Don't Make This Mistake When Using Laundry Detergent Sheets

Few days can be more frustrating than laundry day. Laundering clothes can be one of the most tedious chores on a to-do list, and sometimes one of the most complicated, too. From sorting colors, to selecting wash cycles, to deciding how much detergent you actually need, and so much more, the simple process of washing your clothes is not always so simple, after all. At some point or another, you have likely wrecked your brain with questions such as "Can these be washed together?" or "Does this need to be bleached?" to say nothing of the new quandary: "How exactly do laundry detergent sheets work?"

Laundry detergent has taken many forms over the years. There have been traditional liquids, powders, pods, and now, the aforementioned detergent sheets. Laundry detergent sheets are a mess-free alternative to other detergent varieties, offering the same cleaning power with less hassle. However, since these are a relatively modern advancement, many are unfamiliar with how to use them properly, and there is one common mistake that should be avoided — soaking them.

Laundry detergent sheets come in the form of thin, pre-cut, cloth-like sheets that have been treated with various cleaning agents. They are designed to dissolve when placed in water, and upon dissolving, the cleaning agents will be released and activated, thus laundering your clothes.

However, many people make the mistake of soaking their laundry detergent sheets in water before placing them in their wash load. Though it may seem harmless, this is actually a major detriment to your wash routine. If you soak the sheets before placing them in the load, then the sheets release and activate their cleaning agents prematurely, essentially rendering them ineffective once you place them in the washer.

So, avoid soaking or saturating your detergent sheets prior to usage. Instead, simply keep them stored in a cool, dry area until wash day. Then, use the measurements listed on the box of your sheets to determine how many you should use per wash size.

Laundry detergent sheets offer a wide array of benefits and are generally a much more convenient and environmentally-friendly alternative to other forms of detergent. Typically packaged in recyclable cardboard boxes, laundry detergent sheets incur less waste since there are no plastic bottles or containers to dispose of. They are also very lightweight and easier to transport, thus cutting down on carbon emissions when they are being shipped to retailers.

Most notably, they are also a hassle-free, spill-proof alternative to other detergents. While powders and liquids can easily make a mess, sheets are virtually incapable of doing so — provided, that is, that you don't soak them! So, say goodbye to fretting over busted pods, sweeping up powder residue, or getting detergent all over your hands — with laundry detergent sheets, these issues are no more. If you are looking to simplify your wash day routine and practice sustainability in the process, consider making this switch.