Why Concentrated Anything Makes Me Suspicious

Concentrated products tend to create mental clutter. You can’t just pour and move on. You have to think about ratios and dilution instructions.
Why Concentrated Anything Makes Me Suspicious
Maybe it's just me, but when it says I need only "a quarter teaspoon for an entire load," I become suspicious. Anna Puzatykh/Shutterstock
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It seems to me that nearly every household product has at some time decided it needed to become “concentrated.” Concentrated detergent, concentrated cleaner, concentrated juice, even concentrated coffee. These days I’m half expecting concentrated throw pillows.

The promise is always the same: smaller bottle, bigger value. Less packaging, more power. Just a tiny amount needed for spectacular results. Maybe it’s just me, but when it says I need only “a quarter teaspoon for an entire load,” I become suspicious.

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Mary Hunt
Mary Hunt
Author
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.” COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM