How much laundry detergent?

[Lsbcal]

Every time I run our new top load washer I wonder how much liquid high efficiency soap (Tide) to use. This article suggests maybe 2 tablespoons depending on variables like water softness, load size, etc. For instance:

If you have really soft water, you can dial it back to 1-1.5 tablespoons of liquid detergent or 2-3 tablespoons of powder.

And again, we’re talking about a regular load of clothes here. If you’re washing fewer items, use less detergent. If you’re washing a big load or heavily-soiled items, use more.

Here is the full article: https://www.lifesavvy.com/6915/how-much-laundry-detergent-do-you-need-way-less-than-youre-using/

I know this is one of the big issues of our times. What do you think?

 

[6miths]

We have a front loader. Throw in one of the Kirkland or Tide pods! Sweet!

 

[Jerry1]

We don’t measure it, but DW and I use a lot less that the indicator on the detergent dispenser in the washing machine. Probably half what the washer labels as the amount for a normal load. If we don’t, there are a lot of left over suds in the ring that seals the door.

 

[GenXguy]

I probably use about half the suggested amount on the container unless there's some particularly dirty clothing in the mix.

 

[candrew]

How much laundry detergent?

How many recycles from a single dryer sheet?

Both are big issues of our time.

 

[joeea]

I know this is one of the big issues of our times. What do you think?

I agree this is one of the biggest issues of our time. And, as I am sure everyone will agree, I think this is a very individual decision.

Some like to use small amounts, so they will have detergent for the long haul. A detergent longevity insurance sort of plan.

Others like to use a huge amount, figuring "We we can't predict the future, we may be hit by a bus tomorrow. I'd rather use the detergent while I still can."

I'm working on a Detergent Usage Calculator, to help people come up with their own detergent optimization plan. I haven't decided if I should include a Detergent Haircut feature or not. My sense is that it won't come to that, but others disagree.

 

[Sue J]

DH bought a new container of Arm and Hammer laundry detergent. It has a new style cap. The markings are on the inside of the cap. It’s almost impossible to see the markings for how much to use! And this new cap is opaque so I can’t mark the outside with a line to show the level to use. It’s just 2 of us here so we tend to use the minimum amount. Just dumb that the cap is so hard to use to measure.

 

[joeea]

And this new cap is opaque so I can’t mark the outside with a line to show the level to use.

Mark the inside.

 

[Sanstar]

Easy to be”snarky,/complacent”; about this question right up until one calculates how much waste/environmental impact there is to aquatic pollution when we don’t pay attention to the details. If not us; then who? Kudos to OP for posting.

 

[Senator]

Our latest machine you just fill up a bin and let the machine decide...

 

[Moemg]

I have been wondering about this lately . I throw in one pod and then think should I add another ? I guess the answer is No .

 

[davebarnes]

How many recycles from a single dryer sheet?
big issue of our time.

Zero.
You need bigger balls.

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Sheep-Premium-Reusable-Softener/dp/B00GA9P5P0

 

[davebarnes]

Our Miele washer measures the detergent automatically.
The TwinDos system works great for us. Set it and forget it. I lowered the default to 38ml.

 

[Cessna152]

I rather like to know what size washing bat does everyone use?

 

[Potstickers]

I agree this is one of the biggest issues of our time. And, as I am sure everyone will agree, I think this is a very individual decision.

Some like to use small amounts, so they will have detergent for the long haul. A detergent longevity insurance sort of plan.

Others like to use a huge amount, figuring "We we can't predict the future, we may be hit by a bus tomorrow. I'd rather use the detergent while I still can."

I'm working on a Detergent Usage Calculator, to help people come up with their own detergent optimization plan. I haven't decided if I should include a Detergent Haircut feature or not. My sense is that it won't come to that, but others disagree.

What if you gathered all the data on wash loads that were either successful (clean clothes!) or not successful (dirty clothes or suds overflow) and created Washcalc, an opensource program that would let you set your preferences for dirt allocation (% of clothes that are really dirty, somewhat dirty, or barely need to be washed) and then run simulations to see how those loads would have fared?

 

[W2R]

I don't think it takes much at all with my LG He top loader. There is a plastic drawer with a little place to pour it in there, and I attached an online photo of the drawer. You pour it in the right hand side only, and I usually fill it about half way. I guess maybe a couple of teaspoons? A dollop, that's it! It takes exactly one dollop of liquid detergent.

Anyway, my clothes always come out nice and clean.

 

[Lsbcal]

I don't think it takes much at all with my LG He top loader. There is a plastic drawer with a little place to pour it in there, and I attached an online photo of the drawer. You pour it in the right hand side only, and I usually fill it about half way. I guess maybe a couple of teaspoons? A dollop, that's it! It takes exactly one dollop of liquid detergent.

Anyway, my clothes always come out nice and clean.

That is the one we have. I will have to measure dollop now. Will report back.

 

[tinlizzy]

I have an HE front loading LG washer. I use just a bit (enough to cover the bottom of the dispenser) of regular detergent without any problems.

I just use a small ball of foil in the dryer instead of dryer sheets or I line dry outside.

 

[mbooth]

Zero.
You need bigger balls.

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Sheep-Premium-Reusable-Softener/dp/B00GA9P5P0

Wall-of-text follows

I know Dave was being tongue-in-cheek, but those felted wool balls really do work and can eliminate your proverbial use of our beloved dryer sheets Totally chemical free.

