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How much laundry detergent should you use?

Using the right amount of laundry detergent is crucial for helping to maintain your clothes' quality and your washing machine's performance. Too much detergent can leave residue, while too little may not clean effectively. Following the detergent label will help you properly adjust for load size and soil level. For HE washers, use HE detergent, which may require smaller amounts than traditional detergent.

Proper laundry care goes beyond just separating colors and whites. It involves understanding your washing machine, choosing the right detergent and using the correct amount. Read on to learn laundry day tips for different detergent types and situations.

Signs you are using too much laundry detergent

Recognizing the signs of excessive detergent use can help you adjust your habits and protect both your clothes and washing machine. Watch out for these indicators:

Slimy feeling inside the washing basin or washer drum
Musty smell in the washer
White detergent residue left on clothing

These signs suggest that your washer is struggling to rinse away excess detergent, which can lead to buildup in your machine and on your clothes.

What to consider when measuring laundry detergent

Several factors influence the amount of laundry detergent you should use. Consider these tips for optimal cleaning results:

Load size

The size of your laundry load directly affects how much detergent you need. Larger loads require more detergent to clean effectively. Most detergent products provide guidelines for small, medium and large loads.

Type of washer

The type of washing machine you have is crucial in determining detergent usage. High-efficiency (HE) washers use less water than traditional machines, requiring HE detergent in smaller doses. Always check for the HE logo on your washer and use compatible detergent to avoid over-sudsing and excessive rinse cycles.

Soil level

The dirtiness of your laundry impacts detergent needs. More heavily soiled clothes typically require more detergent to effectively remove stains and odors. Adjust your detergent amount based on how dirty your laundry is for best results.

Types of laundry detergent and recommended amounts

Different types of laundry detergent require specific usage instructions. Read on to learn more about using the right amount for each type.

Liquid detergent

For liquid detergents, use the measuring cup provided and follow the label instructions based on load size and soil level. Some newer detergents come with easy-dose caps or pumps for more precise measurements.

Shop Swash^® Laundry Detergent

Swash^® Laundry Detergent¹ offers a powerful cleaning solution with its 8x concentrated formula, allowing you to use less detergent per load without sacrificing effectiveness. Its innovative Auto-Stop Top ensures precise dosing every time, taking the guesswork out of measuring and helping to prevent detergent waste and residue buildup in your washer.

Laundry pods

Laundry pods contain pre-measured detergent doses. Use one pod for average loads and soil levels. For larger or heavily soiled loads, you may need to use more than one pod.

Laundry powder

When using powder detergent, refer to the measuring scoop provided in the container. Follow the markings on the scoop and adjust based on load size, water hardness and soil level.

Laundry detergent sheets

Laundry detergent sheets are pre-measured for convenience. Typically, use one sheet per load, but consult the product packaging for specific instructions based on load size and soil level.

Explore Whirlpool^® Washers with The Load & Go^™ Dispenser

Whirlpool^® Washing Machines offer innovative solutions to help streamline your laundry routine, with features on select models like the Load & Go^™ Dispenser leading the way. This convenient technology automatically adds the right amount of detergent for each load, eliminating guesswork and helping ensure optimal cleaning. By precisely measuring detergent based on cycle type, load size and soil level, Load & Go^™ helps maintain your clothes^' quality while protecting your washer from detergent buildup. With a Whirlpool^® Washing Machine, you can trust that your laundry will come out clean and fresh every time.