This Viral Detergent Hack Has People Questioning If They're Doing Laundry Wrong

Laundry day just got a lot more interesting, thanks to a viral TikTok video that's got everyone talking about an unconventional laundry hack. A user named Iluka shared a video of her boyfriend at home during laundry time, and what she caught on camera left her wondering if he was doing his washing right.

Iluka noticed that her boyfriend just tossed the cap of the laundry detergent into the load with the clothes. "I just asked my bf where the cap for the detergent is and he said 'Oh I just fill it up and throw it in?'", she wrote, calling this behavior "mental." But to her surprise, many people defended his method, citing its ability to prevent the cap from getting gross and sticky from detergent residue.

But are there any experts who agree with this approach? Cleaning expert Becky Rapinchuk tells us that "it's totally common" for people to toss their detergent caps into the washing machine. Patric Richardson, aka The Laundry Evangelist, also prefers this method, saying it keeps his bottle clean and makes things easier.

However, not everyone is a fan of this hack. James Joun, co-founder and chief operating officer of Rinse, warns that detergent caps are designed to dispense detergent, not withstand the wash cycle. "Most detergent caps are not designed to withstand the agitation of a washing machine," he says. "It could crack, break, or get stuck in the drum or filter, leading to potential damage to both your clothes and the machine."

Additionally, Joun expresses concerns about the effectiveness of this method, saying that it can lead to spots or residue on your laundry if the detergent doesn't fully dissolve. "Throwing the cap in the drum will also concentrate the detergent in the area it's thrown in, leading to uneven application and a poor wash," he warns.

But what about leaving the detergent package open? Kim Romine, a fabric care scientist for Dreft, says that this can lead to spills or contamination. "It's great as long as you have a safe place to keep the open bottle – definitely don't keep it on top of the washer or dryer in case it moved and fell," she advises.

So, what's the best way to use your detergent? Richardson suggests using silicone measuring spoons to measure out your detergent and toss that into the washer. This way, you can put the cap back on the bottle and keep it clean. But shouldn't we be using the designated detergent compartment on our washing machines?

Some argue that this compartment is designed to ensure the detergent is dispensed at the right time during the wash cycle, allowing it to properly dissolve and mix with water. Using the compartment can also help avoid detergent buildup directly on your clothing. "Pouring it directly onto the clothes could result in uneven distribution, meaning some areas might get too much detergent, while others get too little," Joun says.

In short, while this hack might seem like a clever idea, it's not without its risks. As with any laundry method, it's always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and storage of laundry products. With a little bit of common sense and knowledge, you can ensure your clothes get the cleanest possible wash.

The Verdict: Is This Laundry Hack Worth Trying?

Ultimately, whether or not this laundry hack is worth trying depends on how much detergent you use and how sensitive your clothes are. If you're a heavy-duty washer who uses a lot of detergent, tossing the cap into the wash might be fine. But for those with delicate fabrics or who prefer to avoid potential risks, it's probably best to stick with the designated detergent compartment.

So, what do you think? Will you be trying this laundry hack or sticking with your tried-and-true methods? Let us know in the comments!