Detergent Stash: Ushering In The New Era

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frigilux

frigilux

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Joined
Mar 3, 2007
Messages
12,663
Location
The Minnesota Prairie
Made a quick run to Worthington, MN, this morning and cruised the detergent aisle at WalMart. Lo and behold, the All pods I've been curious to try were in stock! Picked up a bag of Tide, as well.

Passing a Walgreen's on the way out of town, I remembered they have their own pod called "Nice" which fell mid-pack in the ratings at Consumer Reports. So, I pulled in and picked up a bag. (They also come in a free 'n' clear version.)

Pictured is my current stash of detergents. Looks radically different than it did only a few months ago. My name is Frigilux and I'm outing myself, loud and proud, as a pod devotee.

I hereby wave a fond and loving farewell to the liquids and powders that once graced my laundry cupboard.

frigilux++4-6-2014-13-02-43.jpg
 
Whilst I despise the things for no particular reason - I have to ask though...

 

Do they actually work? Can we squeeze another of your performance test's out?

 

I must also ask: Do you use these in the SQ, or have you saved the last of your powders for that machine?
 
washer111: It would be difficult to find someone with a lower opinion of laundry detergent pods/pacs when they first appeared. Eventually, I began using pacs for the dishwasher and was impressed with the results, and yes, their ease of use. That's when I gave laundry pacs a second look. The longer I use them, the more I like them.

My initial concern was with dosing. It seemed counterintuitive to apply the same dose to small, medium, and large loads. What about loads that are lightly soiled, or for that matter, heavily-soiled?

Frankly, I've simply stopped worrying about it! I'm happy to report that the Earth has not spun off its axis, my laundry is clean and fresh, and my IQ doesn't appear to have diminished.

I've never used more than 1 pod/pac in the front-loader, even for heavily-soiled loads, and results have been very good. I use 1 pod in the Speed Queen for small-to-medium loads, and 2 pods for large loads. However, I generally wash heavily-soiled loads in the front-loader, as the cycle is longer and stains are more thoroughly removed.

I use Tide or Wisk pods for tough loads, and the other brands in the above photo for less demanding loads. While pods still lag a bit in cleaning power compared to the very best powders/liquids, you can be sure manufacturers are hard at work to continually improve them. I predict that--as was the case with dishwasher pacs--laundry pods will eventually overtake the traditional formats in both performance and sales.

I've had no problems with them: All brands dissolve well, and I haven't encountered any staining of fabrics (the most common complaint lodged against pods). My water is softened, and the Frigidaire front-loader has a recirculation jet, so that may help keep problems at bay. I always, always, always put the pod in the tub first, then the clothes. Most instructions also warn against putting the pod in the dispenser drawer, so I don't do that, either.

In short: I love 'em!

Tim: Thanks for the heads-up on Biz Blasts. I generally don't use boosters (except for liquid chlorine bleach on certain loads of whites), but they may come in handy for non-bleachable items.
 
I will say that it is kinda nice to just pop one into the washer and not worry have to measure and rinse out said measuring implements... I bought several bags of the purple Tide pods at a Kmart going-out-of-business clearance, and I like them... I understand the green and blue ones have a funkier smell, but the purple ones are pretty nice...
.
Using one in large or extra large loads in my orbital Maytag Fabric-matic... No complaints; everything is clean...
 
I've tried..

The A-L-L Pods, and was quite disappointed in the performance of them. You really have to pretreat, they can't seem to remove stains on their own. They do rinse out decently though, a plus, considering how soft our water is. 

 

The Walgreens ones, smell really good, imo. They also have a chockfull of Enzymes, so I imagine they'd work really well. 

 

If you don't mind me asking, how are the Gain & Wisk Pods. Do they work well?
 
Well Frig, best of luck

lol, for some odd reason, when you first mentioned pods, I immediately thought of IOTBS, 1956 version! Dunno why, it just popped into my head.

However, your SQ WILL spin off its axis IF you use more than one pod. Just warnin' ya!
 
Inevitable Evoltion

When I was watching my nephew wash in his new WP FL, he popped in a Tide Pod, and I asked him if they worked and why he switched.

He said they had been using a variety of liquid and dry Tides in the Frigilux Gallery, but tried the pods when they got the new WP.

(Think there may have been a sample in the machine which propelled him to first try then buy.)

