…… HE laundry detergent vs "regular"

[Loretta Van Riet]

Long story- short. I'm stuck with some regular liquid laundry detergent. I have a front loader washing machine. Is it possible to use it in my machine? Like at 1/3 the volume? Or will it become a SUDSY nightmare?

 

[Meemur]

Long story- short. I'm stuck with some regular liquid laundry detergent. I have a front loader washing machine. Is it possible to use it in my machine? Like at 1/3 the volume? Or will it become a SUDSY nightmare?

I made a huge mess doing that for a friend. I don't recommend it. Maybe others have had better luck.
I used less than 1/3 of a cup. Maybe you can trade the regular detergent with someone?

 

[Dennis Olson]

The regular kind generates a lot of suds. Modern machines have a “suds sensor” (yes, it’s actually a thing.) If you try it, your cycles will never complete.

You’ve been warned. FAFO

 

[Millwright]

Put two or three cups in and see how it acts?

What could go wrong?

 

[Dm19cm]

When I bought my front loading washing machine I used the amount of detergent the bottle said to use. I had suds coming out of the door. I called Mr Washing Machine Fixit Man thinking there was something wrong with the washer. He told me he had seen this many times and to only use a tablespoon of soap in my washer. I thought he was nuts, but did as told. It worked! And, the clothes came clean. I have since successfully used as much as 3 or 5 spoons of soap when the load is especially dirty and have not had trouble.
I would start with a tablespoon and go from there. You can always add more soap or rewash until you get the mix just right! Good luck and hope this helps...it worked for me

 

[kyrsyan]

In this day and age, how did you find laundry detergent that isn't HE safe?

Not knocking you at all but I haven't seen such a beast in at least 5 years.

 

[Meemur]

In this day and age, how did you find laundry detergent that isn't HE safe?

Not knocking you at all but I haven't seen such a beast in at least 5 years.

It's around. Target had some.

 

[robclement]

The more you put in the better the results.Seriously I have been an appliance tech for 32 years.Non HE is, fine use a tablespoon and clean the washer with a washer cleaner like affresh regularly.Even HE when using the cup measuring is WAY to much

 

[bracketquant]

Is this what I have to look forward to, when my ancient top loader breaks? I didn't even know what HE means. I've never had a problem in 30 years.

I think I'll go down to the stream and rub my cloths on the rocks.

 

[Ractivist]

My buddy, recently retired as an appliance repair man. Smart guy, you would all love him, on all levels. Anywho, he told me one shot glass of liquid detergent is the right amount. Any more and it's a waste, hard on the machine, and still in your clothes. One shot glass. It'll last longer than whiskey, bonus. Don't try that at home....what was I thinking, tide pods and all.

 

[FollowTruth]

My buddy, recently retired as an appliance repair man. Smart guy, you would all love him, on all levels. Anywho, he told me one shot glass of liquid detergent is the right amount. Any more and it's a waste, hard on the machine, and still in your clothes. One shot glass. It'll last longer than whiskey, bonus. Don't try that at home....what was I thinking, tide pods and all.

.
One shot glass holds 1.5 fluid ounces
1.5 fluid ounces = 3 tablespoons
.

 

[KittyKatChic]

I found some of the "old" non HE detergent shoved back in the closet a few years ago. I only use a small portion of what is called for anyway, lost a washer due to build up from using too much product a.k.a. what the bottles said to use. So I used probably about a shot glass worth and added a small dash of fabric softener like Downy.

Note that as bottles have gotten smaller, concentration has increased as well. Start conservatively with a smaller load to get the feel before you do your mixing and leave it finish fairly unmonitored.