Household appliances can be ruined if we don’t use them properly. Putting too much laundry detergent, for example, is one way to damage your washing machine. Slow and progressive, it may take some time to see the damage but the deterioration of the device is something that is happening.
The negative effects of excessive use of detergent are not only fermenting in the washing machine, but also in the fibers of the clothes. And these signs of deterioration in the garments are the first to be noticed. Let’s see what these signs are that tell you that there is a lot of soap in the tub.
4 signs you’re using too much soap on your clothes
Your washing machine load may be receiving more soap than it needs, and this is a common mistake. Even experienced housewives have incurred it. Let’s see what its effects are and how we can correct it.
1. The washing machine gives off a bad smell
Anything in excess is bad; including the good. When we use more soap than the manufacturer recommends, this tends to accumulate in inconspicuous areas of washing machines.
Before long, this accumulation of detergent acts as an incubator for mold and bacteria, which eventually develop a bad smell in the appliance.
A smelly washing machine is an indicator that more soap is being used than is neededTherefore, the matter should be looked into. On the other hand, he considers doing a ordinary cleaning of the washing machine And if the smell persists, consider hiring a professional.
2. The clothes are stained or dull
Colored clothes, especially black ones, end up coming out of the washing machine worse than when we use more soap than they should. The clothes come out with white spotsopaque and cloudy.
This is not resolved by starting another wash cycle. The clothes must be hand carved. What has been described is indicative of the fact that the quantity of soap used during the cycle is higher than the recommended one.
3. Clothes feel stiff or clammy
This is to check the freshly washed load before putting it in the dryer. The next step will depend on this.
You may find your clothes a little slimy, sticky, and even a little soapy. This situation is a clear indication that a lot of product is being used.
That being the case, another sign is that, even if the clothes are wet to the touch, they feel damp and a little stiff. Colored clothes have lost their brilliance and white may have turned gray.
4. The amount of foam during the wash cycle is too much
Does foam come out of the edges of the washing machine? Or do you notice at the end of the wash cycle that the clothes still have foam? If this happens to you, you obviously need to use less detergent in the load.
On the other hand, you have to take into account that there are other equipment failures that could cause excess bubbles. In this case, we recommend that you have the appliance checked by a professional.
Are you wondering when you should use more detergent?
On critical occasions, such as with fogged sports uniforms, mechanic’s clothing or muddy clothing, a little more detergent (just a little) will go a long way. It is possible to start the prewash cycle of the machine and check the symbols to make sure you get it right.
Two factors you should consider yes or yes to using more soap are the size of the drum and the hardness of the water. The latter affects the effectiveness of the product in cleaning clothes.
1. In high efficiency washing machines
These machines use less water than traditional washing machines. Then you should use a detergent HE designed for this type of appliance.
The presentation of this type of soaps provides an optimal balance between the amount applied and the water that loads the tub. However, we recommend treating colored items with stains before washing them in the washing machine.
2. In top-loading washing machines
These washers have a central blade that agitates the detergent and clothes. A generous amount of water is needed for this.
This is the only way to fight stains and possible odors, thanks to the fact that they agitate the garments more aggressively. It is recommended to use a standard cleaner.
In this type of washing machine, using a little more product will not cause as much damage as with its antagonist. This is due to the amount of water required to operate. The biggest problem is throwing the money down the drain with the soap.
How Much Soap Should You Use Per Load?
Deciphering this is a rather complex task, but not impossible. Here you have to keep in mind that detergent manufacturers want to increase their sales, so they can recommend more quantities.
But the HE washing machines reduce the consumption of water, electricity, detergent and have a large tub. For this reason, its popularity is booming.
So pay attention to this recommendation:
- Washing powder: 1/4 cup for traditional washing machines, but if the clothes are heavily soiled you can use 1/2 cup. Instead the HE washers work very well with 2 buckets.
- Liquid soap: 2 tablespoons for conventional washers and 2 teaspoons for HE washers. But if your water is soft, you can reduce the amount to 1 1/2 tablespoons for conventional washers.
What happens if I use too much soap?
If your washing machine is high efficiency, it will have a longer wash cycle, but will require less detergent. So excessive use of soap will have long-term consequences. We tell you some of them:
- Dirty and dirty clotheswhich shortens its useful life.
- Faulty washing machine that needs to be replaced sooner than expected.
- Increased expenses energy, water and detergent.
- Problems with drainage or plumbing.
A little detergent, even less than the manufacturer recommends, will do the job nicely when it comes to moderately soiled clothing. But if for some reason your clothes are left with an excess of detergent, soak them in a large bucket with vinegar.
The post Signs You’re Using Too Much Laundry Detergent appeared first in research-school.