How good is All powder detergent currently?

[lordkenmore]

I'm contemplating buying a box of powder laundry detergent. Problem is...the choices are severely limited these days. All seems to be the only choice available locally for my criteria (cheap, unscented, cheap, unscented, and did I mention cheap?). I've used All in the past, but, from what I recall, the last time I bought the stuff (4 years ago IIRC), I found it...underwhelming, even for my undemanding laundry needs (i.e, freshening, as opposed to nightmare dirty/stained loads). I'm wondering if there is any hope that the formula might have been improved since that time...

 

[littlegreeny]

I regularly use All Free powder and am really happy with it. I find it to be a heavy duty detergent that is great at cleaning and removing odors. It's low sudsing and very easy rinsing.

 

[mrsalvo]

I used All Free And Clear upon my Dr's recommendation last year, due to skin issues. I found it to be pretty good actually. It got out stains and cleaning well enough to my standards. Don't think it does as well removing tough odors though, we babysat a couple of nasty outside dogs for the neighbors for a week and our clothes stunk, after washing my jeans I could still smell the dogs in my jeans. Didn't think that was possible but it's true. For everyday wear, I wouldn't hesitate to use it though. Think All has come out with a lightly scented formula that I would like to try.
Currently using a house brand that I like a lot.

Hope this helps.

Barry

 

[yogitunes]

oddly enough, its probably better than you think...

of course the concentration in a FLer is better than a TLer…

the liquid is a great for spot pre-treating....

and powders are usually more powerful....

you can always add some boosters if needed.....color safe bleach, ammonia, borax, or baking soda if needed...

 

[justjunque]

I'm a Tide Original liquid user, probably mostly out of habit.
But...we had a service tech in once, who said that the best detergent for the washing machine was Arm and Hammer powder.
I would have thought liquids would be less likely to leave residue/crud, but he swore by the Arm and Hammer powder. We use a conventional TL.
Anyone have personal experience with it, or pro/con argument?
He also advised, maybe once a year or so, to run a full cycle with no laundry; just full hot water and a gallon of white vinegar.

Barry

 

[lordkenmore]

Arm and Hammer powder

I asked about this in the last year or so here. I'm guessing maybe last spring. Since you are "upgraded" member, you could check the archives for threads started by me, which would probably turn up my thread.

IIRC, there were some people who liked it.

I never got it--I think I was wondering because of a clearance deal at my regular store, but never got around to buying the detergent.

I can't definitively say what is best for a washer--I don't have much repair/rebuild experience--but, in the past, there have been some people with relevant experience here who've said that powder detergent is better for a washer.