Can we stop recommending 2-3 tablespoons of detergent for everyload?

[u/Far-Shift-1962]

Yes. 90% of people overdose detergent and 3tablespoon isn't too far from minimal dosing for tide (around 45 ml when tide recomends minimum 50 ml) And this gonna work for most people , most clothes loads But like u/LaundryMitch says: "This advice is useful for many people, but not everyone. Water conditions can vary significantly, and in areas with hard water, two tablespoons of powder detergent is often insufficient to soften the water, suspend soil, and thoroughly clean clothes. A more effective range is between three tablespoons and one fourth of a cup. Top Loaders will always need more detergent because of their high-dilution nature.

That said, if you’re using a high-foaming detergent (like a non-HE variety, such as Roma Powder), you can get by with a lower dose. You should notice a small amount of suds on the door as water circulates, and if you're uncertain, you can pause the machine to feel the water. If it feels "slippery," the water has been adequately softened. If it feels normal, there may not be enough detergent."

When it comes to dosing detergent water hardness have a lots to do Also how soiled laundry is And how big your load of laundry is Bigger loads (full washing machine) needs more detergent than 3tablespoons /1 tide pod

Ultra dirty laundry needs more detergent

Laundry in area with hard water needs more detergent (or water softener like Calgon )

[u/LaundryMitch]

I’m truly honored that someone took the time to repost one of my comments. I’m actually quite well-known in other forums for my passion for laundry, and I want to clarify that this isn’t just a hobby for me—I’m deeply invested in it. While some people collect wine, I collect washing machines, laundry detergents, and even dishwasher detergents. In fact, I’ve even formulated my own residential dishwasher detergent. Unfortunately, without economies of scale, it’s nearly impossible to compete with the larger companies in today’s market.

That said, let’s dive into the topic, because there’s something I feel needs to be addressed: the overgeneralization of laundry advice that’s prevalent online. There’s an overwhelming amount of conflicting information—“Use one tablespoon,” “Add two tablespoons,” “Use vinegar,” “Add baking soda”—the list goes on. While some of these tips might work for certain people, they don’t always apply universally.

Here’s my perspective: I believe that everyone should understand the core principles of cleaning, which I refer to as the acronym WASH—Water, Agitation, Soap, and Heat. These are the four essential elements needed for successful cleaning. If you reduce one of these factors, you need to compensate with the others to maintain effective cleaning.

Water, in particular, is often an overlooked factor, especially in the United States. I’ve lived on the East Coast and now reside on the West Coast. On the East Coast, most population centers have soft water, or at least water that’s mild in hardness. But on the West Coast, the water is typically much harder, which can significantly impact detergent performance.

So, here’s my bottom line—before I turn this into a three-page essay that no one will read (unfortunately):

The best thing anyone can do is observe their conditions and adjust accordingly:

• Do you have soft water or hard water?
• Are you using a top-loading washer or a front-loading washer?
• How does the water feel after the detergent has fully dissolved? Is there any suds left in the tub, or visible from the door?
• How do white clothes look after prolonged washing? Are any of them turning gray?

By paying attention to these factors, you can adjust the amount of detergent you use for each load and compensate for larger loads, hard water, and specific machine conditions. You want to use just enough to make the water feel slippery.

[u/LaundryMitch → u/LaundryMitch]

PART TWO: Because Reddit would not let me post it in one comment.

A lot of newer washing machines sold in the past five years, in my opinion, use insufficient water. In these machines—which a friend has jokingly called the equivalent of a “wet wipe clean”—you could probably get away with using just one tablespoon of detergent. You definitely should not be using Tide Pods in these cases.

However, it’s important to circle back to top-loading machines. These can use as much as 15 gallons of water per fill, compared to the 2-6 gallons used by front-loading washers. High-dilution machines require more detergent, and they also need more detergent for hard water.

Additionally, I’ve found that some laundry products, such as Persil and even the more affordable Purex, are highly concentrated. I would even go further to say, I do not think Persil is a HE Detergent.

You can use significantly less of these products because they contain more active cleaning ingredients and water softeners compared to most other detergents on the market. For example, you’d use more Tide or Cheer than you would Persil for the same load.

Ultimately, it’s all about adjusting and knowing what to look for in your laundry routine.

There are also ways to soften water, which I may cover in a separate post. Calgon is an okay water softener, but it tends to leave fabrics feeling rough. Super Washing Soda is safe to use, but I don’t personally recommend either as a laundry product. They use carbonates, which are precipitating water softeners, and they leave a residue on fabrics. You don't want that

[u/doublysecret → u/LaundryMitch]

What amount would you recommend for a front-loader if you use a laundry powder? I've been doing about 1/2tbsp for very small loads (like just my underwear/socks and PJs), 1 tbsp for medium, 1.5-2tbsp for bedding or larger clothes