I know I’m not alone in using too much laundry detergent each time I put on a wash, and it’s one of the most common laundry mistakes you’re probably making. When dealing with a whole load of dirty laundry, it’s tempting to throw in some extra detergent just for good measure. However, you could be damaging your laundry and your washing machine without realizing it.
So, to understand the issues caused by using too much laundry detergent and then knowing the correct amount to use, I called on cleaning and washing machine experts for their advice, because when you've invested in one of the best washing machines you want to ensure you're using it correctly.
Signs you’re using too much laundry detergent
One sure sign that you’re using too much laundry detergent is if you notice excess suds during a wash cycle. “Modern washing machines are designed to use less water, so if you notice a thick layer of foam inside the drum or suds clinging to the door, that usually means you’ve overused the detergent,” advises Petya Holevich, domestic cleaning expert and supervisor at Fantastic Services.
So, instead of being rinsed out during the wash cycle, there’s simply too much detergent to dissolve properly and it clings to your clothes instead.
There’s also another sign that will be evident when you remove your items from the wash. Holevich says you’ll notice “the clothes come out stiff, sticky or with a soapy residue, which can cause skin irritation and make the fabrics look dull.”
Excess detergent can leave behind a residue that actually acts as a magnet for more dirt
Kathy Cohoon, Two Maids
This then causes a knock-on problem. “Excess detergent can leave behind a residue that actually acts as a magnet for more dirt,” says Kathy Cohoon, Operations Director at Two Maids.
While Nigel Bearman, a cleaning expert at Daily Poppins, says you might also notice mysterious white, streaky marks all over your clothes.
And there's more. Holevich adds that you might find that your towels lose their absorbency and take longer to dry because the detergent residue coats their fibers. You could even find the rinse cycle takes longer than usual, as your machine struggles to remove the extra detergent.
What damage can too much laundry detergent cause to your appliance?
Cohoon explains that the same problem can occur if you use too much fabric softener, as they both leave a residue that doesn’t fully rinse away. However, the long-term problem is that soap residue doesn’t just remain on your clothes; it also remains in your washing machine.
“Over time, too much detergent can also lead to a musty smell in both the clothes and the machine itself because the excess soap builds up inside the drum, hoses and seals, creating the perfect environment for mold and bacteria,” says Holevich.
One particular favorite spot for mold is around the rubber washing machine seal, and it’s also the cause of a washing machine mistake that’s making your clothes smell bad.
Apart from causing a profusion of bubbles within your washing machine, excess detergent can “block the pump filter or the outflow pipes,” says William Wong, founder at Arterton.
And he adds that it can also cause premature wear on the machines, especially the drum components.
In essence, it puts more pressure on your appliance. “It forces the machine to work harder because it takes more rinsing cycles to remove the excess soap, this extra strain can shorten the lifespan of the motor and pump,” says Holevich.
What is the correct amount of laundry detergent to use?
While you might think that more laundry detergent is better, Bearman explains why it’s not. “It just clumps up and gets trapped in the fabric, especially in the crease of your clothes.”
Whatever you do, Bearman says, “Stop guessing,” and adds, “Use the cap or a measuring ball to get the right amount for your load size.”
Consider the size of your load and soiling
There are several factors to consider when working out the correct dosage for a wash cycle. “The correct amount of detergent should always be adjusted based on the size of the load, the level of soiling, and water hardness,” says Sophie Lane, GB’s Product Training Manager at Miele, and she adds, “A small or lightly soiled load needs significantly less detergent than a full drum of heavily soiled laundry.”
Detergent strength
You also need to consider the strength of your detergent. “Most formulations are highly concentrated and are designed to be mixed with water in the machine or in a hand wash,” says Wong. “My advice is to always follow the instructions and feel free to err on the side of caution. One never needs as much detergent as they may think.”
Washing machine efficiency
It will also depend on the efficiency of your washing machine and how much water is used per cycle. “For high-efficiency washing machines, which use much less water, you generally need only about two teaspoons of concentrated detergent for a regular load, far less than most people expect,” says Holevich.
A good rule of thumb is that it’s always better to underuse the amount of detergent than to overuse
Petya Holevich, Fantastic Services
Whereas, for standard machines that use more water, she says you can expect to use closer to two tablespoons of detergent for an average load, adding that the amount can be reduced for a lightly soiled load and increased for a more heavily soiled load. Although she warns not to exceed the manufacturer's guidelines printed on the detergent packaging.
Hard and soft water
I live in a hard water area, and I know this plays a part in how much laundry detergent I need to add. Laundry detergent dissolves more easily in soft water, whereas you'll need a little more detergent for the same cleaning power if you live in a hard water area.
Avoid underdosing
While we’ve already mentioned overdosing your laundry and the problems that can arise, Lane says not to overlook underdosing, which can result in poor cleaning performance. The last thing you’ll want to do is put your washing machine on for another cycle, as your laundry hasn’t been cleaned sufficiently the first time around.
Getting the balance right
“Washing machines are designed to clean effectively by allowing water and detergent to circulate properly, so using too much soap in a very full drum will not improve the cleaning. It will only create excess suds and residue,” says Holevich, and she adds, “A good rule of thumb is that it’s always better to underuse the amount of detergent than to overuse it, since a smaller amount will clean effectively while avoiding residue buildup in both clothes and the washing machine.”
More from Tom's Guide
- 7 laundry myths debunked by the experts
- How Much Laundry Can You Fit Into a Full Load and Still Get Your Items Clean?
- This washing machine mistake is making your clothes smell bad — here's how to fix it
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