Q. What does HE stand for?
A. “HE” stands for High Efficiency. There are high-efficiency washing machines and high-efficiency detergents for use inside those machines. HE washers are usually front-loading, though there are top-loading HE washers as well.
Q. What’s the difference between an HE and non HE washing machine?
A. HE washers use 20% to 66% less water than a traditional agitator washer. Because there’s less water to heat, HE washers use 50% to 80% less energy than traditional washers. HE washers use a “tumbler” system versus a central agitator in most traditional washers. HE washers gently tumble laundry back and forth through a shallow pool of water.
Q. Why do I need to use a HE detergent?
A. HE detergent is specifically formulated to create fewer suds that regular detergent. Unlike traditional top-loading washers, front-loading washers use a tumble system versus a central agitator. This tumbling action creates more suds than a typical wash cycle of a traditional top-loader, so you want to make sure your detergent is low-sudsing.
Q. If suds are the problem, can I just use a smaller amount of regular detergent?
A. No. Using lesser amount of a regular detergent will not alleviate the sudsing problem. HE detergents are formulated to clean your laundry effectively in low-water conditions. Some manufactures consider warranties on the HE washers null and void if non-HE detergent is used.
Q. Can you use HE detergents in a non HE washer?
A. Absolutely. You can use an HE detergent in a non HE washer without issue.
Q. What about “that smell” often associated with HE washers?
A. ”Oversudsing”, can lead to residue buildup in the wash drum as well as the rubber gasket in the interior door of your HE washer. Over time, this can lead to mold growth and associated odor.
Q. How can I avoid oversudsing and the mold build-up issue?
A. Always use an HE detergent and follow the instructions on the bottle for just how much to use. Never leave a wet load in the washer overnight. And finally, always clean your washer according to the specific instructions in you washing machines owner’s manual.
Q. Is HE detergent just a fad?
A. No. Sales of HE washers have grown considerably in only a few years. In fact, some major retailers are even considering a move to selling only HE detergents in the future.
Q. Is HE detergent readily available?
A. You can purchase Wisk HE and other HE detergents at your local grocery, supercenter, club or drug store and Wisk HE is also available for purchase online via Amazon.