Experiences with a Soap/Detergent Hybrid

[washer111]

Today was "Bedsheets" washing day!

Recently, I purchased some Lux Soap Flakes from the local supermarket. While the box warns against usage in the FL machines, I thought "what the heck" and went for 1/4 of the recommended dosage, at 1/4 of cup.

Without enzymes or oxygen bleaches, I opted for a pre-wash with my favourite detergent, Drive.

I also added some into the main-wash cup to control suds.

As the main-wash got underway, with the heating and all, the suds got very intense. I was very concerned that a problem might be headed my way. However, after about 5 minutes, and the temperature having increased greatly, the suds returned to a very pedestrian level (as evidenced by the photograph below). I can only assume the Drive got to work, and controlled the suds.

The final rinse (where I added a little fabric softener) was clear.

 

[launderess]

If you are using soap in whole or part for laundry

Then you can scratch adding fabric softener to the rinse. Soap alone is more than capable of leaving things soft and fluffy. I know what I'm talking about. *LOL*

 

[launderess]

Another tip:

Best using liquid laundry detergent when going the hybrid route. This avoids the problems of participate forming and reacting with soap due to the soda and other salts normally found in powdered detergents. It will make for easier rinsing as well.

 

[washer111]

Thank-You Launderess

Nice to have you chime in.

Yes, I certainly skip the fabric softener for sheets, especially, but was concerned I might have suds in the rinses. Looks like that was the least of my worries, in the end. So for next time I will remember, and see how things fare.

While it makes sense that a liquid should rinse out better, I had always thought that it doesn't, after reading here and from my own experiences on a couple of occasions. I suppose it always comes down to the dosage, at the end of the day.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

wash day powdered laundry soap

When I was a kid, we have used a laundry soap/detergent hybrid called washday. I have used in the powder form when I had a GE filter-flo washer. It is available from a water treatment web site or through liquid soap products. See my thread on wash day powdered laundry soap.

 

[mamapinky]

GElaundry4ever, site says this is a pure soap base, should it be used with very soft water or a chemical water softener? Is it safe for HE machines? Everything I've read about using * soap says very soft water, and hot water and extra rinses with warm to hot water is a must. Thanks cheryl

 

[gelaundry4ever]

HE compatible

According to the produt, it could be used in both HE and standard machines.

 

[arbilab]

If you're using fabric softener to controls suds, you should be placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds. Pretty standard stuff really. (Austin Powers)

 

[washer111]

While I do agree Arbi, I need only use about 1/3 of the recommended dosage of the softener to get the desired effect in this instance.

I don't dose detergent into a typical "laundromat disaster,' although I prefer if the last rinse water isn't whipped up into a bubble bath, should the Miele decide to not take things carefully as it goes to the final spin.

This time, it was a precautionary measure. Otherwise, I never add it to bedsheets*. I prefer the more "crisp" feeling!

* And for the loads I do use it with, again, just the 1/3 dosage is more than soft enough for me. I don't need "slick" clothes, or ones gummed up with oils.