Small (approx. 3 lbs)
Medium (approx. 7 lbs)
Large (approx. 11 lbs)
Extra Large (approx. 15 lbs)
Soft
Medium
Hard
HE Liquid
Regular Liquid
HE Powder
Regular Powder
Light
Normal
Heavy
Understanding Laundry Detergent Dosage
Getting the right amount of laundry detergent is crucial for effective cleaning and maintaining your washing machine. Using too little can leave clothes not fully clean, while too much can lead to residue buildup, dingy fabrics, and even damage to your appliance. Several factors influence the ideal detergent dosage.
Key Factors for Detergent Dosage:
Load Size: Larger loads require more detergent than smaller ones to effectively lift dirt and grime from a greater volume of fabric.
Water Hardness: Hard water contains more minerals, which can interfere with the detergent's cleaning power. In hard water areas, you'll generally need to use more detergent. Soft water allows detergent to lather more easily, so you might need less.
Detergent Type: Different types of detergents (HE liquid, regular liquid, HE powder, regular powder) have varying concentrations and formulations. High-Efficiency (HE) detergents are designed for low-water washing machines and require significantly less product than traditional detergents.
Dirt Level: Heavily soiled items will need a stronger detergent concentration or a slightly larger dose to tackle stubborn stains and dirt. Lightly soiled clothes can often be cleaned with a smaller amount.
How Our Calculator Works:
This calculator takes into account the variables above to provide a recommended laundry detergent dosage. While detergent packaging often provides a baseline guide, our calculator offers a more nuanced approach based on your specific laundry conditions. Always refer to your detergent's packaging for the most accurate instructions, but use this tool as a helpful guide to optimize your laundry routine.
Note: The results from this calculator are estimates. Always check your detergent's instructions and adjust based on your experience and the specific needs of your laundry.
function calculateDetergent() {
var loadSize = document.getElementById("loadSize").value;
var waterHardness = document.getElementById("waterHardness").value;
var detergentType = document.getElementById("detergentType").value;
var dirtLevel = document.getElementById("dirtLevel").value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var baseDosage = 1; // Default to a standard unit, will be adjusted
var loadMultiplier = 1;
var hardnessMultiplier = 1;
var dirtMultiplier = 1;
// Load Size Multipliers (relative units)
if (loadSize === "small") {
loadMultiplier = 0.75;
} else if (loadSize === "medium") {
loadMultiplier = 1.0;
} else if (loadSize === "large") {
loadMultiplier = 1.25;
} else if (loadSize === "extra-large") {
loadMultiplier = 1.5;
}
// Water Hardness Multipliers
if (waterHardness === "soft") {
hardnessMultiplier = 0.8;
} else if (waterHardness === "medium") {
hardnessMultiplier = 1.0;
} else if (waterHardness === "hard") {
hardnessMultiplier = 1.3;
}
// Dirt Level Multipliers
if (dirtLevel === "light") {
dirtMultiplier = 0.8;
} else if (dirtLevel === "normal") {
dirtMultiplier = 1.0;
} else if (dirtLevel === "heavy") {
dirtMultiplier = 1.4;
}
// Detergent Type & Base Dosage (These are illustrative and represent typical relative amounts)
// Real-world dosages vary WILDLY by brand and concentration. This is a simplified model.
var detergentMultiplier = 1.0; // Default for HE Liquid
if (detergentType === "he-liquid") {
detergentMultiplier = 1.0; // HE Liquid is often a good baseline
baseDosage = 1; // Relative units for HE Liquid
var unit = "capful"; // Common unit for HE liquid
} else if (detergentType === "regular-liquid") {
detergentMultiplier = 1.5; // Regular liquid usually requires more
baseDosage = 1.5;
var unit = "capful/scoop";
} else if (detergentType === "he-powder") {
detergentMultiplier = 0.9; // HE Powder might be slightly more concentrated by volume
baseDosage = 0.9;
var unit = "scoop";
} else if (detergentType === "regular-powder") {
detergentMultiplier = 1.3; // Regular powder might require more
baseDosage = 1.3;
var unit = "scoop";
}
// Calculate final dosage
var finalDosage = baseDosage * loadMultiplier * hardnessMultiplier * dirtMultiplier * detergentMultiplier;
// Format the result
// We'll display this as a relative "unit" to avoid specific brand measurements.
// A real app might ask for the cap size or scoop size in ml/grams.
var formattedResult = "Recommended Dosage: Approximately " + finalDosage.toFixed(1) + " units (e.g., capfuls or scoops) of your chosen detergent.";
if (detergentType.includes("he")) {
formattedResult += " (For High-Efficiency machines)";
} else {
formattedResult += " (For Standard machines)";
}
resultDiv.innerHTML = formattedResult;
}