Too much foam in the washing machine or soap remaining on washed laundry? Find out why and how to fix it

It is normal for foam to be produced while the washing machine is running, considering the interaction between detergent and warm water that are mixed together in the churning, spinning drum. But there are cases in which it is clear too much foam is being produced, and maybe it can even escape out of the washer's door during the cycle. Or perhaps you notice significant soap and detergent residue on the clothes at the end of the program.

The reasons for this may vary, and there are also a number of remedies that can help solve the problem. Read on to find out more:

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The causes:

• Too much detergent has been used in the detergent dispenser. Using less sometimes not only prevents incidents like these, but also helps to get softer fabrics, because excess soap residue does not accumulate between the fibers.
• Washing cycles at low temperatures are used too often (it's even worse if used with a lot of detergent): the appliance is therefore unable to "clean" itself and rinse away the detergent which accumulates gradually with each new use - instead of being carried away by very water hot.
• The washed fabrics are already saturated with detergent, due perhaps to the pre-washing process (often done by hand), after which, they were not properly and thorougly rinsed.
• The house's water is not hard enough.

What to do about this?

• Wash the washing machine: the first thing to do is to rid the appliance of all the detergent that has accumulated inside it. To do this, start one (or more) washes at the highest temperature possible without detergent, and continue until you see that there is no more foam being produced.
• For the parts of the washing maching that you can reach by hand, use products (without soap) to wash the inside. Even DIY products will work, but it is better in these cases to use specific cleaners dedicated to this need.
• Never exceed the detergent and fabric softener doses indicated in the appliance's instructions.
• When in doubt, start your washing rountine (depending on how often you use the appliance) on a 90 °C wash cycle and maybe add just a little vinegar. And even with vinegar, it is best not to overdo it.
• Especially when you have pre-treated clothes with soap, use an extra rinse cycle.

Have you ever noticed too much foam in your wash or on your clothes?