HE Detergent use in a Washer

Understanding Different Types of Laundry Detergent

Choosing the right laundry detergent can significantly impact your washing results and overall convenience. The three main types of laundry detergents—powder, liquid, and single-dose pods—each offer unique benefits tailored to various laundry needs and preferences.

Using powder, liquid, or single-dose pod detergent has its own set of advantages. Powder detergents are often highly concentrated and particularly effective at removing tough stains, especially in hard water. They contain enzymes and surfactants that break down grime and dirt. Liquid detergents are versatile and dissolve easily in both cold and hot water, making them ideal for quick pre-treating of stains. Single-dose pods offer a convenient, mess-free solution with pre-measured doses, ensuring you use the right amount of detergent every time.

Powder detergents may leave residue if not fully dissolved, while liquid detergents can be applied directly to stains for targeted treatment. Pods are extremely user-friendly, eliminating the need for measuring, but require proper storage to prevent accidental ingestion. While powder and liquid detergents are suitable for various washing machines, pods are specifically designed for standard and high-efficiency models.

For additional information, visit the article Using Powder, Liquid, and Pod Detergent. 

How much detergent should I use?

HE detergents come in many different concentration levels, such as 2x, 4x, and 8x.  Following the detergent manufacturer's dosage amount is important based on soil level and load size. Too much detergent can lead to longer cycle times, oversudsing, poor rinsing, and poor cleaning performance. 

Detergent pacs also come in different sizes; larger pre-measured ones should only be used for large or heavily soiled loads.   

Older laundry detergents, especially powdered detergent, do not dissolve well in the washer. Keep detergent containers closed to extend the shelf life. If your detergent is not always dissolving, replace it with new detergent. Always use only HE High-Efficiency detergent in your High-Efficiency machine.

If you have a Whirlpool washing machine that has a bulk dispenser, ensure you change the concentration level to mirror the type of detergent that is being used. 

Which detergent should you use?

Whirlpool recommends using Swash® Laundry Detergent. It is designed to work in both high-efficiency (HE) and non-HE washing machines. With an 8x concentrated formula, you’ll use about a quarter of the detergent you’d need with a traditional 2x concentration detergent. It may look like a small amount, but you’ll be amazed at its effectiveness.

Don't forget to clean your washer.

Clean your washer once a month using the Clean Washer cycle with affresh® or another method per your Owner's Manual. This will eliminate any detergent residue that may be left inside the washer. For step-by-step instructions on how to clean your Whirlpool washer, view Cleaning Washers with affresh.