The Best High-Efficiency Laundry Detergent

Buying Guide

High-efficiency laundry detergent is specifically formulated for washing machines that are also designated as high efficiency. These machines use less water than traditional units, so high-efficiency laundry detergent is designed to create fewer suds and to disperse quickly. This way, it can offer the best possible clean, despite smaller amounts of water.

In most cases, you can determine whether a laundry detergent is designated as high efficiency by looking for the “HE” logo on the product’s package. Usually, these letters are surrounded by a stylized circle.

While it might be tempting to use whatever detergent you have on hand, you shouldn’t use regular varieties in your high-efficiency washing machine. These other detergents produce too many suds for the lower water levels in your machine, which could leave your clothes less clean, result in a longer wash cycle for machines with a rinse sensor. It could even cause the machine to overflow.

That said, it is completely acceptable to use high-efficiency laundry detergent in a regular washing machine. You will need to use more detergent than you would in a high-efficiency washer, since a traditional washing machine uses more water. Follow the instructions on the package to learn more about proper detergent quantities.

When shopping for a high-efficiency laundry detergent, you’ll be able to choose from HE versions of your favorite detergents, as well as many all-natural and fragrance-free varieties. Whether you want a fully biodegradable detergent or one without any added scents, there is a perfect option for you.

Best of all, many high-efficiency detergents come in multipacks, offering you the convenience of getting more detergent at a time, and often at bulk cost savings. Be sure to calculate the unit price per load when ordering your laundry supplies.

You may find that the detergent you’re considering costs more per load than a comparable brand, even though it costs less per package. Similarly, verify that a multipack is less expensive per load than a single unit of the detergent. While it might seem that buying in bulk should save you money, this isn’t always the case.

• When you are using high-efficiency detergent in a traditional washer, plan to use 1/4 cup for a normal-sized load of laundry.
• If you are using high-efficiency detergent in a newer HE washing machine, you will only need about 2 tablespoons to get an adequate clean.
• High-efficiency detergents come in a variety of concentration amounts, noted on the product’s packaging as “2X,” “4X,” “8X,” etc. Always check manufacturer instructions before adding detergent to your washer to be sure you understand what the product’s concentration means.
• Avoid mixing liquid and powder detergents in your washer. If you choose to use both types, don’t do so in the same load of laundry. Wipe out the remnants of one sort of detergent before using another.
• Consider the use of a washing machine cleaner periodically to rid it of molds and mildew. Particularly with a high-efficiency washer that is front-loading, smells can build up over time. Leave the washer door open a bit after each load to encourage proper drying and limit smells.
• Read product labels before purchasing a high-efficiency laundry detergent. Not all contain the same ingredients. Consider an all-natural or “free and clear” variety of detergent, especially if you have sensitive skin or have small children at home.
• If you don’t have a high-efficiency washing machine, you can price compare to determine whether a regular or HE detergent is the best choice for you. In some instances, the high-efficiency option may still come with cost savings.