Doing laundry is a weekly chore for most of us, but one common mistake many people make is using the same amount of detergent no matter how big or small the load is. Using too much detergent leaves sticky residues on clothes, makes them stiff, and even clogs your washing machine over time. Using too little, though, means stains and odors don’t get fully removed. The key to clean, fresh clothes (and a happy washing machine) is adjusting detergent usage to match the load size. Let’s break down simple, practical steps to get the detergent amount just right every time, no guesswork needed.

Before you even pick up the detergent bottle, you need to know how to judge your laundry load size—this is the foundation of getting detergent usage right. Most washing machines have three main load sizes: small, medium, and large. A small load is about 1 to 2 pounds of laundry—think a few pairs of underwear, a couple of t-shirts, or a single towel. It fills the washing machine drum about one third full. A medium load is 3 to 5 pounds, filling the drum halfway—this is what most people wash on a regular basis, like a day’s worth of clothes for a family of two. A large load is 6 to 8 pounds, filling the drum three quarters full—perfect for sheets, blankets, or a week’s worth of laundry for one person. Don’t overstuff the drum, though! Even for a large load, leave a little space for clothes to move around—this helps the detergent work better. Once you can eyeball load sizes easily, adjusting detergent becomes a breeze.

Small loads are easy to mess up with detergent—people often use too much because they’re used to full loads. But for a small load (one third of the drum), you only need a tiny amount of detergent. If you’re using liquid detergent, about 1 to 2 tablespoons is enough—any more and you’ll end up with residue. For powder detergent, it’s even less: 1 to 1.5 tablespoons. If your detergent has a measuring cup, fill it only a quarter of the way. This works for both top loading and front loading machines. For example, if you’re washing a few delicate blouses or your kid’s dirty socks, a small squirt of liquid detergent (or a pinch of powder) is all you need. Remember, small loads usually have lighter stains, so extra detergent isn’t necessary. Using the right amount keeps clothes soft and ensures the detergent rinses out completely.

Medium loads are the most common, so getting detergent usage right here is key. For a medium load (half the drum full), liquid detergent needs about 2 to 3 tablespoons. If you prefer powder detergent, go with 2 tablespoons—this is roughly half the measuring cup that comes with most detergent products. Front loading machines are more efficient, so you can stick to the lower end (2 tablespoons for liquid, 1.5 tablespoons for powder) to avoid suds buildup. Top loading machines can handle a bit more, but don’t go over 3 tablespoons. For example, if you’re washing a mix of t-shirts, pants, and undergarments, this amount of detergent will cut through dirt and sweat without leaving residues. If the clothes have light stains (like coffee splatters or grass marks), you can add a tiny bit more detergent, but no more than an extra tablespoon—overdoing it still causes problems.

Large loads (three quarters of the drum) need more detergent, but it’s still important not to overdo it. For liquid detergent, 3 to 4 tablespoons is ideal—this is about three quarters of the standard measuring cup. Powder detergent works best at 2.5 to 3 tablespoons. If you have an extra large load (like a king size comforter or a week’s worth of laundry for a family of four), you can bump it up slightly: 4 to 5 tablespoons of liquid detergent or 3 to 3.5 tablespoons of powder. But never fill the measuring cup to the top! Front loading machines are sensitive to suds, so even for extra large loads, don’t exceed 4 tablespoons of liquid detergent. Top loading machines can handle a bit more, but 5 tablespoons is the max. For example, when washing bulky items like towels or bed sheets, which absorb more water and detergent, this amount ensures every item gets clean without stiffening up after drying.

Besides matching detergent to load size, a few extra tips can make your laundry even better. First, check the detergent label—most brands list recommended amounts for different load sizes, so use that as a starting point. Second, adjust for water hardness: if your water is hard (leaves mineral deposits on dishes or clothes), add a little extra detergent (about half a tablespoon) to compensate. If it’s soft water, use a little less—soft water makes detergent work more effectively. Third, for heavily stained clothes, pre treat the stains with a small amount of detergent instead of adding more to the whole load. For example, dab liquid detergent on a grease stain before washing, then use the regular amount for the load size. Finally, clean your washing machine regularly—leftover detergent residue can build up, so run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of vinegar every month. Following these tips, along with matching detergent to load size, will keep your clothes clean, soft, and smelling fresh every time.