--- title: How much HE detergent should you use? | Jax's Suds Club url: https://jaxsudsclub.com/guides/how-much-he-detergent/ business: Jax's Suds Club phone: (608) 412-4263 (primary), (507) 470-9439 (secondary) address: 1554 Charles Street, La Crosse, WI 54603 hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (members' door access with the FasCard app or a loyalty card) --- - [Home](https://jaxsudsclub.com/) - [Guides](https://jaxsudsclub.com/guides/) - How much HE detergent should you use? # How much HE detergent should you use? Use detergent marked HE (high-efficiency) in front-load washers, and measure the amount the detergent label recommends for your load size - usually less than people pour. More isn't better: too much detergent, or non-HE detergent, causes excess suds and poor rinsing, which can leave clothes less clean. ## Step by step - ### Look for the HE mark Front-load washers like ours use much less water than old top-loaders. Use only HE detergent in them [[1]](#src-h) . - ### Measure - don't free-pour Use the amount recommended on the detergent container for your load size [[2]](#src-h) . Caps and pods differ by brand and concentration, so the label on your bottle is the guide. - ### Remember that more isn't better Too much detergent or too little can leave your clothes less clean than the right amount [[3]](#src-h) . Using non-HE detergent or more than the recommended amount can cause excessive suds and poor rinsing [[1]](#src-h) . - ### One dose method at a time Don't use a single-dose pod and poured detergent together - doubling up causes oversudsing and poor cleaning [[1]](#src-h) . - ### Leave room in the drum Don't overload the washer - clothes need room to move [[3]](#src-h) . For big items, pick a bigger washer instead of packing a small one. - ### Seeing suds or residue? Cut back the dose next time, and pre-treat real stains instead of adding extra detergent to the whole load [[3]](#src-h) . ## Pods, powder or liquid? Any of them work in an HE washer as long as the package is marked HE and you follow its dose. Detergents come in heavy-duty, light-duty and combination forms; liquids work well on oily soils [[2]](#src-h) . ## Sources - [Whirlpool product help - front load washers and detergent](https://producthelp.whirlpool.com/Laundry/Washers/Front_Load_Washers/Error_Codes/Other_Error_Codes/Detergent_Low_-_Front_Load_Washer) - always use only HE detergent; non-HE or too much causes excessive suds and poor rinsing; don't combine pods and poured detergent - [Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Quick Stain Removal Guide (L-5199)](https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Quick-Stain-Removal-Guide.pdf) - measure the amount of detergent recommended on the container; detergent types - [American Cleaning Institute - Laundry basics](https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundry-basics) - more isn't necessarily better; too much or too little leaves clothes less clean; don't overload Sources accessed October 19, 2026. Always follow the care label on your item. At Jax's Suds Club: 4-load and 6-load washers, stacked dryers, and every machine takes the FasCard app, a loyalty card or coins. [See the machines](https://jaxsudsclub.com/machines/). ## More guides - [Washing comforters & bulky items](https://jaxsudsclub.com/guides/washing-comforters-and-bulky-items/) - [Stain basics before you wash](https://jaxsudsclub.com/guides/stain-basics/) Get in touch ## Questions about a big load? Questions, feedback, a machine that isn't working, or business and bulk laundry - send a note and we'll get back to you. Talk to a person [(608) 412-4263](tel:+16084124263) Primary ยท call or text [(507) 470-9439](tel:+15074709439) Secondary [jaxssudsclublax@gmail.com](mailto:jaxssudsclublax@gmail.com) 1554 Charles Street La Crosse, WI 54603 [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=1554+Charles+Street%2C+La+Crosse%2C+WI+54603&destination_place_id=ChIJ3USmCo5U-YcRZ84pmMNXv28)