Laundry detergent is pretty straightforward, right?
For the most part, yes. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a bit of thought! The detergent you use — and how you use it — has an impact on the cleanliness and longevity of your clothes. Using any old detergent, or using it incorrectly, can shorten the life of your clothes significantly.
So to help you avoid potential missteps with your next load of laundry, we’ve put together four quick tips to help you ensure you’ve got your laundry detergent use correct:
Get Detergent For Your Machine
Washing machines aren’t one-size-fits-all, and your detergent may not be either. While many detergents these days are fit for both standard and high-efficiency machines, that doesn’t mean all are. Check the brand you use, read the bottle, and make sure that you’re using a detergent that works well with your machines. If not, it may be time to switch!
Actually Measure How Much You Use
The measuring lines on your detergent aren’t mere suggestions. Manufacturers spend a lot of time researching how much detergent works with the various levels your washer works at. Depending on how many clothes you put in, you’ll need to adjust your washer settings and detergent use: and that means you have to measure!
Consult your detergent’s instructions and follow them closely. Too much detergent will result in very sudsy water, and too little will fail to clean your clothes.
Consider Load Size (And Water Hardness!)
It’s also important that you not under-or over-load your washer, as this will affect how effectively your detergent cleans your clothes. Underloading usually makes it easy to put in too much detergent, and vice-versa for overloading.
Check Before Drying
Last but not least, take a few seconds to check your clothes once they’re done washing. Before you put them in the dryer, look for extra soap or stubborn stains. Too much soap means you’re adding too much detergent, and stains may mean you didn’t put enough. Adjust for your next load, and re-wash if needed.
