In the age of high-efficiency (HE) washers, many consumers find themselves wondering whether their favorite laundry detergents and fabric care products are compatible with these eco-friendly machines.
Woolite is one such product that has garnered significant attention, and in this article, we will explore it’s compatibility with HE washers.
Does Woolite Have A HE Detergent?
Yes, Woolite does offer detergents that are designed to be compatible with HE washers.
The Woolite HE Detergents are formulated to provide the same gentle care for delicate fabrics as the traditional Woolite products while being optimized for the low-water and low-sudsing environment of HE machines.
Woolite detergents that are compatible with HE washers include:
- Woolite Darks (pacs and liquid)
- Woolite Dark Defense (pacs and liquid)
- Woolite Damage defense (pacs and liquid)
- Woolite Gentle Cycle
- Woolite Baby
- Woolite Ever Care
- Woolite All clothes
In addition to their HE detergent, Woolite also offers products in the same line that aren’t compatible with regular, non-HE washing machines.
For example, their classic Gentle Cycle and Darks lines are also offered in non-HE versions in some regions which makes them popular for use with traditional top-loading machines.
These products provide the same fabric care and protection for delicate garments but are not specifically designed for high-efficiency washers.
All Woolite’s HE compatible detergents are printed with the “HE” symbol on the packaging to indicate the detergent is suitable for your high-efficiency washer.
Products without the symbol indicate their incompatibility with a HE Washer, and using them in there can result in lots of problems as we’ll discuss below.
Can You Use Non-HE Detergents In A HE Washer?
It is not recommended to use non-HE (high-efficiency) detergents in an HE washer. HE washers are specifically designed to work with HE detergents, which are low-sudsing and formulated for high-efficiency machines.
Using regular detergent in an HE washer can cause several problems such as:
- Excess suds: Non-HE detergents produce more suds than HE detergents, which can interfere with the washing action of the machine, leading to decreased cleaning performance and increased wear and tear on the washer.
- Longer wash cycles: The excessive suds can cause the washer to extend the wash cycle in an attempt to rinse out all the soap, increasing water and energy usage.
- Residue build-up: Non-HE detergents can leave residues on your clothes and the washer’s interior parts, leading to unpleasant odors, mold growth, and reduced efficiency of the machine.
- Warranty issues: Using non-HE detergents in an HE washer may void the manufacturer’s warranty, leaving you without coverage if the machine develops problems.
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your HE washer, it is best to use HE detergents designed for use in high-efficiency machines.
How About The Other Way Round?
Using HE (high-efficiency) detergent in a non-HE washing machine is generally acceptable, but it might not provide the best cleaning results.
Here’s why:
- Less sudsing: HE detergents are formulated to produce fewer suds than regular detergents. In a traditional washing machine, which relies on the agitation of water and suds to clean clothes, the low-sudsing nature of HE detergents might not be as effective in removing dirt and stains.
- Concentrated formula: HE detergents are more concentrated than regular detergents. While this is beneficial for HE washers, it may lead to overdosing in a traditional washing machine. If you decide to use HE detergent in a non-HE machine, it’s important to use the correct amount to avoid residue build-up on your clothes and the machine.
- Reduced efficiency: Since traditional washers use more water than HE washers, the concentrated formula of HE detergent may not be as effective in these machines. This could result in less-than-optimal cleaning performance.
While it is not ideal to use HE detergent in a non-HE washing machine, it can still be done if necessary.
Just be sure to use the appropriate amount and be aware that the cleaning results might not be as good as when using a detergent specifically designed for traditional machines.
How Do You Add Woolite To Your Washing Machine?
Adding Woolite to your washing machine is a simple process, whether you have a front-loader or a top-loader.
Here are the steps for each type:
In a Front-Loader
- Load your delicate garments into the washing machine drum, ensuring that they are evenly distributed.
- Measure the appropriate amount of Woolite detergent according to the instructions on the bottle and the size of your laundry load.
- Pour the detergent into the detergent compartment of your washing machine’s dispenser drawer. Most front-loading washers have designated compartments for detergent, fabric softener, and bleach.
- Close the dispenser drawer and select the appropriate wash cycle for your delicate items, such as the gentle or delicate cycle.
- Start the washing machine.
In a Top-Loader
- Start filling the washing machine with water, selecting the appropriate water temperature and level based on your laundry load and the fabric care instructions.
- Measure the correct amount of Woolite detergent according to the instructions on the bottle and the size of your laundry load.
- Pour the detergent into the washing machine drum as it fills with water, allowing the detergent to mix with the water evenly.
- Load your delicate garments into the washing machine, distributing them evenly around the agitator.
- Close the lid and select the appropriate wash cycle for your delicate items, such as the gentle or delicate cycle.
- Start the washing machine.
Make sure to always use the right amount of detergent based on the size of the load and the detergent’s instructions.
Too much detergent can cause excess suds and residue on your clothes, while too little can lead to poor cleaning results.
