My understanding is that the HE detergent is thinner and can penetrate the thread easier than the thicker version of detergent we are accustomed to using. One thing you may want to do if you have a preference for the older version of detergent is to thin the soap with water. But if your machine regulates the water level and is not an agitator make sure you don't use as much soap as you are accustomed to, for at least a couple of tries. This way you can check and see if your wash comes out clean by using the thinning process. Also be aware that if you have been using your washer's soap dispenser, DON'T use it! As from what I read the old detergent will potentially clog the pipe it runs through. Unless you can thin out the detergent and have it receive and dispense the necessary amount of liquid it increases to, which I doubt, fill the tub with water and then put the soap into the water filled tub. Or, pour the soap into the tub while the machine is filling with the water. Many of the newer machines lock up at the beginning of the fill cycle and won't let you open the door unless you PAUSE the machine. My machine, for example, will not allow the tub to fill with water unless the door is locked closed. Hope this has helped.