Vietnamese 
English Detergent residue is a common issue after washing clothes, especially when using a washing machine. This not only looks bad but can also cause skin irritation. In the article below, Thai Tuan LMS will share effective ways to remove detergent residue from clothes right at home.
Reasons why clothes get detergent residue
There are several reasons why clothes end up with detergent residue, such as using too much detergent, washing too many items, or using an unsuitable type of detergent, specifically:
- Using too much detergent: This is the leading cause of detergent residue on clothes. Adding too much detergent to the washing machine cannot fully dissolve and rinse out, leading to residues sticking to the clothes.
- Using an unsuitable detergent: Low-quality detergents with poor solubility are also one of the causes of residue.
- Washing too many clothes at once: If you overload the machine beyond its capacity, it won't be able to operate at full power, resulting in less water that can't fully dissolve the detergent added.
- Insufficient water: If there's too little water compared to the amount of clothes, the detergent won't dissolve properly, and sometimes the wash won't even be clean.
- Ineffective washing machine operation: Certain issues with the washing machine can leave residue, such as:
- Dirty drum: If the drum hasn't been cleaned for a long time, detergent build-up will cling to it, making clothes smell bad.
- Clogged lint filter: A clogged lint filter reduces the rinsing ability, making it harder for detergent residue to wash away.
Overloaded washing machine.
- Insufficient rinsing: If the rinse cycle isn't thorough, leftover detergent residue will stick to the clothes.
How to Easily and Effectively Remove Detergent Residue from Clothes
If your clothes have stubborn detergent residue, don’t worry; the tips below will help you get it out.
For a small amount of residue, you can use a brush to scrub the area, then just shake it off with your hand, or soak the affected part in water and scrub lightly before drying.
In cases where there's a lot of residue, you’ll need to wash the clothes again, but you won’t need any detergent this time. Here are some tips for removing detergent residue from clothes:
Soak in warm water
- Soaking in warm water will help soften the detergent residue.
- However, don’t soak for too long to avoid damaging the fabric.
Use white vinegar
- Dilute white vinegar with water at a 1:1 ratio.
- Soak the clothes in the vinegar solution for about 15-30 minutes.
- Rinse the clothes with clean water.
Use baking soda
- Sprinkle some baking soda on the areas with detergent residue.
- Gently scrub with a soft brush or use your hand.
- Wash the clothes as usual.
Use a specialized cleaner
If the residue is tough or has been there for a while, you can use a specialized cleaner.
- Choose a high-quality detergent residue remover.
- Follow the instructions on the product packaging.
- Wash the clothes again after using the residue remover.
Tips to Reduce Detergent Residue on Clothes
Based on the causes of detergent residue on clothes, the following tips will help minimize this issue, ensuring your clothes are clean, fresh-smelling, and looking good.
- Choose a washing machine with the right capacity for your needs and go for a reputable brand. It's best to use liquid detergent when using a machine.
- Pay attention to regularly cleaning the washing drum and lint filter.
- Only fill the washing machine up to two-thirds to ensure it operates at its best efficiency.
- Dissolve the detergent in water first (if using powder detergent).
These are the ways to remove detergent residue from clothes; choose the right washing method to protect your clothes and feel more confident wearing them.
