Liquid Soap Does It Again!

[launderess]

Soft Water

No, we don't have a water softening system installed. However our area does have soft water right from the tap.

My problems with liquid detergents tend to come from two sources. One using them where they shouldn't (vintage Wisk in my stash is made for top loaders, but according to older packages could be used in front), and the fact that European detergents such as the French La Croix are designed for hard water.

Most of Europe indeed does have water much harder than what is found even in the worst areas of the United States, certainly more so than our local water. This means dosages have often to be reduced.

 

[liberatordeluxe]

Liquids

Perhaps thats the problem then liquids are designed for hard water however i can state that a friend of mine has very very hard water in Essex and Daz compact liquid never rinsed out of the clothing even after 10 rinses!!!!!! I had to throw my t shirts away becuase i couldn't get rid of the residue. Daz smells very similar to Tide so am led to believe. Daz powder and tablets rinse fine though in soft water as well.

 

[launderess]

Hard Water, Powdered Detergents and Septic Tanks

Would be willing to bet it's not so much the insoluble remains of powdered laundry detergents (Zeolites, undissloved washing soda), but the hard water minerals bound to precipitating water softeners (washing soda, borax, TSP etc) that settle out which are gunking up septic systems.

You'll often find such "gunk" coating and or at the bottom of washing machine tubs, as well as inside pumps.

 

[alr2903]

Our Webmaster Says," Solid tub machines are much cleaner machines and they rinse better".   Now if i could only find one. alr

 

[stan]

Me

too!

 

[whirlcool]

Would one of those washing machine cleaning products clear all this liquid soap gunk out of our washer?

 

[launderess]

Depends Upon What The "Gunk" Is Made From

Washing soda and surfactants along with very hot water will go along way in cleaning areas where the water can reach. Weak to mild acids will remove scale, iron rust and or mineral deposits. Products that are a blend of several types of chemicals will have a broad based action.

 

[liberatordeluxe]

Powders

The main reason i moved from powder to liquid was the fillers in powders i.e. sodium sulfate. Did or does any find that the fillers in powders or tablets are problematic for rinsing? And why do we even need fillers?

I bought a small box of Ariel colour and dissolved it in warm water but even after 15 minutes all the fillers and insolubles were there!

 

[launderess]

Insoluble Componet Of Powder Detergents

Zeolites (aluminosilicate) common to many powdered detergents does not disslove, thus that could be what you are seeing.

Used for their water softening properties, Zeolites can also leave a residue that shows up as dust or lint on laundry especially darker coloured textiles. The mineral began widespread use in laundry and dishwashing powdered detergents as a replacement in whole or part for phosphates.

 

[liberatordeluxe]

Liquids

@ Launderess have you ever tried Amway SA8 or anyone else for that matter? How do you rate its cleaning performance and rinsing ability both powder and liquid.

Currently trying Miele detergent and have has it does wash and rinse well!