I've been reading the comments from the ThriftyFun community. Many of us have had problems due to the new liquid laundry detergents, since there's been an excessive amount of soap left in the final rinse cycle.
Don't bother to follow the manufacturer's instructions since they want you to use more than what is really necessary to get your clothes clean. The faster you finish the bottle, the more you have to purchase. The detergent companies are not stupid, they want your money and want it fast.
I experimented with a number of my wash loads and have discovered for myself that 4 tablespoons equivalent to 1/4 cup of liquid laundry detergent is what you will need for one wash load, no matter if the wash load is small or large.
Repeatedly I checked the rinse cycle and there was no soap left in sight, just rinse water. Try it yourself!
I started using 1 cup white distilled vinegar in each load of laundry along with my detergent. This takes out what our water machine doesn't of the left over detergent, sediments in the water. But it won't strip the softener out or the colors. I get a fresher, more softer fabric then before using the vinegar. I got this idea from my niece. And I don't have to use less detergent that way.
One of the Green oriented groups did a study a few years back and asked people to use half of the recommended amount of laundry detergent. They said that the manufacturers are asking us to put in as much as the water will find soluble, not the smaller amount which is as much as the dirty clothing really needs. I can't recall the name of the group as it was too long ago.
Yes, the lady who owns the laudrymat in our town told me not to use the recommended amount about 10 years ago. She said the same thing, the manufacturers just want us to have to buy more, but you can really use much less.
I have been doing that for a while now and it has been effective. I also use less than the suggested amount for liquid fabric softener and that works just as well too. And it is only me in my household so it lasts even longer. LI Roe
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Tip: Use Half The Recommended Laundry Detergent (06/24/2009)
Here's what I have discovered. When using brand name liquid laundry soap, I can make it last longer by using less than the amount the manufacturer suggests.
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Tip: Use Half The Recommended Laundry Detergent
Archived on 06/24/2009
Here's what I have discovered. When using brand name liquid laundry soap, I can make it last longer by using less than the amount the manufacturer suggests. I still use the provided cup to measure the amount of soap I'm using but I use half the amount suggested. When done measuring, I also throw in the cup to contribute every last bit of laundry soap used. There's no waste. I get my clothes clean and I stretch my dollars further! Give it a try.
By Lisa from Halifax, Nova Scotia
Feedback:
RE: Use Half The Recommended Laundry Detergent
I do the same but about 75%. Still works great. (03/07/2007)
I, also only use half, sometimes less then half. Clothes are very clean. I save every way I can. Always use brand names. (03/07/2007)
By Shonda
RE: Use Half The Recommended Laundry Detergent
Can do the same with dishwasher detergent. My sister had an appliance repairman tell her that. Also, when doing laundry, our clothes are lightly soiled so I don't run for more than 4-5 minutes wash. I hope this also will save wear and tear on my washer over the years. (03/12/2007)
By Dede
RE: Use Half The Recommended Laundry Detergent
I do this as well. With fabric conditioner, I buy a good one that I like the smell of, I use a tablespoon in the dispenser and also add a small eggcup full of white vinegar.
When washing towels, I never use fabric conditioner as I find they are not so absorbent. I use the vinegar as a conditioner. Works really well. Also I believe kinder to the environment as it reduces the amount of chemicals used.
(07/26/2007)
