High-efficiency (HE) washing machines are designed to use less water and energy, making them environmentally friendly and cost-effective. However, they require special low-sudsing detergents to prevent excessive foam buildup, which can damage the machine and leave residue on your clothes. While commercially available HE detergents are convenient, they can be expensive and often contain harsh chemicals. Fortunately, making your own HE laundry detergent is a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious alternative.
Understanding HE Washers and Detergent Requirements
HE washers differ significantly from traditional top-loading machines. They use significantly less water – sometimes as little as half the amount. This reduction in water necessitates a different type of detergent. Traditional detergents produce excessive suds, which can’t be effectively rinsed away in an HE machine. This leads to residue buildup, reduced cleaning performance, and potential damage to the washer’s sensors and mechanical components.
Key Characteristics of HE Washers: HE machines typically feature horizontal axis drums and tumble clothes through a small amount of water, rather than immersing them in a large tub. This tumbling action relies on the detergent’s ability to loosen dirt and stains with minimal suds.
Why HE Detergents are Essential: HE detergents are formulated to create fewer suds, dissolve quickly, and rinse cleanly, preventing residue buildup and ensuring optimal cleaning performance. They also protect the delicate sensors and components of HE machines. Using a regular detergent in an HE machine can void the warranty and lead to costly repairs.
DIY HE Laundry Detergent: Recipes and Methods
Creating your own HE laundry detergent allows you to control the ingredients, customize the scent, and save money. Several recipes are available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The key is to choose a recipe that suits your needs and preferences while ensuring compatibility with your HE washer.
Powdered HE Laundry Detergent
Powdered detergent is a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts due to its ease of preparation and long shelf life. The basic ingredients typically include washing soda, borax, and soap flakes or powder.
Ingredients and Their Roles:
- Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): A natural cleaner and water softener, washing soda helps to remove dirt and grease. It’s a stronger alkali than baking soda and should be handled with care.
- Borax (Sodium Borate): Another natural mineral, borax acts as a cleaning booster, stain remover, and disinfectant. It also helps to soften water and control pH levels.
- Soap Flakes/Powder: Provides the cleaning power and helps to emulsify dirt and grime. Look for pure soap flakes or powder without added fragrances or dyes, such as those made from castile soap.
A Basic Powdered HE Detergent Recipe:
Combine equal parts of washing soda, borax, and soap flakes or powder. For example, you might use 1 cup of each ingredient. Mix thoroughly in a large bowl or container. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load, depending on the size and soil level.
Customizing Your Powdered Detergent:
- Adding Scent: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture. Lavender, lemon, and tea tree oil are popular choices. Be careful not to add too much, as essential oils can sometimes stain fabrics.
- Boosting Cleaning Power: For heavily soiled loads, add 1/2 cup of oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) to the recipe.
- Addressing Hard Water: If you have hard water, increase the amount of washing soda in the recipe slightly.
Precautions When Making Powdered Detergent:
Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling washing soda and borax, as they can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Store the detergent out of reach of children and pets.
Liquid HE Laundry Detergent
Liquid laundry detergent is another common option, and while it requires a bit more effort to prepare, some people prefer its convenience and dispensing ease.
Ingredients and Their Roles:
- Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): As in the powdered recipe, washing soda is a key cleaning agent and water softener.
- Borax (Sodium Borate): Borax enhances cleaning, removes stains, and acts as a disinfectant.
- Grated Bar Soap: Provides the primary cleaning action. Fels-Naptha, Zote, or castile soap bars are often used.
- Water: Acts as the solvent to dissolve the other ingredients.
A Basic Liquid HE Detergent Recipe:
- Grate one bar of soap (about 4-5 ounces).
- In a large pot, combine the grated soap with 6 cups of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the soap is completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of washing soda and 1/2 cup of borax. Continue stirring until all ingredients are dissolved.
- Add 8 cups of cold water to the pot.
- Let the mixture sit overnight to thicken. It will likely have a gel-like consistency.
- If the detergent is too thick, add more water to achieve your desired consistency. You can use an immersion blender to smooth out any lumps.
- Store in a container with a lid. Use 1/4 cup per load, depending on the size and soil level.
Customizing Your Liquid Detergent:
- Scent: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil after the detergent has cooled.
- Thickening: If the detergent is too thin, you can add a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water and heat gently, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Color: Although not necessary, a few drops of natural food coloring can be added.
