Did you ever think you’d hear a mother say that?

But according to Alina Tugend’s article in the New York Times, we’re throwing money down the drain every day by using too much soap in our washing machines and dishwashers.  And, apparently, not only is this bad for our wallets, it’s bad for the machines, too.  In her article, Ms. Tugend quotes repairman Vernon Schmidt, who says that “depending on how hard or soft your water is, one eighth to one-half of what is usually recommended should be adequate.”  One-eighth??!!  Whoa.

Less Tide.  Less Cascade.  Sounds good to me.

Ivory, on the other hand?  Please don’t use less, especially if you’re a boy who lives in this house.

I think I do really well on laundry soap, but I definitely use too much in the dishwasher.  How about you?

photo credit: Vagabond Shutterbug