Interesting article on laundry detergent

[ilovejack02]

We must have really terrible water around here. We have a HE washer. I can add 2 full caps of REGULAR detergent to a load of clothes and there is not a sud to be found.

WOW.. that sounds like way to much !

 

[MosMom]

I use a **** load of Tide and that's the way I like it!

 

[Trish Bessette]

I'm use 2 capfulls! But never have an over abundance of suds. Must be that Vermont water

You should see me with my liquid downy - watch out!

I've never received more compliments in my life than that from strangers about how good my clothes smell. My neighbors have told me they open their windows when the wind is blowing the right way because the smell of my clothes drying goes right into their house

 

[bettymae1121]

I use only a fraction of what is called for, but I add a cup of baking soda which makes the detergent work better, thus I need less. My clothes come out beautifully!

As soon as my last bottle of detergent is used up, I'm going to try and make my own. Not so much for cost savings, but just to be more green!

 

[surfergirl602]

was this the article on yahoo? It included dishwashing soap as well?

 

[DarthKTrava]

You're not supposed to see suds???

Seriously, I didn't know that.

 

[Kath2003]

I generally use half the recommended amount at most. I have never had anything come out dirty. I also only use the 30 minute cycle.

 

[C.Ann]

I don't remember where I read it though. In it, the author described how many people use too much laundry detergent. He stated if you can see suds, you're using too much. Well, that's me.

He stated it's hard on your washing machine and of course the clothes. It was suggested to run your laundry without any soap and see if it suds up. I did that and yes it did. Now scaling back on the detergent. I was using the lines, but I guess I need to go down a line.

Do you use too much detergent?

I read something similar a few years ago - in Good Housekeeping, I believe.. It stated that the jug of liquid laundry detergent could be separated into two containers and then filled the rest of the way with water.. Your clothes would come out just as clean and it wouldn't be as damaging to your washing machine..

It also said that the same applied to liquid fabric softener and liquid dish detergent..

I decided to try it - and sure enough, there was absolutely no difference in cleanliness or softness..

Even hair shampoo and conditioner can be watered down by a quarter - without any difference in performance..

 

[golfgal]

Good, not I can get DH to read this. He has been doing laundry lately and has been using a FULL CUP of Tide powder. Our clothes are still, scratchy and have residue on them but you know, the box says.... . I use about and 1/8 of a cup and the clothes come out cleaner.

 

[Sky Blue Pink]

I can remember back in high school, my best friend's mother looking over the top of her glasses and saying, "You only need 2 tablespoons, Betty! 2 tablespoons!"

 

[englishteacha]

I'm experimenting with the amount of detergent I use. I also read that article, but it was after I'd started reducing what I use. I believe it's posted on the budget board.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I read something similar a few years ago - in Good Housekeeping, I believe.. It stated that the jug of liquid laundry detergent could be separated into two containers and then filled the rest of the way with water.. Your clothes would come out just as clean and it wouldn't be as damaging to your washing machine..

It also said that the same applied to liquid fabric softener and liquid dish detergent..

I decided to try it - and sure enough, there was absolutely no difference in cleanliness or softness..

Even hair shampoo and conditioner can be watered down by a quarter - without any difference in performance..

I do water down shampoo and dish detergent. Works fine. I thought of you, C.Ann. I had about a half a jug of laundry detergent and I put some water in there too. I'm doing a load now and I still see suds. I'll need to be more careful pour it out. It came out fast!

Robinrs, I would try the dish detergent, except for the HE washers *state* you have to use the HE detergent. My luck, I'd use the dish detergent and the thing would break down. *I know it wouldn't*, but if you don't go by the book for the warranty, you're out! But it does sound like a good way to go.

 

[ReneeA]

I cut down the amount of detergent I use a few years ago - I use about 1/3 of what the box says to use. Everything comes out clean - including my kid's filthy stained clothing. Better for the environment, better for the washer, better on my pocketbook. Now if I could find a way to have less loads a week to do.