HE detergent is a low-sudsing, fast-dissolving detergent designed for high-efficiency (HE) washing machines, which use less water than traditional machines. HE detergent prevents excess suds and suspends soil in low-water conditions to keep clothes clean and fresh.
If you’ve seen the little “HE” symbol on your washing machine and wondered what it actually means, you’re not alone. Is it a fancy marketing gimmick? A secret code for the detergent elite? Or just another thing to ignore while you toss your laundry in and hope for the best?
Turns out, that tiny symbol actually matters—a lot. HE stands for “high-efficiency,” and it’s not just about saving water or making you feel environmentally responsible. It’s about using the best detergent for the job, avoiding bubbly disasters, and keeping your HE washer running like a dream.
In this blog we’ll break down what HE detergent really is, why it’s worth paying attention to, and how Laundry Sauce pods take it from functional to downright fabulous.
What Is HE Detergent?
High-efficiency (HE) detergent is a type of low-suds laundry detergent designed to work in lower water levels and shorter wash cycles of HE machines. These washers—whether front-load or top-load—use significantly less water (11–14 gallons per load compared to the nearly 40 gallons used by old-school machines) and deliver a turbocharged spin cycle to extract more water from your clothes.
The catch? They need a detergent that can keep up with all that efficiency. That’s where HE detergent comes in.
Look for the small “HE” symbol on the label—it’s your guarantee that the product is formulated specifically for these water-saving machines. Unlike traditional detergent, which creates loads of suds and needs a ton of water to rinse out, HE detergent is crafted to work with the limited water in HE washers. It keeps dirt and grime suspended in the water so that they don’t settle back onto your freshly cleaned clothes.
Bonus: You can also find the “HE” symbol on other laundry products like scent boosters and fabric softeners, so you can keep your entire laundry routine high-efficiency compliant.
4 Benefits of HE Detergent
From lowering your utility bills to cleaning your clothes, here are the top benefits of HE laundry detergent.
1. Saves Water and Energy
HE detergents pair perfectly with HE washers, which use up to 80% less water and energy compared to standard machines. That’s good news for both the planet and your utility bill.
2. Fewer Suds, Better Rinsing
Excess suds might seem satisfying, but they’re a nightmare for modern washers. HE detergent’s low-suds formula ensures your clothes are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
3. Machine Longevity
Regular detergent in an HE washer can lead to residue buildup, which might shorten your washer’s lifespan. HE detergent keeps everything running smoothly.
4. Compatible Across Washers
HE detergent isn’t just for high-efficiency machines—it works in standard and hybrid washers, too. (More on that later)
How to Use HE Laundry Detergent Pods
Using HE detergent pods is a no-brainer. Here’s how to nail it:
1. Place a Pod Directly into the Drum
Toss the laundry pod in the back of your empty washer drum. Never put it in the detergent drawer—pods need direct contact with water and clothes to get the job done.
2. Add Your Dirty Laundry
We’re talking about everything from gym clothes to fancy bedsheets. Just make sure you don’t overload your washing machine with dirty laundry—otherwise, the pods might not dissolve the way they’re designed to.
3. Select the Appropriate Wash Cycle
For HE machines, stick to cycles that match your laundry type (delicates, heavy-duty, etc.). Pro tip: check out our guide to deciphering the soil level settings on your washer.
Can You Use HE Detergent in a Standard Washer?
Yes—HE detergent works just fine in standard washing machines. Since it’s a low-suds formula, you won’t get that bubbly spectacle, but it’ll still get the job done. In fact, using HE detergent in a standard washer is a great way to reduce water waste and still achieve a thorough clean.
Can You Use HE Detergent in a Hybrid Washer?
Absolutely. Hybrid washers are like the overachievers of the laundry world, combining features of both standard and high-efficiency models. They play well with HE detergent, which makes them the perfect match for Laundry Sauce pods.
Can You Use Regular Laundry Detergent in an HE Washer?
Technically, you can use regular laundry detergent in an HE washer. But should you? No. Regular detergent creates too many suds, which can clog up your machine, lead to poor rinsing, and even result in mildew buildup. If you’ve invested in an HE washer, it deserves HE detergent. Anything else is just asking for trouble—and by trouble, we mean repair bills and funky-smelling clothes.
Performance Meets Luxury with Laundry Sauce
HE detergent is all about efficiency, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury. Laundry Sauce pods are HE-compatible and designed to make laundry day your favorite day of the week. Think top-tier cleaning performance paired with fragrances so captivating, your freshly washed clothes might get more compliments than you do.
Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of Wine Wednesday gone wrong or tackling sweat stains on your workout clothes, Laundry Sauce ensures everything comes smelling as amazing as it looks.
