If you've ever had towels that feel crunchy after washing or clothes that have gone stiff, you aren't alone.

It's a common washing mistake that most of us make. And no, it has nothing to do with how you are drying your clothes. 

Nicole Gibson is the Laundry Queen at  Soka Australia.  She said it all comes down to how much detergent you use when washing your clothes. 

"Less is more with detergent", she says. "People think using more detergent will give you a better clean, but it does the opposite."

Nicole explains when there's too much detergent in the washing machine, the rinse cycle can't wash it out as efficiently, and you're left with a lot of residue on your clothes. 

"That's why your clothes are crunchy and hard," she says.

Additionally, your washing machine may not have an excellent rinse cycle, making it even harder to rinse the detergent. 

"You may need two lots of rinse cycles so the water can rinse through your clothes," says Nicole. 

Another issue is that some store-bought detergents contain a lot of fillers, like cardboard and potato skins, says Nicole. 

"These fillers clog up the fibres of your clothes and make your machine dirty. They're harder to flush away and, over time, can make your clothes heavier."

If people are using regular store-bought detergent, Nicole recommends using less and adding bi-carb soda.

Top loader washing machine: 1/4 of the recommended detergent, plus 2 Tbsp of bi-carb soda. 

Front loader washing machine: 1/8 of the recommended detergent, plus 2 Tbsp of bi-carb soda. 

It also helps to look for a low-sud laundry detergent. 

If you have a stubborn stains you need help removing, Nicole is happy to help. Contact her via the  @sokaaustalia Instagram page. 

How to clean shoes in the washing machine

How to clean your front load washing machine properly

Unlikely spot mould is growing in your washing machine

Plus, your chance to win

Plus, your chance to win

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%