The amount of detergent you should use for a large load of laundry depends on the size of the load, the soil level of the clothes, and the concentration of the detergent. However, as a general guideline, you can follow these recommendations:
Follow the detergent's instructions: Always check the detergent bottle or box for the manufacturer's recommended dosage. It typically provides guidelines based on load size and soil level.
Use the right amount: For a large load, use the appropriate amount of detergent according to the instructions. Using more detergent than necessary won't make your clothes cleaner and may lead to issues like soap residue on clothes or in your washing machine.
Water hardness: If you have hard water (water with a high mineral content), you might need to adjust the detergent amount slightly. Hard water requires a bit more detergent to get the same cleaning power.
Pre-treat stains: Instead of using extra detergent to combat tough stains, try pre-treating the stains with a stain remover or a paste made from baking soda and water. This way, you can target specific areas without using excess detergent on the entire load.
Choose high-quality detergent: Using a high-quality detergent can often lead to better cleaning performance, so you may need less of it to achieve the same results.
Load size: Avoid overloading your washing machine with too many clothes in one cycle. When the load is too large, clothes won't have enough space to move around and get clean properly, leading to the temptation to add more detergent.
Use less for lightly soiled loads: If your clothes are lightly soiled, you can use slightly less detergent than the recommended amount.
Consider detergent pods or strips: Detergent pods or strips are pre-measured and can help prevent using too much detergent. However, be sure to use the appropriate number of pods or strips based on your load size.
Vinegar or baking soda: In some cases, using a small amount of white vinegar or baking soda as a laundry booster can help enhance the cleaning power of your detergent without using more detergent.
Remember, using too much detergent not only wastes money but can also lead to issues like residue on clothes and reduced washing machine efficiency. By following the manufacturer's guidelines and considering the alternatives mentioned above, you can achieve clean laundry while using an appropriate amount of detergent.