Detergents formulated for high efficiency (HE) washers work with energy saving technology to provide the best possible cleaning by using only 20 to 66 percent of the amount of water used in traditional washers.

 

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Because of the low-water wash and rinse cycles in HE washers, HE detergents must work differently from traditional laundry detergents in order to be effective. HE detergents are formulated to be low-sudsing and quick-dispersing to get the best cleaning performance with HE washers.

Excess suds can cause problems in HE washers by “cushioning” — or even preventing — the tumbling action. This can impact proper cleaning. That’s why consumers should not use regular detergents in their HE machines.

HE detergents are also formulated to hold soils and dyes in suspension in low water volumes, so they don’t re-deposit onto cleaned laundry.

“Using HE laundry detergents in HE washers is a ‘must do’ for consumers,” said Nancy Bock, SDA’s Vice President of Education.

The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), which represents the nation’s cleaning products industry, has published a free, online guide for consumers, “High Efficiency Washers and Detergents: Working in Harmony to Save Energy and Water.”

SDA’s publication, available online at www.cleaning101.com/laundry, describes how HE detergents and washers work, advises how to use various laundry products in HE machines, and contains tips on how to properly maintain your HE washer.

With rising energy costs and many communities facing water shortages, the technologies behind HE detergents and washers can help families realize long term cost savings. For instance, consumers may see their HE washers use 20 to 50 percent of the energy used by traditional agitator washers because there is much less water to heat.

 

About SDA

The Soap and Detergent Association (www.cleaning101.com), the U.S. Home of the Cleaning Products Industry^SM, is the non-profit trade association representing manufacturers of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products; their ingredients; and finished packaging; and oleochemical producers. SDA members produce more than 90 percent of the cleaning products marketed in the U.S. The SDA is located at 1500 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005.