Laundry detergent obviously gets dirt and stains out of your clothes, but if you use too much, you wind up creating a new mess. This is a result of detergent residue that hasn't been fully rinsed out, and it can turn your previously soft wardrobe into a crunchy, scratchy, uncomfortable-to-wear load of clothes.
If you're using too much laundry detergent, your clothes will carry an odor and wear down the machine. The laundry detergent you use can affect your clothes in many ways. For instance, if too much is used it could stain or mark up the clothing which may have an effect on how they look and smell.
Many use too much detergent, and it makes sense because pods, powder soap, and liquid detergent suggest that we use much more than we truly need. Common signs of too much laundry detergent usage are foul odors in the laundry room, chalky clothes, and seeing suds left over after a wash.
“With all detergent, avoid using too much,” she says. “This can create too many suds, leading to higher water use, and can lead to buildup in the washer over time, which can cause odor issues.”
So if you put too much detergent in, it won't leave the machine. That will leave detergent on your clothes and they'll feel sticky. Worse than this, too much detergent can damage your washing machine. It will build up, leaving a residue and stopping water from flowing smoothly.
Too much detergent
It makes sense that not using enough detergent won't sufficiently rid your clothes of odor-causing bacteria, but going overboard could have an equally pungent result. More soap means more bubbles, and that buildup of suds can actually trap the bacteria in the fabric.
The excess detergent just seems to settle back into the clothes, leaving a residue that is noticeable to the touch once the clothes go through the dryer.
Ryan Lupberger, CEO and co-founder of Cleancult, says that, for an average-sized and soiled load, a good rule of thumb is to use . 5 ounces of laundry detergent for high-efficiency machines and 1 ounce for traditional machines.
Over time, use may cause a machine's drum support and bearing seal to break. Excess soap may accumulate and cause hoses and water sensors to become affected as well. Besides soap, fabric softeners may cause problems. These products build in the internal parts of the washing machine and lead to trouble.
Add in 1 quart vinegar directly to the hot water. Close the lid for one minute to allow the vinegar to agitate. Open the lid to pause the cycle and let the vinegar and water sit for one hour. While you wait, clean the exterior of the machine with a vinegar cleaning solution and a cleaning cloth.
Some of the signs that you've used too much detergent in a load of laundry include: When the laundry comes out of the washer, it feels slimy or sticky. “Clean” and dried laundry feels crunchy or scratchy and is uncomfortable to wear. Colored clothes or linens are dull or faded.
Liquid detergent requires the highest amount – usually two tablespoons, give or take, per load, or two teaspoons if you have a high-efficiency washing machine. With many powder formulas, the recommended amount is about a quarter of a cup.
Even though Tide Laundry Pods recommend to use between 1 to up to 3 depending on your load size, most loads of laundry actually get a decent clean with just 1 pod. Using more than that is just overkill.
Using too much laundry detergent can cost you more money and may make it more difficult to get your clothes clean. It could even damage your washing machine. When it comes to how much laundry detergent to use, less is more.
So, how much detergent are you actually supposed to be using? This may come as a shock, but just 1 to 2 tablespoons is more than enough for your entire load.
If you don't have a laundry dosing cap, you can work it out using a measuring jug or a tablespoon. One tablespoon is equal to about 15-20 ml, so two tablespoons would be a capful in most cases.
Too much detergent is actually harmful to your garments, but we'll get to that in a second. Per the usual 8 pound load of laundry, the amount of detergent needed to clean clothes is only one tablespoon. Double that for loads weighing in at 12 pounds or more. Reduce it for the days when you're hand washing.
Excess detergent can cling to your garments and encourage bacteria growth, leading to a mildewy odor. To eradicate this issue, always measure your detergent before you add it to your load. You'll likely need less than you think.
As the sweat components break down, this can lead to unpleasant odors forming on your clothes. And, if you don't get rid of the sweat smell from your garments effectively, it can build up over time, resulting in a closet full of clothes that still smell of sweat even after washing.
Incorrect Detergent Amount
Too much soap can cause a buildup of suds, which then leads to trapping the bacteria in your fabric. In both cases, clothes may come out of the wash unclean and potentially still smelly.
Use baking soda
Simply make a solution of baking soda using four tablespoons per glass of water. Then, apply the mixture to the stained area gently and let it make its effects for at least an hour. Baking soda neutralizes detergent on your clothing if you wait long enough. Make sure to let your clothing air dry.
This residue is a sign that something isn't right with your washing cycle. The detergent or fabric softener isn't getting thoroughly washed from your clothes before the cycle ends. If you aren't paying attention, you might accidentally dry your clothes with the detergent still there.
Baking Soda: Add detergent-stained clothes to a new wash cycle with 1/2 cup baking soda, but no detergent. Alternatively, make a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit on the stain for 30 minutes or longer. Again, this is another common household item, but it may take several tries to remove the stains.