Q. Is it ok to use “Regular” bleach in an HE machine?

A. Thank you for your question. Yes, not only is it OK to use Clorox® Regular Bleach in your HE clothes washer, it is really important to do so! Any water left behind inside the works of a HE machine can be a breeding ground for bacteria that may transfer to subsequent loads. We hear a lot of complaints from front-loading HE clothes washer owners trying to figure out why their machines have a bad odor, and bacteria growth is usually the culprit. Regular bleach usage prevents bacteria growth and keeps a HE machine smelling fresh. We also receive questions about how much bleach to use. That depends on your HE clothes washer's dispenser design. For best results, always fill the bleach dispenser to the "max" line. Reviewing the user's guide instructions on how to use the bleach dispenser is also a good idea--the more you know about how it works, the better!