How much laundry detergent you should really be using, according to experts

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Your laundry load can be made or broken by the laundry detergent you use. It’s critical to use the right amount of detergent in addition to choosing the right kind. Your garments won’t get clean if you don’t use enough. It can damage your washing machine if you use too much.

We consulted experts to determine the precise amount of detergent to use based on the load you’re washing in order to help you become an expert at laundry. In order to preserve your clothes in the best possible condition, we also asked them how to determine whether they were using too much or too little detergent.

GO Ahead and SkipWhat is the recommended amount of washing detergent?High-rated laundry detergents to take into consideration |What happens when you don’t use the proper amount of detergent?

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How much laundry detergent should you use?

Although many detergents have a measuring cap or instructions on how much to use, experts suggest that following these recommendations frequently results in you using more detergent than is necessary to keep your clothing clean. The general manager of Dallas Maids, a house cleaning business in Dallas, Texas, Alex Varela, advises customers to use less detergent than what is suggested by the package.

So, how much ought one to use? The amount of laundry you do will determine this. According to Matt O. Connor, co-founder of Austin, Texas-based laundry delivery business NoScrubs.io, small loads require roughly two teaspoons of liquid detergent, medium loads three to four tablespoons, and large loads five tablespoons. Increase the amount somewhat if you’re using powder because it’s less concentrated.

It’s also critical to realize that the aforementioned recommendations could be influenced by a number of things. Varela points out, for instance, that because high-efficiency washing machines use less water, they need less detergent. According to him, you should only use a teaspoon in a HE washer for every tablespoon you use in a conventional machine.

Stains are another factor that could affect the amount of detergent you use. According to Varela, I always advise putting a little extra detergent right on the stain, letting it sit for five minutes, and then washing it. Additionally, you should use more if you have a dirty load but are not dealing with stains. According to O Connor, add roughly 50% more than you would typically. On the other hand, you should use roughly half as much when washing delicates (think sweaters or lingerie) as you normally would.

What happens when you don t use the right amount of detergent?

Your garments will still be filthy or smell bad after washing if you use too little detergent. However, too much of a good thing can also be a problem. Not only will you be wasting product unnecessarily, using too much can leave residue on your clothes which, in turn, can attract more dirt, says Varela. Plus, over time, you ll create excessive soap scum that can clog your washing machine s plumbing system.

Both experts agreed that most people err on using too much detergent rather than too little. Most people eyeball how much they re using, which leads to using way too much, says O Connor. Instead, mark your detergent cap for different-sized loads that way, you know exactly how much you are using.

Highly rated laundry detergents to consider

Tide Laundry Detergent

$19.94

Amazon

Persil Everyday Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent

$25.99

Amazon

Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Concentrated Laundry Detergent

$9.48

$9.99

Amazon

Gain Plus Ultra Oxi Laundry Detergent Pacs

$27.24

Amazon

Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Powder

$22.99

Amazon

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• 
  Alex Varela
  
  is the general manager of

  Dallas Maids

  , a house cleaning service in Dallas, Texas.

• 
  Matt O Connor
  
  is the co-founder of

  NoScrubs.io

  , a laundry delivery service in Austin, Texas.

Why trust NBC Select?

Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on how much laundry detergent you should be using.

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