Doing the laundry doesn’t have to be a chore.
By understanding how much laundry detergent to use per load and selecting the best detergent for the job you can make the whole process easier quicker and more efficient.
So if you’re a laundry beginner this guide is for you!
What Type of Detergent to Use
The type of detergent you use will depend on the type of fabric and the level of soil.
Heavy soil requires more detergent than light soil.
Generally it’s best to stick to the brand and type recommended by the manufacturer of your washing machine.
Using the wrong detergent can damage clothes and lead to poor cleaning results.
Choosing the Right Amount of Detergent
The amount of detergent you use will depend on the size and soil of the load as well as the water hardness in your area.
Generally you should use the recommended amount of detergent as listed on the package.
For conventional top-loading machines the amount of detergent recommended ranges from 1/2 cup to 1 cup depending on the size and soil of the load.
High-efficiency (HE) machines require smaller amounts of detergent and are usually labeled with the amount of detergent to use.
For both types of machines you can also adjust the amount of detergent to suit your needs.
If you’re washing a light load with low soil you can start with less detergent and increase the amount if needed.
If you’re washing a heavily-soiled load or dark colors you may need to use more detergent than the recommended amount.
Understanding Detergent Measurements
When it comes to measuring detergent many people use tablespoons cups or milliliters.
A tablespoon is equivalent to 15 milliliters while a cup is equal to 240 milliliters.
To make measuring easier many detergent containers are marked with lines that show the amount of detergent to use.
Know the Signs of Too Much Detergent
If you use too much detergent you may have to deal with too many suds in the wash.
Too many suds can cause problems like foaming and overflowing.
You may also end up with soapy residue on your clothes.
If you notice any of these issues try reducing the amount of detergent you’re using.
Making the Most of Your Detergent
The key to getting the most out of your detergent is to start with the right amount.
Once you know how much laundry detergent to use per load you can make laundry day easier and get the best cleaning results.