Doing the laundry is something many of us first learned about as children. Whether it was watching our mothers and grandmothers hand washing clothes, or helping to load the washing machine, washing clothes is one of those things that we are naturally familiar with.
This is why we’re sometimes afraid to admit when there’s something we’re not quite sure about, such as how to use washing powder correctly. Understanding the correct dosage for your detergent is sometimes tricky. After all, there are different dosing recommendations for powders, liquids, capsules, and tablets, for different levels of water hardness, for varying levels of dirt, and so on. So how much powder should you be using?
Dosing Guidelines
- ✦
It's recommended that around 110ml of powder is ideal for a single load of washing in the machine. Adding an extra 100ml of powder is advised, if your clothes are very heavily soiled, or if you’re planning to use the pre-wash setting on your washing machine.
- ✦
For liquid detergents, the recommended dose is only 35ml (rising to 52ml for heavily soiled clothing) because it is far more concentrated than powder.
- ✦
For capsules, it’s one capsule per wash, and for washing tablets, it’s between one and four tablets depending on water hardness. We recommend reading our guide on how to use laundry capsules to get more insights on how to maximise their benefits.
- ✦
Getting the correct dosage of washing capsules and tablets is simple – the dosage is already pre-measured so all you have to do is pop the correct number into the washing machine. However, for laundry powders and washing detergents, a little more effort is required. The washing powder scoop perfectly measures out 110ml, while the dosing ball measures 35ml.
- ✦
It’s important to remember that these dosing guidelines are just that – guidelines! Nothing is set in stone, and you may find that different manufacturers recommend different amounts of product. Use your initiative when it comes to your washing, but remember that the manufacturer’s recommendations are the best way to use these products safely and effectively. If your clothes are very heavily soiled or stained, or if you’re in an area that’s known for having particularly hard water, you may need to use a little more detergent.
Similarly, if you just want to give your clothes a quick refresh, you may be able to use less detergent.
Types of washing powders
1. Concentrated and regular washing powders
Regular formulas are easily accessible and are usually more affordable. On the other hand, while concentrated washing powders are more expensive, they are more potent. This also means that you’ll need less amount of washing powder if you’re opting for a concentrated formula.
2. Bio washing powders
Bio washing powders like Persil Bio contain enzymes that effectively break down stains. Moreover, they are ideal for removing protein-based stains like grass, eggs, vomit and blood. While non-bio washing powders don’t have enzymes, they are the best suited for individuals with sensitive skin. Note that the recommended dosage for these types of powders slightly varies. So, it’s best to check the packaging to know how much of the product you should use.
3. Eco-friendly washing powders
Some manufacturers also prioritise eco-friendly packaging and ingredients in washing powders. Usually, the dosage guidelines for these products depend on the water hardness and load size.
You will need:
Welcome to #CleanTok
The home of cleaning on TikTok. Brought to you by Cleanipedia.
Proud Supporter of #CleanTok
-
How to use washing powder in a machine
Not only can washing detergent dosage be a source of confusion, but knowing the best way to use detergent in a washing machine can also be tricky. Here’s how to use the powder in the machine.
-
1
Add the clothing into the washing machine
Pop your clothing into the washing machine. Make sure to add any delicate clothing into a laundry bag to prevent it being damaged by other clothing, or by the washing machine.
-
2
Choose and select your washing programme
Remember that if you’re opting for a pre-wash cycle, this will affect how much detergent you use (you’ll need around 100ml more).
-
3
Measure out the correct dose of washing powder
Measure out the correct dose of washing powder for your load of laundry, using more or less than recommended if you either have very dirty clothes or simply want to do a quick refresh.
-
4
Pour the washing powder into the correct compartment
Pour your washing powder into the correct compartment in the drawer of your machine. Pre-wash and main wash compartments are often labelled as ‘I’ and ‘II’ respectively.
Think of washing tablets as compacted powder, and use these in the same way. Liquid detergent can either be used in the drawer or placed into the drum of the machine inside the dosing ball, while capsules should always be placed inside the drum – about halfway between the middle and the back.
-
Take Our Cleaning Personality Test
Unlock hidden insights about yourself and gain a deeper understanding of your cleaning personality.
Using too much or too little powder
Why is getting the correct dose so important? Using too much detergent can mean that the water struggles to rinse off all the soap, leaving a residue on your clothing (if this happens, rinse your clothing under warm water). Using too little detergent means your clothes may not come out of the machine completely clean. It’s all about getting the right balance.
Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Dosage
Using washing powder in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner is not only good for your wallet but also for the environment. Here's how to strike that balance:
- 1
Follow Manufacturer Recommendations: Start by reading the manufacturer's instructions on the detergent packaging. They often provide guidelines for the optimal amount to use in different washing machines and water conditions.
- 2
Use a Measuring Cup: Invest in a measuring cup specifically for your detergent. This ensures you're using the recommended amount and prevents overpouring.
- 3
Consider Load Size: Match the amount of detergent to the size of your laundry load. Smaller loads require less detergent. Most modern washing machines have load-sensing features that adjust water usage accordingly.
- 4
Avoid Overloading: Overloading your washing machine can lead to inadequate detergent distribution and cleaning. This may tempt you to use more detergent than necessary. Follow the machine's load capacity recommendations. You can also check out our guide on how to use a washing machine to ensure that you’re running the ideal laundry load.
- 5
Choose Concentrated Detergents: Opt for concentrated washing powders, as they require smaller doses while offering the same cleaning power.
By being mindful of your detergent usage, you not only save money but also reduce the environmental impact associated with excessive detergent production and water consumption.
Reference: 1. Sanci, E. (2023, October 23). Stop using so much laundry detergent. Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/stop-using-so-much-laundry-detergent/
Frequently Asked Questions about Washing Powder
-
How do I know if I’m using too much laundry detergent?
If you notice that there are so many suds in the cycle or if the washer is overflowing, then it means you’re using too much laundry detergent. However, note that the effects of excessive laundry detergent usage are not always evident. For instance, too much powder manifests when your clothes smell bad after washing. -
How much laundry detergent should I use?
Most of the time, a tablespoon of laundry detergent is enough for a regular load. -
What is the best way to use washing powder?
Whether you have a top-loading or front-loading washing machine, what’s important is diluting the washing powder before adding it to a cycle. You can do this by mixing the powder with water or by adding it directly to the drum that already contains water. Once the powder has mixed well with the water, you can add your clothes to the cycle.
