You might be doing laundry wrong according to this TikTok hack

When it comes to food hacks, makeup hacks, and any other hack you could possibly imagine, TikTok is the gift that keeps on giving.

READ: Eviction warning for South Africans living in complexes and sectional titles

As we have learnt over the years and as social media’s influence has grown, it’s clear that if you’re looking for the best tips and tricks, there’s someone, somewhere, who can help you out. 

TikTok has quickly become the number one go-to site for all things life-hack-related, and while some of these videos can be eye-opening and even life-changing, some are more questionable than others.

READ: Five "healthy" foods dentists hate

Laundry is one of the household tasks that will never stop, unless you stop wearing clothes or find an alternative.

Until then, dirty clothes go in, clean clothes come out, clothes dry and get put away, clothes get worn, and the cycle repeats itself forever.

READ: 10 foods you should never store in the freezer

With this many loads of laundry in, you might consider yourself an expert, or at least you know everything there is to know about doing laundry.

One TikTok video has proven that you can learn something new every day, as it seems not everyone uses their washing detergent in the same way.

READ: Home affairs introduces doorstep passport delivery for South Africans abroad

TikTok user Iluka shared a video of her boyfriend doing the laundry and said his behaviour was mental.

According to her, she had asked him where the cap of the laundry detergent was and was shocked by his very serious answer.

Watch the video below:

As it turns out, for every one person who is shocked by this discovery, there is one who admits to having done this their whole life.

READ: Travellers warned against criminals targeting Cape Town International Airport

One viewer said: "🤚 I do this. Everyone thinks I’m crazy but their detergent cups are disgusting and mine is always clean."

Another mentioned: "are yall gas lighting me in the comments? in all my 26 years on earth, I've never seen or heard about anyone throwing the cap in the washing machine!! 🤨🤔".

Even Domino's (yes, the pizza restaurant) commented: "this comment section has me questioning if I’m the one doing it wrong".

READ: AI safety expert warns 'only five jobs' will be unaffected by 2030

But what do the experts have to say?

Becky Rapinchuk, founder of Clean Mama, says this method is "totally common" and it "works great at keeping the drips off the bottle and off the shelf.”

Patric Richardson, aka The Laundry Evangelist, also prefers tossing the cap in the washing machine.

READ: The best (and worst) international airports and airlines

Are there any hazards with this method?

Richardson emphasised that he is comfortable using this method because he uses smaller “boutique bottles” of detergent, like The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo.

If you don't use "boutique" detergents, here are some things to consider:

• Check the cap and use it if you consider it smooth enough not to cause damage to your clothing.
• Caps are not designed for the wash cycle and could crack, break, or get stuck, potentially causing damage to both clothes and the machine.
• You risk the detergent not dissolving entirely if you throw in the whole thing, which can cause spots or leave residue on your clothing.
• Throwing the cap in the drum will concentrate the detergent on one area, causing a poor wash and uneven application.
• Uncapped detergent can lead to spills, contamination, and pose a safety risk in homes with children or pets.

LISTEN: Strangest things people have found in the dishwasher

James Joun, the co-founder and chief operating officer of on-demand laundry and dry cleaning company Rinse, says it could cause more problems in the end than the "clever" hack is worth.

What about the special detergent and fabric softener compartments in the washing machine?

There also seems to be differing opinions on the use of these compartments.

READ: New ultra-luxury convenience store opening in South Africa

Richardson said: “I don’t use that compartment. I’d say the only reason to use it is if you’re using a lot of detergent ― and using too much detergent is a terrible thing to do. But if you want to put a lot, you really need to use the compartment because you can actually get detergent stains on your clothes depending on the brand you use and its ingredients.”

While Joun argues: “The compartment is designed to ensure the detergent is dispensed at the right time during the wash cycle, allowing it to properly dissolve and mix with water. This way, the detergent has time to break down stains and clean effectively.”

• Using the compartment helps prevent detergent buildup directly on clothing, which can be difficult to rinse out.
• Pouring directly onto clothes can result in uneven distribution, with some areas receiving too much detergent and others too little.
• Using the designated compartment ensures the detergent is dispersed correctly, and your clothes get the best clean possible.

READ: The most-watched content on Netflix for 2025

If your machine doesn’t have a dispenser (or if you prefer to add detergent directly to the drum):

• Do not pour it directly on top of your clothes
• Always add any detergent ― whether liquid, powder, or laundry pacs ― to the drum before loading your clothes.
• Since water collects at the bottom of the machine first, this method allows the detergent to mix with water more quickly and thoroughly, activating it in the wash water for optimal cleaning performance.

Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 – 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.

Listen to Jacaranda FM: 

• 94.2
• Jacaranda FM App
• http://jacarandafm.com
• DStv 858/ OpenView 602

Follow us on social media:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• TikTok