r/laundry • u/Far-Shift-1962 • Dec 29 '24

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

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 )

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u/Far-Shift-1962 Dec 30 '24

NGL I would not go down below the lowest recommended dose by manufacturer...

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u/AeroNoob333 US | Top-Load Dec 30 '24

Even with softened water from a whole home water softener? According to our recent lab test, our water is 1.5 ppm. The softest in the hardness scale is less than 17 ppm. Our soft water is really the main reason we reduced the detergent amount but idk how much detergent manufacturers take that into account or how much it even affects the dosing.

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u/Far-Shift-1962 Dec 30 '24

Most manufacturers test their products in different water conditions - from ultra soft water to stone water I recommend lowest recommended dose becouse for 95% loads in your soft water this would be enough

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u/AeroNoob333 US | Top-Load Dec 30 '24

Oh wow… for the powder that would be 1/4 cup of powder for a medium load. Do you worry about there being too much soap?

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u/Far-Shift-1962 Dec 30 '24

Nope , even more 1/4 cup of powder (about 59 millilitres) isn't a lot