Procter & Gamble, whose detergents include Cheer, Era, Gain, and Tide, also shows images of the actual caps and fill lines on its labels. "We have specific fill caps that are clearly marked, and we feel people understand the product," says Lauren Thaman, a chemist and head of U.S. external relations at P&G.

But many consumers don't read the label on their detergents. A 2003 survey out of the Soap and Detergent Association showed that only 49 percent of Americans never read the directions on a laundry-detergent package. As such, says SDA spokesman Brian Sansoni, "More attention is being paid to the labels and grocery-store aisle displays; some manufacturers are adding external tags that clearly state the amount that should be used."

Some examples from our tests:

The clear cap on from Tide 2X Ultra With Color Clean Bleach Alternative (far right in top photo) has well-marked and numbered lines, but the markings on the All Small & Mighty 3X Concentrated Stainlifter's yellow cap (far left in top photo and above) are hard to read; the cap does have a rim around the outside that could catch overfill. Manufacturers may also vary the color or clarity of the cap based on the size of the container or even the detergent fragrance.

Method Squeaky Green Concentrated Laundry Detergent 250Method's approach for detergents like its Squeaky Green 3X Concentrated HE (center in top photo and right) is to limit the size of the cap to about 1 ounce, the right amount for a medium-size load in an HE washer. "It's actually a little over an ounce to avoid runoff," Hall says. "If we had chosen a larger cap, we would need to be really explicit." That cap also has a rim to catch spills. Note that its instructions indicate that heavily soiled loads require one and a half capfuls, and the half-cap line is a bit tricky to discern from another similar mark about a lower on the cap.

To be sure you and other family members use the right amount, carefully read the label directions on your detergent container and then clearly mark the cap, as one savvy blogger did. Also consider placing a note in an obvious spot telling people how much detergent to use.

 

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