Most people consistently use too much detergent. Not because they intend to, but because the measuring cups are large and more always seems better. It isn’t.
Why overdosage is so common
Detergent manufacturers design their measuring cups to be generous. A full cup gives a sense of security — and makes the bottle run empty faster. Research by consumer organizations repeatedly shows that people use 30 to 50 percent more detergent than necessary on average.
The result is not cleaner laundry. Soap residue that is not completely rinsed away remains in the fibers and attracts dirt. White clothes turn gray, dark clothes develop a haze, and the machine develops buildup. More detergent leads to more problems, not fewer.
So how much detergent do you need?
That depends on three things: the amount of laundry, how soiled it is, and the water hardness in your area. In the Netherlands, water hardness varies considerably by region — hard water requires more detergent to work effectively, while soft water requires less.
Normal load (4–5 kg)
- Lightly soiled: minimum dosage
- Normally soiled: standard dosage
- Heavily soiled: maximum dosage
- Hard water: slightly more than standard
When you can use less
- Small load (less than half a drum)
- Lightly worn clothes without stains
- Soft water in your area
- Short or quick program
As a rule of thumb: always use the lower end of the amount indicated on the label. Your laundry will be just as clean — but your clothes and machine will last longer.
In the Netherlands, you can look up the water hardness in your area on your drinking water company’s website. Amsterdam and Rotterdam have relatively soft water, while Brabant and Limburg have relatively hard water.
What happens if you use too much detergent?
- Soap residue remains in the fibers — clothes feel stiff or irritate the skin
- White clothes turn gray, while dark clothes develop a dull haze
- Residue attracts dirt — clothes start to smell faster
- Machine buildup caused by an accumulation of soap residue and grease
- Too much foam can trigger an error message on HE machines
What happens if you use too little detergent?
The laundry is cleaned less effectively — dirt and grease are not completely removed. With lightly soiled clothes, you will hardly notice this. With heavily soiled laundry, workwear, or sportswear, you will. Never use less than the minimum dosage indicated on the packaging for normally or heavily soiled laundry.
The easiest solution: laundry strips
With laundry strips, the answer to how much you should use is simple: one strip per wash. No measuring cup, no guesswork, no risk of overdosing. For a small load or hand wash, use half a strip.
Laundry strips contain no fillers or thickeners that inflate the dosage. What’s in them is what works — nothing more.
Not sure whether you’re using too much or too little? The sample pack costs €3.95 and contains three strips — enough to notice the difference.
Frequently asked questions about detergent dosing
How much detergent should I use per wash?
That depends on the amount of laundry, how soiled it is and the water hardness. As a rule of thumb: use the lower end of the amount indicated on the packaging for a normal load of normally soiled clothes. Most people consistently use too much — it doesn’t make the laundry cleaner, but it does make your clothes and machine worse.
What happens if you use too much detergent?
Soap residue remains in the fibres because the rinse cycle cannot remove it completely. This residue attracts dirt, turns white clothes grey and dark clothes dull, irritates sensitive skin and contributes to grime buildup in the machine. More detergent causes more problems, not cleaner laundry.
Does water hardness affect how much detergent I need?
Yes. Hard water contains more limescale, which reduces the effectiveness of detergent — you need slightly more than with soft water. Most detergent packaging includes dosing instructions for each water hardness level. You can look up the water hardness in your area on your drinking water supplier’s website.
Can I use less detergent than stated on the packaging?
Definitely for lightly soiled clothes and a small load. The dosage listed on packaging is often on the generous side. For heavily soiled laundry or workwear, the minimum dosage really is a minimum — you need enough active ingredients for a thorough clean.
How many laundry strips should I use per wash?
One strip per wash for a normal load. Half a strip for a small load or hand wash. That’s it — no measuring, no risk of overdosing.
Never think about dosing again
One laundry strip per wash — always the right amount, never too much, never too little.
View the laundry strips →
