I use Tide powder in a full size front loading machine, designated an extra-large 4 Cu. Feet. I use 1 Tablespoon for average loads.

My Duet is 4.5cf I have soft water. I typically use 6 Tablespoons sometimes more of Tide powder and liquid HE Turbo with no suds problem. Many detergents besides Tide do cause suds for me though.

Wanted to add. I don't use the detergents that cause suds because although it may suds up reducing the dosage can mean there's not enough enzymes and other goodies to actually clean.

Mama is right on too-low dosing. Reducing too much doesn't provide enough enzymes, surfactants and other ingredients to properly do the job ... and condition the water. To little detergent is one factor that can lead to premature failure of bearing seals due to accumulation of mineral residue and other such that isn't sequestered out of the water. Unless the water supply is 100% softened, residual water dries leaving mineral deposits which stick to the drive shaft and wears on rubber seal surfaces during rotation.

I like to dose by load size and soil. If the load is small and visible soil is not found I reduce the amount. If the load is large- the entire drum is filled to the top - then I will use 1 tablespoon.

If I am washing heavy soiled items like white underwear, white socks, probably a load that half fills the drum I will add a prewash and use 1/3 of the detergent in that, then use the rest in the wash. Total use is about 2 tablespoons. Also for this load I am likely to increase the time of the cycle and increase the water temperature too. My water hardness varies by time of year but it is around 13 grains but liquid detergents will create more suds than powders.

I think it is really trial and error and I don't pay attention to the dosing instructions on the package because I feel it is in the manufacturers interest to get you to use more when you may not have too. You can't possibly need the same dose for every load when some are dirtier than others and I don't know what they mean when they say medium loads.

Tide liquid was the worst for me and sudsing. Didn’t matter if I used the he turbo liquid it would cause a suds lock. Once I switched to powder I didn’t have that issue.

The powder for me is a win win since I have hard water and don’t want to use a tablespoon of detergent, my clothing would never get clean. For cheer powder or tide powder I use at least line two if not 3 for a full load with hard water. Never have suds or dirty cloths.

Since I have hard water I do add sodium triphosphate as well, about 2 tbls for a full load. It really helps with hard water. Before getting sodium triphosphate I used calgon water softener with great success, just expensive.

I never considered the hardness of the water as a factor -- I'll have to check it.

Toronto if you call your water supplier they should be able to tell you your water hardness. Let us know what they say.

I wish I could still use FOCA...add Sodium TripolyPhosphate to it and it gives brilliant whites and the scent is light and lovely. Ya I miss FOCA. I doubt anyone with a fl can use it except with super hard water.

I have a GE 2.2 cu.ft. compact stack. In South Florida we have hard water and sweaty clothing. I use the the recommended regular amount, "Line 1" of "Original" Turbo Tide HE liquid or All Small & Mighty and 1/4 cup or less of BIZ for regular loads. (Half this for towels) I never get excessive sudsing, just a bit streaming down the window. Recently, I've added two tablespoons of Calgon to soften the water since I've heard that it will help reduce mineral deposits on the laundry and machine. I always do five rinses with every load. One might think that I'm using too much detergent but I experimented with using 1/8 of a cup of Tide (1/4 cup is the regular amount) and the finished laundry smelled sour, it was not clean.

Only had compacts for more than 10 years now. Also had a whole house water softener. Learned that it's important to match the detergent brand and type to the water. I am now using Grab Green tabs which are a great detergent with low suds. These work really well for me for light colors and whites. For sheets -- only -- I use Le Blanc linen wash which has a conditioner and does a super job. But I never use more than 2 Tb per load as it's a liquid and can get foamy.

I also have Perwoll black and Delicate but those are very sudsy so I must be careful with them. If I get too much suds I do an extra rinse. Also got a small bottle of Ecos, which is good for blacks and darks but, again, it's sudsy. Best results overall with the Grab Green tabs.

@Toronto Veterinarian, how much detergent to use is affected by several factors like the capacity of the washer, water hardness, degree of soilage, etc.

What is the size of your compact washer?

I'll assume it's about 2.2 CF as the only compact washers I can think of are Bosch, GE and Miele of about 2.2 CF.

1/8 cup Tide liquid (HE) = 30 mL = 2 TBSP; which I think is too much for the capacity.

I recommend half of that, 15 mL = 1 TBSP.

I'm in Toronto also so we should have the same water hardness unless you live outside city limits, then I don't know the hardness.

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Here are my experience/usage

washer: Bosch next 500 FL 8 kg/17.6 lb capacity ~4.0 CF with onboard heater

water hardness: moderately hard

detergent: Persil original liquid, Tide Free liquid and powder

A normal load of laundry usually fills the FL tub - 3/4 to full.

It's a combination of weight and volume, low to normal soilage laundry from daily wear.

I use 1.5-2.0 tablespoons (equal to 22.5-30.0 mL) of any of the above detergents, which is 1/2 to 2/3 of line 1 (~45 mL on most brands).

Sometimes I also include the same amount of baking soda with each wash.

1/4 cup of vinegar in lieu of FS.

Typically I do profile washes heated to warm, hot, temperature boost, or XXsanitary temperatures.

Warm is used for everyday PP/cotton clothing.

Hot, temperature boost, or XXsanitary are used for towels and bedding like duvet covers, bed sheets, mattress protector, pillow cases.

I only use cold water on "delicate" for wool (sweaters, tops, pants), silk ties, etc.

I do not use pods as their dosage is too much.

Each pod contains ~45 mL of detergent.

"I'll assume it's about 2.2 CF as the only compact washers I can think of are Bosch, GE and Miele of about 2.2 CF."

I have a Gorenje, which has a drum capacity of about 2 cubic foot (listed as 54 litres). Through trial and error, I have found out about 1 Tbs is the right amount, as you suggested. Given that I just measure by eye, it's probably not exactly that, but close enough. If it matters, I dilute it before putting it in the detergent cup, as is recommended.

Because the drum capacity is so small, i suggest getting measuring spoons from a baking set as slight variations in the amount of detergent could dramatically affect the cleanliness/effectiveness of the wash.

The measuring spoon set typically come with 1/4 tsp (1.25 mL), 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL), 1 tsp (5 mL), 1 TBSP (15 mL).

You might only need as little as 2 tsp (10 mL) +/- 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL),

I'd advise you to keep experimenting with the amount of detergent of the same brand until you find the one that works best for you. Someone's good advice won't necessarily work for you because of other factors, such as water hardness or washing machine model, that don't match.