In the past, using laundry detergent was fairly simple, use the cap measurement cup and guestimate how much you needed for a particular load. Today, things are a little more complicated. With high efficiency laundry machines and detergents of varying strengths, understanding the amount of detergent you need is a little more complicated. So, here we’ll explore the topic in greater detail.

The Different Types of Laundry Detergents:

There are a few different types of detergent that are safe to use in your washing machine. These include:

  • Liquid: This is the most common form of laundry detergent, which can be helpful in removing dirt and grease from your clothing. While liquid can be a little messy, it does quickly dissolve in water. But, you need to be careful not to use too much or you could end up with an awful lot of suds.
  • Powder: This is a good money saving option as powders tend to be cheaper compared to liquid detergent. But, they still offer efficient cleaning. The main disadvantage of powder is that it does not dissolve as easily in water. If you use too much powder, you may find you have powdery marks remaining on your clothing.
  • Tablets and Pods: Tablets and pods are premeasured, so you can simply add one to your washing machine. This makes them extremely convenient, but they are more costly. Additionally, there is a safety hazard, as small children or animals could be injured if they ingest a pod.
  • HE Products: HE detergents are designed specifically for high efficiency machines. They are available in liquid, powder and pods. Since HE appliances do not use as much water as conventional machines, the detergent is designed for an efficient wash. Although you use less detergent per load, HE detergent is typically more expensive compared to non HE products.
  • Laundry Soap: This is the most basic form of laundry detergent, but it can be used in washing machines. It may take the form of soap bars or flakes, but you may choose to use laundry soap as a base to make your own laundry detergent.

How Much Detergent Should You Use?

Choosing the right laundry detergent can have a massive impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of your washing load, but the performance of even the best product can be compromised by using the wrong amount.

All laundry detergent products will contain a guide of the recommended amount you should use. This will be broken down by three factors:

  • The load size: The first thing you’ll need to assess is the load size. Ideally, you will only use your washing machine with a full load to maximize the energy and water efficiency. But, if you do need to do a half load, you will need to adjust the detergent accordingly.
  • The soil level: This is a judgment call, but you will need to evaluate whether your items are lightly, normal or heavy soiled. If the load is lightly worn, delicate items, you should consider this lightly soiled. On the other hand, if your children have been playing in the mud, you’ve been doing some heavy household chores or working in the garden, the chances are that your load is heavily soiled.
  • Your water hardness: The final factor in the calculation for how much detergent to use is your water hardness level. Hard water inhibits soap’s ability to sud up, so you may need to use slightly more.

If your washing machine is failing to deliver the best results, regardless of your detergent, it may be time to consider an upgrade. You can explore your options with our online laundry collection or speak to one of our home appliance specialists for further help.