Use less detergent for lightly soiled clothes

For lightly worn clothes — office wear, pajamas, garments worn briefly — use half to two-thirds of the standard detergent dose. These items carry minimal soil and do not need a full dose to come clean.

Why It Works

Excess detergent on lightly soiled loads has nowhere to go. Without enough dirt to bind to, surplus surfactant deposits on fabric as a film that attracts dirt, dulls colors, and can irritate sensitive skin. Reducing the dose saves money and keeps clothes cleaner long-term.

Tips

• Especially important for children's sleepwear and garments worn by people with sensitive skin
• Residue buildup from overdosing is a common cause of unexplained dinginess in clothes
• If clothes feel stiff or look dull, try reducing your detergent before adding fabric softener