Troubleshooting Liquid Detergent:
- Separation: If the detergent separates, simply shake or stir it before each use.
- Clumping: If the detergent clumps, you may need to add more water and blend it thoroughly.
Using Soap Nuts for HE Laundry
Soap nuts, also known as soap berries, are a natural and sustainable alternative to conventional laundry detergents. They contain saponins, which are natural surfactants that release when agitated in water, creating a mild soapy solution.
How Soap Nuts Work:
When placed in a muslin bag and added to the washing machine, soap nuts release saponins that gently clean clothes. They are particularly effective for lightly soiled laundry and are gentle on sensitive skin.
Using Soap Nuts in HE Washers:
Place 5-6 soap nuts in a small muslin bag. Tie the bag securely and add it to the washing machine with your clothes. You can reuse the soap nuts for several loads until they become soft and grayish. After use, compost the spent soap nuts.
Advantages of Soap Nuts:
- Natural and Biodegradable: Soap nuts are a sustainable and eco-friendly laundry solution.
- Hypoallergenic: They are gentle on sensitive skin and free of harsh chemicals.
- Cost-Effective: A small quantity of soap nuts can last for many loads.
Limitations of Soap Nuts:
- Cleaning Power: Soap nuts may not be as effective on heavily soiled laundry as traditional detergents.
- Water Temperature: They work best in warm or hot water, as the saponins are released more readily at higher temperatures.
- Scent: Soap nuts have a mild, natural scent that may not appeal to everyone. You can add a few drops of essential oil to the muslin bag for added fragrance.
HE Detergent Don’ts: Ingredients to Avoid
Certain ingredients should be avoided when making or selecting laundry detergent for HE washers. These ingredients can cause excessive suds, leave residue on clothes, and potentially damage the machine.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Excessive Suds-Producing Agents: Traditional detergents and soaps that create a lot of suds should be avoided. These can overwhelm the HE machine’s low-water system and leave residue.
- Fillers: Some commercial detergents contain fillers like clay or sand, which can clog the machine and reduce cleaning performance.
- Dyes and Fragrances: While these may make your clothes smell and look appealing, they can irritate sensitive skin and contribute to water pollution.
- Chlorine Bleach: While effective for whitening, chlorine bleach can damage fabrics and is harsh on the environment. Opt for oxygen bleach instead.
Testing and Adjusting Your DIY HE Detergent
After making your DIY HE laundry detergent, it’s essential to test its performance and adjust the recipe as needed.
Testing Your Detergent:
Wash a load of laundry using your homemade detergent and observe the results. Check for:
- Cleanliness: Are your clothes clean and fresh-smelling?
- Residue: Is there any residue on your clothes or in the washing machine?
- Sudsing: Is there excessive sudsing during the wash cycle?
Adjusting the Recipe:
- Too Many Suds: Reduce the amount of soap in the recipe.
- Poor Cleaning: Increase the amount of washing soda or borax. You can also try pre-treating stains before washing.
- Residue: Ensure all ingredients are fully dissolved and that you are using the correct amount of detergent.
Tips for Optimal HE Washer Performance
In addition to using the right detergent, several other factors can contribute to the performance and longevity of your HE washing machine.
Loading the Washer Properly:
Avoid overloading the washer, as this can reduce cleaning performance and strain the machine. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for load size.
Using the Correct Water Temperature:
Use the appropriate water temperature for the type of fabric and soil level. Hot water is best for heavily soiled items, while cold water is suitable for delicate fabrics and lightly soiled items.
Cleaning the Washer Regularly:
Regularly clean your HE washing machine to prevent mold, mildew, and residue buildup. Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a commercial washer cleaner every month.
Proper Ventilation:
Leave the washer door slightly ajar after each use to allow air to circulate and prevent moisture buildup.
Checking Hoses and Connections:
Inspect the water hoses and connections regularly for leaks or damage. Replace them as needed to prevent water damage.
Safety Considerations When Making Laundry Detergent
Making your own laundry detergent involves handling chemicals, so it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety.
Protective Gear:
Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling washing soda, borax, and other chemicals.
Proper Ventilation:
Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling dust or fumes.
Storage:
Store homemade laundry detergent in a tightly sealed container out of reach of children and pets. Label the container clearly to avoid confusion.
First Aid:
In case of contact with skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. If swallowed, contact a poison control center immediately.
