Consumer Reports Tests New TOL Frigidaire Front-Loader

[frigilux]

Launderess---Thanks for the info about Perwoll. It is an HE detergent, right? Do you know if Woolite HE has OBA's? That would solve my HE-only dilemma for the new washer. I wear a lot of black in the winter----Docker's/Haggar pants and cotton blend solid-color shirts. I wash all my work clothes in the front-loader as it's kinder to them than the top-loader. They seem to hold their color better in the FL'er, given the frequency with which they are laundered. I don't get that fading around the cuffs, pocket seams or zipper area on pants, and shirts don't get worn/faded at edges of collars/cuffs/pockets.

 

[launderess]

There Isn't Such A Thing As "HE" Detergents In G

That is all detergents are designed for use in front loading/H-Axis washing machines.

Being as that may Persil "Perwoll" is rather sudsy on the theory that the froth created protects delicate wool and other fibers in the wash.

Just what one is told one does not want normally with H-Axis washing machines, lots of froth; can work to the benefit of washing certain textiles. The cushion which impedes good washing under normal conditions created by too much suds, makes the wash action gentle for special fibers.

Also "Perwoll" is designed to be used in either the wool or delicate cycles, both of which normally have less washing action than say a normal cycle.

If you are careful with dosage, "Perwoll" can be used in the normal cycle, have done it with bed linens.

Woolite:

There was a rumor going around that some types of Woolite did contain OBA's, but cannot confirm. The bottle of Woolite I have (gave the others bought on a store closeout away), is for colours that bleed and has some sort of colour catching cleaning system, but no OBAs are listed on the product label.

 

[frigilux]

Interesting: I visited the Woolite website and they no longer make Woolite HE. The FAQ's section did not mention a thing about the remaining formulations being compatible with HE machines.

In the tips section, there was mention of always cleaning out your detergent dispenser, and to do a washer-clean cycle at high temps of 60-90 degrees---must have meant C rather than F. This sounds like the description of an HE washer.

I took down their customer service number. Will call and ask about HE compatibility.
I'm curious, now.

Although UK/European detergents are all what we would consider HE formulas, US-made detergents always seem to display the HE logo prominently, if they are, indeed, HE compatible.

 

[launderess]

"HE" is The New

Catch phrase from the American detergent makers. In the past there was "controlled suds" and "measured suds" to indicate detergents that made little to no froth.

Vintage Dash, All, and a few others were low/controlled sudsing detergents

According to the recent boxes I've received, old "Gain" was measured sudsing and "Cold Power seems to be low or measured, don't know which but the box says it can be used in all types of washing machines.

 

[DADoES]

 
The bag of Ace Limon I bought couple days ago isn't tagged with the HE logo, but a listed ingredient is "suds supresser."

 

[joe_in_philly]

Free and Clear Detergents

I just assumed that all the detergents listed as "free" of dyes would not have any OBA's, but I don't know if that is true. Is it? I have been very slowly using up a big container of non-he cheer in my FL washer, so once it is gone I will need to find something else for my dark clothes. Also, does the new "brightclean" cheer have OBA's in it, or is it still okay for dark clothing?

 

[frigilux]

Calling Launderess, calling Launderess! (or anyone else who has this information) Which chemicals are optical brighteners in detergents? It seems you posted some names once, but I'm unable to locate the post.

It would be easy to know which detergents are safe for blacks/dark colors if I know the names of the OBA's.

Thanks in advance!

 

[launderess]

Free & Clear

Of "free of dyes" normally does not apply to OBAs/fabric whitening agents.

All versions of "Tide Free & Clear" powdered and liquid detergents contain OBAs, as does anything saying "bleach alternative", "brightclean", etc..

P&G now lists chemical break downs of their laundry detergents on their website. However most American detergents, aside from the "green" offerings do not give a total listing of chemicals.

You want to look for the words "optical brightening agents, fabric whitening agents, fabric whiteners, bluing agents," and so forth. Again such things are often not listed, so the safest bet would be to call customer service via the telephone number on the packet and inquire.

All versions of Tide and some versions of Cheer contain OBAs. Cheer was originally OBA free, and P&G's "colour" detergent, but as always people couldn't leave well enough alone and had to go mess with things. IIRC, the original version of Cheer powder (and perhaps liquid), may be OBA free, but check P&G's website.

Normally detergents for darks and black clothing do not contain OBAs, but again check the label or call the company.

 

[joe_in_philly]

Thanks!

 

[frigilux]

That was quick! Thanks, Launderess.

 

[jetcone]

Gene

are you sure your package of TriZyme is compatible with chlorine bleach? I understood they were not compatible and the bleaching agent to use was Oxygen with 'zymes??

 

[frigilux]

Jon-- I think the chlorine bleach kills the effectiveness of the Tri-Zyme. If I'm using the top-loader, I simply add the bleach during the last 5 minutes of the wash cycle. This way the Tri-Zyme gets 15 minutes to do its thing. If I'm using the front-loader, the LCB isn't released until the 1st rinse, prior to which there has been a suds-kill spray rinse and a spin.

Look what I found online! There is an HE version of Woolite Extra Dark Care. Why isn't it listed at their own freakin' corporate website?! This is at drugstore.com. Of course it's $15 a bottle...[this post was last edited: 8/3/2010-19:43]

 

[joe_in_philly]

Perhaps the website has discontinued stock.

I got a kick out of the "related searches" section of the pic.

 

[frigilux]

Joe---That's hilarious! I didn't even notice it. I wonder how someone got from HE detergents to colon cleanser?

By the way, I received an e-mail from the parent company of Woolite today, telling me that the HE versions of their product are labelled as such, and that Woolite Complete and Woolite Extra Dark Care are the only versions available for HE washers.

I still think it's odd they don't list them in their product line at their own website!

Oh, well. I found the Extra Dark Care for HE online, and that's all that matters, I suppose. Now I won't have to break the "HE detergents only" rule for my new washer....when it arrives. Tap, tap, tap.....

 

[foraloysius]

We're all waiting with you. LOL

 

[appnut]

Eugene, see, Luigi has even gone Daffy & Quacked up waiting!!