Putting more detergent than necessary in the washing machine can have the opposite effect, leaving clothes with residue and less clean. According to Speed Queen, a brand of washing machines and dryers, there is no single measure that works for all washes, as the appropriate amount depends on several factors.
Excess detergent can be difficult to remove during rinsing, resulting in residue on fabrics and on the equipment itself. According to the brand, this can contribute to a less pleasant feel of the clothes and to dirt buildup inside the machine.
The correct amount varies mainly depending on the size of the load, the water hardness in the region, and the type of detergent used. Washes with fewer items do not require the same amount of detergent as a load close to maximum capacity, and the concentration of products can differ significantly between brands.
The main recommendation is to always follow the detergent manufacturer's instructions, adjusting the dose to the load and the characteristics of the local water. Some newer machines even include automatic systems that calculate the necessary amount, making it unnecessary to fill the compartment to the maximum.