He said: "No sticky drips, or powdered mess, nothing to clean up--ever, no nonsense with the flappy dispenser--it's a no brainer, Man. Why would anybody use the old fashioned stuff?"

And I realized how much I liked the dishwasher detergent pods, how much better they cleaned, and how I wouldn't dream of buying anything else, so why not make the leap to clothes washer pods.?

Well, because I discovered the Miele store in town, and am eternally smitten with the smell of Persil which is available here only in the "old fashioned" modes. The Liquid Gold is literally so.

When the Persil pods arrive, they will be hatching in my washers. But tell me which one of the various pods currently available really really really smells the best--haha--and I'll go buy a bag of them.

I'm all about scent, and I'll take your word for it, or from any other member big on smell, realizing that it's all personal and subjective; but I just don't care: Which one smells best?[this post was last edited: 4/7/2014-23:38]
 
Eugene,

I do know the Biz packs are available at Hy-Vee because the last time I was in Madison, WI, I picked some up.  They're not available in the Wausau area though. 
smiley-frown.gif


[this post was last edited: 4/8/2014-11:21]
 
Cost?

How does the cost per load for pods compare with traditional modes of delivery? It seems like the concentration might be an environmental/energy usage benefit.

Sarah
 
Walgreens

Just got back home from our Walgreens and got me two 18 used bags of Purex pods.  They have them on sale buy one at $5.99 and get one free.  I had gone in to buy one of their nice pod bags but theses were better price.  I like the Purex liquid and do hope theses are good it is the mountain breeze.  They also have the bags of the oxi bleach with Zout same prices buy one get one free.  This comes out to $0.16664 per pod  usage. 
 
Sarahperdue: Pods still trend a little higher in price than liquids/powders. Pods run from $.15 to $.34 per load; liquids/powders from $.11 to $.29.

Frankly, I have always tended to dose detergents fairly heavily, so I'm probably saving money by using pods.

The notion of pods was unsettling at first, because I kept thinking, "I'm using the same amount of detergent for every load!" But it's not like I was dosing detergent super-accurately to begin with. I wasn't counting stains and measuring out detergent by the gram or ml. I always measured with a cap or scoop, but it wasn't a scientific endeavor by any means, LOL.

Once I cleared that mostly psychological hurdle, I stopped worrying about it. Now I just toss a pod into the tub. No fuss, no muss. Every load emerges clean and fresh.

Charles: I like the scent of Purex pods and they're fine for most loads. They don't have the brawn for a heavily-soiled or stained load, but many of my loads don't require the big guns. And as you pointed out, they're inexpensive---especially at buy-one-get-one specials.

Tim: I'm shopping at a HyVee after work today. I may have to pick up a bag of Biz and give them a try.
 
OOH...

The Purex ones, with Zout (at least the liquid variety) smell really, really good ;) 

 

I also remember, the "Purex Complete + Triple Zout stain remover" as being, really good at stain removal, even heavily soiled stuff.
 
Michael---Saw the Purex pods with Zout at HyVee a few minutes ago. I'll have to give them a try.

Tim---Biz was only available in powder and liquid form at HyVee. I will look for the pod version at a larger store in the chain.
 
I use Pods or pacs in my DW for most loads because I wash the dishes every other day but for small loads I use powder and use a less intensive cycle.

I use between 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons or more of detergent in laundry loads of varying sizes, dirt quantities and colors, and I can see how pods would be OK if all your loads are soiled but I just can't get past using the same large dose for everything I wash.

I can't get past using 3 tablespoons of detergent for 10 heavily soiled shirts and using 3 tablespoons of detergent for 4 lightly soiled shirts.
 
mickeyd-- You are correct: Scents are very subjective, and a detergent that I find pleasing may not appeal to others. Having said that, my (current) favorite is Tide Ocean Mist. It has a nice clean smell that isn't exactly floral or "fruity". The scent dissipates after a day or two.

I also like Gain Moonlight Breeze, which, to me, smells a little like a grape popsicle. Perhaps the purple-colored packaging is suggesting that scent to my nose. This one lingers for several days, but it isn't as potent as Gain Original.

Your nephew and the college-age children of friends of mine are leading the charge with pods/pacs. As they age and remain loyal to the format, pods will eclipse liquids and powders.

frigilux++4-8-2014-18-27-31.jpg
 
Such Irony and

How funny. Of all the delicious popsicles of our youth--orange, lemon, cherry, "blue," and root beer, especially--only grape did not appeal to me, but I WILL buy some Tide Pods in Ocean Mist wherever I first see them.

