For the Washing Machine's Sake, Go easy on the Detergent.

Washing machines do not need too much soap, according to Vernon Schmidt, who has been repairman for almost 35 years.

Mr. Schmidt says that depending upon how hard the water is, one-eighth to one-half of what is usually recommended should be adequate.

Too much detergent can make your clothes stiff and shorten the life cycle of your machine.

With high efficiency machines, it's a good idea to use detergents specifically made for them, said Jill Notini, a spokesman for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, a trade group.

Source: Alina Tugend, New York Times.