Thread Number: 96606  /  Tag: Detergents and Additives
Here we go again. Are we using too much detergent? 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 1213647   9/2/2024 at 03:02 by Ultramatic (New York City)        

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This Is How Much Laundry Detergent You Should Actually Use — And Yes, It's Shocking

Unfortunately, we have some bad news for you: You’re probably doing your laundry all wrong.

 

CLICK HERE TO GO TO Ultramatic's LINK



Post# 1213650 , Reply# 1   9/2/2024 at 03:27 by kalanikaau1 (Honolulu, Hawaii)        
Persil

 kalanikaau1's profile picture
I use Persil pods exclusively for all my laundry, I simply toss a pod into my Speed Queen top loader and let the detergent and machine do it's thing.

Growing up as a kid, my Mother would use Rinso Blue powder exclusively, it produced copious amounts of suds in our GE Filter-Flo machine, a characteristic which I equated to clean laundry.

The Persil pods generate very few suds, if any at all, however my laundry is outstandingly clean.

Times have sure changed...

Post# 1213652 , Reply# 2   9/2/2024 at 04:31 by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

I mean no wonder, if you only wash on the Express cycle, much more than a minimal dose won't rinse off.

And if you really think EVERYTHING is always right on Express, you just know plain nothing about washing.

What about wool? Delicates? Your pillows?

Post# 1213653 , Reply# 3   9/2/2024 at 04:55 by mrboilwash (Munich,Germany)        

mrboilwash's profile picture
Are those people getting payed by environmental authorities for spreading BS like this?

That would be the only logical explanation I could think of. LOL

Post# 1213654 , Reply# 4   9/2/2024 at 05:42 by angus (Fairfield, CT.)        

The guys writing the article are using that Patric Richardson as (a/k/a "The Laundry Evangelist" or something like that) their "expert". I believe his name has come up in another thread before and he was spouting the same nonsense. If I recall correctly, he was advocating using cold water, minimal detergent and "express" cycles for almost everything. Far as I am concerned, he has zero credibility but knows how to market himself. But I'll say no more....

Post# 1213680 , Reply# 5   9/2/2024 at 12:38 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
Persil Pods

 I use however many Persil pods are required according to the load size even 3 pods for the biggest and dirtiest loads, particularly at super. This is according to the directions on the package. 2 for large and 1 for small to medium loads. 3 is for super or full loads.



This post was last edited 09/02/2024 at 13:55
Post# 1213681 , Reply# 6   9/2/2024 at 12:42 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
Oh Dear...

 It's that so-called "laundry evangelist" again! Somebody save us! I use heavy duty for everything. As for the Speed Queen Commercial Washers at my apartment, I use the equivalent normal cycle combined with heavy soil and I get the best performance. This stupid idiot knows absolutely nothing about laundry.
Where did they find this guy? What the heck? There's no dedicated heavy duty cycle, so the normal cycle + heavy soil setting will suffice as that is the equivalent. That's how I'd get deep rinse. Patrick Richardson must be high on stupid or something because he has no idea on what he's talking about. I could just shutter thinking about his "suggestions" that do nothing.



This post was last edited 09/02/2024 at 14:26
Post# 1213683 , Reply# 7   9/2/2024 at 13:02 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
to Angus and henene4...

 Don't forget about heavily soiled and stained laundry. No way will the express cycle clean that filthy load with a tiny ounce of detergent. He recommends soap over detergent. No thank you. I'm sorry, but growing up watching my family doing laundry taught me this. Anything that's smelly and dirty needs a long cycle that a washer has available. I especially did this when I and my dad did laundry. We have always used the extra heavy cycle on our GE model T we had. Normal/fast speed combo was the preferred setting, and we typically did super sized loads with the proportion of detergent necessary. Sometimes, we'd use auto soak 30. 2 tablespoons for the toughest loads... give me a break! This is why I! DO! MY! OWN! LAUNDRY! Perhaps I'm getting cranky over this nonsense. No wonder why most average people are walking around looking like stupid crap. But us on the other hand, we cannot be fooled! Maybe I'm failing to understand how that tiny amount will do anything. Today's washers are more advanced than ever and have different cycles for every need. I only use express for EMERGENCIES! It's not for EVERYDAY use! I'm done! I must say no more...



