We got an Energy Starred, HE washing machine close to a year ago. According to the instruction manual, it is of vital importance that you use the correct laundry detergent in these things or else something dire will happen, and more importantly, you will void your warranty. So I dutifully gave away the dozen or so bottles of Purex I had stocked up (it was a GREAT sale) and started buying Sun & Earth Ultra Laundry Liquid
Now, Sun & Earth works great and smells even better, I highly recommend it if you can find it. BUT I’ve been buying Dr. Bronner’s by the gallon, and I try to multi-task it as much as possible, so that I have less plastic coming into the house.
Now, Dr. Bronner’s lists a million uses for their products on their bottle, but nothing specific on front loading, HE washers. ( I’ve had these bottles for a looong time, though. For all I know, they’ve updated their packaging.)
I was nervous about using Dr. Bronner’s in the HE machine without some reassurance, so I emailed the company, but I didn’t really expect anything to come of it.
Lo and behold, a prompt reply:
Hi Robin,
Thanks for writing. Both the castile soap and the Sal Suds work well in HE washing machines. For the castile soap, use 1/8-1/3 c. per load, for SalSuds use 1 Tbsp. You can add 1/4 c. of baking soda for an extra boost. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Yippee!
One more reason to love Dr. Bronner’s…customer service!
Thank you for this post! I just started buying Dr. Bronner's soap and was hoping I could use it in my he washer but didn't want to risk it. I really appreciate you posting your response from the company!!!
Question… Does it need to be diluted at all for use in a HE washer? Thanks!!
msred5 at gmail dot com
Thank you!
Thank you so much for this post!
Lisa Bronner posted a video and states Sal Suds should not be used in HE washing machines due to a reported Mold issue.
Video is on line “ going green with a Bronner Mom”
We have a SilverCare washer so I don’t expect it would be as much of an issue, and we also use food grade h2o2 instead of bleach–but using a household grapefruit seed extract would probably help inhibit molds.
Are you using a Maytag HE washer? That is what I have and I am wondering if Dr. Bronners would work for my machine.
That’s what I have and it works fine. Just be careful with the amount, 1/3 to 1/2 only.
Do you use in addition to your normal detergent ? If so when/where do you add? Soap dispenser, bleach, or fab soft tray?