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6 minutes
Have no idea why your clothes come out dull or stained? You may be using too much soap.
Appliances can be ruined if we do not use them properly. Putting in too much laundry detergent, for example, is one way to break your washing machine.. Slow and progressive, it may take time to see the damage, but the deterioration of the device is something that is developing.
The negative effects of using too much detergent are not only generated 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 too much soap in the tub.
4 signs that you are using too much soap on your clothes
Your washer load may be getting 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
Everything in excess is bad; including the good. When we use more soap than recommended by the manufacturer, this tends to accumulate in inconspicuous areas of washing machines.
Before long, this buildup of detergent serves as an incubator for mold and bacteria, which end up developing a bad odor in the appliance.
A smelly washing machine is an indicator that you are using more soap than necessary., so this matter needs to be examined. On the other hand, consider doing a routine cleaning of your washing machine And if the odor persists, consider hiring a professional.
2. Clothes are stained or dull
Colored clothes, especially black ones, end up coming out of the washer worse than they came in when we use more soap than we should. Clothes come out with white spotsdull and cloudy.
This is not solved by running another wash cycle. Clothes must be carved by hand. Everything described is indicative that the amount of soap used during the cycle is higher than recommended.
3. Clothes come out stiff or slimy
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 bit slimy, sticky, and even feel a little soapy. This situation is a clear indication that too much product is being used.
This being the case, another sign is that, although the clothes are wet to the touch, they feel damp and a little stiff. Colored clothing has lost its shine and white clothing may have turned grayish.
4. The amount of suds during the wash cycle is excessive
Does the foam come out of the edges of the washing machine? Or at the end of the wash cycle you realize that the clothes still have suds? If this happens to you, it is obvious that you should use less detergent in the load.
On the other hand, you have to take into account that there are other faults of the equipment that may be causing the excess of bubbles. If this is the case, it is recommended to have the appliance professionally checked.
Are you wondering when you should use more detergent?
On key occasions, with worn sports uniforms, mechanics’ clothes or muddy clothes, for example, a little more detergent (just a little) will go a long way. You can start the machine’s pre-wash cycle and check the symbols to make sure you’re doing it right.
Two factors that you must consider yes or yes to use 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.
If you live in an area with hard water, you should also use a little more detergent.
1. In high-efficiency washing machines
These machines use less water than traditional washers. So you should use a detergent HE designed for this type of appliance.
The presentation of this type of soap provides an optimal balance between the amount applied and the water that fills the tub. However, colored clothing with stains should be treated before machine washing.
2. In top-loading washing machines
These washing machines have a central blade that agitates the detergent and the clothes. For this you need a generous amount of water.
Only in this way will it be able to combat stains and possible odours, thanks to the fact that they agitate the garments more aggressively. It is recommended that you use a standard detergent.
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 it requires to operate. The biggest problem is throwing the money down the drain along with the soap.
How much soap should you use per load?
Deciphering this is a somewhat complex task, but not impossible. Here you have to take into account that detergent manufacturers want to increase their sales, so they can recommend a larger quantity.
But HE washers reduce consumption of water, electricity, detergent and have a large tub. Because of this, its popularity is on the rise.
Thus, pay attention to this recommendation:
- Soap powder: 1/4 cup for traditional washing machines, but if the clothes are very dirty you can use 1/2 cup. On the other hand, 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 lower the amount to 1 1/2 tablespoons for conventional washers.
What happens when I use too much soap?
If your washing machine is a high-efficiency washer, it will have a longer wash cycle, but it will require less detergent. Therefore, the excessive use of soap will have long-term consequences. We tell you some of them:
- Damaged and dirty clotheswhich shortens its useful life.
- Faulty washing machine that needs to be replaced sooner than expected.
- Increase in expenses of energy, water and detergent.
- Problems with drainage or plumbing.
A little detergent, even less than the manufacturer recommends, will go a long way when it comes to moderately soiled clothes. But if for some reason your clothes have been left with excess detergent, soak them in a large bucket of vinegar.
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