Using laundry strips: the complete guide to dosage, temperature, and washing machine
Laundry strips make washing surprisingly simple: one strip in the drum, add your laundry, and start.
No measuring cap, no heavy bottle, and no detergent dripping down the side of the cap.
But if you're using laundry strips for the first time, you might still have questions. How many strips do you need? Where exactly do you place the strip? Do laundry strips also work at 20 or 30°C? And what do you do with a full load or stubborn stains?
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to use laundry strips correctly.
How to use laundry strips?
The short answer:
1. Place one laundry strip directly into the empty drum.
2. Add your laundry on top.
3. Select your normal wash program.
4. Start the machine.
The strip dissolves during the wash, and the cleaning ingredients spread throughout the wash water.
So, you do not need to place the strip in the detergent dispenser.
👉 View Effinovo ECO Laundry Strips
How many laundry strips do you need?
For most daily washes, the dosage is simple:
Normal wash → 1 strip
For a normal drum with daily clothes, towels, or bedding, use one Effinovo laundry strip.
Large or heavily soiled wash → 2 strips
If the drum is large, your laundry is noticeably dirtier than usual, or there are many odors in the textile? Then use two strips.
Using more detergent does not automatically mean cleaner clothes. Proper dosing is important for a good wash result and prevents unnecessary use of detergent.
That is one of the practical advantages of laundry strips: the dosing is largely taken care of for you.
Where should you place a laundry strip in the washing machine?
Place the laundry strip directly at the back of the empty drum, and then add your clothes.
Why the strip first?
This ensures the strip comes into good contact with the water during washing and can dissolve evenly.
So, not:
laundry strip in the detergent dispenser → clothes → start.
But:
laundry strip in the drum → clothes on top → start.
That's all.
What temperature do laundry strips work at?
Effinovo laundry strips are designed to work at temperatures from 15°C to 90°C.
This means you can use them for most normal wash programs.
For daily clothes, washing at 20°C, 30°C, or 40°C is often sufficient, depending on the textile, the soiling, and the garment's washing instructions.
For towels, bedding, or situations where hygiene is extra important, a higher temperature may be necessary.
Always follow the washing label on your clothes and textiles first.
Do laundry strips also work in cold water?
Yes. Effinovo laundry strips are designed to dissolve in cold and lukewarm water as well.
This is important because more and more households are washing at lower temperatures.
The bio-enzymes in Effinovo laundry strips help tackle daily stains, including food residues, grass, and sweat, even at lower temperatures.
Washing at a lower temperature can also reduce the energy consumption of a wash cycle.
👉 Also read: Why bio-enzymes are important in modern detergents
What if a laundry strip doesn't fully dissolve?
Normally, the laundry strip should dissolve during the wash cycle.
If you still see a residue, first check these points:
1. Is the washing machine too full?
An overloaded drum limits the movement of water and laundry.
2. Did you place the strip in the drum first?
Preferably place the strip in the drum before adding the laundry.
3. Are you using an extremely short program?
A very short program sometimes uses less water and gives the detergent less time to fully disperse.
4. Is the strip caught between large pieces of textile?
Ensure the strip is not tightly folded inside, for example, a duvet cover.
A simple rule of thumb: give water, detergent, and clothes enough space to move.
Can I use laundry strips for white, dark, and colored laundry?
Yes. Effinovo laundry strips can be used for:
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white laundry;
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dark laundry;
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colored laundry;
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cotton;
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synthetic fabrics;
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mixed daily textiles.
Always check the washing label, especially for delicate or new clothes.
What about wool and silk?
For wool and silk, we do not recommend Effinovo laundry strips.
These delicate fibers require specific care. Use a detergent specifically designed for wool or silk for these items.
What to do with stubborn stains?
Laundry strips are designed for normal daily washing, but some stains require extra attention.
For example:
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grease;
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grass;
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blood;
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red wine;
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makeup;
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old, dried-in stains.
Preferably pre-treat such stains before putting the garment in the washing machine.
If possible, also do not let a stain set unnecessarily long.
Bio-enzymes in detergent can help break down various types of organic soiling, but even with traditional liquid detergent, the rule applies: the more stubborn the stain, the more important a good pre-treatment.
Do laundry strips work with hard water?
Yes, but water hardness can affect the washing result. This applies to almost any detergent.
Effinovo laundry strips contain sodium citrate, which helps to reduce the impact of hard water so that the cleaning ingredients can work better.
For very hard water and a heavily soiled or large wash, you can use two strips if necessary.
Regular maintenance and descaling of your washing machine are also important in areas with hard water.
Can I use laundry strips in any washing machine?
Effinovo laundry strips are suitable for standard automatic washing machines.
Because you place the strip directly in the drum, you don't need a special dosing function.
This also makes laundry strips handy when you:
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go on vacation;
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go camping;
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live in student housing;
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use a shared washing machine;
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go to a laundromat.
A few strips take up hardly any space in your luggage, and nothing can leak.
👉 Also read: Why more and more families are switching to laundry strips
Laundry strips or liquid detergent?
The biggest difference is not only in how you wash with it, but also in the form.
Liquid detergent is usually sold in a relatively large bottle and must be dosed per wash.
Laundry strips are dry, compact, and pre-dosed.
As a result, you have:
no heavy plastic detergent bottle;
no measuring cap;
less chance of overdosing;
less space needed in your cupboard;
a lightweight package that is easy to carry.
Want to know more about how detergents have evolved?
👉 Read: The evolution of detergents – from liquid detergent to laundry strips
Which Effinovo laundry strip suits you?
Effinovo ECO Laundry Strips are available in three variants:
Fragrance-free
Without added perfume. A logical choice if you prefer to wash without fragrance.
Ocean Fresh
For those who love a fresh, clean scent.
Bloom Rose
A soft, subtly floral scent for daily laundry.
Each box contains 40 laundry strips.
👉 View all Effinovo ECO Laundry Strips
Frequently asked questions about using laundry strips
How many laundry strips do I use per wash?
Use one strip for a normal wash. For a large or heavily soiled wash, you can use two strips.
Should the laundry strip go in the detergent dispenser?
No. Place the Effinovo laundry strip directly in the drum, preferably before adding the laundry.
Can laundry strips be used at 20°C and 30°C?
Yes. Effinovo laundry strips are designed to work from 15°C and also dissolve at low temperatures.
Can I use laundry strips for white and colored laundry?
Yes. Effinovo laundry strips are suitable for white, dark, and colored daily laundry. Always check the garment's washing label.
Can I use laundry strips for wool or silk?
No. For wool and silk, we recommend a detergent specially developed for these fabrics.
Do I still need fabric softener?
Fabric softener is not necessary when washing with laundry strips. Whether you use it depends on your personal preference and the type of textile.
Are laundry strips handy for vacation?
Yes. Because laundry strips are dry, thin, and light, you can easily take a few strips with you without putting a bottle of liquid detergent in your luggage.
One small change in your laundry routine
A more sustainable laundry routine doesn't have to start complicatedly.
Sometimes it's just:
one strip in the drum, your clothes in, and wash.
No heavy bottle. No measuring cap. No mess.
At Effinovo, we believe that precisely such small changes become part of daily life more easily — and can thus make a difference in the long run.
Small sheet. Big impact.
👉 Discover Effinovo ECO Laundry Strips