USEFUL TIPS
How Much Laundry Detergent To Use?
5 min read
5 min read
Thankfully, we live in a time where laundry day feels like a breeze. There's not much to it; just toss a load into your washing machine, paired with some dependable detergent, and you're done! However, even though the machine does most of the work, that's not to say there is no room for human error.
The amount of laundry detergent it takes to get a load of laundry washed thoroughly might be less than you thought. It's not uncommon for people to use the cap as a measuring device, but we're here to tell you that's not the correct amount of detergent. Often, the less detergent, the better.
There is no better feeling than freshly washed sheets, blankets, or towels, but what happens if your luscious garments aren't washed correctly? This can lead to detergent build-up or, even worse, ruin the fabric!
Today we'll talk about how much detergent to use per load and what types are best for your beloved bedding.
How Much Detergent Should You Use per Load?
It's totally common for people to use too much laundry detergent per load. Most laundry detergents are ultra-concentrated, meaning you don't need much to get your clothes clean. Most people don’t realize how concentrated their detergent is.
This is especially true if you use high-efficiency (HE) washing machines. HE (high efficiency) washing machines are slightly different from your traditional washing machine. They clean your clothes using less energy and water.
High-efficiency washers clean clothes by tumbling clothes during the wash cycle within their rotating tub. Front-loading machines rotate back and front, and top-load washer machines spin, rotate and wobble to get your clothes clean. Since these machines use less water, they often require a particular type of detergent labeled HE.
Concentrated detergent isn't bad; it just means it'll go much further than others. HE detergents can get your clothes cleaner and will last longer.
However, it’s not just the type of washing machine or size of the load; another factor can turn the tide of your washing directions: water type. If you have soft water, you can likely use even less detergent than if your home uses hard water.
Today, we’re just going to explain the right amount of detergent dependent on the load size:
Small Loads
If you're working with a small load of laundry (around four to five pounds), you only need about half a tablespoon of liquid detergent — a little goes a long way.
Medium Loads
Regular loads will call for a little more, but not much. For an eight-pound load of laundry, you should use no more than a tablespoon.
Large Loads
Even if you're washing a large load of laundry (ten plus pounds), you shouldn't use more than two tablespoons. It may not seem right at the moment, but trust us, it's plenty.
Why Does It Matter?
While it may seem silly to think that using too much soap could be bad for your clothes or make them dirtier, it's actually a thing.
Have you ever opened the dryer in anticipation of freshly washed sheets when suddenly you're greeted by starchy, stiff garments — that's called residue build-up. Residue build-up happens when there is a surplus of suds during the washing cycle.
Your washing machine can only handle so much detergent. The average washing machine disperses about 20 gallons of water per load, but newer (more eco-friendly) machines use around 14.
Laundry detergent is known to sud up (a lot), and those suds can take a good amount of water to wash away. If there are too many suds, your washing machine won't be able to rinse them clean enough during its rinse cycles, resulting in detergent residue.
Often, you can't see or won't notice the excess detergent before transferring the laundry to the dryer. Then, if detergent dries into the clothes, it can be a pain to get out. Not to mention, you have to spend time (and money) rewashing that entire load of laundry.
Can Too Much Detergent Damage My Washer?
Yes, too much detergent can leave behind a tough residue, but it can also cause harm to your washer over time. Continuously using too much detergent in your washing machine can progress wear and tear on the machine.
We'll explain how: When too many suds are in the washer, the machine has to work twice as hard to get a proper rinse. Excess suds also cause build-up in the machine and a clogged drain system. If the draining system isn't working properly, the machine can’t properly rinse the clothing, which means even more suds will be left behind.
We're here to help you avoid soap-covered laundry and worn-out washers, and the best way to do both is to be easy on your pour during your next load of wash.
Avoiding Detergent Build-Up With Miracle Made
While detergent build-up is easily avoided as long as you're cautious when pouring, there are other ways to establish a healthy, happy cycle.
Why Detergent Sheets Are Best
Yes, detergent pods are convenient, but not if they leave your clothes chalky and stiff. Laundry pods are notorious for having issues dissolving — especially if washed with a cold washer or on a slow spin cycle.
Powder laundry detergent is usually a bit cheaper, but sometimes cheaper isn't always better. Some people swear by powdered detergent, which is totally okay too. We're just here to help you find alternatives if you're looking!
While we may be a bit biased, we can't talk about detergent without bringing up our Zero-Waste Laundry Detergent Sheets. These detergent sheets will dissolve in seconds (in any temperature water), and with only four ingredients, they're extra kind to your gentle skin. Not to mention, they will work in all washing machines (including HE washers)
Consider Load Size
We know it can be tempting to wash all your laundry in one load. While it may seem like it'll save you time, it can lead to time going down the drain. If you have to rewash a whole of clothes because of build-up, it can put a hold on the rest of your day.
If possible, opt for small to medium-size laundry loads. All washers are different, and some can handle larger loads than others — just keep your machine's abilities (and family’s needs) in mind.
Don’t Forget About the Detergent Dispenser
If you're not using sheets, liquid laundry detergent must be your go-to.
When using liquid detergent, always use the machine's detergent dispenser. This dispense ensures the detergent is dispersed evenly and doesn't sit on your clothes. If you pour laundry detergent straight on your clothes, it can sometimes stain them.
Hello, Clean Clothes
Despite what you're washing, all your garments deserve to be detergent residue-free. Having clean clothes, sheets, and towels is so important. Did you know that the type of sheets and blankets your sleep with can impact your sleeping patterns? Not to mention how frustrating it can be to open the dryer to soapy, dirty clothes.
Miracle Made is here to ensure no more laundry falls victim to residue build-up — all you have to do is follow our simple tips and suggestions.
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