Laundry Detergent Calculator

Water hardness radically alters how washing machine detergent performs. Search for your city below to pull the municipal water hardness baseline and calculate the exact liquid or powder dosage required for your next wash.

Why water hardness matters for your laundry

If you live in a hard water area, the calcium and magnesium in your tap water bind directly to the surfactants in your laundry detergent. Instead of creating cleaning suds, this chemical reaction creates an insoluble precipitate known as soap scum.

If you follow the "standard" dosage on the back of the bottle while living in a hard water city, all your detergent will be consumed by the minerals. The dirt and scum will then redeposit onto your clothes, creating a dull, grey appearance over time. Use our tool to find the exact compensation dosage required for your specific municipality.