Too Much Detergent Can Wreck It: Here’s How Much You Need (Page 2 ) | March 22, 2025

How Much Detergent Should You Use?
The right amount of detergent depends on the type of detergent, your washing machine, and the hardness of your water. Here are some guidelines to help guide you:

Pre-measured pods: One pod is enough for a standard load, regardless of the type of machine.
Powder detergent: For a traditional machine, use about a quarter cup of powder. For HE machines, two tablespoons is enough.
Liquid detergent: In a standard machine, two tablespoons is recommended, while for an HE machine, two teaspoons is enough.
Adjust for water hardness: If your water is soft, reduce the amount of detergent to one teaspoon for an HE machine, or one tablespoon for a conventional machine.
Home care specialist Lydia Mammar advises: “Reducing the amount of detergent can not only extend the life of your clothes, but also preserve the efficiency of your washing machine.”

How do you know if you are using too much detergent?
There are several signs that you are using too much detergent:

Stiff or sticky clothes: Soap residue clings to the fibers, leaving an unpleasant texture.
Unpleasant odor: If your clothes or machine have a musty odor, it could be due to detergent buildup.
HE Machine Clogged: A lingering odor in the machine can be caused by excess suds in the drum and ducts.
Conversely, if your clothes come out of the machine with stains or lingering odors, you may not be using enough detergent. In this case, increase the amount slightly or try a pre-soak solution to remove stubborn dirt.

Conclusion
The correct amount of detergent is essential to ensure clean clothes and preserve your washing machine. More detergent does not mean a better wash, especially with modern high-efficiency machines. By adjusting the amount of detergent to your needs, you protect your clothes, save money, and extend the life of your machine.