When it comes to using household essentials, like laundry detergent, dish soap, and sunscreen, many people often don’t give much thought to the amount they’re using. However, using too much or too little of these products can lead to less than desirable results. To help you use these everyday items more effectively, we’ve compiled some surprising insights from various Wirecutter guides on portion sizes.
Use a Small Amount of Toilet Bowl Cleaner
While the recommended amount of toilet bowl cleaner can vary by brand, using around 4 to 6 ounces is generally enough to clean your toilet bowl effectively. Instead of measuring out a specific amount, simply squeezing the bottle around the bowl once is usually sufficient, according to Wirecutter staff writer James Austin.
Measure Your Sunscreen by the Ounce
To achieve the advertised sun protection factor (SPF), it’s crucial to use the right amount of sunscreen. Most adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen for their body. When using spray sunscreen, it’s important to apply it closer to your skin and then rub it in to ensure effective coverage.
Use the Appropriate Amount of Laundry Detergent
Using too much laundry detergent can lead to residue buildup in your clothes, making your wardrobe stiff. For large loads weighing 12 pounds or more, use only 2 tablespoons of detergent. For an 8-pound load, 1 tablespoon is sufficient.
Use a Small Amount of Dish Soap
When hand-washing dishes, using as little as a teaspoon of dish detergent in a sinkful of water can produce enough foam to effectively clean your dishes. You can make the most out of the soapy water by starting with the least-dirty dishes and replenishing with a teaspoon of soap as needed.
