There’s something oddly satisfying about a generous glug of laundry detergent. It feels productive. Thorough. Like you’re really tackling that pile of washing. But here’s the twist: more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. In fact, it often does the opposite. 

If your laundry has been feeling a little… off lately, your measuring habits might be to blame. 

When “extra clean” backfires

Laundry detergent is designed to do a very specific job. It lifts dirt and oil from fabric so it can be rinsed away with water. Once there’s enough detergent in the drum to do that, adding more doesn’t boost the result – it just overstays its welcome. 

Instead of washing away neatly, excess detergent tends to cling. It settles into fibres, leaving behind a residue that can make clothes feel stiff or slightly tacky. Colours lose their brightness, fabrics lose their softness, and that crisp “just washed” feeling becomes surprisingly elusive. 

Even more frustrating? That residue can trap odours and dirt, creating a cycle where your clothes never feel truly clean – no matter how often you wash them. 

Your washing machine feels it too

It’s not just your wardrobe that pays the price. Your washing machine quietly keeps score as well. 

Too much detergent creates excess suds, and while bubbles might look like a sign of a good wash, they can actually interfere with it.  

When there’s too much foam, clothes don’t move as freely in the drum. That movement – fabric rubbing against fabric – is what helps lift dirt away. Without it, the whole process becomes less effective.  

Over time, leftover detergent can also build up inside the machine. Think filmy doors, slightly slimy drums, and that faint, musty smell that shouldn’t be there. In high-efficiency machines, which use less water, the problem is even more noticeable – there’s simply not enough water to rinse everything away properly. 

Pexels

Subtle signs you’re overdoing it

Not sure if you’ve crossed the line? Your laundry will usually tell you. 

Clothes might come out feeling stiff or oddly slippery. Colours can look a little dull. You might notice lingering smells, even straight after a wash. And if the inside of your machine looks or feels less than fresh, that’s another quiet clue.  

None of these are dramatic on their own – but together, they point to one simple issue: too much product, not enough rinse. 

So, what’s the right amount?

This is where restraint becomes a virtue. 

Most modern detergents are concentrated, which means you need far less than you think. For many machines – especially high-efficiency ones – one to two tablespoons is often enough for a full load. Yes, really. 

From there, it’s about adjusting. A smaller load needs less. Heavily soiled clothes might need a touch more. But the key is balance, not abundance. 

And while it’s tempting to eyeball it, those instructions on the bottle are there for a reason. They’re designed to help you get the best result with the least waste. 

ALSO SEE: CAN YOU WASH TOWELS WITH CLOTHES? THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF LAUNDRY

Can you wash towels with clothes? The do’s and don’ts of laundry sorting