I use an actual tablespoon measure. I rarely use the actual measuring cup that comes in the detergent box.

The instruction reference to 1/4 cup presumably is 1/4 of the included cup, not 1/4 of a standard 8 oz. measuring cup.

I also measured out the included cup with Cheer powder to convert it to tablespoons. I have several of those 29.6 CC / 1 oz. scoops that are included with Oxyclean powder (which is 2 tablespoons).

A 1/4 cup mini from WM for liquids. Liquids may reference somewhere on the label what is the stated "regular" dosage in oz. Persil says "For regular loads, fill cap to line 2 (2 fl oz). Use more (2.5 fl oz) for heavily soiled or large loads." Pretreat stains directly with "some" detergent and use 3/4 of a cap dosage (fl oz not stated) for extra power on stained loads.

As we know, fluid ounces (volume) and dry ounces (weight) are not the same. Volume of a dry product in weight-ounces varies in fluid-ounces depending on the size of the granules, how tightly it's compressed, etc. Measuring dry ingredients by weight is much more accurate for cooking/baking than measuring by volume but volume is sufficient for measure of laundry products.

I was able to do a chat with Tide, and the rep said that "The dose measurement is determined based on the version of the detergent before settling occurs. Your measurement may be different due to how the detergent settles after shipment. I'm sorry for any confusion with the scoop. I'll share your concern with our team." So perhaps people are using more than they should. Idk.

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll just use their directions as a guide.

Ever since I got a front loader I never use caps or included cups for measuring detergent.

I bought a set or measuring cups and spoons just for laundry.

I toss the scoops that come with the powder detergent and bought the set of measuring cups and only use the 1/4 size.

I use powdered Tide Free in my front loader and rarely use more than 1.5 - 2 tablespoons or so per load. Manufacturer guidelines are way too much! You will get build up in your machine and on your fabrics.

Build-up in the machine and fabrics ... maybe not so much as is often harped and feared ... depends on the water conditions, soil level, and load size. I use 2 to 2.5 oz. of Persil liquid on large loads in my HE toploader (for example a few weeks to a month's load of bath & kitchen linens and ankle socks some of which were worn for yardwork). The last load of 21 shirts I ran in my spare (used occasionally) deep-fill agitator toploader had 10 tablespoons of Cheer powder (five of that 1 oz. scoop pictured above). No residue on anything.

For residue, think of the scumline on yesterday's dishwater left cold overnight in the kitchen sink after the detergent is overwhelmed with soil from plates, glasses, flatware, and various cookware including a greasy skillet. :-)

I measure detergent with a Tablespoon, a teaspoon, and a half-teaspoon. With our moderately hard water and FL washer, I don't think I've ever used more than 2 Tbsp and usually only 1 Tbsp. (But I don't fill the washer up all the way, either, usually half- to two-thirds full.)

Since powder compresses, a more accurate device for measurement would be a scale for weight. 🙂🙂🙂

I bought a very small, clear 1/4 cup from OXO that actually has markings for tablespoons along the side, to measure powder. I have a small 1/4 cup flexible silicone one for liquids that you can throw in the washer with the load to clean it.

I never had a problem with suds coming out of my standpipe. Since getting the powdered Tide I have only done one load on laundry days with it; the rest I did with liquid Tide. Today I did all three loads with the powdered and for the last 2, I had suds coming out of the standpipe. Anyone else have this problem with powdered detergent and not liquid? I am not overdosing. The loads were mostly towels.

I haven't had suds come out the stand pipe but I find that liquid Tide produces a lot more suds than the powder Tide. How much powdered tide are you using?

under 3 tbsp which is not even to line 1, so really not that much.