Quickly treat stains to avoid getting deep into fabric fibers
Mr. James Joun - a laundry expert at the US company Rinse - said that laundry detergent residue forms when soap is not completely dissolved in water. This situation often occurs in water-saving washing machines or when users put too much clothes in the drum.
According to Mr. James Joun, the most effective way to handle it is to act immediately after detecting the stain. First, you need to use paper towels or clean towels to gently soak the remaining residue on clothes, avoid scrubbing hard, causing the stain to spread wider. Then, rinse the fabric area directly under cold tap water to sweep away any remaining detergent.
Ms. Karina Toner - a cleaning expert at Spekless Cleaning in Washington DC - recommends that users not use hot water from the beginning. According to her, high temperatures can cause laundry detergent residue to stick more firmly to fabric fibers, especially with dark-colored clothes.
For stubborn stains, Ms. Karina Toner suggests mixing white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and then soaking it on the affected fabric area. Vinegar has the effect of breaking down the soap residue and helping to soften the fabric fibers naturally. After a few minutes, users should wash clothes again lightly without adding detergent.
Prevent recurrence of laundry detergent residue with proper habits
Experts believe that prevention is still the most important solution. One of the common mistakes today is the mentality "the more detergent, the cleaner". In fact, excess soap not only leaves white stains but also accumulates in the washing drum, reducing the lifespan of the device.
Mr. James Joun recommends that users always carefully read the manufacturer's quantitative instructions and prioritize using less than the maximum recommended level. With modern water-saving washing machines, using liquid detergent will help dissolve better than traditional detergent.
In addition, users should not fill the machine with too much clothes. The ideal level is only about 80% of the drum capacity so that water has enough space to circulate. If the machine has an enhanced drainage mode, it should be activated to completely remove any remaining soap residue.
Experts also note that periodic cleaning of the washing machine with white vinegar or specialized solution will help limit accumulation of dirt, keeping clothes cleaner and softer after each washing.
