gasket around the door at the end my wash day as people have complained about musty odors and clean the lint screen several times a year.

 

[soocool]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I have a Whirlpool Cabrio top loader (not quite a year old yet) and it calls for HE detergent, but I don't always use it. I take advantage of sales when buying my laundry detergent and sometimes that have the HE version and sometimes they don't. I really don't believe that mechanical damage stuff.

This is the washer I am considering. At first thought I wanted the 7300, but checked the online manual and compared it with the 5600 and am thinking I want the 5600 instead. That is where I read about HE detergents.

I was doing some reading about why HE detergents are needed in this machine and now have a better understanding of how this can .

I got this off the TLC website:

. HE detergents are manufactured to create fewer suds, so using a regular detergent in your HE washer can prevent the clothes from rinsing properly -- turning you into a sudsy mess the next time you're caught in the rain. What's worse, regular detergent can even trigger error codes on that high-tech machine of yours. And buildup from excess suds may lead to a visit from your local repairman. Take it from our personal experiences -- it's an expensive call to make.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

I know the Cabrio pair has been talked about as the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I was absolutely dying for a washer without an agitator, but I would strongly advise against this particular washer. It comes with a boatload of problems. First of all, it works completely differently from your average washing machine. Clothes never really sit and get agitated in a washer full of water. It's a direct injector system. It's great because they use let water but it doesn't clean the same way. The fabric softener is also injected into the clothes and that causes faded marks on the clothes (especially colors) wherever the fabric softener hits. It doesn't drain completely when the wash is done and when I walk into my laundry room the next day? It smells like a swamp. Google "problems with Whirlpool Cabrio washers" and you'll come up with a TON to read. I didn't google this washer before I bought it. I bought it because all of my appliances are "Whirlpool Gold" which is the upper selection in each category (fridge, oven, dishwasher) and I wanted a great high end washer since I had waited so long to buy one. Please rethink this choice. The list on these machines is $1,000 and even if you get a break on one, it's still going to be expensive. I just finished paying off my washer and dryer after a year and I'm chomping at the bit to choose another washer, but I have assured my husband that I will use this one for the ten yrs. it's supposed to last before I do that.

I was only looking at top loaders and decided against the Cabrio 7300 in favor of the 5600. I spoke with a couple of people who have had this model for over a year and they rave about it. It was also rated very well in Consumers Report. The price will be $350 for the washer and about the same for a comparable dryer.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I'm glad you decided to use the HE detergent! It does come in liquid and powder. I usually use Tide due to it consistently being at or near the top of Consumer Reports and it comes in Free, with bleach, etc. Definitely read consumer reviews online about any model you are considering. I read extensively and eventually ended up with Samsung.

Just checked Consumer Reports for you on HE detergent:

#1 and #2 are Tide 2X Ultra HE's

#3 All 2x with Oxy Actives (HE) (be careful because another All is waaaay down the list)

#4 Gain Original Fresh HE (2x Ultra is at #

 

[soocool]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

I'm glad you decided to use the HE detergent! It does come in liquid and powder. I usually use Tide due to it consistently being at or near the top of Consumer Reports and it comes in Free, with bleach, etc. Definitely read consumer reviews online about any model you are considering. I read extensively and eventually ended up with Samsung.

Just checked Consumer Reports for you on HE detergent:

#1 and #2 are Tide 2X Ultra HE's

#3 All 2x with Oxy Actives (HE) (be careful because another All is waaaay down the list)

#4 Gain Original Fresh HE (2x Ultra is at #

Diamondseeker, thanks for the info. I just bought a 100 oz bottler of Tide (free and clear) for $9.50 at Superfresh (A&P) and the Acme (Albertsons) has the All 100oz on sale for $7.99 this week

Is it the All Free and Clear that is low on the list? (I need to use a free and clear because DD is allergic to the perfume in detergent)

 

[kama_s]

Re: Question for those with HE (high efficiency)washing mach

Soocool, I had the exact same question. We just moved into a house last weekend. The sellers left HE washing machines for us (yay!), but I like to buy bulk during sales and so I still have 3 jugs of non-HE Tide liquid detergent left to go. I am using less detergent than I would normally use, but I don't think I'm going to waste the three jugs either.

I doubt a few months of regular detergent would screw up the machines that bad, esp. if you are using a lesser amount. That said, I do like the idea of alternating, so I might just end up doing that.