Signs You're Not Working With A Quality Laundry Detergent

Laundry is one of those inescapable chores that never seem to end, especially if you have more than a couple of people in your household. The average American family does 300 loads of laundry every year. That's a lot of laundry to get through — and if you're using a low-quality detergent, you might wonder whether your clothes are actually getting clean.

One of the biggest signs that your detergent isn't working for you is smelly clothes, even if you're implementing the top laundry hacks to leave clothes smelling fresh. After they come out of the washing machine, your clothes should smell fresh and clean. If you notice lingering odors — or if your clothes are over-perfumed after washing — toxic scented laundry detergent could be to blame. Another sign that your detergent is poor quality is scratchy or stiff-feeling clothes, bedding, and towels. This is a sign that your detergent is either not rinsing out properly or it's too harsh for your fabrics. Switching to a gentler detergent should help your laundry feel softer.

Finally, if you're experiencing skin irritation or other potential allergy symptoms, your laundry detergent could be to blame. The chemicals in low-quality detergents, including PFAs, dyes, and fragrances, can cause itching, rashes, and breakouts — and they can even cause congestion in allergy sufferers. If you notice these symptoms even after switching detergents, you might need to wash your bedding in vinegar to strip out any lingering detergent buildup.

When you're shopping for a new laundry detergent, it's essential to read the label carefully. Some of the most common ingredients include surfactants, enzymes, and solvents to remove dirt, oil, and stains from clothing without damaging the fabric. Brighteners help make your clothes look whiter, while chelants can increase the effectiveness of your laundry detergent.

If your current detergent irritates your skin, choose one that's free from added dye and perfume and is labeled as hypoallergenic. Detergents that contain perfume will help mask odors — especially on extra stinky items like workout clothes or dog blankets — but they can be harsh and irritating. Look for a nontoxic, odor-fighting detergent that includes enzymes to break down stains and release any trapped smells in the fabric.

If you still struggle with smelly, scratchy laundry after switching detergents, consider using less detergent to prevent buildup or washing your laundry on a different setting. Using the wrong setting is a top laundry mistake that's surprisingly easy to fix. Check your washing machine's instruction manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for different types of loads.