How to Use a Washing Machine: Your Guide to Laundry Success

Laundry day doesn’t have to be daunting! With a few simple tips and the right products, you can master your washing machine in no time. Let’s tackle some common questions about doing laundry.

Where Do I Put Liquid Detergent in the Washer?

For front load washers, pour the liquid detergent into the drawer or compartment marked "detergent." This ensures it dispenses at the right moment during the cycle. If you have a top loader, you can either pour the detergent directly into the drum after it fills with water or use a drawer if available.

For an easy solution, try using laundry pacs. Just toss them directly into the drum before adding your clothes. No need to use the dispenser!

How Do I Know How Much Detergent to Use?

Many people wonder what the right amount of detergent to use per load is. Proper dosing is key to effective cleaning, so consider these factors:

• How dirty the clothes are: Heavily soiled items require more detergent.
• Size of the load: Larger loads need more detergent to ensure all clothes are cleaned.
• Water hardness: Hard water may require more detergent to combat mineral interference, especially for bargain detergents that aren’t designed for all water types.

Always follow the dosing lines on the package for guidance as detergents vary by brand. Underdosing or overdosing can result in poor cleaning and stain removal.

With concentrated laundry pacs like Tide Power PODS, you can use one pod for most loads, but consider using two for extra large or extremely dirty loads. Just check the package for instructions.

Where does the “2 tablespoons” of detergent guidance come from?

If you’ve been on social media, you may have heard people talking about only using “2 tablespoons” of detergent. This is actually an old myth based on outdated machine types: when washing machines transitioned from traditional to high efficiency (HE), washing machine manufacturers recommended using no more than 2 tablespoons of detergent to prevent over-sudsing in high efficiency (HE) machines. However, over-sudsing is no longer an issue with modern high-efficiency (HE) detergents. So skip the “2 tablespoons” guidance and just follow the dosing instructions on your detergent’s package.

Can I Put Pacs in the Dispenser?

Nope! Laundry pacs should go directly into the drum before your clothes. This helps them dissolve properly and clean effectively. Some machines might have special dispensers for laundry pacs, so check if yours does.

How Do I Choose the Right Wash Cycle?

Always check and follow the care labels on your clothes for instructions. Generally, use "delicate" for items you’re concerned about getting damaged or abraded, "normal" for everyday loads, and "heavy duty" for tough stains. Your washer's manual can also guide you on specific cycles. Remember, over-stuffing the washer can lead to poor cleaning.

What Water Temperature Should I Use?

Cold water is great for helping to protect fabrics from fading and shrinking while saving energy. Many detergents are designed to work well in cold water. For heavily soiled items or when your detergent isn't cold-water optimized, warm or hot water might be necessary. Always check your detergent's instructions.

How Do I Prevent Colors from Bleeding?

To avoid color bleeding, wash similar colors together and turn garments inside out. If you’re washing something new that’s dark, like new jeans, consider washing it alone the first time. Always follow care label instructions for best results.

With these tips, you'll be a laundry pro in no time!

If you are looking for more dosing and machine usage information, we recommend checking your washing machine manufacturer’s website, reviewing Tide’s “How much detergent to use” tipsheet, or Gain’s “Washing Machine Load Size Guide”.