How to Use an HE Washer

If you want to get the most out of your HE washer make sure to always use an HE detergent. High-efficiency washers typically use half the amount of water needed by regular washing machines, while being able to clean the same amount of clothes. It’s because of this high clothes to water ratio that you should use a laundry detergent developed specifically to work in low water conditions. Lucky for you, all of Tide’s detergents are HE compatible: In addition to lifting soils off from clothes and preventing them from redepositing on the garments, they’re also formulated to control and reduce sudsing, saving you time, water, and energy.

How much detergent to use in a HE washer? In case you’re washing with Tide PODS you’ll need one pac for smaller loads, two pacs for medium loads, and three pacs for larger loads.

When it comes to bleach and fabric softeners, every high-efficiency washing machine is different, but often there are compartments for both. You can find the instructions for adding fabric softener and bleach on the inside of the washing machine lid.

First, make sure to check your garments’ fabric care labels to see if they’re machine washable. Next, sort your clothes by color and fabric type. When that’s done, check any existing pockets for objects like tissues and coins, then place the garments inside the drum. Remember not to overload your washer: No matter how much laundry you want to get done, doing two loads of loosely packed laundry instead of one load of laundry crammed into the machine will save you a ton of hassle in the long run.

Different fabrics and colors require different washing methods, which is why knowing and using the proper settings is essential if you don’t want to end up with ruined clothes. High efficiency washing machines have a wide range of settings, from multiple rinses to different temperatures. Choosing the proper wash cycle for your garments will optimize the washing power and reduce the risk of damaging your clothes.

• Use normal or casual for your t-shirts, jeans, and other casual clothes, as well as bed sheets, tablecloths, and other medium-weight fabrics.

• Gentle is best for lingerie, dresses, and other lightweight articles of clothing.

• Heavy duty can be used for clothes that are highly soiled and seem up to the challenge of serious agitation.

• Some HE Washers also include a setting called Permanent Press, which is used for work shirts, slacks, and blouses, unless dry clean only is stated.

Once you’ve selected the proper settings and closed the washing machine’s door, the only thing left for you to do is to press the start button. An important thing to remember is not to interrupt the sensing cycle: It’s when HE washers determine how much water to use by using scales and other sensors to determine the amount of clothes in the machine. The sensing cycle is a highly sensitive time when the HE washing machine makes its magic and sets up the dynamics for the entire wash.

After the cycle has run its course, unload your garments immediately.

As a final step, leave the lid open overnight so that the tub can air out, preventing mold growth. Cleaning your washing machine regularly is also an important part of ensuring your clothes come out in top condition, after all, your washer won’t be able to do its job efficiently if it’s not clean itself.