Top 5 High-efficiency (HE) Detergents

Tide brand detergent is the current market leader, with various types of HE and standard detergents to the brand's credit. This incarnation uses the power of 10 "concentrated actives" to achieve an extra-hygienic clean. Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty even claims to get "between fibers to clean hidden dirt you didn't even know was there." This formula is ideal for clothing that needs a little extra elbow grease to get totally clean.

HE Fact:

Because an HE washing machine tumbles instead of agitates, it creates more suds than a traditional machine. Therefore, HE detergent must be low-sudsing.

All 2X Ultra Oxi-Active is another concentrated liquid detergent. The oxi component is a bleach alternative and stain lifter, said to remove grass, blood, wine and chocolate. In fact, the product description says it fights "100 percent of stain types." So, no matter what the offending substance, All Oxi is likely to take care of business.

HE Fact:

You might think you can use regular detergent in the HE washer — just as long as you use less of it. After all, less soap means less suds, right? Unfortunately, testers have determined that simply using a smaller amount of the regular stuff won't do the trick. You must use HE detergents, which are designed to clean more effectively in low-water conditions.

Gain recently launched Gain Botanicals, its first entry in the "natural botanicals" laundry detergent market. It has no dyes, phosphates or brighteners and has a nice scent that's a mix of white tea and lavender. The detergent is made from 65 percent plant-based ingredients. This formula, created for people with sensitive skin, can be used in both HE and old-fashioned washers.

HE Fact:

Some HE washing machine manufacturers will actually void your machine's warranty if you use non-HE detergent. Oversudsing can lead to a residue buildup in the machine — specifically the rubber gasket in the interior door. This residue can eventually lead to mold growth and odor, so it's important to use the right detergent for your machine.

This one's a good option for the budget-conscious shopper, who also wants to avoid unnecessary chemicals and dyes. Arm & Hammer's Clean & Simple Crisp Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent doesn't contain any dyes, GMOs, parabens, brighteners, phosphates or preservatives. In fact, it contains a mere six ingredients, which include an active stain fighter, baking soda, water softener, gentle fragrance and obviously a cleaning agent.

HE Fact:

Here's another reason to use only HE detergent in your HE washer: Since the washer doesn't use as much water, regular soap may not properly rinse from your clothing, which may not seem like a big deal until you get caught in the rain and you have soap bubbles on your clothes.

The final HE laundry detergent on our list is from Seventh Generation. If you like to keep your household cleaners on the ethical end, the Seventh Generation's laundry packs are a good choice because the brand prides itself on being cruelty-free, plant-based, bio-based, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. In fact, it's made with 94 percent plant-based ingredients. However, there's a price for all that awesomeness, as Seventh Generation rings up at a higher price point than many other detergent brands.

HE Fact:

You can't use traditional detergent in an HE washing machine, but you can use HE detergent in a traditional washing machine. Most HE detergent is concentrated, so it might even save you some money. Just don't forget that it's low-sudsing. Your clothes will still get clean, but they may not have as much fragrance as you're used to.

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