Are You Using Too Much Laundry Detergent & Or Other Products?

[launderess]

Mentioned that German test from YT in thread on "bleaching darks".

No subtitles in English for our end, but did put up a translation of a sort.

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?94241_19

One of the "tips" is old method of mixing a bit of powdered detergent with water to make a paste, apply to stain with a small brush or something, rub in, wait a bit then wash as normal. Packets of American laundry detergents offered that advice going back at least to 1970's. It was also in all sorts of consumer/housekeeping advice or manuals.

 

[foraloysius]

Translation

Go into the settings of the video and you can select the language you want.

 

[reactor]

water softener

Ryne,

Check with your apartment manager/owner to see if they allow water softeners. Many do. I have lived in three apartment complexes and all three had no problems with a softener being added..at the renter's expense, of course.

It is actually to the manager/owner's advantage to have a softener installed as it means less water hardness build up on their fixtures, and they have a cleaner unit to offer the next renter when you leave.

When I had my first apartment in the latter seventies, we had companies that rented softeners back then, I think mine was called, "Miracle Water," and they did not charge for installation if you signed a rental contract.

In my other two apartments, I just purchased a unit from Sears and kept it for both apartments. The first time I had Sears install it, the second time I sweated the joints and installed it myself. Neither time was I given a problem about taking the softener when I left. (They could have technically, have as many rental agreements state attached fixtures become the property of the apartment owner.). Having the plumbing changed was an advantage to the apartment owner, as it was a selling point for future renters, saying they could put in a softener with no installation fees.

Evidently, you have groundwater sourced water supplies in your area of Indiana. Your aquifers are likely limestone, and/or gravel, as we have in Ohio. Limestone and glacial gravel aquifers are notorious for leaching calcium carbonate into the water. Our hardness levels in my area of Ohio were about 23 to 26 grains per gallon+. This is enough to negatively interact with detergents and create soap scum/curds on your fixtures (and you).

Check with your landlord, I bet they will have no problem at all with your installing a softener, and even taking it with you when you leave. It is a win/win situation for you both.[this post was last edited: 9/21/2023-08:04]

 

[polkanut]

Wausau Chemical detergents

Don (Jetaction) and I are both users of the detergents from Wausau Chemical. The instructions on the box state that only ¼ cup is needed for a 12lb. load. And it still contains STPP. I prefer the lemon, but this last time they only had the blue version on hand. It was just a bit over $124.00 for a 50lb. box 

 

[gelaundry4ever]

using too much detergent

No! I'm not! In fact, I'm using the recommended amount set forth by the package directions based on load size and soil level.

 

[launderess]

@gelaundry4ever

I am known for the gentleness of my disposition, and the extraordinary sweetness of my nature, but I warn you, GELaundry4ever, you may go too far.

Am adding one's voice to chorus of others on this matter, this dredging up of ancient posts must cease. More so since you have nothing illuminating to say.

 

[volvoman]

@ Launderess

...I'm guessing we don't have a moderator to reel him in?

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

Speaking of adding my voice to the chorus, the only time where I truly don’t know When I’m using too much detergent is because the packet says “one scoop handwashing, two scoops machine washing” But they don’t give the actual definition of a scoop so I’m stumped