When I was younger, I would dutifully fill up the swinging cup in the dishwasher to its capacity assuming the manufacturer knew better than I did on how much dish washing detergent it takes to clean a load of dirty dishes in the automatic dish washing machine.
Later in life, I found out you could get a clean load of dishes with far less spotting on glasses using only 20% of the automatic dish washing powder. Try it out for yourself for the proof. I use Cascade, but I’ve never seen testing to provide proof its any better than the other leading brands.
“Automatic Dishwasher Tip: Use Only 20% of the recommended dish washing powder for a spot-free load.”
I usually add about 20% of the dish washing powder in the container in the dish washer door and sprinkle a tiny bit outside of the container and let it rip. My dishes are just as clean as ever and spot free.
“Laundry Washing Machine Tip: Use only 25% of the recommended laundry detergent powder for a wash that’s just as clean with less residue.”
Laundry powder in the washing machine is much the same way. I use a concentrated HE (High Efficiency) powder and only add about 25% of what the laundry machine manufacturer recommends and my clothes come out just as clean as when I use the recommended amount. A $17-$20 HE name brand laundry powder box lasts me several years. My clothes are just as clean and smell just as fresh, so why be an obedient drone and waste so much detergent?
I read a Consumer Report a few years ago and after scientific testing, they rated Amway’s laundry soap the best on the market and Tide came in #2. If you don’t mind paying a premium for the best laundry power, pick Amway. Otherwise, if its inconvenient or you’re in a local store, pick up a concentrated box of Tide. Years ago, laundry detergent makers would puff up their powder and add fillers to make the boxes look big on the grocery store shelves. I don’t think that is the trend anymore.
There is controversy on whether you should use softener or sheets of fabric-based anti-static softeners with fragrance. I don’t personally use them, because their ingredients stay on your clothes and are absorbed into your skin. As far as static cling, just take the clothes out of the dryer before they are completely dry and there will be no static cling. If you just want fragrance, take a washcloth and throw it in to the dryer with a few drops of fragrant essential oil.
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