This post was last edited 09/02/2024 at 14:21
Post# 1213684 , Reply# 8   9/2/2024 at 14:13 by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Yeah, I caught this yesterday. At least they advocate using warm water wash and not cold all the time. Also, my "express" cycle has no interim spins and doesn't spin until last rinse. Unacceptable.

Post# 1213685 , Reply# 9   9/2/2024 at 14:29 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
to appnut

 I don't want carryover of dirty water and laundry detergent going into the fabric softener rinse water. I want it spun out before the final rinse. This is why I'd use normal on my LG front loaders 99% of the time. Maybe even 100%. Dirty water must be spun out, period. It's just shameful that we have to put up with this mess. He's lucky I'm not doing his laundry, or else...

Post# 1213687 , Reply# 10   9/2/2024 at 14:49 by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Jerome, other than delicate, my washer spins after main wash and each individual rinse for all cycles. .

Post# 1213688 , Reply# 11   9/2/2024 at 14:55 by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
I think we established before that the Laundry Evangelist gives bad advice. This only confirms this. BTW, evangelist? I suppose he likes to convert us to his beliefs. 🙄

I will stick to the facts. Fact is that liquid detergent can not contain oxygen bleach. Powder can. I will only use powders for whites. My whites show that. And my neighbours can confirm that. 😊



Post# 1213692 , Reply# 12   9/2/2024 at 16:32 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
foraloysius...

 Well, if the so-called laundry evangelist is thinking about trying to convert me, think again. It won't work with me. The reason why my clothes feel so great as good as they look is because I use common sense. Others notice me. And I use the correct cycles according to what I'm washing. Same with temp and soil level.

Post# 1213693 , Reply# 13   9/2/2024 at 16:41 by me (Essex, UK)        

Well, his advice might be good for filling a few column inches, but I certainly wouldn't follow his guidance on getting laundry clean!

On UK washing machines at least quick cycles are pretty useless, they are only intended for a few items at the very most, that aren't really dirty, something like a shirt you've had on once and just needs a quick freshening up.

Post# 1213694 , Reply# 14   9/2/2024 at 16:42 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
warm water

 I think he says that warm water is at 80 degrees fahrenheit. That will not remove any tough stains or bad odors. Seriously, what the heck did he do? Where are his experiments? I think his clothes are still filthy looking doing laundry like that.
How are you going to remove any sweat smells from somebody who played sports or was working outside on a hot summer day if you wash like that? It's not going to work in any capacity. You need to use the recommended amount of detergent and a longer wash cycle. That's what common sense says. Speed wash is for emergency loads that are very small and lightly soiled. It's meant for refreshing laundry. No wonder why people have dingy laundry following this guy's advise. I've never seen a washer with bulky or sanitary until the 2000s. I'm disgusted reading that link about what he said. A full cup of detergent would be useful for even the worst of the worst loads with the most set-in stains especially in a top loader with a dual action agitator that fills up completely. Persil Advanced Clean oxi+odor is where it's at. Or in my case, the ultra packs in the same variant. I'd use 3 at the most for the toughest and biggest loads.

Post# 1213695 , Reply# 15   9/2/2024 at 16:54 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
to appnut

 Mine does too. The cycle I'd use for everyday use is the cotton/normal.

Post# 1213705 , Reply# 16   9/2/2024 at 19:06 by MattL (Flushing, MI)        

Not that I have any faith in this "expert", but I do only use 2TBS of Persil liquid in most medium sized loads and stuff comes out clean. I have to say I use the express cycle about 75% of the time on my Duets.  But they let me add 10 minutes to the cycle so it does a  good job overall.
Post# 1213708 , Reply# 17   9/2/2024 at 20:26 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
old school

 I'm old school, so I'd rather do things according to the label and common sense after doing my own laundry since I was 7 years old. I use the machine's proper cycles based on load content, not on whatever an "expert" says. I find that doing things the proper way yields the best results. Call me old school, but I know what works. It has yet to fail me. The Speed Queens at my apartment complex always do the job provided I use heavy soil on the normal cycle, which I always use anyway. There's no residue behind, even when using softener. It just mixes through completely. You can call me old school. I know how doing laundry should get done. Maybe I'm set in my ways but I'm not impressed with this "expert". Some things are better left unchanged.

