February 3, 2010 6:17 PM
Too much detergent? And all you ever wanted to know about laundry
I can remember in 1970 reading some great advice in Consumer Reports: that American soap manufacturers recommended much higher amounts of detergent than were really necessary - or effective - for cleaning clothes. A crusader even back then, I posted a big sign in our complex's laundry center (Parkfairfax in Alexandria) advising other townhouse renters ($135/month rent - they're now pretty pricey condos) to ease up on the detergent to save money and the environment. CR said that only 1/4 cup was needed - and that was way back before front loaders (love my front loaders!) and concentrated liquid detergent.
According to last week's Wall Street Journal, no one listened to me or Consumer Reports. And in a case where less is truly more - more cleaning power with less soap - like so many things American, consumers can't get away from the More Is More mentality. So detergent concentrates backfire as well-intentioned moms think if 1/4 cup will get the clothes clean, twice as much will get them super clean.
Since 1970, I used 1/4 cup of soap per load - until I got my front loaders, when I cut that in half. I have also found that the addition of 1/8 cup of bleach to every load - even dark clothes - will get my clothes super clean and fresh smelling. Y'all know that last summer I reverted to a clothes line - now put away until but ready to be rolled out again as soon as the weather is warm.
Think of all the money I've saved! And all the damage to the planet! I know some people think conservatives cannot be environmentalists. And I wouldn't call myself that anyway - just trying to be a good steward.
For your consideration, then:
The Great American Soap Overdose
Too Much Detergent Makes Our Clothes Dingy and Our Machines Smell. Can New Products Break Our Sudsy Habit?
By Ellen Brock
January 27, 2009In the laundry room, Americans are prone to overkill. They pour too much detergent into their washing machines.
Generations of consumers have washed clothes with the idea that more soap means cleaner laundry. But the sudsy habits are creating messy problems from dingy clothing to worn machines.
Making matters worse, the latest generation of detergents are concentrated and so require users to use less product-per-washload than ever before. And more consumers are buying highefficiency washers, which need far less water than older models. It's a combination begging for more careful measuring--something Americans stubbornly resist.
"Before it didn't matter as much," says Mary Zeitler, consumer scientist for Whirlpool Corp.'s Institute of Fabric Science. "But now you have to be much more precise in dosing."
Over the next few weeks, Procter & Gamble Co. plans to introduce easier-to-read plastic measuring caps for its liquid detergent brands, including Tide, Gain, Era and Cheer. The new caps will have more-defined measurement lines inside and bigger numbers that are staggered, not stacked, says Dawn French, P&G's head of laundry research and development for North America.
Read more at Wall Street Journal
And can I just say how ironic it is that I found this extremely useful bit of information at the Wall Street Journal, while Oprah concentrates on important news like interviewing Lady GaGa and Redbook on helping you become more imaginative in the bedroom?
Laundry is like the heartbeat of motherhood. If that resonates with you at all, or if you are curious how I can say that, think about getting a copy of Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room: Spiritual Help for Earthly Moms.
Related articles:
Vatican: washing machine more liberating than pill
The Vatican is right about washing machines!
My history as told through laundry rooms
Poll: birth control or washing machine?
Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room photo contest winners - and all contestants
My goodness! I've certainly written a lot about laundry! Which reminds me, I'm in the middle of a half dozen loads now :)
Posted in Humor, Inspiration, Practical Info, Saving money | Permalink
Comments
I love to do laundry - I always have! As the oldest of 5, my mother depended on me to do the laundry a good bit of the time, so I've enjoyed this "chore" ever since I was 10 or 11 years old.
I use Melaleuca products, and I use one pump (I think it's an ounce...so 1/8 cup) for each load of laundry. The pumps are more accurate for me because I'm not able to over measure. :)
Posted by: Erin | February 4, 2010 7:12 AM
Here I am, excitedly replying about laundry soap!?
Yes Barbara that is true. Last year a washing machine repairman scolded me for screwing up my machine (front loader) with too much soap. While we were away at our cottage I had to haul everything to a laundromat and a very large poster explained what happens when too much soap is added. Along with damaging the machine (their machines would just quit as a protective measure when the suds got too abundant. I watched the attendant pour bucket loads of water down a spot in the back of the machine to alleviate the problem after someone...not me!...used too much soap.) All that soap does not get properly rinsed from clothes and remains on them and actually wears the clothing out quicker. Think of all the people with skin sensitivity...maybe their clothes are laden with dried on soap?!
Anyway, I type this next to my laundry room, where my machines are both humming away right now. Happy laundry day. :)
Posted by: kelly | February 4, 2010 9:32 AM
I hate doing laundry (my husband does it, yay!), but I learned as a child not to put too much soap in the washer. In addition to using just a little bit of soap, I also wash all of my clothes in cold water and have my husband do the same. It keeps the fabric from fading and bleeding, and I practiced this before the "invention" of detergents designed for cold water. This saves us a TON of money on our gas bill (and makes me feel better about taking super hot, long showers). I've got a top-loading washer (never liked front loaders) and always put in about half of the suggested amount of soap for "small" loads indicated on the cap.
As a side note, the same principle applies to dishwashers. The less soap used, the cleaner and shinier the dishes look when they're done.
Posted by: Courageous Grace | February 4, 2010 11:39 AM
And here I was thinking I was just being cheap...
Good to know that less is truly more with the laundry soap:)!
Posted by: Sarah | February 4, 2010 1:48 PM
I use Melaleuca products too and yes, one pump is 1/8 of a cup. Also, the products in stores are watered down so it's a lot of money to waste. I can't wait until the weather is warmer here (-3°F today!) so I can start using the line.
Posted by: Laurie Bell | February 5, 2010 1:37 AM
