How do I keep my whites white?

Using too much or too little detergent in your washing machine can lead to poor washing results. When it comes to using the correct dosage of detergent, there are three key facts to consider.

• The amount of dirt in the washing. The more dirty the clothes are, the more detergent that's needed to remove it. You may not see it, but approximately 70% of dirt on clothes comes from the body, such as skin, sweat, grease and other bodily fluids. Only 30% of dirt on clothes comes from external sources, such as food, mud, grass, lotions and creams.
• The size of the washing load. Detergent dosage instructions are based upon a washing machine's drum size, and for good reason. The larger the washing load, the more dirt introduced and therefore the more detergent that's needed to remove it.
• The water hardness level in your area. Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals which need to be softened and neutralised for more effective cleaning results. It's for this reason that detergent manufacturers recommend using slightly more detergent than normal in hard water areas.