When washing clothes in cold water in a top-loading washing machine, you should use less laundry detergent compared to using warm or hot water. Cold water requires less detergent to achieve effective cleaning because the enzymes in modern detergents work well even in lower temperatures.
A general guideline for the amount of laundry detergent to use in a top-loading washing machine with cold water is as follows:
Lightly soiled loads: Use around half of the recommended amount of detergent for a standard load size. If the detergent bottle suggests using 1 cup for a regular load, use about 1/2 cup for cold water washing.
Heavily soiled loads: If your clothes are heavily soiled or there are tough stains, you can use a bit more detergent, but still less than the full recommended amount. Start with 3/4 of the recommended amount and adjust as needed based on your results.
Always check the detergent label for specific instructions on dosing for cold water washing. Some detergents might have specific guidelines for cold water usage. Additionally, it's essential to consider the hardness of your water and adjust the detergent amount accordingly. Hard water may require slightly more detergent than soft water for effective cleaning.
Using too much detergent in cold water can lead to excess suds that may not rinse out completely, leaving residue on your clothes. Not only is this wasteful, but it can also lead to problems with your washing machine and decrease the effectiveness of the cleaning process.
Remember, when in doubt, start with a smaller amount of detergent and gradually increase if you find your clothes are not getting clean. Experimenting with the right amount will help you determine the optimal detergent dosage for your specific machine and laundry needs.