What Took Me So Long?
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| Scoop inside many powdered laundry soaps |
For years, I've been filling the scoop that is conveniently tucked inside the box of detergent I use. Yep, I filled that scoop to the brim. (I hope someone else validates my action)
A couple of years ago, I made a batch of laundry soap using this recipe and that is when I noticed the error of my ways. For the first time I saw the lines on the handy scoop - lines for 1, 2, and 3, and that's when I read the label on the soap box.
Clearly, I had been using waaaaaay too much laundry soap and had been for years.
I used a marker to remind myself to use less soap. It's amazing how long a box of laundry soap lasts now, and my clothes are just as clean.
Have you read the label on your laundry soap - powder or liquid? You, too, might be surprised.
Got a kick out of your post. I had to point out the lines on my liquid laundry soap to my husband a couple of years ago. He was willing to do some laundry but hadn't read the label either. We need to have the same conversation about shampoo I think. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have to use less than the recommended amount in my front loader or I get bubbles out the wazoo! I use Method liquid and one or two squirts does even the largest load.
ReplyDeleteWhen I use Tide HE, I use half of the smallest amount. No one has said we stink, so I guess it works. ;-)
My appliance guy told me that too much soap residue is what kills most washing machines. It wears out the rubber parts more quickly.
You're probably not the only one. A smart (or maybe sneaky) strategy on the part of the detergent companies.
ReplyDeleteI am very frugal and cheap. I always use just a tad of detergent! Seems to clean the clothes just as well!
ReplyDeleteI'm such a stickler for reading directions...so I haven't been carried away by bubbles! Got a chuckle from this post, though.
ReplyDeleteThe Knight believes more is better. I believe less is more. He asks me to wash his best shirts and to conquer the set-in stains he can't get out. Hem.
ReplyDeleteBut then, I also read the directions on EVERYTHING.
We just got a new machine and the manual warns about using too much detergent so I have cut w-a-a-a-a-a-y back. I use liquid detergent and it now last three times longer than my heavy-handed days.
ReplyDeleteYou made me smile... I knew that...but often still use to much soap:)
ReplyDeleteI just a few weeks ago discovered the reason my towels were so stiff after laundering was because I was using a full to the brim scoop. Read the directions, and I now realize why the "80 loads" box did not make it through that many for me. LOL! Glad I am in good company!
ReplyDeleteYes I have read mine! Laundry soap is expensive! I have yet to make my own batch of laundry soap some day I want to do that:)
ReplyDeleteWe have naturally soft water, so we use less soap. The soap lasts longer now, too, since the kids are out of the house and not doing their laundry here. LOL
ReplyDeleteBeen there, done that! Wait, excess soap. Causes stiff towels? Must keep on hubby as he often does the towels. I can tell when either of us uses too much soap in our front loading machine. Bubbles are all over the gasket. This should be a public service Nnouncement.
ReplyDeleteI bought a water softener system for my house several years ago. The salesperson told me that most people overuse detergent, because we go based on how much the manufacturer tells us. You only need about a tablespoon full. I have done that ever since. My clothes come out just fine.
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