Did you know that most people use 10-15 times MORE detergent than necessary??
According to a washer repairman interviewed for the NYTimes:
“Nobody thinks they use too much soap,” said Vernon Schmidt, who has been a repairman for almost 35 years and is the author of a self-published book, “Appliance Handbook for Women: Simple Enough Even a Man Can Understand.” But apparently most of us are in denial.
Washing machines and dishwashers are made to use far less water now than older models and, therefore, need less soap. And detergents have also become increasingly concentrated. So a little goes a long way.
“Most people use 10 to 15 times the amount of soap they need, and they’re pouring money down the drain,” Mr. Schmidt said.
Following the instructions on the soap container is a good first step. Christina Saunders, a spokeswoman for Procter & Gamble, which makes Tide, Cheer, Gain and other laundry detergents, said researchers at the company did thousands of loads of laundry to determine the right amount of soap needed.
She said the caps were changed on liquid detergent containers a few years ago to make the lines specifying amount of soap needed for different size loads easier to see.
Mr. Schmidt, however, argues that depending on how hard or soft your water is, one-eighth to one-half of what is usually recommended should be adequate.
That last paragraph rings very true to me. Since detergent manufacturers are in the business of selling soap, they obviously want you to BUY MORE SOAP. I trust the repairman!
What do you think of all this? Tell us your thoughts!
Thank you to the nytimes for filling us in on this very valuable information!!
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I can believe it ……yrs ago my husband taught me that if your clothes are not dirty, just needs to be freshened….to use only 1-2 TB of detergent……… so now with most detergents concentrated I find I can use 1 TB and all comes clean.
Same for liquid softener too.