Dollar Tree Detergent Trial.

[gmmcnair]

I recently bought some of the "LA's Totally Awesome" detergent at Dollar Tree. 32 load size (64 oz) for a buck, so I figured I could at least use it on dog bedding if it wasn't much.

Turns out, it's not bad stuff....although their cap and directions contradict each other. Basically it says to use a capful for a medium load. A capful is 1/2 cup, and produces way too much foam even in a TL, and only 16 loads out of the bottle. My bottles of detergent are quite thick, and don't seem to be watered down at all.

I cut the usage down to 1/4 cup, and surprisingly, it works fine for ordinary soil levels. There's still a bit of suds at the top of the tub, and even fairly grungy stuff is coming out clean with no strong smell. Word of warning, it doesn't have enzymes, so don't expect miracles on protein stains.

However, for a buck, not bad stuff at all, but I don't think it would be the best choice for a front loader, considering the suds I get. I bought some of their fabric softener while I was at it. Didn't soften like Downy or Suavitel, but it knocks static out quite well.

Just thought I'd share.

Mike

 

[panthera]

Mike,

I tried some last year and had similar results - way too sudsy for a thumper (PANK! or not) and suds-lock for the FL.

It did do a good job on grease, used as a pre-treatment, so that's what I've kept it for.

But, wow, total suds-cake-city. I imagine this stuff is aimed very much at the low-income, low-info folks who equate suds with good cleaning.

 

[gmmcnair]

Maybe so...I do know a lot of folks who equate good suds with good cleaning (which is rubbish unless you're dealing with soap).

I bought it because things have been tight this last year, and it works well for the DD Whirlpool I have. You're right on the grease....very good pretreater for that. And it does do a very respectable job on the soil levels I deal with for a cost of 3-4 cents a load!

 

[peterh770]

It's probably closer to dishwashing detergent that causes all the suds but is good on grease.