We’ve all been there—pulling towels or clothes out of the dryer only to find them stiff, scratchy, and far from the soft feel you expected. If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone. The issue, however, might not be what you think. Many people assume it’s related to how they dry their laundry, but it turns out the real culprit could be how you’re washing them.
The Secret Lies in the Detergent
According to Nicole Gibson, a laundry expert and founder of Soka Australia, the main reason clothes become stiff is actually due to the amount of detergent used. Many people mistakenly believe that more detergent means cleaner clothes, but this is far from the truth. Instead, overloading your machine with detergent can result in residue building up on your fabrics, leaving them feeling crunchy and unpleasant to the touch.
The Rinse Cycle Isn’t Doing Its Job
One of the biggest issues with using too much detergent is that your washing machine may not be able to rinse it all away effectively. When this happens, leftover soap and detergent sit on your clothes, causing that stiff texture you feel after they dry. If your washing machine’s rinse cycle isn’t up to par, the problem can be even worse.
What’s Inside Your Detergent?
Not all detergents are created equal. Some store-bought brands are filled with unnecessary fillers like cardboard or even potato skins, says Gibson. These fillers clog up the fibers of your clothes, making them feel stiff and uncomfortable. Over time, this residue can also accumulate in your washing machine, affecting its performance and leaving clothes feeling heavier than they should.
Is Your Machine the Problem?
While the type of detergent and the amount used play significant roles, your washing machine’s performance is also critical. If it doesn’t have an efficient rinse cycle, it won’t be able to wash away excess detergent. This means the problem could be a combination of how much soap you’re using and the machine’s ability to rinse it out.
Simple Fixes to Soften Your Clothes
If you’ve already noticed your clothes coming out stiff and scratchy, the good news is that there’s a simple solution. Rewashing them or running them through an extra rinse cycle should do the trick. According to Gibson, adding an additional rinse allows the water to thoroughly clean your clothes, washing away the residue that’s causing the stiffness.
Check the Detergent Instructions
Before your next load of laundry, it’s a good idea to double-check the detergent instructions. Many people aren’t aware that using too much detergent is a common mistake. Depending on the detergent, machine, and size of the load, you might only need as little as 20 milliliters—about a tablespoon. In most cases, using less detergent can prevent your clothes from becoming crunchy.
Where You Put the Detergent Matters
Another common mistake people make is putting detergent in the wrong compartment of the washing machine. This can also lead to detergent not being washed away properly. Make sure you’re using the correct compartment to ensure your clothes come out soft and comfortable.
Cut Back on Detergent and Use Bi-Carb Soda
To avoid crunchy clothes, consider cutting back on the amount of detergent you’re using and adding a little bi-carb soda to the wash. For top-loaders, a quarter of the recommended detergent plus two tablespoons of bi-carb soda should be enough. For front-loaders, you only need an eighth of the recommended detergent along with the bi-carb soda. Also, consider switching to a low-sud detergent, as these produce fewer bubbles and are easier to rinse away.
Conclusion: Less is More for Softer Laundry
In the end, the key to soft, fluffy clothes isn’t about using more detergent or changing how you dry them. It’s all about using the right amount of detergent and ensuring that your washing machine can rinse it away effectively. By cutting back on detergent and possibly adding an extra rinse cycle, you can say goodbye to crunchy clothes and enjoy soft, comfortable fabrics once again.
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