Hey, maybe they'll be close to the scent of Original Dash, the scent I've searched and searched for, for decades now.

T'anks!
 
Mickeyd, the Persil (Henkel) pods have absolutely nothing in common with the scent of liquid Persil.
They don`t smell bad to me but it`s a very faint, hardly noticeable smell. I think you`d be dissapointed.

Haven`t tried them myself but Purex with Zout pods (with enzymes) might be a better choice if you like Henkel detergents.
 
Confessions Of A Pod Convert

When pods came out, I didn't think I had any use for them. Liquids and powders were fine for me, and I still have vivid childhood memories of Salvo tablets not dissolving and finding broken Action bleach packets in the box. But I became a convert when I started using Costco's Kirkland Signature pods (thanks to Consumer Reports' recommendation).
I put the pods through the toughest test--white socks, underwear and dirty kitchen towels. Using hot water and two pods, I did a full load in my Whirlpool top-loader. The clothes came out clean and bright, and it even removed the orange-yellow popcorn oil from the towels.
I now keep a bottle of liquid for pre-treating and lightly soiled loads, and use the Costco pods for everything else. I'm a believer now.
 
MikeS: Great to hear others' positive experiences with the new detergent format!

I leave for Minneapolis this afternoon and washed several small catch-all loads last night prior to packing. Will have to check out the guest laundry in the hotel and provide pictures. Doubt I'll run into anything as rare as a Huebsch top-loader, as in Chicago.

Used a couple of new brands for the first time:

NICE (Walgreen's pods): Quite spend, and the pods aren't as plump as most other brands; reminiscent of a partially deflated helium balloon. Washed a very small load (two dress shirts; a short-sleeve shirt; two pairs of casual shorts) in the Frigidaire front-loader. Did not produce excess suds; "Ocean Sky" scent was mild and not apparent after drying. Probably won't buy these again, simply because All, Arm & Hammer, and Purex pods suffice for these less-challenging loads and those brands are far less expensive.

ALL: Washed a medium-sized load of bath towels with these. Again, no excess suds; pleasant, fleeting scent. Inexpensive and good for average loads. Cleaned blood spots from hand towels (I'm an aggressive shaver, apparently!)
 
Eugene,

If you're going to look for Biz pods while in Minneapolis, I've also had luck at Rainbow Foods grocery stores.  I would think that with all of the Target stores in the Metro area, you should be able locate some there too.
 
Peter-- You found a great deal on your Tide Pods! Glad you've had good experiences with the new format. I tried Spring Meadow, but found that I like Ocean Mist better. Scent preference is fascinating, isn't it? One person finds a particular scent pleasing; another finds it objectionable.

Gansky-- I'd like to buy a membership at Costco---my sister lives in Sioux Falls, SD and there's a new store there---but timing hasn't been on my side. The first thing I'll purchase is a container of their pods. Yours look very classy in their glass showcase!
 
In spite of all this Pod "rubbish" (I'm guilty of tablets that cost 3x more in the dishwasher... So that makes me a hypocrite) - I went and bought a small box of "Duo" detergent to test out.

 

Its supposed to be for Whites - so I figured that I might try it on my loads of lights/brights. And it only cost $4 - for a pretty small box. Not too shabby, IMO, especially when a 1GK box of drive will set you back about $12 when it isn't on sale.

 

By the way, I'll have to get the prices on the Omo pods we have in stock at the local grocers - see what sort of a bargain-basement rip-off price they're charging us.
 
As previously stated several times, I think detergents just follow the same nonsense, nonreasoned fashion the machines and laundry products and like pretty much everything does nowadays, they pretend to be eco, they pretend to work better they pretend to make you save...what I see is just a selling maneuvre and people falling in the trap filling companies pockets..
You know, here liquid pods came out before the US pods boom, that started infact with the Tide pods, but always don't catching on very much, even the new actual multi-liquid candy -like PODS that followed after the Tide in the US with the name of Dash Ecodosi ie the italian Tide equivalent ( in matter of fame) are really not getting into market and powders and liquids are still the favourite form from the most, but not all..
Don't get me wrong, before liquid pods there always been, tablets and sachets, that had their little slice of market share and they kept it to last and they still coexist along with them, unlike US where many forms of pre-measured were known in 50s and 60s (salvo, vim whatever) then vanished, and re proposed in the 90s ( wisk, tide etc) always to vanish at the end..till now when pods had a boom..
Very strange...
anyway..

