World of Washers

There is an interesting article over at ConsumerReports.org regarding laundry detergents and the tendency of consumers to overdose. The article is based on the fact that many of the caps on liquid detergents are difficult to read. I would go even further to say that the recommended dosages are excessive.

The article has several good points, but I agree mostly with the following:

"Since some of the tested detergents cost as much as 65 cents per load, using too much cleaner could become expensive. Overdosing can also cause soap deposits and lint to form inside your washing machine, which, say some manufacturers, might contribute to mold and odors. It could also plug or restrict ports or filters, says Chris Zeisler, an appliance-repair expert at RepairClinic.com, who adds that those deposits could result in mechanical failure. And for some high-efficiency washers, overdosing can produce excessive suds and lead to extended wash cycles as the machine tries to remove the soap."

I do my laundry at a local laundromat. Frontload Wascomat washers and Tide 2x HE. The first time I used the Tide, I used a half cap on a huge load. The suds were tremendous. There were even suds left at the end of the cycle. I have since dialed back the dosage to just under the dosage recommended for a light/small load. The results are fine, and the suds are not out of control.

Check out the full article at ConsumerReports.org.