My new washer was delivered today. Yeah! My old one was 15 years old and I had to walk it through each cycle for a few weeks. With four kids this was taking up way too much of my time. It's a Kenmore Super capacity3.5/ Quiet Tumble Action Wash. I did one load today and it spun the clothes so dry, it cut my drying time in half. I'm hoping this is going to prolong my dryer, too.

Anyway, here's my question. It is recommended that I use an HE detergent. Couldn't I just use a regular detergent but use less? And if so how much less? My sister has had one for two years and she uses 1/4 cup Arm & Hammer powder for each load.

What do you use? Thanks.

By Annie2 on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 - 09:14 pm:

I meant washing machine; not "wahing" machine. I read that and pictured a big crying baby! LOL

By Vicki on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 - 09:16 pm:

I also have the front loaders and was told by many that you really do need to use the HE detergent. It is lower suds and it also breaks down differently than the regular stuff. I was told that you would have soap residue if you used regular??? I also think that if you don't use the HE stuff, it voids the warranty. ( I think someone told me that too...) I really don't notice the HE stuff being much more money if any really. It is just hard to find in a variety! I am still waiting on the Tide with bleach HE to come out or at least get to my area if it is out!! I love Tide with bleach for whites!!

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 - 09:35 pm:

I have the Front loading Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer. I was told that using other detergent voids the warranty and they will know. I buy the Wisk HE at Target for 9.99. It lasts a long time so I think it really ends up becoming comparable to buying the other detergents. You really seem to use less of it. I love my machine!
You will be thrilled with
1) washing large capacity
2) drying for shorter periods
My electric bill went down $20 when we bought the new washer and dryer.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 12:08 am:

What is HE detergent? My mom has a front-loader and loves hers!

By Eve on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 07:54 am:

I believe HE stands for "High Efficiency."

I'm not sure about regular detergents. I was actually thinking about this with the Baby detegents--do they even make them for HE washers?

It does seem like you could just dilute it or use less, but I don't really know what else differs. Good luck.

By Sue3 on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 09:17 am:

I have the whirl pool Duet too. I love them ! Vickie I am waiting for the HE detergent to come out to with bleach also ! I can`t find any .
Sooooooo I use tide with bleach or what ever other brand and only use 1/2 the amount called for.
I know I am not suppose too but I don`t think the detergents with out the added color safe bleach cleans as well.
I have no sudsing problem by using 1/2 the amount.I love it that I can do large loads now.
They have cut my laundry time way down.
I was in laundry heaven for about 4 months ................I just loved doing laundry.Well,that passed quickly.LOL.
I still like my machines.
They are stackable too ,so they save space !!

By Unschoolmom on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 09:26 am:

I'm not sure about regular detergents. I was actually thinking about this with the Baby detegents--do they even make them for HE washers?
>>>>>>>>>>>>

I would think the HE detergents might be better than regular baby detergents since there's so much less residue.

By Vicki on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 09:27 am:

LOL Sue3... I know the laundry heaven feeling!! I think I washed everything we owned that would go in the machine when I first got it. Your right that it did wear off though!! Still love my set, but don't get near as excited about dirty clothes anymore. LOL

By Spike on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 09:41 am:

When I first got my set, I sat in front of it to watch it tumble..... amazing how I now get excited about new appliances... that too shall pass. LOL

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 09:55 am:

When my family first got a dishwasher, when I was a kid, we all sat in the kitchen, listening to it run! LOL! It was an amazing thing!

By Annie2 on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 07:49 pm:

I must admit that I sat in front of the washer for a bit this morning! LOL I am going to finish up the detergent that I have using 1/8 of a cup for each load. I did this today and it worked great.
Using this new washing machine has cut the drying time in half!

By Yjja123 on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 08:55 pm:

"The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), which represents the nation’s cleaning products industry, has published a free, online guide for consumers, “High Efficiency Washers and Detergents: Working in Harmony to Save Energy and Water.”

“Using HE laundry detergents in HE washers is a ‘must do’ for consumers,” said Nancy Bock, SDA’s Vice President of Education.

Detergents formulated for HE washers work with energy saving technology to provide the best possible cleaning by using only 20 to 66 percent of the amount of water used in traditional washers.

Because of the low-water wash and rinse cycles in HE washers, HE detergents must work differently from traditional laundry detergents in order to be effective. HE detergents are formulated to be low-sudsing and quick-dispersing to get the best cleaning performance with HE washers.

Excess suds can cause problems in HE washers by “cushioning” – or even preventing – the tumbling action. This can impact proper cleaning. That’s why consumers should not use regular detergents in their HE machines.

HE detergents are also formulated to hold soils and dyes in suspension in low water volumes, so they don’t re-deposit onto cleaned laundry. "

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 08:59 pm:

Wow, thanks!