Curious is that worldwide they always advertise the phantom saving you should get by using them, but when I ask sustainers of these pods to explain me the curious saving and eco theory behind the pods at the very end I only get a jaw drop and a dismayed look...like a child who has been told the truth about Santa...
Yes, you know....
Because all the time I have people saying all the same things
- you save and you are eco friendly because you use the right amount and you do not waste for spilling
-you have reduced packaging and they're more ecologic
- you do not have wasting of detergnt as it dissolves in the wash and does not end up in the washer piping..
To make it short...maybe not LOL
I just say
Right amount, well...First of all according to label the 1 pod 1 wash is not truthful, because most if not any mention more than 1 for more soiled loads, then I really want someone to explain me how in the world a pod may be more accurately measured than a powder or liquid you can measure till the last grain and or drop according to your load..
I cannot help but think that when 1 pod may be too less then maybe 2 is too much? Ok, even assuming that the 1 pod 1 load may be true...that does not change much, .loads changes all the time, you may have more soiled or lighter soiled, so in the case you have a lighter soiled load, are you really going to use an entire pod when you may actually need just the half of it's content for that load or even less? Saving ah ah...
Not to mention reduced loads when you're always obliged to toss in an entire one... Wow, this is what I call saving also!
You might be do what Launderess I have read does, ie carefully squeezing and weight on a kitchen scale, but then pod loss it's "sense" and it becomes a super ultra liquid, that are around for quite awhile (at least over here )...
I do not know anyone who would do that.....anyway...
At this point they start looking at their shoes....
Well but they avoid you too use too much accidentally....they say..
At this point...
I do not really want to sound like a bitch, but really, who in this world without mental problems would not be able to equalize a dam layer of powder or liquid to a line placed in a cap and or scoop withot so many drama?
Accidental spilling? If you got Parkinson syndrome or tourette maybe....but how many people you know that spill detetgent accidentally on a regular basis?
Here they start getting red in face...
Well at least they are eco friendly...they reduce transportation footprint being compact...
Here I smile...
Look, assuming that you are so concerned about enviroinment, if you really were, you might find unacceptable using an entire pod when for that light soiled load you actually may have needed just the half if not 1/4 of that pod resulting not only in money wasting, but water pollutioning for nothing..
Package foot-print.
Many pods use to come in a rigid plastic container, just weight it an empty one and then weigh a regular 100-80 loads pvc powder sachet, tell me which one uses more plastic..
Powders may weigh more if not concentrated, true but powders are easily transportable in recycled carboard that is way more ecologic than plastic..
But we're talking about Liquid pods right? Not tablets, so let's talk about liquids...
Now I want you to imagine all the liquid total content of a pods package, what about if it, instead of pods was just filled in a bag in box package the same size of it, or even better a plastic self standing refill bag (since many others switched to this form of package) of the same size? You will have the same compactness, but the advantage of dosing and measurung properly every drop of it...
Oh, i was forgetting, what they found out now???? That detergent ends up in the piping??? (this may be typical italian only, advertisements of Dash ecodosi for long ran adverts claiming this)....
Look, every manufacturer of machines and also some detergents advise to let run water before adding detergent, this both if you have a TL or FL, "start machine and then add detergent" means just this" you have a delayed start machine, or you do not want to wait for this? Ok...I tell you something shocking! Since liquids came out some sort of genius found a miracle invention, it is called dosing ball, it's a device you measure detergent into and just toss in the machine and it will dispense detergent just like any pods would do! It's reusable, I know people having the same one since years!
Here comes jaw dropping and lost eyes....
Here I say are these pods really a revolutionary invention as they want us to believe????
Don't think so...

-
 
As previously stated several times, I think detergents just follow the same nonsense, nonreasoned fashion the machines and laundry products and like pretty much everything does nowadays, they pretend to be eco, they pretend to work better they pretend to make you save...what I see is just a selling maneuvre and people falling in the trap filling companies pockets..
You know, here liquid pods came out before the US pods boom, that started infact with the Tide pods, but always don't catching on very much, even the new actual multi-liquid candy -like PODS that followed after the Tide in the US with the name of Dash Ecodosi ie the italian Tide equivalent ( in matter of fame) are really not getting into market and powders and liquids are still the favourite form from the most, but not all..
Don't get me wrong, before liquid pods there always been, tablets and sachets, that had their little slice of market share and they kept it to last and they still coexist along with them, unlike US where many forms of pre-measured were known in 50s and 60s (salvo, vim whatever) then vanished, and re proposed in the 90s ( wisk, tide etc) always to vanish at the end..till now when pods had a boom..
Very strange...
anyway..

