# What Is HE Detergent? HE vs Regular Washers, Explained

Source: https://www.safeway.com/shopping-guides/paper-cleaning-and-home/laundry/laundry-detergent/what-is-he-detergent-he-vs-regular-washers-explained-k7hs1x
Updated: 2024-09-23

HE detergent is a low-sudsing detergent made to rinse out in the small amount of water used by high-efficiency washers. HE stands for high efficiency, and you can spot these detergents by the small "he" symbol on the bottle, box or bag. You can also use HE detergent in a regular washer, where it works fine.

Below, see how to tell which washer you have, then which detergents on our shelves fit it.

## HE vs Regular Washers at a Glance

Here's a quick side-by-side look at HE and regular washers.

|  | HE washer | Regular washer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Water | A small amount; clothes tumble or lift through it | Fills the tub |
| How it cleans | Tumbling drum, or a low wash plate in a top-loader | A tall center agitator swishes clothes |
| Detergent | HE only (look for the he symbol) | HE or regular |
| Suds | Few | More |
| Cycle length | Usually longer | Usually shorter |

## Is My Washer HE?

![a white washing machine has a start pause button](https://media.paperstarship.com.au/api/public/assets/file/275e42ed-0bfa-462f-aa8a-dd289175f06e/79190305-0608-4b6a-be99-0cfb9d85babe.jpg)

Every front-loading washer is an HE washer. If your machine loads from the top, open the lid and look inside the tub. A traditional top-loader has a tall center post called an agitator that swishes clothes around in a full tub of water. A top-loader with no center agitator, and only a low wash plate or impeller in the bottom, is usually an HE washer too.

Because an HE washer tumbles or lifts clothes instead of filling the tub, it uses much less water. That's also why HE cycles usually run longer than traditional top-loader cycles. Many HE machines also have the "he" logo on the lid, door or control panel, and your owner's manual will tell you which detergent to use.

## What Makes HE Detergent Different

![a woman is pouring detergent into a washing machine](https://media.paperstarship.com.au/api/public/assets/file/275e42ed-0bfa-462f-aa8a-dd289175f06e/3fbc8ed3-8c05-4d34-84e3-b15e3f5127f4.jpg)

Because an HE washer tumbles or lifts clothes through a small amount of water, HE detergent uses a low-sudsing formula that rinses out cleanly. Look for the small "he" symbol on the bottle, box or bag when you shop.

Regular detergent in an HE washer makes too many suds for that small amount of water. The suds cushion clothes so they do not get as clean, and they can leave residue on fabrics. Too many suds can also make the washer add rinses, cause it to stop with an error, and leave buildup over time that smells musty, which is why washer makers say to use HE detergent in HE machines.

### HE Liquid Detergents at Safeway

Most liquid detergents on our shelves now carry the HE mark, including ones from Tide, Gain, Persil, Arm & Hammer and all. For a dye-free and perfume-free option, look for Tide Free & Gentle HE or all Free & Clear Advanced Oxi HE.

[**Tide He Liquid Detergent Original - 125 Fl. Oz.**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/product-details.970784187.html)

[**Gain Liquid Laundry Detergent He, Original Scent - 99 Fl. Oz. - 99 FZ**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/pd/gain-liquid-laundry-detergent-he-original-scent-99-fl-oz-99-fz/971374633)

[**Persil He Liquid Laundry Detergent Intense Fresh - 84 Fl. Oz.**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/product-details.971208808.html)

[**Arm & Hammer He Liquid Detergent, Clean Burst - 110 Fl. Oz. - 110 FZ**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/pd/arm-and-hammer-he-liquid-detergent-clean-burst-110-fl-oz-110-fz/971378989)

[**Gain He 2 In 1 Liquid Laundry Detergent Plus Odor Defense, Super Fresh Blast - 144 Fl. Oz.**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/product-details.971208595.html)

[**All Liquid Detergent Advanced Oxi He, Free & Clear - 118 Fl. Oz. - 118 FZ**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/pd/all-liquid-detergent-advanced-oxi-he-free-and-clear-118-fl-oz-118-fz/971306631)

[**Tide He Liquid Detergent Free And Gentle - 84 Fl. Oz.**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/product-details.970745605.html)


## Can You Use HE Detergent in a Regular Washer?

![a man is putting clothes in a washing machine](https://media.paperstarship.com.au/api/public/assets/file/275e42ed-0bfa-462f-aa8a-dd289175f06e/4a69cccc-6d1e-4309-9135-6930ab34e771.jpg)

Yes, you can use HE detergent in a regular washer, and it works fine. You will see fewer suds in the water than you would with a regular detergent, and that is normal because fewer suds does not mean less cleaning.

Do not use regular detergent in an HE machine, though, because it makes too many suds. Some liquids are made only for traditional top-loaders, such as Gain's 2x High Suds Regular, so check the label. Powder detergents come in both HE and non-HE versions, so check the box for the "he" symbol before you buy.