Post# 1213709 , Reply# 18   9/2/2024 at 20:36 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
for everyday loads

 I just use the real normal cycle for everyday loads. In the case of the Speed Queen Classic, I'd use heavy duty and treat it as the normal cycle. My apartment complex has the commercial equivalent and I always select heavy soil on the normal cycle for a deep rinse. I stay away from light and medium soils because they only provide a spray rinse. I'm a stickler on how laundry should get done.

Post# 1213711 , Reply# 19   9/2/2024 at 20:42 by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)        

daveamkrayoguy's profile picture

quite certain i load up the dispenser right from my scoop if its powder, or if its liquid, poured right from my jug, and the laundry gets clean without ever needing an extra rinse or washed all over again without any detergent from it being too soapy, so i am doing it right!

 

end of story...

 

 

 

-- dave
Post# 1213714 , Reply# 20   9/2/2024 at 21:47 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
Dave...

 Can you just imagine how the laundry evangelist's clothes would look if he had blood clothes washed like that? Using an ounce of soap at the express cycle doesn't cut it at all. Blood stains require soaking and a long wash cycle coupled with a reasonable amount of detergent. He must be high on drugs to think his suggestions work for ALL loads regardless even when stained with blood.

Post# 1213723 , Reply# 21   9/3/2024 at 01:30 by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)        

daveamkrayoguy's profile picture
Never bleed, or have had enough of a good many of anyone who bleeds really, but a solution is using a solution called hydrogen peroxide would help if being applied for the most part...

And a realistic amount of laundry soap, put in that dispenser or rubbed on those garments, along with a stain remover, (which he seems to abhoard any use of) by far...

Now let's read and discuss a few more probably similar "soap box rant articles down below about doing other things wrong"...



-- Dave

Post# 1213735 , Reply# 22   9/3/2024 at 08:15 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
doing things wrong

 I don't think I'm doing anything wrong. Can you just imagine how he'd react if he found out how we did full loads of laundry and dishes? How does he expect tough stains to come out in 30 minutes or less? He only advocates using soap, not detergent. I'm sorry, but I'm convinced that tough stains like dirt, grass, blood, etc. will still be there. No thank you. I'm doing my laundry right. End of story! Detergents need enzymes to work properly! Thank you very much!



This post was last edited 09/03/2024 at 11:52
Post# 1213738 , Reply# 23   9/3/2024 at 09:24 by CleanteamofNY ((Monroe, New York)        

cleanteamofny's profile picture


I do not know if this was ever posted here:
It's interesting, but I am unsure if it lives up to the hype.




?si=ChfvXHJM_NJRi8T1


Post# 1213746 , Reply# 24   9/3/2024 at 12:07 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
how washers work

 So now people are just figuring out how washers work? I thought they'd know by now.

Post# 1213747 , Reply# 25   9/3/2024 at 12:17 by RyneR1988 (Indianapolis)        

ryner1988's profile picture
For measuring detergent, I just follow the damn manufacturer's instructions. There is so much division online about this issue from so-called experts and laundry enthusiasts alike that I feel like the best way to go is just follow what the maker of the product says to do. So, with Tide, that's up to line 3 for a large load, which is what I wash 90% of the time.

Now, with something like a front loader which uses substantially less water, I might have to revise this method, but for now it works.

Ryne

Post# 1213756 , Reply# 26   9/3/2024 at 14:53 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
to Ryne...

 I do the same with Persil Ultra pacs advanced clean. I follow the directions based on load size and soil level. My dark load is the largest, followed by lights, then whites.

Post# 1213805 , Reply# 27   9/4/2024 at 06:59 by Combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Are people using too much detergent?

 combo52's profile picture
Not very likely there’s a much greater tendency to not use enough detergent. You should use what the manufacturer recommends and make adjustments for how dirty the clothes are how hard your water is and the temperature of the water you need more detergent for cooler, water, dirtier clothes, and harder water.

