Laundry is a big part of our life here at Clean My Space. We seem to be in a constant state of laundry because of all the videos we shoot, and all the cooking and cleaning we do. So, it’s no surprise that we get a lot of questions regarding high efficiency washing machines (or HE washing machines). What exactly are high-efficiency washing machines, and are they an improvement over traditional washing machines? Let’s take a look.
High Efficiency Washing Machines 101
Okay, first off—what exactly is a high-efficiency washing machine? HE washing machines started out as an alternative for those who liked a top loader but wanted to use less water, less detergent, and to save on energy. The only alternatives at the time were the more expensive front-load machines that had been popular in Europe for some time.
Current HE machines are available as both front-loading and top-loading machines. The distinguishing feature of these machines is that they lack a central agitator. Instead, they use a soft “tossing” motion inside the machine to get clothes clean. This results in both a gentler wash for the clothes and the use of far less water to get the job done. High efficiency machines are also quieter, which makes them a great choice for condo dwellers, and for those whose laundry area is located near living spaces like a bedroom or kitchen.
HE Machines Evolved
Some of the advantages of high efficiency washing machines include:
- The lack of a central agitator means that these machines naturally have greater capacities, which means you can wash more clothes at one time.
- Spin cycles are super-quick and get clothes much dryer, so you can cut drying time.
- Modern models have sophisticated settings with weight sensors, so they know exactly what kind of load is running and how big it is, and can tailor the cycles accordingly.
However, before you get seduced by all the adorable options, like those cute little drawings of the various kind of loads you can run, consider your family’s needs and whether you’ll really use all the special functions. For instance, a sanitary/steam cycle—an option on many newer models—can kill bedbugs and all sorts of germs, but unless you’re operating a hospital or B&B, you might find that you’ll never really use it.
HE Top Loaders vs HE Front Loaders
HE top loaders should not be confused with front loader washing machines (manufacturers sometimes call front loaders “high-efficiency” too, which makes this even more confusing). Yes, front-loaders are technically high-efficiency, since they meet the criteria of using less water, detergent, and energy; but they have drawbacks that HE top loaders do not: namely, a much higher price tag, and lots of vibration during the spin cycle. HE top loaders do cost more than old-fashioned agitator top loaders, but they cost less than front loaders, and the cost savings from their, well, high efficiency, makes it worth it in my book.
High Efficiency Laundry Detergent
You can’t just buy an HE washing machine and toss in your regular old laundry detergent and hope for the best. This will result in poorly-rinsed clothes, and possibly even damage to the machine. It is essential to choose a detergent that specifically says “HE” on its label, and to follow dosing instructions to the letter—most manufacturers recommend no more than a tablespoon of detergent.
Machine Cleaning Cycle
HE machines occasionally need some regular maintenance, since they use so much less water than traditional machines. You can do this by running the “tub clean” cycle on the regular, and leaving the door and dispenser trap open when not in use to maximize air circulation.
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It would be very helpful to me if everyone who complained about poor rinsing performance would mention what detergent they were using, and how much.
In particular, were you using a detergent advertised as suitable for HE machines, or just regular detergent?
Thank You
This information is very useful in this modern life.
thank you for sharing
My house was built in 1970, and as a result the water pressure from our new HE washing machine was more than the plumbing could handle. In our case it required some major plumbing work. The plumbers indicate this is a pretty common occurrence with older homes these days. I pass it along in case anyone else has an older home like me. Thanks!
How to identify machines as HE Machines? Here in India if I search “HE Washing Machines” on Amazon of my country (India), I absolutely get nothing. ????
There is no need to stop to find a washing machine that is both smart and useful, but I only worry when it raises problems or malfunction.
Hi Melissa, great site! I was wondering your thoughts about using vinegar and baking soda to clean a front load washer. I have read different sites online, some say it is good, others say that it may damage the machine. Btw you are a true entrepeneur, you seem to be very smart, and you make Ivanka look like Iskanka. 😉
I gave your book as a gift so I can’t look this up. How do I disinfect my bathroom and kitchen counter for things like staph and mrsa?
Does anyone else have the problem that their top load HE machine needs about 3 or 4 extra rinse cycles to get the detergent out of the clothes? I find this extremely frustrating about my machine.
Yes! It is annoying. I washed some thin underwear in my machine. After 3 rinse cycles I was still seeing suds. I did not use a lot of soap. I had to remove the items and squeeze and rinse under the sink to get out the soap. I really hate my front loader. Don’t even get me started on the “drying function”
I raise the flag here as I have also faced similar issue with my Front Load Machine.
One major advantage of front loading machines is for washing down products. As someone who owns lots of down outdoor gear (like sleeping bags, jackets, a vest, etc.) as well as a down comforter, this was a major deciding point for me. (And apparently special down wash is needed, though I’m not sure if this is a scam or not?) Maybe this front-loading care label only applies to machines with the central agitators, and maybe it only applies to technical outdoor gear, but when it was time for me to buy a washing machine I was all about the front loader.
I have a front load HE machine and I’ve become used to the quirks of having one. However, when it goes out on me, my next washer is going to be an HE top load. So much less hassle in my opinion. (I got seduced by the pretty, not anymore!)
Thank you