This One Laundry Mistake Could Be Making Your Clothes Dirtier

Many people assume that adding extra laundry detergent will leave their clothes cleaner and smelling fresher. But according to an experiment featured by Southern Living, the opposite may actually be true.

Using more detergent than necessary can leave clothes less clean, create unpleasant odors, shorten the lifespan of your washing machine, and cost you more money over time.

Why More Detergent Isn't Better

Modern washing machines are designed to work efficiently with relatively small amounts of detergent.

When too much soap is added, excess suds make it harder for the machine to rinse away both the detergent and the dirt trapped in the fabric. Instead of cleaner laundry, leftover detergent can remain on clothes after the wash cycle ends.

Over time, this residue can make fabrics feel stiff, trap odors, and reduce the freshness of clean laundry.

A Simple Change That Made a Big Difference

May Katherine McNally Scott decided to see what would happen if she simply followed the minimum recommended amount of detergent instead of filling the cap out of habit.

"I started wondering how much money I could save if I actually paid attention to the minimum amount instead of automatically filling the cap," she said.

Initially, she expected to save only a little money. Instead, she discovered that she used far less detergent than before, spent less on replacements, and found that her clothes actually came out cleaner.

She also believes the change has helped extend the life of her relatively new washing machine.

Too Much Soap Can Damage Your Washing Machine

Excess detergent does more than leave residue on clothing.

According to experts, it can also build up inside the washing machine's hoses, pump, and internal components, creating a damp environment where mold and mildew can develop.

In newer washing machines, excessive detergent buildup may also interfere with sensitive sensors and contribute to costly repairs over time.

How Much Detergent Do You Really Need?

Experts recommend adjusting the amount of detergent based on both the size of the washing machine and the size of each load.

For smaller machines or lightly soiled laundry, as little as one to one and a half tablespoons of liquid detergent may be sufficient.

For standard household machines, it is generally best to follow the minimum amount recommended by the detergent manufacturer, even when washing heavily soiled clothing.

Better for Your Wallet and the Environment

Using less detergent offers benefits beyond cleaner clothes.

Buying fewer bottles reduces household expenses, while also lowering the amount of chemicals released into wastewater systems and decreasing plastic packaging waste.

According to experts, this simple change can benefit both your budget and the environment, proving that when it comes to laundry detergent, more is not always better.