If you are constantly using detergent to clean your clothes, stop! New clothes can be damaged

Laundry Day is a big event in Indian homes. Expect buckets full of clothes, detergent powder sprinkled liberally in water, and perfectly clean, sparkling white clothes. But do you know; That easy-to-take handful of detergent could be working against you. Sandeep Naik, Global Head of Research and Development for Personal Care and Home Care, Godrej Consumer Products Limitedhas given detailed information about this. (Photo courtesy – istock)

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Hard water is a major problem in cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Pune and Ahmedabad (hard water). Hard water makes cleaning more difficult so many people add extra, often double, detergent. They think it will remove stubborn stains caused by street food or monsoon mud. But reality tells a different story.

Using more detergent does not result in more cleaning. On the contrary, it creates a layer of soap on the clothes. It traps dirt and odors. Clothes become stiff and your washing machine needs more energy to wash such clothes. Over time, this buildup shortens the life of both clothing and equipment, and turns a simple job into an expensive repair.

In India, where water scarcity and heavy water are a daily reality, the problem is even deeper. Research studies on household laundry habits show that most consumers use twice or more detergent than necessary. The main reason behind this is lack of knowledge about the correct quantity and hardness of water. This overuse not only wastes money, but also requires additional rinse cycles. This leads to more water consumption in already scarce areas.

Powdered detergents, which are widely used in India, can add to the problem. They usually contain mineral-based fillers that are not completely soluble in water. These insoluble particles remain on the clothes. Soda can cause lint, i.e. fine loose fibers of clothes, to accumulate in the washing machine/dryer, causing blockages and malfunctioning of the washing machine.

In contrast, liquid detergents dissolve quickly in water, can be used in more precise amounts, and leave no residue behind. Liquid formulations are generally gentler on clothing. Most are phosphate-free and formulated to care for clothes with effective cleaning. The solution to the problem caused by the wrong detergent starts not with using more product, but with awareness. Always use detergent by measure rather than by guesswork. About 2-3 tablespoons (approx. 30-60 ml) is usually sufficient for a 5-7 kg laundry load for a machine wash, while a smaller amount is required for hand washing depending on the amount of laundry and the need for cleanliness. Correctly treating stubborn stains first reduces the need for additional detergent.

Front-load washing machines are more widely used in Indian households. It consumes less water and hence less detergent is needed. Using too much detergent in this machine can cause too much foam. This causes sludge and deposits to build up in the drum. Low-foaming liquid detergents such as Fab or Gentile have formulations designed for modern washing machines. These products are more suitable for these cycles as they clean effectively without creating extra foam and protect both the clothes and the machine.

Another advantage of liquid detergents lies in their formulation. Liquid detergents dissolve easily and do not leave any residue or residue behind. So they are gentler on clothes. Powder detergents contain coarse minerals that have scrubbing or scraping properties. This increases friction. It can also cause lint to grow. Liquid detergents clean more easily and help reduce wear and tear on clothes.

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Liquid and pod-based detergents are now slowly gaining popularity in India due to their convenient usage and proper dosage. They help avoid excess usage by eliminating the need to use caustic powders, leaving no residue, residue and supporting more sustainable laundry practices. As consumers become more aware of laundry care, appliance life and environmental impact, small changes in daily habits such as measuring the right amount of detergent and choosing the right formulation can make a significant difference.