too much soap in washer = more money?

[keeneye]

When washing clothes in the washer, does it take more energy for the washer to wash the clothes if you put too much soap in the machine? I know this sounds like a stupid questions -- I need an answer to settle a bet.

[sdc2027]

I would think it only uses extra energy if you have to use another rinse cycle to get the soap off the clothes, otherwise if you are using the one cycle to clean them- I would think not.

[terry1156]

Using too much soap in the machine will waste your money in using too much soap Actually, my wife only uses a portion of the amount that they recommend and are clothes always come out bright and clean. I think they want you to use more than you really need to. I don't know about it using more energy though.

[Amelia]

The same agitation is going to happen-0so that will cost the same--as to the added cost of soap use-the softer your water the less soap you need.Can't remember but if you have hard water you can mix something(?borax?) with your soap in the load and it will work fine. My friend noticed when they moved into their new house from an apt-because of the water softener that she needed half the soap because it dissolved and foamed easier mixing w the clothes.

[Razzy]

I have found that if I use 1/8 of a cup of detergent for a small load of laundry plus a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda (we have hard water) that that will clean my clothes just as well as using what they say to use on the box. Plus I have found (my accident and courosity) that if I used more and did the same load again and not put anymore laundry deterent in that my clothes still had deterent in them enough for a couple of loads. Now medium to large loads I use 1/4 cup of detergent and 1/2 of baking soda and that will wash my clothes well too.

I think you really have to play around and see how much detergent you can use and still get your clothes clean without wasting money. I know it takes at least 6 months or more for us to go through a bottle of laundry detergent.

Razzy

[Momof3grls]

I usually use half a cup for a full load I used to use the whole cup. Then I read on a message board that the savings of using half a cup & how it adds up & it does. ANd I also read if you use liquid you can tip the bottle upside down when done to get more soap & it does gets me at least 2 more loads.

[Razzy]

I love to use liquid instead of power. But when I do use power I use some hot water then the rest cold water in the wash then let it agitate until I think the power is dissolved.

Razzy

[CRFSaver]

Most people don't realize that if you use more then recommended your clothes will come out dirtier as the rinse cycle can't get rid of all the soap residue. I use just less then a quarter inch of detergent and my clothes come out quite clean. Of course any savings i get there are wiped out by the damn drycleaners...

[CheaplyClever]

I agree with the others. You are using more energy only if you rinse again. And you are wasting lots of money using too much soap in the first pkace! The more I think about it, was your orginal bet stemming from an over-loaded washer? That may cause more energy usage with the stressed motor straining to keep up.

I found out a long time ago that a cap of fabric softener in overly sudsy wash water will help break down the soap.... and you might get by without that extra rinse. (But who wants dried up soap in their undies!)

Drycleaning, CRFSaver, have you ever tried the Dryel (kit for your home dryer) as an every other time alternative? I have never had any luck with the stain remover bottle, but the bag works very well removing daily smells from clothing. Just hang the garments up to completely dry.

[CRFSaver]

Well alot of the things I take for "dry cleaning" are shirts that I dont have the time or dont want to take the time to iron. I suck at it anyway. I have to spend the money on it as I spend alot of time up in the executive offices so need to look professional. I am just thankful I don't have to wear a suit!