Ditch the Detergent Guesswork: The Smarter Way to Do Laundry

Ditch the Detergent Guesswork: The Smarter Way to Do Laundry

By Vera de Loor • July 28, 2025

Laundry may seem like a no-brainer, but how much detergent do you actually use? If your answer is "a splash," "a capful," or "whatever looks right," you're not alone. Most people eyeball it. But over time, that guesswork can take a quiet toll on your wardrobe and on the environment.

Use only what you need, no more and no less

Overusing detergent doesn’t get your clothes cleaner. Instead, it leaves residue that damages fibers, dulls colours, and stiffens soft fabrics. Delicates like silk or cashmere become brittle. Synthetics trap odour. Even your sturdy denim loses its edge. On top of that, excess detergent builds up in your machine, shortening its life and efficiency.

There’s also the matter of smell. When too much detergent remains in fabric after the cycle, it traps bacteria and moisture deep in the fibers, leaving your laundry with a musty or sour scent, even when freshly washed. Activewear and synthetics are particularly prone to this, since their moisture-wicking properties can also hold onto residue. Inside the machine, leftover detergent can collect in seals and crevices, contributing to mould and mildew over time. The more you use, the more you feed the problem.

Using the right amount of detergent is a small but powerful act of care for your clothes and the planet. Less waste, fewer microplastics, cleaner waterways. It all starts with using just what you need.

What happens to your fabrics when you use too much detergent

Cotton and linen tend to stiffen and fade when overloaded with soap, losing their softness over time. Wool and cashmere rely on natural oils for their texture and longevity, which detergent residue can strip away, leading to shrinkage and scratchiness. Synthetics often hold onto trapped detergent, which contributes to lingering smells and trapped bacteria. Silk is especially sensitive; harsh suds can degrade its surface, dulling the finish and weakening the weave.

Our new Laundry Detergent measures easily

Proper dosing protects fabric structure, extends life, and keeps every piece wearable longer. The highly concentrated detergent simplifies it: just 4 pumps for a normal load. That’s it. Designed for precision, it keeps your clothes in peak condition, whether you're washing delicate silks, lived-in cottons, or synthetic activewear. 

 

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