For almost my entire life, the amount of laundry detergent I've used is usually about half of what the packet recommends.
However today, while picking a replacement box (bucket) i saw those Tide Pods and thought, "Now that's a perfect way for the manufacturer to prevent the purchaser from halving the amount used, essentially doubling the cost for the purchaser per load, not to mention the extra cost of those pods already added to the purchase price,"
So, how much do you use on an average load? The manufacturers recommended amount? Less?
And does using a less amount effect the sanitation, or the overall ability to clean the clothes?
Laundry Detergent: How much do you use per load?
byu/Durwyn inFrugal
Posted by Durwyn
23 Comments
Honestly as little as possible. Like 1/3 of a shot glass. Shit is so concentrated
Plus the pods are not good for the water system.
I buy the store-brand laundry detergent with no perfumes or dyes and use about half the recommended amount.
Very little, but then I am not taking mud baths with my clothes on.
I don’t use the recommended amount on my work clothes either.
I fill the little cup up to the identified height. Sometimes a bit less.
I use the laundry detergent sheets so one per load. Easy peazy.
Pods are a good way to pay more per load (both in the clothes washer and dishwasher). You’re better off buying detergents in liquid or powder form, and adding only the necessary amount to clean the load.
About a 2 second squirt from the giant Tide bottle. Open the spigot handle and turn it right back off. I do about a load a day and our giant bottle lasts forever.
I had some Tide pods go stinky! My garage is hot. They refund your money on a gift card. I just got a recipe online to make my own. Castille soap, borax, baking soda, laundry soda and Epsom salts with whatever essential oil you like. Just stir it up in a container and use 2 TBSP. My Castille had eucalyptus in it, so I bought a couple small bottles of essential oil on clearance. First load knocked most of the stench out.
I use about a tablespoon of Tide.
I have one of those laundry machines with a built-in dispenser.
It is insane how little it consumes. And my clothes are clean.
I find the pods to have way too much detergent. Whenever Ive used pods it’s given me real skin irritation. Rashes.
I have a very small washer (1 queen sized sheet is a full load), so I use 1 tbsp tide powder. Stuff comes out clean and smelling lightly of detergent and the water is faintly foamy in the tub, so I’m definitely not underdosing.
I have a 1 tbsp measuring spoon from dollar tree instead of the giant scoop the detergent comes with.
I might need more if I had kids rolling around in the mud, but the worst I get is dust, sweat, and food stains.
2 TBS of a dye free fragrance-free sensitive skin detergent. Whichever one is on sale.
depends, if you have a water softener you use half the recommended dose
2Tablespoons.
It depends so much on the machine.
I’ve used an apartment sized HE front loader in which I only needed 1tsp or 2tsp at the absolute max. Any more and it wouldn’t rinse properly, even with adding an extra rinse. That machine was small and barely used any water.
I’ve also used a giant old school top loader machine that needed a 1/3 c. That thing was a water hog.
About 1 tablespoon of Tide and I add a couple of splashes of white vinegar
Depends, if I’m using the good stuff (tide etc) I typically use a third to half the recommended unless I got very sweaty repeatedly then I’ll use the recommended amount.
If I’m using the dollar tree type stuff (and off brand) I use the full amount because it just seems watered down
1-2tablespoons of professional tide powder.
Probably a teaspoon. Maybe a teaspoon + half depending on how much I’m washing (blankets, throws, etc)
Edit: My scrubs come out immaculate and I work in a hospital – no stains left behind. Don’t know if that helps answer your question.
Also half the recommended amount (they are selling soap).
Roughly two tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle (or whatever the heck it’s called😁) or in other words, to Line 1 on their measuring cup. I have a large HE top loader and everything comes out very clean. Occasionally I’ll throw in a half scoop of OxiClean if it’s a very dirty load.
Unless you work in an 1800s coal mine you can typically use a tiny fraction of the recommended amount of soap.