For how much time should I soak clothes in detergent before washing?

The ideal soaking time for clothes in detergent depends largely on the type of fabric, the level of soiling, and the kind of detergent you are using. In general, most everyday garments only need 15–30 minutes of soaking to loosen dirt, oils, and odours effectively. This is usually sufficient for lightly soiled clothing or items that are being washed regularly.

For heavily soiled garments, such as sportswear, work clothes, or children’s play clothes, you may extend the soaking period to 1–2 hours. This allows the detergent to penetrate deeper into the fibres and break down stubborn stains. However, soaking clothes overnight is usually unnecessary and can, in some cases, cause colours to fade or fabrics to weaken, particularly with delicate materials such as silk or wool.

It is always wise to read the care label on the garment, as some fabrics should not be soaked at all. Use lukewarm water unless the label specifies otherwise, and ensure detergent is fully dissolved before immersing the clothes.

Ultimately, soaking is meant to complement washing, not replace it. A moderate soak, followed by a proper wash cycle, ensures garments remain clean, fresh, and in good condition for longer.