Can I use HE detergent in a regular washer?

[sariana]

We're going to be buying a new washer and dryer soon, but I'm not sure how soon. The washer most likely will be a front loader. We are almost out of detergent. I don't want to buy more since we're going to need the HE kind in the new washer. Can I just buy it now and use it in our old top loader? Will it work?

(Crossposted with Clean Sweep--I didn't get any responses there.)

[LMPC]

Theoretically, it should work. The HE (high efficiency) detergents produce less suds since the front loaders us less water. Less suds to rinse off. I think it's an issue if you go the other way around and use regular detergent in a front loader.

[AshleyAnn]

I've done it on accident and didn't really notice a difference

[lalasmama]

I've used the Tide Cold (it has the little "High Effeciency" symbol on it, which I believe are the ones you are supposed to use for a front loader). We never had any problems with it. It seemed to clean them all the same. My top-loader is probably 15 years old

[KathyN115]

Yes, it works fine.

[sariana]

Thanks, all!