Detergent for high-efficiency washing machines
Many consumers have upgraded to high-efficiency washing machines for good reason. Not only do these appliances save on water usage, but it can also play a significant role in reducing overall household energy costs. However, it takes high-efficiency detergent formulated especially for this type of machine to achieve optimal performance.
High-efficiency laundry detergents produce less suds than standard laundry detergent, which is vital for high-efficiency machines that clean with special soap-sensing smart technology and lower water levels. These low-suds detergents are versatile and can be used in standard washing machines too.
High-efficiency laundry detergents are available in pods, powders, liquids and are made by numerous reliable brands. Keep reading to find out more about the benefits, as well as details about the top options on the market today.
How do high-efficiency washing machines work?
High-efficiency washing machines work with smart sensing technology to adjust water levels and cycles to fit laundry loads. It uses a fairly shallow depth of water and a powerful spray rinse to do the job. The result is clean laundry with the fraction of water use in standard machines, as well as fewer cycles.
Laundry detergent that produces excessive suds will trigger additional wash and rinse cycles, defeating the purpose of the machine’s energy-saving capabilities. What’s more, using the wrong detergent in a high-efficiency machine can affect its cleaning ability, cause suds overflow and possibly decrease its longevity over time. This is where high-efficiency detergent comes in. According to the American Cleaning Institute, this type of detergent is made for low-volume washers, including top and front-load models.
Why should I use high-efficiency laundry detergent?
The technology that powers high-efficiency washers isn’t engineered to rinse away dense suds. That’s why detergents designed for these appliances produce low-suds levels. It is also formulated to clean well with low levels of water and minimal agitation, and rinse away without leaving behind residue.
If the washing machine isn’t a high-efficiency model, its performance can still benefit from using a detergent that produces minimal suds. Less soapy by-product from laundry means less is introduced into the environment, so using high-efficiency laundry detergent is also an eco-friendly decision.
Best high-efficiency detergent
Best high-efficiency detergent for large loads
Tide 3-in-1 Pods: available at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot and Staples.
Our take: Easy-to-use high-efficiency pods that work with triple-action power that leaves laundry clean and smelling fantastic.
What we like: Convenient pods with detergent, color protector and stain lifter. Pods clean effectively and do a good job removing stains. Pleasant scent.
What we dislike: Pods don’t always dissolve completely in the wash.
Best high-efficiency detergent for sensitive skin
Tide Free & Gentle Pods: available at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot and Staples.
Our take: An outstanding option for consumers who want gentle, effective laundry pods that can be used in high-efficiency washers.
What we like: Cleans and fights stains without dyes or fragrance. Pod form is easy to use, and includes detergent, fabric brightener and stain remover.
What we dislike: Incomplete dissolving is a common issue. Pods sometimes leave residue on clothes.
Best high-efficiency detergent for newborn laundry
Dreft Stage 1 Newborn Liquid Detergent: available at Amazon, Buy Baby Buy, Home Depot, Staples and Bed Bath & Beyond.
Our take: Popular detergent that’s great for newborn clothing as well as high-efficiency machines.
What we like: Hypoallergenic formula without harsh additives. Gentle and pediatrician-tested. Cleans well too.
What we dislike: Scent is surprisingly strong.
Best high-efficiency detergent for delicate fabrics
Woolite Clean & Care: available at Amazon and Home Depot.
Our take: Choose this high-efficiency detergent for keeping special fabrics looking its best.
What we like: Gentle formula protects fabrics from fading, pilling, shrinking and stretching. Highly concentrated, fresh scent.
What we dislike: Some bottles arrived with leaking caps.
Best high-efficiency detergent for tough stains
Tide Powder: available at Amazon, Home Depot and Staples.
Our take: The best choice for customers who need a hard-working high-efficiency option in powdered form.
What we like: Powdered detergent by a top brand. Tackles tough dirt and set-in stains.
What we dislike: Mixed opinions on the scent. Occasionally leaves behind a bit of residue.
Best high-efficiency detergent for budget shoppers
Arm & Hammer Liquid Detergent: available at Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon, Staples and Home Depot.
Our take: Notable cleaning power, appealing scent and low price make this detergent an exceptional value.
What we like: Both affordable and effective. Leaves laundry smelling fresh. Fairly gentle on sensitive skin.
What we dislike: Sub-par packaging is prone to leaks.
Best high-efficiency detergent for cold water
Persil ProClean Liquid Detergent: available at Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot and Amazon.
Our take: Concentrated formula that cleans effectively in all water temperatures.
What we like: Brightens fabrics, even in cold-water cycles. Two-time concentrated formula lasts for numerous loads.
What we dislike: Occasional leakage noted. Fragrance is mild, but not all users like it.
Best high-efficiency detergent for light loads
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Detergent: available at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond and Staples.
Out take: A natural detergent that’s suitable for basic laundry needs but not for extremely dirty or stained laundry.
What we like: Gentle formula that’s made of plant-derived ingredients. It is 97% natural, gentle on fabrics and not likely to cause skin irritation.
What we dislike: Not ideal for very soiled fabrics. Basil scent won’t appeal to everyone.
Best high-efficiency detergent for long-lasting fragrance
Gain Liquid Detergent: available at Staples, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond and Amazon.
Our take: Choose this detergent if a pleasant, lingering scent is your top priority.
What we like: Gives laundry a nice scent that lasts for days. Rinses thoroughly. A good value too.
What we dislike: Not the best pick for extremely dirty or smelly laundry.
Best high-efficiency detergent for dark fabrics
Woolite Darks Liquid Detergent: available at Amazon and Home Depot.
Our take: The best high-efficiency detergent for maintaining the appearance of fabrics with dark colors.
What we like: Protects dark materials from fading and keeps colors true. Prevents pilling, stretching and shrinking. Nice fragrance.
What we dislike: Bottle is prone to leaking. On the pricey side.
Best high-efficiency detergent for natural cleaning
Seventh Generation Liquid Detergent: available at Home Depot, Staples and Amazon.
Our take: A quality natural detergent that’s good for high-efficiency machines and the environment.
What we like: It is 100% natural and has a pleasant scent. Unscented versions are also available. Gentle, environmentally friendly formula.
What we dislike: Fragrance is nice but doesn’t linger. Some reports of broken bottles upon delivery.
Best high efficiency detergent for eco-friendly laundering
Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Liquid: available at Amazon.
Our take: Worth considering for its earth-friendly formula but offers limited cleaning power.
What we like: Plant-based formula doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. Dye- and fragrance-free.
What we dislike: Tough stains and odors can challenge its effectiveness.
Jennifer Manfrin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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