Can I damage my HE front-loader washing machine by using regular laundry detergent?

Question

I have a HE front-loading washing machine. I know you are supposed to use special detergent for this but it is so expensive! Will it hurt the machine to just use the regular stuff?

Answer 1

They are specially forumlated to be low lather.  If you don't use them you risk having an overflow of suds all over the floor, especially on a longer wash.  Not worth it believe me.  I think you will find in US that as front loaders become more popular the price of the low lather detergents will come down.  There is no difference in UK in price of low lather detergents.  In fact, there is only about one powder that is not suitable for front loaders.  We have been using front loaders since the 60's and I do remember people complaining about price of special powders then.  (Yes, I was around then).

Answer 2

No, but the point is that it uses so little water compared to a top-loader, that the amount of detergent you would put in top-loader is probaby way too much for it. It would be like pouring half your box of soap in one top-loader load - too concentrated.

I don't know if just putting in, say, enough powder to get the same dilution in an HE load would be enough soap to get everything clean. This is the sales pitch of the HE soaps, is that they are powerful enough to clean a whole load with a small cupful.

BS? Who knows! You could probably wash with half or a quarter the recommended soap in any machine and the results would be acceptable most of the time (except for my sweat socks).

Answer 3

I will recommend to soak clothes & then load to the machine . This will help in foaming of excess deterget only.

Secondly all machines are of FRP / Plasic, excess foam will not do any harm to wshing machines,