Many detergents recommend using less in a front load or high-efficiency washer, the only thing I council people to Do is to use adequate amount of detergent and if you have a front loading washer, I generally recommend using one extra rinse at least.

On full fill Top load machines you should not ever use an extra rinse unless your water is totally soft. Once you rinse away all the detergent properties you start rinsing minerals back into your clothing and also leaves a mineral buildup in the machine which can be damaging to seals, etc..

John

Post# 1213807 , Reply# 28   9/4/2024 at 09:22 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
I still don't get it...

 I still don't get it. How do you expect the dirtiest clothes to get in an express cycle with just 2 tablespoons of detergent? Suppose if you work in construction or play tough sports like football where you get scrapes and there's blood or you get smelly. I guess the laundry evangelist fails to comprehend and take it into consideration. Instead, he recommends real soap.

Post# 1213812 , Reply# 29   9/4/2024 at 10:01 by qsd-dan (West)        

qsd-dan's profile picture
It's easy to overdose detergent in a front loader, I'll agree with that. However most are probably not using enough in a top loader, especially in hard water areas.

Everybody is using too cold water temps otherwise there would be no complaints of odors and no market for washing machine cleaners.

Post# 1213823 , Reply# 30   9/4/2024 at 11:09 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
selling with more money

 I've heard people say that detergent manufacturers want you to use more so they'll sell you more for money and an ounce is adequate no matter what or how filthy your clothes are. I've learned that not even the recommended amount is good enough for the filthiest loads, and some clothes loads need soaking.
Also, what happens when you have set-in stains like blood? I use Persil advanced clean ultra pacs and they do much better than Tide. Very little or no suds are present.

Post# 1213874 , Reply# 31   9/5/2024 at 04:54 by Hoover1100 (UK)        
Detergent dosage

 I have experimented with different dosages but have always found the recommended dosages on the pack are necessary.

We have fairly soft water here, 3.4dh, but I still find with any products I need to use the dosage for medium water to get best results.

Is blood a difficult stain to remove? Presumably it was before detergents had enzymes in them, but I have never had even bad, dried in blood stains not be completely removed first time even in a short wash with cheaper detergents. I have never needed to pre-treat a blood stains, just wash as usual.


Post# 1213878 , Reply# 32   9/5/2024 at 07:14 by Suburbanmd (Maryland, USA)        
Why would detergent mfrs tell us to use too much

 …when it’s sold by the number of loads in a package? A 113-load box of Tide, say, would be smaller and cost less to make if they lowered the dose. I know that legally speaking it’s sold by weight, but I think number of loads is what most consumers look at.

Post# 1213884 , Reply# 33   9/5/2024 at 09:22 by me (Essex, UK)        
Reply#32

 I was going to say the same thing. There's not much brand loyalty these days, many people shop for detergents on cost per wash, so it is in manufacturer's interests to give good advice and they test their products in washing machines to ensure it is accurate.

Recommending a larger dose than needed would cost manufacturer's sales, and advising to use too little would give poor results and could put people completely off the product. The one way it could be said manufacturers cheat in the UK is the dosage count given on the packet/bottle is still based on a 4 - 5kg machine, so with modern machines 8kg+ exaggerates the number of washes per packet.

I follow the detergent manufacturer's dosage guide for my machine size, water hardness (mine is 340ppm so pretty hard) and the soiling level, and follow the care label on the clothing for the most delicate item I put in the wash for wash type and temperature - usually 40°C medium (synthetic) wash for most clothing and I always add an extra rinse because otherwise I can feel the detergent residue and it brings me out it a rash, modern machines don't do enough rinsing by default.

Post# 1213885 , Reply# 34   9/5/2024 at 09:42 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
proper cycle

 On top of that, I use the proper cycle for the best results. Most times, I'll use the normal cycle or heavy duty cycle for my everyday loads if the normal cycle is an eco cycle. If it's the real normal cycle, then I'll continue to use that cycle. Time is not my issue. Results are.

Post# 1213886 , Reply# 35   9/5/2024 at 09:46 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
to hoover1100

 Cycle is important too. I always use the recommended cycle per load, not what a so-called "laundry expert" says who knows nothing about washing. No wonder why most people blindly follow his advice which leads to more laundry problems down the road.