Curious is that worldwide they always advertise the phantom saving you should get by using them, but when I ask sustainers of these pods to explain me the curious saving and eco theory behind the pods at the very end I only get from them a jaw drop and a dismayed look...like a child who has been told the truth about Santa...
Yes, you know....
Because all the time I have people saying all the same things, and never one like Eugene that says "I use them just because I like to use them now", personally for me is wasting but who am I to judge? It's his money and his life!! But no! They all instead firmly believe all the stuff they are told!
- you save and you are eco friendly because you use the right amount and you do not waste for spilling
-you have reduced packaging and they're more ecologic
- you do not have wasting of detergnt as it dissolves in the wash and does not end up in the washer piping..
To make it short...maybe not LOL
I just say
Right amount, well...First of all according to label the 1 pod 1 wash is not truthful, because most if not any mention more than 1 for more soiled loads, then I really want someone to explain me how in the world a pod may be more accurately measured than a powder or liquid you can measure till the last grain and or drop according to your load..
I cannot help but think that when 1 pod may be too less then maybe 2 is too much? Ok, even assuming that the 1 pod 1 load may be true...that does not change much, .loads changes all the time, you may have more soiled or lighter soiled, so in the case you have a lighter soiled load, are you really going to use an entire pod when you may actually need just the half of it's content for that load or even less? Saving ah ah...
Not to mention reduced loads when you're always obliged to toss in an entire one... Wow, this is what I call saving also!
You might do what Launderess I have read does, ie carefully squeezing and weight on a kitchen scale, but then pod loose it's "sense" and it becomes a super ultra liquid, that are around for quite awhile (at least over here )...
I do not know anyone who would do that.....anyway...
At this point they start looking at their shoes....
-Well but they avoid you too use too much accidentally....they say..
At this point...
I do not really want to sound like a bitch, but really, who in this world without mental problems would not be able to equalize a dam layer of powder or liquid to a line placed in a cap and or scoop withot so many drama?
-Accidental spilling? If you got Parkinson syndrome or tourette maybe....but how many people you know that spill detetgent accidentally on a regular basis?
Here they start getting red in face...
-Well at least they are eco friendly...they reduce transportation footprint being compact...
Here I smile...
Look, assuming that you are so concerned about enviroinment, if you really were, you might find unacceptable using an entire pod when for that light soiled load you actually may have needed just the half if not 1/4 of that pod resulting not only in money wasting, but water pollutioning for nothing..
Package foot-print.
Many pods use to come in a rigid plastic container, just weight it an empty one and then weigh a regular 100-80 loads pvc powder sachet, tell me which one uses more plastic..
Powders may weigh more if not concentrated, true but powders are easily transportable in recycled carboard that is way more ecologic than plastic..
But we're talking about Liquid pods right? Not tablets, and anyway talking about tablets , try to think about tablets in powdered form, they'd take the same room of tablets, no? But let's talk about liquids since we're talking about LIQUID pods...
Now I want you to imagine all the liquid total content of a pods package, what about if it, instead of pods was just filled in a bag in box package the same size of it, or even better a plastic self standing refill bag (since many others switched to this form of package) of the same size? You will have the same compactness, and the advantage of dosing and measurung properly every drop of it...
Oh, i was forgetting, what they found out now???? That detergent ends up in the piping??? (this may be typical italian only, advertisements of Dash ecodosi for long ran adverts claiming this)....
Look, every manufacturer of machines and also some detergents advise to let run water before adding detergent, this both if you have a TL or FL, "start machine and then add detergent" means just this" you have a delayed start machine, or you do not want to wait for this? Ok...I tell you something shocking! Since liquids came out some sort of genius found a miracle invention, it is called dosing ball, it's a device you measure detergent into and just toss in the machine and it will dispense detergent just like any pods would do! It's reusable, I know people having the same one since years!
Here comes jaw dropping and lost eyes....
Here I say are these pods really a revolutionary invention as they want us to believe????
Don't think so...

-
[this post was last edited: 4/11/2014-16:02]
 

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