We’re All Using Way Too Much Laundry Detergent

Here’s an easy way to save a little cash . . . stop using so much laundry detergent. Someone talked to a few laundry experts, and using too much soap can actually make your clothes LESS clean. Washing machines work by rubbing clothes together to remove dirt, and soap helps with that. But too much can make them so slick, there’s not enough friction. So how much detergent should you be using then? Probably less than what the bottle recommends. A small load might need as little as a TABLESPOON of detergent, or 2 for larger loads. To put that in perspective, a shot glass is three tablespoons. And for high-efficiency washers, it’s even less (as little as 1 TEASPOON for small loads, and 2 to 3 for bigger loads. To start, try cutting their recommended amount in half, and see how your clothes look. Then dial it up or down if you need to. Less detergent can also prevent clothes from fading, and it’s easier on your washing machine.