My wife has suffered from various skin conditions all her life. She holds regular, about twice a year, consultations with a dermatologist and is using a number of medications to manage her conditions.

In the course of researching alternatives to harsh chemical-based makeup/laundry/skin cleaners, et al, we came across soap-nuts [aka soap-berries]. These are 100% natural and are produced from a tree, related to the lychee, that grows in the Himalayan regions of Pakistan, China, Nepal and India. Now that probably sounds a bit 'woo-woo', but use of them and the dryer balls has pretty much eliminated chemicals from our laundry regimen. Disclaimer: this natural detergent won't tackle really heavy staining and dirt, but for a couple of retirees who eschew all forms of physical exertion and soil-creating activity, it really does the trick

The soap-nuts can also be used in a variety of other ways to cater for your various personal and general household cleaning needs.

Here's a link to an FAQ produced by the supplier we get them from down here in Australia Why Use SoapNuts Australia - FAQ But there is loads of info available world-wide through a simple Google/Bing/Duck Duck Go search.

Cheers - Mick

 

[Midpack]

Soap nuts sounded interesting, but I assume you have to remove them after the wash cycle or they keep releasing saponins throughout the rinse cycle(s)? They release less in cold water than warm or hot, but it’s still enough to be effective in cold water wash. I’m not keen on having “soap” residue in our clothes even if it’s a natural alternative. That would make washing a little more complicated? I may stick with Method or Persil laundry detergents.

As for the OP, many/most detergents recommend using too much for obvious reasons. But too much is definitely not better, it leaves more residue in your clothes, more nasties down the drain into the environment and costs more to use more. Whenever I’ve changed detergents, I start by using half the recommended amount and see what the results are. Usually half is enough, but just work your way up to 2/3rds, 3/4ths or whatever works. It’s not as if your clothes will be dirty if you use half on one test load.

If you’re interested in the performance and environmental impact of your detergent https://www.goodguide.com/categories/376387-laundry-detergent-reviews-and-ratings#/ There are many good choices, products that clean well, with safer ingredients, competitively priced and easily found in stores - even some big name players offer “good choices.”

 

[mbooth]

Soap nuts sounded interesting, but I assume you have to remove them after the wash cycle or they keep releasing saponins throughout the rinse cycle(s)? They release less in cold water than warm or hot, but it’s still enough to be effective in cold water wash. I’m not keen on having “soap” residue in our clothes even if it’s a natural alternative. That would make washing a little more complicated? I may stick with Method or Persil laundry detergents.

The nuts stay in the machine throughout the full wash/rinse cycles, no need to take them out. They have a 'surfactant' effect that just allows soiling to be released from the fabrics, letting the water take dirt away through the agitation and rinse cycles, they are not a 'soap'. The saponins are a lot less 'caustic' than chemically-based detergents. We wash on low temperature settings [not outright cold] and our clothes come out clean and odour free.

Not attempting to be ecologically-evangelical about this, just offering it up as an alternative to 'standard' laundry methods. .........works for us

Cheers - Mick

 

[joeea]

What if you gathered all the data on wash loads that were either successful (clean clothes!) or not successful (dirty clothes or suds overflow) and created Washcalc, an opensource program that would let you set your preferences for dirt allocation (% of clothes that are really dirty, somewhat dirty, or barely need to be washed) and then run simulations to see how those loads would have fared?

That's an excellent idea!

However many of the pundits on TWC (The Washing Channel) and MarketWash tell me that the future may not be like the past. They say to expect lower cleaning returns going forward, and that relying on backwashing data may not be effective.

Now I don't know who to believe.

 

[gerntz]

Easy to be”snarky,/complacent”; about this question right up until one calculates how much waste/environmental impact there is to aquatic pollution when we don’t pay attention to the details. If not us; then who? Kudos to OP for posting.

There is always the cost of making a laundry cleaner, but in terms of their use impact, they go thru the sanitary sewer systems & are biodegradable, so I'm not seeing your beef.

 

[NoiseBoy]

I use Tide liquid detergent in my top loader and I almost never go over the first "1" bar in the measuring cap no matter how large the load is. My goal is to have clean clothes without needing to use a second rinse cycle to get the soap out. Since I'm an office worker, I almost never have anything to wash with really ground in dirt and grime, and if I do, I use Spray-n-wash on the tough spots.

 

[mbooth]

There is always the cost of making a laundry cleaner, but in terms of their use impact, they go thru the sanitary sewer systems & are biodegradable, so I'm not seeing your beef.

\
As a 40-year veteran of the Facilities Management industry, I have a healthy/unhealthy view of what manufacturers regard as 'biodegradable' products. Indeed, down here in the upside-down southern hemisphere land of Oz, there are currently several high-court cases challenging major corporations on their biodegradable/sustainable marketing claims, notably in regards to 'wet-wipes' and similar supposedly 'biodegradable' products.

With a population of only 25miwwion though, we are a pimple on an elephant's glutious maximas planet-wise, still, every little bit helps

Around the world the incidences of so-called 'fatbergs' are causing major environmental issues and costs to our sewer treatment and disposal systems. https://www.accuweather.com/en/weat...at-are-fatbergs-and-how-do-they-form/70007157

Our domestic wastes, including laundry processes, feed into the contributory factors. If we can reduce our impacts, we should

Cheers - Mick