FOCA in a TL HE??

[Renso Brite]

Hi All,
I’ve been enjoying automaticwasher for years - ever since the debut on broadcast TV- and finally decided to join to ask a question!

Introduction: Retro VTG collector,..admirer of the fantastic antique washers and all the expertise (and humor) on this site. Sadly no glam washer in this abode… but plenty of ancillary(?) stuff including a VTG Sunbeam auto toaster, VTG Farberware 122b electric percolator, Farberware pans and Currier and Ives dinnerware (all daily drivers)…an iconic 50s Electrolux vac retired in the basement, a 50 Chevy… I could go on and on but won’t!

I’ve had a Maytag “Commerical” HE 3.5 top loader since 2018. No problems with it and it does a pretty good job (better than the 2003 Maytag Atlantis TL with a jillion settings that it replaced… wanted a Speed Queen but 2018 was the year that the design was changed and much maligned). Cycles are pretty quick -which is great. I don’t like that it’s either full tub or half… the normal/eco cycle (1/2 tub) has no options (eg pre soak/extra rinse), the hot water in normal/eco ain’t so hot (nothing about that in the manual)- oh well.

So, after obsessively reading posts on the web about Ariel, Foca, Roma etc- I took the plunge and bought a bag of FOCA powder, thinking since it’s different from P & G products - give it a try. FOCA Website says its HE (??). For whites- I’ve always used Tide with Bleach ( originally powder but now liquid- no powder in the grocery stores in these parts).
I just tried the FOCA alone on filthy gardening clothes and socks- meh results. ( usually would do liquid tide and liquid bleach). Full tub, hot water, long cycle, 4 tablespoons of Foca (dissolved), water was slippery. Worst of all - no scent!

Finally the questions: 1-how much FOCA powder do you recommend for a full tub of hot water in my Maytag TL Commercial HE? 2-Am I playing with fire…and eventually ruining my HE machine with this stuff? 3-If it’s a full tub of hot water- what’s the difference between HE top loader vs old timey top loader?

If I’m on the road to ruination…I guess when in doubt, throw it out.

Thank you!

 

[agiflow]

Had this commercial Whirlpool VMW like your Maytag machine last year and used FOCA. Turned out alright.

 

[DADoES]

Proper dosage for any detergent is whatever amount is sufficient to condition the water (make it feel slippery) and deal with whatever level of soil is in the load.

 

[ea56]

I’ve been using Ariel 2X powder detergent for the last 8 mo or more in my 3.5 cu ft Roper TL and it is wonderful! Cleans every load beautifully using hot water for whites and warm water for colors. For full to the top loads I use 3/4 cups, for 3/4 to 1/2 full loads 1/2 cup detergent and for small loads 1/4 cup. We have very hard water and these amounts give a light amount of suds that always rinses out completely leaving every load smelling fresh and soft, with NO fabric softener. One of the very best detergents I’ve ever used in over 55 years of doing laundry. The last large bag lasted me for over 5 mo doing 3 loads a week. A REAL bargain! But thats not why I continue to use it, I use it because its so great.

Eddie

 

[DADoES]

I keep a supply of Ariel powder (may not be 2x). Occasionally use it is as the only detergent in a load, sometimes add a bit along with a liquid choice.

 

[Renso Brite]

Had this commercial Whirlpool VMW like your Maytag machine last year and used FOCA. Turned out alright.

WOW- thanks for the response and the YouTube video. Looked at your other YouTube videos about your commercial Whirlpool too. Very helpful!

 

[Renso Brite]

I’ve been using Ariel 2X powder detergent for the last 8 mo or more in my 3.5 cu ft Roper TL and it is wonderful! Cleans every load beautifully using hot water for whites and warm water for colors. For full to the top loads I use 3/4 cups, for 3/4 to 1/2 full loads 1/2 cup detergent and for small loads 1/4 cup. We have very hard water and these amounts give a light amount of suds that always rinses out completely leaving every load smelling fresh and soft, with NO fabric softener. One of the very best detergents I’ve ever used in over 55 years of doing laundry. The last large bag lasted me for over 5 mo doing 3 loads a week. A REAL bargain! But thats not why I continue to use it, I use it because its so great.

Eddie

Thanks Eddie. Ariel is next on my hit list…it’s easy to find, in Home Depot and some supermarkets here too. I was a bit reluctant because of reported high sudsing - so I called their customer service to ask about HE - rep said no. Was worried about Suds lock…but your comments are reassuring and ready to give it a whirl.

 

[Renso Brite]

Proper dosage for any detergent is whatever amount is sufficient to condition the water (make it feel slippery) and deal with whatever level of soil is in the load.

Thanks. Still fiddling around with the slippery feel, looking at suds level vs soil level. No disaster yet. Work in progress!

 

[Renso Brite]

I keep a supply of Ariel powder (may not be 2x). Occasionally use it is as the only detergent in a load, sometimes add a bit along with a liquid choice.

Thanks. Gonna give Ariel a try- I understand it’s the P & G sister to my fav Tide so makes sense it’s a winner. I’ll fiddle around with the dose.