Types of Liquid Laundry Detergent
Unlike powder detergent, liquid laundry detergent is available in multiple variants depending on the brand, including options for things like sensitive skin detergent, stain fighting detergent, and stronger fragrance, with popular variants also being available in single-dose formats. Or concentrated formulas.
How Much to Liquid Detergent to Use
Your washing load will need a different amount of detergent depending on several various factors, including which type of formula is being used, the size of your load, and the wash cycle you've chosen. Thankfully, the answers to these questions can be found on our helpful page on how to dose laundry detergent.
How to Use Liquid Detergent, Step By Step
If liquid laundry detergent is a mainstay in your laundry day regimen, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind for your next wash cycle:
- Liquid laundry detergent is great for pretreating stains. To pretreat, make sure to check the care label, and then simply apply detergent directly to the stain, rubbing detergent into the fabric.
- You can use the cap to measure detergent based on your load size. Pro tip? Toss your detergent cap into the washer drum with your clothes to clean off any detergent residue. Just make sure to retrieve the cap before placing your clothes in the dryer.
- Liquid laundry detergent works in both top-load and front-load machines. When using a top-load machine, add the detergent directly to the drum. For front-load machines, add the detergent directly to the detergent section of the dispenser.
- Detergent should be stored out of reach from children and pets and should always be kept in its original packaging.
FAQs
The correct way to use liquid detergent in your washing machine is to pour the liquid into a dosing ball and place on top and the back of the laundry; this will prevent the liquid from settling in your machines hoses. Originally, every new bottle of liquid detergent came with a dosing ball?
What is the best way to use liquid detergent? ›
The correct way to use liquid detergent in your washing machine is to pour the liquid into a dosing ball and place on top and the back of the laundry; this will prevent the liquid from settling in your machines hoses. Originally, every new bottle of liquid detergent came with a dosing ball?
Where do I put liquid detergent in the washing machine? ›
Most of the time, you will put the detergent directly in the drum. If you use a product like Persil, make sure you use the handy dosing ball to measure the right dose. You can often use liquid detergent as a pre-treatment by rubbing a small amount into tough stains before washing.
Can I put liquid detergent straight into the washer? ›
When using the drawer on your washing machine to add detergent, liquid and powdered detergent go in the same main compartment. The difference arises when it comes to adding detergents to the drum. Liquid detergent can go into the drum with no problem, but this should be avoided with powder.
Is it better to put laundry liquid in drum or drawer? ›
Dosing directly into the drum helps you to achieve outstanding results.
Where should I pour liquid detergent? ›
Liquid laundry detergent works in both top-load and front-load machines. When using a top-load machine, add the detergent directly to the drum. For front-load machines, add the detergent directly to the detergent section of the dispenser.
How much liquid detergent should I actually use? ›
The right amount: It's typically 1½ ounces for a normal load of laundry. Instead of going by the faint lines of a detergent measuring cup, you can use a shot glass, which is about 1½ ounces, to be more precise. For larger loads or very soiled clothing, use twice as much detergent.
When to add liquid detergent to a washing machine? ›
Pour detergent in the dispenser or, if there isn't one, directly into the tub before adding clothes. Always follow the instructions on the packaging when measuring.
Is powder or liquid detergent better for washing machines? ›
Most appliance experts say that liquid detergents are generally better for washing machines vs. powder detergent. If powder detergent doesn't dissolve completely with each load, it can clump up and cause blocks in hoses and drains that can affect your appliance's performance.
How much liquid detergent to use in a top loader? ›
How Much Detergent to Use In Standard Top Load Washers
- To save money and achieve clean laundry, use only half the amount recommended by the manufacturer. ...
- If you have soft water, use less—about 1 1/2 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent. ...
- Use only one pre-measured packet per load.
As long as you're not using bleach, don't add clothing after the water (a pain, because clothes can float). Instead, use this order to distribute detergent best: clothes, then water, then soap.
Does liquid detergent clog up washing machine? ›
Typically, liquid detergents will not clog pipes, in either your washing machine or your dishwasher. There is a slightly increased risk of clogging with powdered detergents, but as long as you use the correct amount for the appliance, you shouldn't experience issues with pipe or drain clogging.
Where to pour liquid detergent in a washing machine? ›
Second compartment
Unlike the first compartment, this is the one that you'll use the most. Also known as the main wash compartment, this is usually labelled as '2' or 'II', and this is where you put your laundry detergent when you clean your clothes.
Where do you put liquid detergent in washing machine drawer? ›
1 Main wash compartment: Detergent for the main wash, water softener, pre-soaking agent, bleach, and stain remover. 2 Softener compartment: Fabric softener (do not fill higher than the line indicated by MAX). 3 Prewash compartment: Detergent for prewash or starch.
Is it better to use liquid laundry detergent or pods? ›
It all comes down to your laundry needs and lifestyle. If you value convenience and simplicity, pods might be your pick. If you're after versatility and cost-effectiveness, consider going for liquid detergent. If tough stains and cost per load are your primary concerns, the powder could be the way to go.
Is liquid detergent better for washing machines? ›
Most appliance experts say that liquid detergents are generally better for washing machines vs. powder detergent. If powder detergent doesn't dissolve completely with each load, it can clump up and cause blocks in hoses and drains that can affect your appliance's performance.
When should you add liquid detergent? ›
Pour detergent in the dispenser or, if there isn't one, directly into the tub before adding clothes. Always follow the instructions on the packaging when measuring. If your washer is High-Efficiency (HE), only use HE detergent.
How much liquid detergent to put in a washing machine? ›
If you have soft water, use less—about 1 1/2 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent. For untreated hard water, use the full amount. Use only one pre-measured packet per load. For heavily soiled clothes, pre-soak or spot-treat stains with a bit of liquid detergent rather than add extra detergent to the entire load.
