LIQUID OR POWDER

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Another Bob here who likes Powders. I agree with Glenn, no "slippery feel" with liquids. And I like the Sears detergents in the big buckets too!!
 
Liquid

I like liquid detergent better because it is dispensed much better and completely. A powder just isn't all flushed out of the dispenser. I quickly started using liquid detergent when I realized this. (Kenmore 90 series / triple dispenser)
 
liquid detergent for me

I prefer liquids myself. I have heard that powders clean better, however my clothes don't get that soiled. I haven't done a real analysis in awhile to determine which is more cost -effective. That not being the only consideration with me, I prefer the convenience of a liquid.
 
what do I use?

Liquids only for Rick! MHO is that powders leave a white deposit in the machines that turns into a white paste that coats the inside of the machine after a few years of use.
 
We use Tide HE liquid in our Frigidaire FL. We have noticed that a 100 oz bottle lasts much longer with the FL than the same bottle of Regular Tide lasted when we had the TL. We do an average of 5-7 loads a week.
 
I perfer powder. They last longer and are much more economical to use. I have recently went to Sears, utlra plus powders they have are very cheap and desolve very quickly. My favorite is Tide HE powder, the Tide HE liquid, But Sears seems to clean just as well and is a fraction of the price.
 
incomplete flushing of powder in Triple Dispenser

"I like liquid detergent better because it is dispensed much better and completely. A powder just isn't all flushed out of the dispenser. I quickly started using liquid detergent when I realized this. (Kenmore 90 series / triple dispenser)"

Hmm, never had that problem in my '78 LK, powder always flushed completely out of the dispenser. Are you getting adequate water flow to the dispenser?

I used to have no preference for powder or liquid, but lately have been using Xtra liquid because of price, ease of measuring, and it takes up less space in storage cabinet.
 
no deposit, no return

liquids generally do not contain sodium carbonate(washing soda),which reacts with calcium in hard water ,forming calcium carbonate,literally chalk,which dulls and stiffens clothing, and builds up in the washer.Today's powders use SC instead of phosphates, which did not cause all these problems.Therefore, I prefer liquids.However,I prefer an old phosphated powder to any of today's pickins.
 
Powders for this boy!

I'm with Robert (RE563). Been using the Sears powder and it works just fine. Ten bucks for 180 loads! That's like a year's supply for me.
I guess Great Bobs think alike!

veg aka Bob
 
Tide or Gain powder for myself...high sudsers are my favorites. Once in a blue moon I'll use Purex, however.

For the darks, have been using Cheer Dark and it seems to work great, but like "cold water" detergents, tends to suds a lot on small loads and TechnoSonic loads.

For boosters, either Biz or 20 Mule Team Borax.
 
We used to used the Montgomery Wards detergent was as good and the Sears. Went back and forth with them usually bought which one was on sale at the time we needed it. Always had Tide or Cheer for the extra boost needed sometime for play clothes for kids. Used Dreft or Ivory Snow (the real soap) for diapers and baby clothes. Used calgone with the Ivory Snow in wash and rinse and hung them on clothesline. Always had a clothesline until we moved to this home in 2000 neighborhood rules has no clotheslines allowed.
 
Warning-Danger

Don't use modern liquid detergents in vintage machines, they seems to destroy vintage neoprene rubber at a much faster rate. I only allow powder detergent anywhere near my vintage machines.
 
Liquid, but only because. . .

. . .it's the most cost-effective form of detergent for high-efficiency front loaders. Target used to carry Purex HE for $2.99 in an 80 oz. jug but have since retired it. The best we can do now is All HE for $3.99, but we can always hope they'll stock Arm & Hammer HE.
 
Liquid or Powder

I use only powder for two reasons. 1. I use OxiClean powder in my wash. 2. My washer has a timer on it.

If I set the washer in the morning the liquid detergent has to sit in the dispenser with the powder OxiClean all day long. Need I say more about that mess?

I also think powders are cleaner as they don't run down the side of the bottle :o)!
 
I go with powders all the way. I can measure the right amount, put it in a plastic bag, and take it off to the coin-op in my laundry bag.
 
like both liq & powd

I prefer liquid, but agree with uni about powders in vintage machines and I LOVE SEARS "he" powder in the big pail. That stuff does a great job at a great price !!
 
I was a powder man exclusively until 2000, when I switched to liquid Tide. I use HE liquid Tide these days, along with HE Wisk and HE Gain. I use the Tide for whites and any stained loads. I use the Wisk and Gain for other loads.

Thanks for the tip about liquids being hard on vintage machines, Uni! I never would have thought about that.
 
seal damage to classic washers

I was wondering about my vintage machines. All the seals and hoses have been replaced with new parts. Although the machines are forty plus years old the rubber parts are not vintage. I do not like powders. Do you guys really think I should change from name brand liquids to powders?

Thanks,
Rick
 
I use both. I prefer powder for whites and liquids for colors. But I have both of each. Powder and liquid for whites and powder and liquid for darks, all Ariel. For delicates and wool I have another two bottles, I prefer liquids for that kind of clothes. I think powders clean better and liquids are easier to rinse out.
 
Tide regular powder only

I only use Tide powder in my Neptune or 1/18. We have soft water, never any problem with rinsing. I have chemical sensitivities and personally don't like Tide liquid due to the fragrances and chemicals used. Even the fragrance free liquid is a problem for me.

Rich
 
I've tended to use powders in laundromat front loaders, and liquids in top loaders generally. Am presently using a liquid (Seventh Generation, smells slightly of oranges) because I can measure it out accurately. (It seems to me that powders are subject to changes in volume relative to weight, as a function of ambient humidity and being "fluffed up" during measuring.)

Also using a measuring glass that looks like one of those little glasses that's used for drinking some kind of distilled spirits, but is calibrated in ounces and milliliters. This will be useful for comparing the quantities of various brands of liquids. Also allows me to pour the stuff into the wash water and then dunk the measuring glass a few times to get all the detergent out, before starting the agitator.
 
Hi Rick, this is the way I look at it. While in my machines most everything rubber has been replaced, at least the parts that I had available to me. But if I use powders they will last a lot longer, as I don't want to have to do a re-restoration every 10 years on the machines as the parts will be even more scarce then. I invested a lot of time and I want to give them best care as possible.
 
What type/brand,Robert?

Well... I don't want to rebuild my machines every ten years either. So the modern liquids are hard on all rubber parts,new or old,and even in new machines then? Well I really don't want to switch to powders,however I guess I must. (WAAAAHH!!!)You have the most experience with these detergents.
What modern powder do you think would be the best for me to use?
Thanks,
Rick
 

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