Chances are you’re using way, way too much detergent in your laundry machine. The New York Times once ran a story that quoted appliance expert Vernon Schmidt, who shared, “Most people use 10 to 15 times the amount of soap they need, and they’re pouring money down the drain.”
Modern machines are designed to use less water and don’t need nearly as much soap as they used to. And with detergents getting increasingly concentrated, it’s important to remember a little goes a long way. Overdosing on laundry detergent can lead to stiff clothes, or a buildup of mold and mildew inside your machine. Schmidt says that using half to one eighth the recommended amount of detergent is adequate, depending on how hard or soft your water is. And though it’s a bit counter-intuitive, if you see suds, don’t think you’re cleaning — you’re just using too much detergent.
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