For compact washers, generally take the amount of detergent recommended by the detergent manufacturer and reduce it by 75%. This means you should use only about one-quarter of the recommended amount.
Understanding Detergent Needs for Compact Washers
Compact washing machines, often found in smaller apartments or homes, use significantly less water than standard-sized washing machines. Because the ratio of detergent to water is crucial for effective cleaning and rinsing, using the same amount of detergent recommended for a standard machine with less water can lead to problems.
Why Use Less Detergent?
Using too much detergent in a compact washer can result in:
- Residue build-up: Excess detergent can stick to clothes, leaving them feeling stiff or sticky.
- Poor rinsing: The machine may struggle to completely rinse out all the suds, leading to residue on clothes.
- Machine issues: Over time, detergent residue can build up in the washer itself, potentially affecting performance or causing odors.
- Environmental impact: Using more detergent than necessary is wasteful.
Applying the 75% Reduction Rule
The reference provides a straightforward guideline: reduce the manufacturer's recommended dose by 75%. This effectively means using 25% of the suggested amount.
Here's how to calculate it based on common detergent recommendations:
| Manufacturer Recommended Amount | Amount for Compact Washer (Reduce by 75%) |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1/4 cup |
| 1/2 cup | 1/8 cup |
| 2 tablespoons | 1/2 tablespoon |
| 1 fl oz (liquid) | 1/4 fl oz |
Note: Many liquid detergent caps have lines to help you measure smaller amounts.
Tips for Detergent Use in Compact Washers
- Start small: If you're unsure, it's better to start with slightly less detergent and adjust if needed.
- Consider load size and soil level: For very small loads or lightly soiled items, you might even use slightly less than the quarter amount. For heavily soiled items, you might need closer to the calculated quarter amount.
- Check for suds: Excessive suds during the wash cycle indicate you've used too much detergent.
- Observe your clothes: If clothes feel slimy, stiff, or have visible residue after washing, you're likely using too much.
By following the guideline of reducing the manufacturer's recommended dose by 75%, you can ensure your clothes are clean and well-rinsed while protecting your compact washing machine.
