How To Use Powder Detergent A Simple Guide In 4 Steps

People tend to overdo it with detergent—especially powder detergent. Unless you’re washing a full load that happens to be super dirty, you normally don’t need more than 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of detergent. [2] X Research source

On most machines, the detergent compartment is the biggest container in the drawer. It will often say “detergent,” “II,” or “2” on the soap container. The other containers are for bleach and/or fabric softener. Detergent compartments are super common on newer machines and front-loading washers. On top loaders, the containers are often on the rim of the drum, inside the machine.

Most older machines and a lot of top-loading machines don’t have a separate compartment for detergent. If you’re using a powder tablet, put it in a mesh delicates bag first and then set the bag in the machine. The bag will help the powder dissolve more evenly. You can do this even if you’ve got a little compartment for detergent. A lot of people do this because they’re nervous about the powder clumping up inside of their washing machine.

High-efficiency (HE) washers—which includes most machines made after 2010—automatically detect the load size and set the water level accordingly. Once your clothes are done washing, toss them in the dryer or hang them out to air dry.

Powder detergent is also a lot easier to measure out accurately, which means you’ll save money by not wasting detergent from overpouring.

If you don’t have a washing machine at home or in your building, powder detergent is a lot easier to haul to the laundromat!

While powder detergent is quite phenomenal, you’re better off using liquid detergent on grease stains.

A high-efficiency washer will automatically measure water levels, but they won’t artificially change the wash time. Most washing machines have a timer setting. You don’t need more than 20 minutes or so for a handful of items.

This is especially important for any clothing items that are made of organic materials, like cotton or wool. You can really ruin the shape or feel of handwoven or natural materials.