Hello! We’re back with another article! This time, we wanted to give you some tips for using the perfect amount of laundry detergent.
Believe it or not, this is one of the most common issues that we heard from customers. They always ask how to know exactly how much to use.
As always, make sure you check Dallas Maids of Frisco main page. We’re a professional cleaning service in the Frisco area. And we certainly know all the secrets to wash your clothes if you need us to!
Now, here are 7 tips if you want to use the perfect amount of laundry detergent.
Check the Label and Follow Instructions
This step is overlooked often and it’s one of the keys to use the perfect amount. Most people don’t read the instructions to know the exact amount they need to use. Many brands even suggest different amounts depending on the type of laundry (e.g., color, heavy-duty, etc.).
Many times it’s because you’re in a hurry or you just don’t pay mind to it. Other times it’s because you don’t have a measuring scoop or cup at hand.
Check your load size and try not to overload your washing machine with too many clothes, because you will need more detergent and your clothes might not get washed properly.
Besides, too much detergent can cause excessive sudsing, which can reduce the effectiveness of your washing machine and even damage your clothes.
Related: How to Wash your Washing Machine
Use a Laundry Detergent Container or Bottle
One of the best ways to keep track of how much detergent you’re using is by buying a plastic detergent container. A transparent container, of course.
If you have laundry detergent powder, you can use a container with measurement marks.
For liquid laundry detergent, you can use many bottles as dispensers which is perfect to use the perfect amount of laundry detergent.
Whether that’s a faucet dispenser or a pump dispenser, they are perfect because you know they are using a consistent amount of detergent.
Use a Laundry Detergent Scoop
Laundry detergent scoops are one of the best solutions. Besides a detergent container, we recommend you have a measuring scoop with the suggested amount for each load of laundry.
Keep a specific scoop for your detergent because a) you don’t want to mix that with your kitchen utensils, and b) you will have your scoop always at hand and you won’t forget to use it.
A detergent scoop helps you make sure you are using the recommended amount of detergent according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As we were mentioning earlier, this helps you save detergent and ensure your clothes are properly cleaned without using excessive detergent.
Related: Cleaning Underarm Stains with Homemade DIY Cleaners
Adjust for Water Hardness
This is a question that we get frequently asked as well. Just like some detergent brands suggest different amounts depending on your type of load, they also suggest increasing the amount of detergent if you have hard water.
If you live in Frisco, you probably have hard water, which means that your tap water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Also, these minerals can react with the surfactants in laundry detergents and reduce their efficacy.
By using laundry detergent, you will counteract the effects of these minerals and your clothes will come out clean. The additional detergent will be able to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits on your clothes as well.
As we mentioned earlier, always follow the recommended dosage on the detergent packaging, and you can do some research first if they do not suggest any other dosages for hard water.
Choose Laundry Detergent Pods
You also have the choice of using detergent pods. These pods are sometimes a bit pricier (although you can get some great discounts here and there!).
However, you can save some money in the long run if you tend to use too much detergent powder or liquid. This is because detergent pods are formulated to be able to wash a large load of laundry, Detergent pods are easier to use because they are pre-measured, which means you won’t have to use measuring cups or messy spills.
Pods are also compact and lightweight, which means they are perfect to transport. If you don’t have a washing machine at home and you need to go somewhere else, they could be a good choice.
They are often concentrated because they are quite compact and able to dissolve quickly and thoroughly.
Last but not least, many of them are eco-friendly because they use less packaging, and reduce the amount of water needed for laundry.
Related: Vinegar, A Very Versatile Cleaner
Choose Laundry Detergent Sheets
Laundry detergent sheets work just as effectively as detergent pods. However, unlike pods, you can split sheets in half.
Detergent sheets are often plastic-free, which makes them a fantastic option if you are trying to become (or already are!) eco-friendly. They are also lightweight and compact, just like detergent pods.
Many of them come from eco-friendly brands, which means they are also vegan, free of dyes and artificial brighteners.
Plus, sheets are often fragrance-free as well, so you can leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean without strong fragrances (if that is your preference).
If you have high-efficiency washing machines, you can find laundry sheet brands that work with this type of washing machine.
Create Your DIY Laundry Detergent Pods
Last but not least, we have a DIY detergent pods solution to share! It’s perfect to save time as well because next time you only have to grab one of your pods and toss it in the washer.
Here are the steps to create your own DIY laundry detergent pods:
You will need:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup grated castile soap
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup coarse salt
- Additionally, you can add 10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oils (this is optional).
In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients except for the vinegar and the essential oils. Now, slowly add the white vinegar to the mixture, and stir until it is evenly distributed.
This will create a small chemical reaction where you will see bubbles. That’s completely ok and harmless!
Just wait until this reaction is completed and the mixture will start to clump together.
Pack the mixture into a silicone mold or ice cube tray. Make sure the mix is tightly packed by pressing down firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Let the pods dry for 24 hours until they are nice and dry.
Pop them out of the mold after 24 hours and store them in an airtight container. You can use mason jars with airtight lids.
There you have it! Every time you need to do laundry, just take one or two pods (for towels or weighted blankets) and let the pods do their job.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! Now you know how to use the perfect amount of laundry detergent.
Don’t forget to check our blog for more cleaning tips. And, as always, check our main page if you need a professional cleaning service in Frisco.
We’ll be back soon!