It's easy to think that less detergent is always better – both for the environment and for your clothes. But using too little detergent can actually give poorer washing results and create problems in the long run, both for your clothes and your washing machine.
When the detergent is not enough
The purpose of detergent is to dissolve dirt, grease and odors so that they can be rinsed away with the water. If the amount of detergent is too low, the following often happens:
• Dirt and grease are not dissolved properly
• Odor may remain in the garments
• Stains may remain despite washing
• Clothes may feel stiff or stale
Towels, exercise clothes and garments that are close to the skin are especially quickly affected.
Odor that won't go away
A common sign of too little detergent is when clothes smell okay right after washing, but start to smell sour or stuffy when worn. This is because bacteria and body oils haven't been completely washed away.
Dirt that builds up over time
When laundry is not properly cleaned, dirt and grease residue can accumulate in both the clothes and the washing machine. This can lead to:
• Worse washing results over time
• Coatings in the machine
• More odor in both the machine and laundry
The right dosage is key
To get clean clothes without unnecessary wear and tear, it is important to dose correctly, not too little and not too much.
• Follow the dosage instructions on the detergent
• Adjust the amount according to how dirty the laundry is.
• Take into account the hardness of the water if necessary
• Do not overfill the machine
Summary
Using too little detergent can cause clothes to not be properly cleaned, odors to remain, and dirt to build up over time. With the right dosage, you get fresher clothes, better washing results, and a washing machine that feels better in the long run.
