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If you’ve ever been tempted to add just a little extra detergent to your washing machine—after all, more soap should mean cleaner clothes, right?—you’re not alone. However, using more detergent than necessary can actually leave your laundry looking (and smelling) worse, while also causing wear and tear on your washing machine over time.

More Detergent Doesn’t Equal Cleaner Clothes

A common misconception is that adding extra detergent will make your clothes cleaner. In reality, thiss isn't the case. Washing powders are tested in lab conditions under worst-case scenarios—think ketchup- or oil-stained fabrics washed at precisely the right temperature with the manufacturer’s recommended dose. Yet most of us rarely deal with clothes that dirty in our daily wash.

When your load is only mildly soiled, too much detergent leads to oversudsing, which can trap dirt and residue. Instead of rinsing away, these particles can redeposit onto your clothes, leaving them feeling stiff or looking dull over time.

Why Brands Suggest High Dosages

Detergent companies typically offer guidelines that cater to heavily soiled clothes, full-capacity loads, or hard water areas. This one-size-fits-all approach can mean higher dosage recommendations than the average household needs—especially if your water is soft and your clothes aren’t particularly dirty. You can often get away with using half or even a quarter of what the box advises, depending on your situation.

Residue Buildup in Your Machine

Congeal and cause foul smells: Excess detergent can form sludge in hoses and around seals.

Damage seals and gaskets: Especially if you use bio detergent with powerful enzymes, which may attack rubber components when not fully rinsed away.

Re-deposit on your clothes: Residue can cling to fabrics, leaving them looking dull or even stained.

The Role of Quick Wash Cycles

Quick wash settings typically use less water and are meant for smaller, lightly soiled loads. If you use the same full scoop of detergent you would for a standard cycle, there may not be enough water to dilute all that soap. This high concentration can harm both your clothes and the machine’s internal components.

Finding the Right Amount

Here are a few tips for dialing in the correct dose:

Match detergent to load size: Go lighter for smaller loads, a bit heavier for bigger loads (but don’t go overboard).

Consider your water type: Soft water requires less detergent than hard water.

Check the soiling level: Unless your clothes are truly grimy, you can safely use far less detergent than the box suggests.

Maintenance Washes to the Rescue

Even if you’re cautious with dosing, it’s helpful to run a monthly “maintenance wash” to clear out any lingering detergent. A common method is:

Run an empty cycle at a high temperature (around 90–95°C)

Leave the detergent drawer empty

Place a dishwasher tablet directly in the drum (optional)

The high heat helps break down and flush out residue. If the water looks dirty, you may want to run another cycle to ensure everything is fully cleared.

Conclusion

Using too much detergent can leave clothes looking dull, create build-up in your washer, and cause unpleasant odors. In most cases, you only need a fraction of what’s recommended—especially in soft water areas. Combine smart dosing with occasional maintenance washes to keep your machine in top condition and your clothes looking their best.