HE Appliances, got a question re: laundry soap

**crafty73** · 09-06-2011, 05:41 PM

Hi folks

My question is about HE appliances, in particular a new HE front loading washing machine we just bought recently. Now, I'm not using HE laundry detergent, just whatever liquid kind I get on sale

I already had a small stockpile of "Extra: "Surf" and "pyrex"....they aren't the HE type of detergents.....I was wondering if its ok to use regular liquid laundry detergent in a HE washing machine and if so....how much should I actually use??

All these brands of detergent have different size 'caps' so half a capful might be a full capful on another brand etc...I've just been winging it but would like to know from other folks who own HE washing machines, do you buy HE laundry detergent or use smaller amounts of regular detergent? Any tips/ideas?

**imagine** · 09-06-2011, 05:45 PM

When I bought my HE front loader they said you could use normal detergents . Just use 1/3 of the amount it says too. (If it was concentrated I use what ever it says it it concentrate by less too)

So i use Deft powder I used 1/8 of a cup but it is now concentrated it says so i use 1 Tablespoon of detergent.

**HappyMama** · 09-06-2011, 05:52 PM

I use 1 Tablespoon as well homemade dry. Serviceman said the machine was the best shape he has ever seen one no gunk etc. I love HE models !

**craftypam** · 09-06-2011, 05:54 PM

I went in to buy a new washing machine and when I opened the top of the he machine and saw that is used 1/2 the water I was sold because of very high water bills. The guy told me about h/e soap and I said I could not buy it because I had alot of soap at home. He checked for me and said I could use 1/2 the soap so it didn't oversuds. I've been doing this for over 6 years with no problems.

**crafty73** · 09-06-2011, 06:42 PM

Ok thanks, so anywhere from 1 tablespoon to 1/3 of what i previously used? The one time, I added too much suds, lots of bubbles and kinda got worried but it happened just the one time lol

**craftypam** · 09-06-2011, 08:54 PM

Its happened to me more than one time because I'm sure it also matters how many clothes you put in too. Mine just stops for a bit and starts right up again.

**Libby** · 09-06-2011, 09:51 PM

"pyrex"

from the freezer to oven to washing machine!

Sorry I couldn't resist.

Did you mean Purex?

I'm still iffy on using regular soap in the HE machines but theres this 'ECOS' brand (Ecos Laundry Detergent | Earth Friendly Products) that says it can be used in both top loading AND front loading machines b/c its low sudsing. I've never tried this brand before but I see it on sale all the time at Canadian Tire (huge jug) and Costco (jumbo huge jug). My gf uses it and states that there's two different 'lines' on the cap for each type of machine.

Method laundry detergent (not frugal at all) says 4 pumps for full/dirty load - but its safe to be used in both top loading and HE machines.

There must be some method to the madness of using non HE laundry detergent in HE machines. Please let us know what works for you. I'd like to take note of this for future reference.

**Josephhgoins** · 09-07-2011, 07:27 AM

I think the differeent HE machines are different. Mine specifically said NOT to use regular detergetna dn only use HE detergent. At the time I bought it HE detergent was a bit more expensive, now it is the same price.

You may want to check with the manufacturer and see what they say.

**Telephus44** · 09-07-2011, 09:56 AM

I use regular detergent (usually Xtra, but whatever's on sale). I just put in a blob about the size of a quarter (probably pretty close to a tablespoon). I've had it for 5 years and haven't had any issues. I just make sure I run the "clean washer" cycle every 3 months to avoid soap buildup.

**crafty73** · 09-07-2011, 01:56 PM

LOL @pyrex hadn't noticed that typo

My machine says to use only HE detergent....but it seems like a waste to do that when i still have over 3 bottles of regular liquid laundry detergent that I would like to use...Maybe I will do the 1 tbsp thing and just stickwith that. Then when I do have to buy laundry soap again, I'll get that HE kind...will scope out canadian tire and see if they have that brand here. Thanks for the tips folks

**Josephhgoins** · 09-07-2011, 03:31 PM

Not sure where you are BUT, why not take the full bottles back to wal-mart and get HE versions?

Would hate to ruin the new washer, I know if they can prove that I used the wrong detergent it would have voided my warrenty.

**MissSeetonFan** · 09-07-2011, 05:38 PM

I got a HE washer used and have been using a small amount of our normal soap in it. As long as I run the clean cycle, it has been okay. No extra suds as long as I keep the amount small (quarter size or less). The great thing is that the bottle of laundry detergent has now lasted me almost a year since the switch to the HE appliance. Stocking up on laundry soap means buying one or two bottles. At least until I have to get a different machine.

**crafty73** · 09-08-2011, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Josephhgoins

Not sure where you are BUT, why not take the full bottles back to wal-mart and get HE versions?

Would hate to ruin the new washer, I know if they can prove that I used the wrong detergent it would have voided my warrenty.

I live in Yorkton, SK, Canada. I can't take the detergent back to walmart (I'm surprised yorkton even has one haha) b/c i didn't buy them all at walmart as well I no longer have the rec't to the various stores where I bought the laundry soap from. Besides, some places you have 14-30 days to return a product even with a rec't. I definately hear you about not wanting to ruin the appliances, all four cost over $3,300 and it's not an investment i want to wreck.

**crafty73** · 09-08-2011, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by MissSeetonFan

I got a HE washer used and have been using a small amount of our normal soap in it. As long as I run the clean cycle, it has been okay. No extra suds as long as I keep the amount small (quarter size or less). The great thing is that the bottle of laundry detergent has now lasted me almost a year since the switch to the HE appliance. Stocking up on laundry soap means buying one or two bottles. At least until I have to get a different machine.

Thanks

How long have you had your HE washer? And WTG! on one bottle of detergent lasting a year! that's awesome! I wish I had switched to a HE washer ages ago had I known that lol