21 Oct 2026
- 10 pumps is all you need for a standard load.
- Turn it down: smol Laundry Liquid cleans brilliantly at 20°C.
- Short on time? It performs brilliantly on 15-minute quick washes too.
- Tough stain? Pre-treat it before it hits the drum.
- Give clothes room to move. An overloaded machine makes any detergent work harder.
You’ve made the switch to smol Laundry Liquid? Lovely.
Here are seven handy tips to get every last bit of cleaning power from it…
1. Trust the tiny dose.
When you pour laundry liquid by eye, 20ml looks very smol. Which is the point.
Our Laundry Liquid is super concentrated, so for a standard load you only need 10 pumps (20ml).
More detergent doesn't always mean more clean. Using too much makes it harder for your machine to rinse everything away and means you're getting through your refills faster.
For bigger or dirtier loads you can use more. But for your everyday wash, start with 10 pumps and trust the tiny dose.
2. Turn down the temperature.
You don’t always need hot water to get things clean.
smol Bio and Non-Bio Laundry Liquid have been performance tested to clean brilliantly at 20°C1, so for many everyday loads you can turn down the temperature.
Cooler washes can also be gentler on clothes and use less energy. Just remember to check your clothing labels and use a warmer wash if there's a need for extra hygiene (eg. if there’s an illness in the home).
And if you’re using Bio? Cool washes are perfect. It contains enzymes to target everyday stains like grease, sweat and body grime. And those enzymes work brilliantly at lower temperatures.
3. Short on time?
Both our Bio and Non-Bio Laundry Liquid have been independently tested on a 15-minute cycle at 30°C, matching and, on some points, beating Persil Wonder Wash. We’re talking full loads too… not just an item or two!
So if you need your clothes fast… no need to reach for a specialist quick-wash detergent.
4. Pick the right liquid for the job.
Bio or Non-Bio?
Your laundry | Try |
Food, grease, sweat and stubborn everyday stains | Bio Laundry Liquid |
Everyday cleaning with a gentler formula | Non-Bio Laundry Liquid |
Body grime, odours and yellowing around collars or underarms | Bio Laundry Liquid |
Sensitive skin | Non-Bio Laundry Liquid |
Everyday lightly soiled clothes | A 20°C wash |
Need it clean in a hurry | A 15 minute quick wash |
Our Non-Bio Laundry Liquid is dermatologically tested and part of our Sensitive range so has been accredited by The Skin Health Alliance, while Bio brings in stain-fighting enzymes when your washing needs a little more muscle.
5. Get to stains quick.
One very handy thing about Laundry Liquid? You can use it as a pre-wash treatment.
Always treat stains as soon as you can. Depending on the item and the stain, targeted pre-treatment before washing gives your detergent a head start.
For the super stubborn stuff, bring in smol Stain Gel before washing.
6. Don't overfill the drum.
Fitting one more T-shirt in can feel satisfying BUT your washing machine may disagree.
Laundry needs room to move around in the drum so water and detergent can reach everything.
A useful guide is to leave a hand's width of space at the top of the drum once you've loaded it.
7. Put it in the right place.
Your Laundry Liquid goes in the main section of your detergent drawer, usually marked with a II.
If you've picked a programme with a pre-wash, the separate section marked I is for detergent used in that stage.
So there we have it. Seven top tips for getting the best from your Laundry Liquid.
And here’s your best wash, at a glance.
Dose | 10 pumps (20ml) for a standard load |
Temperature | Try 20°C for everyday washing |
In a hurry? | Give the 15 minute cycle a go |
Stains | Treat them before washing |
Drum | Full loads, but not stuffed |
Bio | Extra enzyme-powered stain help |
Non-Bio | Brilliant cleaning with a gentler formula |
Laundry Liquid FAQs.
¹ see smol.com/our-claims
Catherine Green, Cleaning Expert
Catherine has been on a mission to revolutionise the way we tackle chores since the dawn of smol and is an advocate for making more sustainable living accessible to all, with a strong focus in cleaning that’s heavy on dirt, lighter on the planet and gentle on the skin. Catherine has tested hundreds of hacks to make tackling chores easier, safer, and better for the planet and our homes.
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