May 9, 2025

How to Use Skin Salve Laundry Powder – Based on Your Water Type

Did you know that your local water type can affect how well your laundry powder works?

Whether you live in a hard or soft water area, it makes a big difference – not just to your clothes, but to how much powder you actually need. At Skin Salve, our Laundry Powder is made with just a few gentle ingredients – perfect for sensitive skin. But getting the dosage right helps make sure you get the clean you want, without overusing product or causing irritation.

Why Water Type Matters

  • Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can reduce the effectiveness of laundry powder. You’ll often need to use more powder to get clothes properly clean.

  • Soft water has fewer minerals, so detergent dissolves and lathers more easily. You’ll typically need less powder – using too much can cause excess suds or leave residue on clothes.

How Much Skin Salve Laundry Powder Should You Use?

Not sure how much to add to your washing machine? Use this quick guide based on load size, water type, and how dirty your clothes are.

Load Size

Water Type

Powder Amount

Small

Soft

1 tbsp (15g)

Small

Hard

1.5 tbsp (22g)

Medium

Soft

1.5 tbsp (22g)

Medium

Hard

2 tbsp (30g)

Large

Soft

2 tbsp (30g)

Large

Hard

2.5 tbsp (37g)

1 heaped tablespoon = approx. 15g

How to Tell If You Have Hard or Soft Water

Not sure which type of water you have at home? Here are a few simple clues:

  • Lather test: If your soap struggles to foam up, you probably have hard water.

  • Kettle check: White limescale buildup inside your kettle or around taps suggests hard water.

  • Online lookup: Search your postcode on your local water supplier’s website for an exact reading.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Things Go Wrong

If you’re noticing problems with your laundry, a simple tweak to your routine might help:

Issue

Possible Cause

Suggested Solution

White residue on clothes

Too much powder or cold water

Use slightly less powder or wash at a higher temperature

Clothes don’t feel clean

Too little powder or cold water

Use slightly more powder or wash at a higher temperature

Clothes feel stiff or rough

Hard water or powder not dissolving fully

Use more powder or warmer water; consider a fabric softener for sensitive items

Suds overflow or residue in machine

Too much powder

Reduce amount used of powder

Itchy or irritated skin

Residue from excess powder

Use less powder, or add a rinse wash. If the problem persists, discontinue use.

Final Tip

Store Skin Salve Laundry Powder in a cool, dry place, and always measure carefully. A little goes a long way – especially in soft water!

Disclaimer

Skin Salve Laundry Powder is formulated for general household use and is especially suitable for sensitive skin and natural fabrics. The usage amounts provided are based on average washing conditions and may vary depending on your machine and fabric type. Always follow the care instructions on your garments. If irritation or build-up continues, stop use and consult your appliance manual or fabric care label.

Whether you live in a hard or soft water area, it makes a big difference – not just to your clothes, but to how much powder you actually need. At Skin Salve, our Laundry Powder is made with just a few gentle ingredients – perfect for sensitive skin. But getting the dosage right helps make sure you get the clean you want, without overusing product or causing irritation.

Why Water Type Matters

  • Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can reduce the effectiveness of laundry powder. You’ll often need to use more powder to get clothes properly clean.

  • Soft water has fewer minerals, so detergent dissolves and lathers more easily. You’ll typically need less powder – using too much can cause excess suds or leave residue on clothes.

How Much Skin Salve Laundry Powder Should You Use?

Not sure how much to add to your washing machine? Use this quick guide based on load size, water type, and how dirty your clothes are.

Load Size

Water Type

Powder Amount

Small

Soft

1 tbsp (15g)

Small

Hard

1.5 tbsp (22g)

Medium

Soft

1.5 tbsp (22g)

Medium

Hard

2 tbsp (30g)

Large

Soft

2 tbsp (30g)

Large

Hard

2.5 tbsp (37g)

1 heaped tablespoon = approx. 15g

How to Tell If You Have Hard or Soft Water

Not sure which type of water you have at home? Here are a few simple clues:

  • Lather test: If your soap struggles to foam up, you probably have hard water.

  • Kettle check: White limescale buildup inside your kettle or around taps suggests hard water.

  • Online lookup: Search your postcode on your local water supplier’s website for an exact reading.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Things Go Wrong

If you’re noticing problems with your laundry, a simple tweak to your routine might help:

Issue

Possible Cause

Suggested Solution

White residue on clothes

Too much powder or cold water

Use slightly less powder or wash at a higher temperature

Clothes don’t feel clean

Too little powder or cold water

Use slightly more powder or wash at a higher temperature

Clothes feel stiff or rough

Hard water or powder not dissolving fully

Use more powder or warmer water; consider a fabric softener for sensitive items

Suds overflow or residue in machine

Too much powder

Reduce amount used of powder

Itchy or irritated skin

Residue from excess powder

Use less powder, or add a rinse wash. If the problem persists, discontinue use.

Final Tip

Store Skin Salve Laundry Powder in a cool, dry place, and always measure carefully. A little goes a long way – especially in soft water!

Disclaimer

Skin Salve Laundry Powder is formulated for general household use and is especially suitable for sensitive skin and natural fabrics. The usage amounts provided are based on average washing conditions and may vary depending on your machine and fabric type. Always follow the care instructions on your garments. If irritation or build-up continues, stop use and consult your appliance manual or fabric care label.

Help your skin today

Shop the Skin Salve range

This page has been reviewed

We use natural ingredients in all of our products, but it's still possible to experience an adverse reaction to certain elements.

If any reaction or skin irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult with a medical professional.

Skin Salve is the trading name of Dav Group Ltd. A company registered in the UK.

Company registration number: 15339184

Registered address:

2 Priors Road, Cheltenham, GL52 5AA

© Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved

This page has been reviewed

We use natural ingredients in all of our products, but it's still possible to experience an adverse reaction to certain elements. If any reaction or skin irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult with a medical professional.

Skin Salve is the trading name of Dav Group Ltd. A company registered in the UK.

Company registration number: 15339184

Registered address:

2 Priors Road, Cheltenham, GL52 5AA

© Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved

This page has been reviewed

We use natural ingredients in all of our products, but it's still possible to experience an adverse reaction to certain elements. If any reaction or skin irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult with a medical professional.

Skin Salve is the trading name of Dav Group Ltd. A company registered in the UK.

Company registration number: 15339184

Registered address:

2 Priors Road, Cheltenham, GL52 5AA

© Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved

This page has been reviewed

We use natural ingredients in all of our products, but it's still possible to experience an adverse reaction to certain elements.

If any reaction or skin irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult with a medical professional.

Skin Salve is the trading name of Dav Group Ltd. A company registered in the UK.

Company registration number: 15339184

Registered address:

2 Priors Road, Cheltenham, GL52 5AA

© Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved