How much laundry detergent do you really need to use?

Doing laundry is a task that many of us do on a regular basis. We all want our clothes to be clean and fresh, but how much laundry detergent do we really need to use? Using too little detergent can leave your clothes dirty, while using too much can cause a host of problems. Here’s what you need to know about how much laundry detergent you really need to use.

What Is Laundry Detergent?

Laundry detergent is a cleaning agent designed to remove dirt, stains, and odours from clothing and other fabrics. It is typically made from a combination of surfactants, enzymes, and other ingredients that work together to clean and freshen your clothes.

What is the difference between laundry powder and laundry liquid?

When it comes to doing laundry, there are two main types of detergents: laundry powder and laundry liquid. Both types of detergents have their advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right one depends on your personal preferences and the type of laundry you are washing.

Laundry powder is a solid detergent that comes in a powdered form. It is usually less expensive than laundry liquid and can be more effective at removing tough stains and odours. Laundry powder also tends to work better in hard water, as it contains water softening agents. However, laundry powder can be more difficult to dissolve in the washing machine, especially in cold water. It can leave a residue on clothes if not properly rinsed.

Laundry liquid is a liquid detergent that comes in a bottle. It is easier to measure and pour than laundry powder and tends to dissolve more easily in the washing machine, even in cold water. Laundry liquid is also less likely to leave a residue on clothes and can be more effective at removing stains and odours from delicate fabrics.

When should you use laundry powder vs laundry liquid?

• Use laundry powder for heavily soiled or stained clothes, as it is more effective at removing tough stains and odours.
• Use laundry liquid for delicate fabrics or clothes that require a gentle cycle, as it is less likely to damage these types of fabrics.
• If you have hard water, use laundry powder, as it contains water softening agents that can help prevent mineral build-up in your washing machine and on your clothes.
• If you have soft water, you can use either laundry powder or laundry liquid, as soft water does not require water softening agents.

The choice between laundry powder and laundry liquid comes down to personal preference and the type of laundry you are washing. Try both types of detergents to see which one works best for you and your laundry needs.

How much laundry detergent do you need to use?

The amount of laundry detergent you need to use depends on several factors such as the size of your laundry load, how dirty they are and the type of washing machine you have.

General guidelines

• Read the label: Always read the instructions on the detergent label before using it. This will give you an idea of how much detergent to use for different load sizes and types of washing machines.
• Load size: Use the recommended amount of detergent for the size of your load. Overloading the machine can cause the detergent to be less effective and can lead to other problems like excess suds.
• Soil level: Use more detergent for heavily soiled clothes and less for lightly soiled clothes
• Water hardness: If you have hard water, you may need to use more detergent to get your clothes clean.
• Type of washing machine: Top-loading machines require more detergent than front-loading machines. This is because they use more water.

Laundry powder dosage recommendations:

Canstar recommends 110ml for a regular, single load of washing. For heavily soiled laundry, an extra 100mls can be added. Do check the instructions provided with your preferred detergent.  Most come with a scoop and a guide to ensure the correct dosage.

Laundry liquid dosage recommendations:

For laundry liquid, you need approximately 1 tablespoon of laundry liquid per regular size load.

Front loader washing machines

Front loaders use less water than top loaders and they are designed to be more efficient with detergent.

These washing machines work by using a horizontal drum that rotates to tumble your clothes through a small amount of water and detergent. Because the drum rotates and lifts your clothes in and out of the water, the detergent is distributed more evenly throughout the load, meaning you need less detergent to achieve the same level of cleaning.

Using too much detergent in a front loader can cause excess suds, which can affect the cleaning process and cause the machine to stop functioning properly. It can also lead to detergent residue build-up on your clothes.

To ensure that you use the correct amount of detergent in your front loader washing machine, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions and use the recommended amount of detergent for your load size. In general, you can use about 20-30% less detergent in a front loader washing machine than in a top loader washing machine. You can also choose a specially formulated low suds laundry detergent designed for front loaders.

What happens if you use too much laundry detergent?

Using too much laundry powder can cause several problems:

• Residue: When too much laundry powder is used, it may not all dissolve properly during the wash cycle. This can leave a residue on your clothes and in your washing machine, which can cause odours and can even clog your machine’s plumbing.
• Stiffness: Using too much laundry powder can cause your clothes to feel stiff and scratchy. This is because the excess powder can build up on the fibres of the fabric and make it harder for the fabric to breathe.
• Fading: Excessive use of laundry powder can cause colours to fade more quickly, especially in darker fabrics. This is because the excess powder can be abrasive and wear away at the fabric’s colour.
• Damage: Using too much laundry detergent can cause damage to your washing machine drum and spider, especially if you use a high-efficiency machine. The detergent can build up over time, leading to a build-up of excess suds and causing the drum to become unbalanced during the spin cycle. This can put strain on the spider, which is the metal frame that supports the drum. Over time, this strain can cause the spider to crack or break, which can be an expensive repair. Additionally, excess detergent can cause residue build-up in the drum and other parts of the machine, leading to unpleasant odours and mould growth.
• Environmental impact: Using too much laundry powder can contribute to environmental problems. This is because excess detergent can end up in waterways and harm aquatic life.
• Wastefulness: Using more laundry powder than you need is simply wasteful. It can be expensive and unnecessary, especially if your clothes aren’t particularly dirty.

How to avoid using too much laundry detergent?

To avoid using too much laundry detergent, follow these tips:

• Use the recommended amount of detergent for the size of your load.
• Don’t overload the machine.
• Use a measuring cup to ensure you’re using the correct amount.
• Use a detergent designed for your washing machine type.
• Consider using a laundry detergent that is concentrated, which requires less detergent per load.

We recommend Aktivo laundry care

We recommend Aktivo laundry care – powerful cleaning that ensures clothes are treated with best care, removing the tough stains fast and leaving your clothes fresh, fragrant and bright. The Aktivo range includes:

Can you use household products as substitutes for laundry powder?

It is always best to use a high-quality laundry detergent designed specifically for use in washing machines to ensure the best results and to avoid damaging your clothes or washing machine. Never use these household products as substitutes for laundry powder:

• Dish soap: While dish soap can help remove stains, it is not designed for use in washing machines and can create too much suds which can damage the machine.
• Vinegar: Vinegar can be used as a fabric softener or to remove odours but it is not a substitute for laundry powder and does not have the same cleaning power.
• Baking soda: Baking soda can be added to laundry powder to boost its cleaning power, but it should not be used as a substitute for laundry powder alone.
• Body wash or shampoo: These products are designed for use on skin and hair and should never be used in a washing machine as they can cause damage to the machine.
• Bleach: While bleach can help remove stains, it should only be used as directed and should never be used as a substitute for laundry powder. It can damage clothes, cause discoloration and can be harmful to your skin and eyes.

Using the right amount of laundry powder is important for both your wallet and the environment. Follow the instructions on the packaging and use only the recommended amount of laundry powder for each load of laundry. By doing so, you will save money, protect the environment, and keep your clothes clean and fresh.

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