Post# 1213989 , Reply# 36   9/6/2024 at 14:32 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
whitest whites

 I'd use the whitest whites cycle when washing whites last. If it does take over 2 hours as he claims, I'd use the turbo wash if available. I'm not that in big of a rush. GEEZ!

Post# 1214025 , Reply# 37   9/6/2024 at 21:56 by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)        

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I had been using powder for the longest time until recently switching to liquid... Now that I'm using liquid...I figured the manufacturers recommended amount would be way too much, right? But I decided to be good on my first use and measure what the recommended amount was....even though the lines on the cap are basically invisible without a flashlight. It's amazing how LITTLE detergent that is...and that's the manufactuers recommended amount... Honestly, I couldn't fathom using any less than that.

Post# 1214026 , Reply# 38   9/6/2024 at 22:18 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
recommended amount

 I couldn't fathom using less than the recommended amount either. Seriously. It's not pure soap for crying out loud! And the reason why all these cycles are present on new machines because the manufacturer has different recommendations for different fabrics you're trying to wash. If I want to use the whitest whites cycle that takes allegedly 2 hours, fine! I can transfer the whites into the dryer the next morning when I wake up. Is it really that hard? And whites would be the last load I'd do with bleach! If my dad found out that I used just 2 tablespoons for a filthy load on the express cycle like that, he'd chew me out in a minute! Not in my house. It's extra heavy cycle or soaking. Period. And that was with my previous GE.

Post# 1214108 , Reply# 39   9/8/2024 at 05:19 by chetlaham (United States)        

chetlaham's profile picture

Other than the possibility of itch with scented detergents I've never had an issue with over-dosing, but have found under-dosing leads to poor wash results and would imagine over time that grime would build up in the machine.

 

 

I've heard for years that those heaping doses of detergents in advertisements are meant to get people to buy more detergent, however I'm beginning to realize there may be truth to the pics.
Post# 1214136 , Reply# 40   9/8/2024 at 13:05 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
grime

 Apparently, this so-called "expert" hasn't gotten the memo that using the smallest dosage leads to poor cleaning as well as using express for filthy sweaty loads. I could see overnight washing or soaking for the worst loads, but that would be in the most extreme cases. I do agree with him on using warm water, but color groups and fabric types have to be taken into consideration. I do use the suggested cottons cycle or a varying name like regular or normal not the eco one, just the heavy duty cycle on Speed Queen because I take cleanliness VERY seriously. I have to question his scientific methods.
What ever happened to plain old common sense? Not everything will be completely clean with just 2 tablespoons. I've learned that the hard way. As my dad would say, "We don't do lightweight washing around here when it comes to laundry." Back to the grime, people who take Patrick Richardson's advice are not washing away any grime in their clothes, let alone their machines.
Think about all the smells that are left behind using his "products". I don't believe what his book says, nor do I want to read that stupid book. I could just see people complaining about mold, mildue, and skin issues down the road and using his methods that waste time. I've also heard that he recommends using vodka in the laundry which I suspect will make this worse while trying to cover up the grime when in reality, makes it look worse. Oh well, perhaps I'm already getting cranky in my early 30's. 30 minutes is not enough unless the washer in question has turbo wash technology with powerful water recirculation jets and a powerful fresh water rinse jet. I could just imagine people throwing away their clothes sooner than later due to following that stupid advice. So, you're not really saving money as led to believe. Oh, and more cleaning cycles all because people don't read their actual owner's manuals and follow the recommendations set forth by the manual. I shouldn't have to keep bringing that up, but some people just don't get it. Chetlaham, I know how you feel. I'm old school when it comes to doing laundry, and it should be done the right way. Maybe I'm tripping and losing my mind, but washing clothes with heavy ground-in dirt and stains with just 2 tablespoons of soap will not come out or even work, period.
Maybe it's just me, but I'm losing my head, stuck in my bed over stupidity like this. Idiocy like this will get people sick with skin rashes, legions, deadly and harmful bacteria, etc. I use a real laundry detergent, fabric softener, and chlorine bleach in the proper quantities and use the correct cycle. Enzymes need time to work. No exceptions. I must say no more...



This post was last edited 09/08/2024 at 18:32
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