[**Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid 2x High Suds Regular Aroma Boost - 46 Fl. Oz.**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/pd/gain-laundry-detergent-liquid-2x-high-suds-regular-aroma-boost-46-fl-oz/970113587)

[**Tide Powder Laundry Detergent, Original Scent - 85 Oz**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/pd/tide-powder-laundry-detergent-original-scent-85-oz/971208587)

[**Gain Ultra Powder Laundry Detergent, Original Scent - 82 Oz**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/pd/gain-ultra-powder-laundry-detergent-original-scent-82-oz/971208602)


## Pacs and Sheets in an HE Washer

Pacs and sheets give you a pre-measured dose, and most say HE or HE Compatible right on the package. For example, Gain flings says "HE Compatible" on the label. Put one pac for a normal load into the empty drum first, and then add your clothes. Do not put pacs in the dispenser drawer.

[**Tide PODS Original Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent Pacs**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/product-details.960169733.html)

[**Gain flings! Original Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent Soap Pacs HE Compatible - 16 Count**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/pd/gain-flings-original-scent-liquid-laundry-detergent-soap-pacs-he-compatible-16-ct/960106024)

[**all Mighty Pacs Free Clear Unit Dose Laundry Detergent**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/product-details.960517822.html)

[**Persil Ultra Pacs Everyday Clean Laundry Detergent Original**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/product-details.970743847.html)

[**Tide Evo Detergent Tiles He, Original Scent - 42 Ct. - 42 CT**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/pd/tide-evo-detergent-tiles-he-original-scent-42-ct-42-ct/971391489)

[**Arm & Hammer He Fresh Breeze Laundry Detergent Power Sheets**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/product-details.971314920.html)


## How Much HE Detergent to Use

![a woman is pouring laundry detergent into a washing machine](https://media.paperstarship.com.au/api/public/assets/file/275e42ed-0bfa-462f-aa8a-dd289175f06e/81b69540-300b-45c0-848d-ef485f56b1bc.jpg)

Measure liquid detergent using the lines inside the cap based on your load size and how dirty the load is. HE detergents are concentrated, so using more than the cap line calls for won't get clothes cleaner. It only makes extra suds and leaves residue.

## Keeping an HE Washer From Smelling

![a washing machine with the door open and a towel in it](https://media.paperstarship.com.au/api/public/assets/file/275e42ed-0bfa-462f-aa8a-dd289175f06e/c7b15307-f252-4a36-a372-814af67b870a.jpg)

HE front-loaders hold moisture in the rubber door seal, which can lead to odors if the drum stays damp. To keep your washer from smelling, wipe the door seal and leave the door open between loads so the drum can dry. Run a cleaning cycle with a washer cleaner about once a month, following the package directions. Look for Tide Washing Machine Cleaner With Oxi pouches or our store-brand Signature SELECT Washing Machine Cleaner.

[**Tide Washing Machine Cleaner With Oxi, Fresh Scent - 4 Pouches**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/product-details.970960852.html)

[**Signature SELECT Washing Machine Cleaner - 3-2.6 Oz**](https://www.safeway.com/shop/pd/signature-select-washing-machine-cleaner-3-2-6-oz/960459202)


Doing laundry away from home? Here's [what to bring to the laundromat](https://www.safeway.com/shopping-guides/paper-cleaning-and-home/laundry/laundry-detergent/what-to-bring-to-the-laundromat-and-how-to-use-the-machines-w4tbhb). Teaching someone new? See [how to teach kids to do laundry, age by age](https://www.safeway.com/shopping-guides/paper-cleaning-and-home/laundry/laundry-detergent/how-to-teach-kids-to-do-laundry-age-by-age-th0szs).

## FAQ

### What does HE mean on laundry detergent?

HE stands for high efficiency. The small "he" symbol on the bottle, box or bag means the formula is low-sudsing, so it rinses out cleanly in the small amount of water an HE washer uses.

### Can you use HE Tide in a regular washing machine?

Yes. Tide HE liquid works in a regular washing machine too. You'll see fewer suds than with regular detergent, and that doesn't mean less cleaning.

### What happens if you use regular detergent in an HE washer?

Regular detergent makes too many suds for the small amount of water in an HE washer. Those suds cushion clothes so they do not get as clean, can leave residue, and over time can leave buildup that smells musty. The extra suds can also make the washer add rinses or stop with an error.

### Are laundry pods HE?

Most pacs on our shelves carry the HE mark and are made for HE machines, including Gain flings, which says "HE Compatible" on the label. Put one pac for a normal load into the empty drum first before adding clothes, and do not put it in the dispenser drawer.

### Is HE detergent more concentrated?

HE detergents are concentrated, so measure with the lines inside the cap by load size and how dirty the load is. More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes in an HE washer, and extra detergent makes suds and residue.

### Why does my HE washer smell?

HE front-loaders hold moisture in the rubber door seal, and using regular detergent or extra detergent can also leave buildup that smells musty over time. To keep it from smelling, wipe the door seal, leave the door open between loads so the drum can dry, and run a cleaning cycle about once a month following the package directions with Tide Washing Machine Cleaner With Oxi or Signature SELECT Washing Machine Cleaner.