Creating your own HE laundry detergent is a rewarding way to save money, reduce your environmental impact, and control the ingredients that come into contact with your clothes and skin. By understanding the requirements of HE washers, choosing the right recipe, and following safety precautions, you can enjoy clean, fresh laundry while protecting your machine and the planet. Remember to test and adjust your detergent as needed to achieve optimal results. Embrace the DIY approach and discover the satisfaction of making your own effective and eco-friendly laundry solution.
What makes laundry detergent HE compatible?
HE, or High Efficiency, washers use significantly less water than traditional top-loading machines. Therefore, HE detergents are formulated to produce fewer suds. Excessive suds can interfere with the washing process in HE machines, preventing proper cleaning and potentially damaging the washer’s components over time. HE detergents also need to disperse quickly and rinse away completely to avoid residue buildup on clothes and within the machine.
The key difference lies in the concentration of cleaning agents and the type of surfactants used. HE detergents typically contain more concentrated cleaning power so less detergent is needed per load. They also utilize low-sudsing surfactants that effectively clean without creating a large amount of foam, ensuring optimal performance in low-water environments.
Can I use regular laundry detergent in an HE washer?
Using regular laundry detergent in an HE washer is strongly discouraged. Standard detergents generate a large volume of suds, which can cause several problems. These suds can cushion the clothes, preventing them from rubbing against each other and reducing the washing effectiveness.
Furthermore, excessive suds can leave residue on clothes and within the washing machine itself. This residue can attract dirt, leading to dingy-looking laundry and potential mold or mildew growth within the machine. Over time, using regular detergent can also damage the washer’s pump and other components, leading to costly repairs.
What are the key ingredients in homemade HE laundry detergent?
Common ingredients for homemade HE laundry detergent typically include washing soda (sodium carbonate), borax (sodium borate), and a grated bar of soap. Washing soda helps to soften water and increase the effectiveness of the soap, while borax acts as a natural whitener and stain remover. The soap provides the cleaning power to lift dirt and grime from clothes.
Many recipes also incorporate optional ingredients such as essential oils for fragrance or oxygen bleach for extra stain removal. The key to an HE-compatible formula is to use minimal amounts of each ingredient and ensure they are finely ground or dissolved to avoid clogging the dispenser or leaving residue. A low-sudsing soap is also essential.
How do I adjust the amount of homemade HE detergent I use?
Since homemade detergents can vary in strength, it’s important to adjust the amount you use based on the load size and soil level. Start with a small amount, such as one tablespoon for a regular load, and observe how well it cleans. For heavily soiled items or larger loads, you may need to increase the amount slightly.
Pay close attention to your laundry after washing. If you notice residue or stiffness, you’re likely using too much detergent. Reduce the amount in future washes. Conversely, if clothes aren’t coming out clean, increase the detergent slightly. The key is to find the right balance for your specific machine, water hardness, and laundry needs.
How can I ensure my homemade detergent dissolves properly in an HE washer?
Proper dissolving is crucial to prevent residue and ensure effective cleaning in an HE washer. Finely grating or powdering the bar soap is an essential first step. This allows it to dissolve more easily in the water. Additionally, predissolving the detergent in a small amount of hot water before adding it to the dispenser can help.
Another tip is to ensure the washing machine isn’t overloaded. Overcrowding prevents the detergent from circulating effectively and dissolving completely. Regular cleaning of the detergent dispenser is also important to remove any buildup that could hinder dissolution.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making HE laundry detergent?
One of the most common mistakes is using too much soap, especially soaps that are not low-sudsing. This can lead to excessive suds and residue buildup, defeating the purpose of an HE detergent. It is also vital to avoid using ingredients that don’t fully dissolve, like large chunks of soap or poorly mixed powders, as these can clog the machine.
Another mistake is failing to test the detergent on a small, inconspicuous area of fabric before washing an entire load. This helps ensure the detergent doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage. Also, improperly storing the detergent can lead to clumping or spoilage. Always store homemade detergent in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Are there any environmental benefits to using homemade HE laundry detergent?
Using homemade HE laundry detergent can offer several environmental advantages. By making your own detergent, you reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste generated from purchasing commercial detergents. This helps minimize landfill waste and reduces the demand for new plastic production.
Furthermore, you have greater control over the ingredients used in your detergent. This allows you to avoid harsh chemicals, phosphates, and artificial fragrances often found in commercial detergents, which can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems and potentially cause skin irritations. Choosing eco-friendly and biodegradable ingredients contributes to a more sustainable laundry routine.