The amount of soap or detergent to use in a front load washing machine depends on various factors, including the size of the load, the level of soiling, the hardness of the water, and the type of detergent being used. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine the right amount of detergent:
Follow the manufacturer's guidelines: The first and most crucial step is to check the washing machine's user manual. Manufacturers often provide specific recommendations for detergent usage based on the machine's capacity and features.
Use the detergent manufacturer's recommendations: Check the detergent packaging for dosing instructions. Different detergents have different concentrations, so it's essential to follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Consider water hardness: If you have hard water (water with high mineral content), you might need to use a little more detergent to compensate for the minerals that can interfere with soap's effectiveness. On the other hand, if you have soft water, you might need less detergent.
Size of the load: As a general rule, for an average-sized load in a front load washing machine, you'll typically use around 2 to 4 tablespoons (30 to 60 milliliters) of detergent. However, this can vary based on the factors mentioned above.
Heavily soiled items: For heavily soiled items, you may need to use a bit more detergent or consider using a prewash cycle.
High-efficiency (HE) detergent: Front load washing machines are designed to be more water-efficient, and most of them require the use of high-efficiency (HE) detergent. HE detergents are formulated to produce fewer suds and are specifically designed for low-water washing machines. Using regular detergent in an HE machine can lead to excess suds and may not rinse out properly, potentially causing issues with your machine.
Always start with the manufacturer and detergent manufacturer's recommendations, and then adjust the amount based on your specific needs and the results you observe. If you notice that your clothes are not coming out clean or there is a strong detergent smell after washing, you might be using too much detergent, and you can reduce the amount accordingly.