Here's How Much Laundry Detergent to Use for the Best Results

If you do laundry, you're probably doing it wrong. But you are not alone. Almost everyone who does the wash doesn't know how much laundry detergent to use for the best results.
This happens, in large part, because how much laundry detergent to use isn't clearly explained on packages of soap. They're based on a nebulous and ill-defined idea of "load size" and expressed by difficult-to-see fill lines on detergent bottle caps, leading users to dump what feels like the right amount into the machine and hope for the best.

Then there's the psychology—the "what feels like the right amount" part of the equation. We might feel the urge to use more laundry detergent than needed because something in our brain signals us that "more detergent equals more clean." Unfortunately, not only is that not the case, but the opposite is true. Leaving clothes and household goods like sheets and towels full of suds makes them decidedly less clean. 

So, what is the right amount of laundry detergent to use? And does it really matter? This guide explains why precise dosing is essential, how to determine the size of a load of laundry, and how much detergent to use to ensure your laundry is as clean as possible.

Why Knowing How Much Laundry Detergent to Use Matters

Using too much laundry detergent can drain your bank account, ruin your clothes, cause you to break out in a rash, and shorten the lifespan of your washing machine. Does that sound dramatic? Perhaps a bit! But it got your attention, didn't it? And it's all true. 

The most straightforward reason to know exactly how much laundry detergent to use is cost; simply put, overusing detergent means you'll need to buy more than you need to keep your clothes and household goods clean. Then there is the appearance of your clothing: Residue from detergent will give clothes and household linens like sheets and towels a dingy appearance. 

All that excess detergent creating a dingy appearance to your clothes can, and very frequently does, lead to another side effect—skin and respiratory irritation. Soap residue in towels, clothes, and especially sheets can lead to skin irritation and rashes and exacerbate conditions like eczema and psoriasis. And, with towels in particular, lingering excess soap can cause a sour, mildew smell.

Finally, excess detergent will build up in your washing machine over time, clogging the compartments, hoses, and valves. This will leave laundry less clean, the machine susceptible to mold, and the appliance's lifespan shortened.

How to Determine Load Size

How much laundry detergent to use depends entirely on the size of the load, which can turn laundry day into a frustrating guessing game. Unfortunately, determining what constitutes a medium load of laundry versus a large load of laundry is an imprecise science, but there are a few (imperfect) methods that can help you figure out what size load you're working with.

The Approximate Weight Method

The approximate weight method relies on the weight of the load of laundry to determine its size.

• Medium load: Approximately 6 pounds
• Large load: Approximately 11 pounds
• Extra-large load: Approximately 21 pounds

The Armload Method

The armload method is one in which the load size is approximated based on how much of the load you can carry in one arm.

• Medium load: Less than a full armload
• Large load: A full armload
• Extra-large load: More than a full armload

Drum Fullness

Use the fullness of the washer's drum when loaded with dirty laundry to assess the load size.

• Medium load: The drum is half full
• Large load: The drum is three-quarters full
• Extra-large load: The drum is full but not packed tightly

The Eyeball Method

The eyeball method measures load size in the number and type of items being washed.

• Medium load: Approximately six adult t-shirts, two adult sweaters, three pairs of pants, two skirts, three pairs of underwear, three pairs of socks 
• Large load: Approximately 12 adult t-shirts, two adult sweaters, five pairs of pants, three skirts, four pairs of underwear, six pairs of socks
• Extra-large load: 12 adult t-shirts, 12 pairs of socks, six skirts, 15 adult sweaters, six pairs of pants, and six pairs of underwear

How Much Liquid Laundry Detergent to Use

Once you've determined the load size, you will be able to measure how much laundry detergent to use, either using the fill lines on the cap or by measuring it in tablespoons using the chart below. When washing heavily soiled items, use slightly more detergent than the recommended dose. Handwashing calls for less detergent than machine washing; dilute 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent in water to make a solution for a small load of handwashing (less than 5 pounds, or approximately 2 to 5 items of clothing).

• Medium load: Approximately 3 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent
• Large load: 4 to 5 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent
• Extra-large loads: 8 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent

How Many Detergent Packs to Use

Detergent packs or pods are pre-measured based on a medium load size. Packs allow for less control over how much laundry detergent to use and should never be punctured for use in hand laundering. 

• Medium load: Use one detergent pack
• Large to extra-large load: Use two detergent packs
• XX-Large loads: Use three detergent packs

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