HOW MUCH LAUNDRY DETERGENT DO YOU REALLY NEED?
There are a few factors to consider when determining the amount of laundry detergent a load may need. For instance, a little detergent can go a long way. Also, using too much detergent or adding regular detergent to a high-efficiency (HE) washer may cause oversudsing.
Read on to learn how much laundry detergent to use and why it’s important to your laundry routine. For more information, check out this guide on how to properly wash clothes.
LAUNDRY DETERGENT GUIDE: TYPES AND HOW MUCH TO USE
With so many options, you’ll want to choose a detergent based on your laundry needs. Detergent comes in powder, liquid, sheet or pod form. Liquid detergent can pre-treat stains, while sheets and pods are pre-measured to help prevent using too much detergent per load.
The amount of detergent you use varies depending on the type of detergent, load size, water hardness and soil level. These guidelines can help you determine the right amount for each type.
- Liquid detergent: Refer to the instructions on the label and adjust based on load size and soil level. Some liquid detergents come with a measuring cup, while others have easy-dose caps or pumps for more accurate measurement.
- Laundry pods: Use one pod for regular loads with normal soil levels. If you have a larger or heavily soiled laundry load, you may be able to use more than one pod, but check the directions on the product to be sure.
- Laundry powder: Follow the instructions on the product and measure using the provided scoop in the container. You can adjust the amount of detergent depending on load size, water hardness and soil level.
- Laundry detergent sheets: Check the packaging label for instructions depending on load size and soil level, however you can usually use one sheet per regular laundry load.
To learn more about streamlining laundry day, check out these washing machine hacks.
SHOP SWASH® LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Swash® laundry detergent1 is 8x concentrated for the clean you want with less detergent. It’s designed to help fight stains with zero phosphates and has a Precision Pour Cap that dispenses the detergent for you, so you only pour what you need. Use one squeeze for regular loads and two for large loads.
TIPS FOR MEASURING LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Laundry detergents come in different concentration levels, so it's important to measure properly for each laundry load. The following tips can help you determine how much laundry detergent to use.
- Check your washer’s manual: Washing machines vary by model, so follow the instructions in your washer’s use and care guide. Many newer models are labeled as high-efficiency (HE) and require HE detergent, while regular washers can use regular detergent. Select models allow you to adjust the concentration level on your washer to the correct setting based on the detergent you use.
- Follow the detergent instructions: Always check the instructions on the laundry detergent label regarding usage amounts. You can usually measure detergent using the liquid detergent cap or powdered detergent measuring scoop. Laundry pods and sheets have pre-measured doses designed to help prevent detergent overuse.
- Determine laundry load size: If you’re washing a larger load of laundry, you may want to add more detergent. Make sure to follow the instructions on the detergent packaging.
- Account for soil level: Laundry soil level indicates the amount of dirt or soil on clothes. Heavily soiled items typically call for more detergent, but sometimes too much detergent can reduce the friction of items as they rub together in a wash cycle. This rubbing action is what helps to lift stains and dirt out of clothing, so it’s important to follow the detergent’s directions.
- Consider water hardness: If you have hard water, you may need to use more detergent. Hard water has minerals that can decrease the effectiveness of some laundry detergent. Check the detergent’s instructions and your user manual to be sure.
WHY DETERGENT MEASUREMENT MATTERS
Using the right amount of detergent can help you get a clean load every time to help keep laundry day running smoothly. Too much detergent may be costing you extra money. You may also find these other sustainable laundry practices useful.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU USE TOO MUCH LAUNDRY DETERGENT?
If you use too much detergent, your washer may not be able to rinse laundry items properly. Look for the following signs:
Wash basin or washer drum feels slimy
Washer has a musty smell
Laundry items have a waxy finish, blue and white splotches, or a patch that’s rough to the touch
For residue or smells in your washer, check out this guide on how to clean your washing machine. Clothing detergent stains can be combated with a variety of products by following these steps.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT USE ENOUGH LAUNDRY DETERGENT?
When you don’t use enough detergent, your laundry may not come out of the wash as fresh and clean as you’d like. Use the proper measurement based on laundry load size, soil level and water hardness as directed on the detergent label to help you get your clothes clean the first time. These laundry tips may also help in streamlining your laundry routine.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHERS
Maytag® washers are designed with performance and durability in mind to help you tackle your family’s tough laundry loads. Select Maytag brand washers have features like the Pet Pro System, Extra Power and Deep Fill options and when you pair them with Swash® laundry detergent, you can power through laundry day.
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DISCOVER MORE FROM MAYTAG BRAND
1. Swash® and the recommending brands’ products are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
