Liquid vs powder laundry detergent

[allan]

Hi,

I bought an LG WM1355HW front loader last week to replace a low-end, 17 year-old GE top loader that broke down for the 3rd and final time. So far, I love the LG (it's my first front loader ever) and am using Nellie's All Natural Laundry Soda:

http://nelliesallnatural.com/internal/?type=Laundry

I use 1 tablespoon (or one scoop) as directed. The machine is 2.7 cubic feet capacity and the water in my little apartment is soft. I chose this detergent because I read that it doesn't create a lot of suds which means less chance of moldy smell, and I wanted to use something a bit more eco-friendly after years of using Tide, Sunlight, etc.

So far, I've only done 5-6 loads, and the Nellie's soda seems to dissolve very well. There is indeed little to no sudsing. I have so far resisted the temptation to put in more than one scoop per load. Also, the detergent dispenser drawer is clean as a whistle after every load--no undissolved powder left behind.

But I found this webpage that says powered detergents can damage a washer compared to liquid detergents:

http://washerfan.com/faqs.htm

"Liquid vs. powder HE soap. This statement stirs a lot of debate. The Washer Fan™ team has personally worked on and completely dismantled dozens of washers. We have observed that powdered soap can literally destroy a washer because of the un-dissolved powder residue that coats internal parts. A washer with an internal coating of powdered soap residue is prone to mechanical failure and is more expensive to fix than its replacement value. We have disassembled washers whose owners used way more than the recommended amount of liquid detergent that resulted in a slight film coating on all internal parts. We determined that the film coating didn't damage the washers and that average use expectancy was not shortened; however, there was a severe mold and odor problem. In the final analysis, don't use powdered detergent in your washer and use the recommended 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid HE detergent to reduce mold and odor."

So now I am confused and concerned. Should I continue using the powdered type, or should I switch to liquid? I want this washer to last as long as possible.

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Allan

P.S. I posted this in the "Super" forum but I really wanted to post it here. I'm so sorry for the cross post!

 

[funktionalart]

From one LG owner to another....


Allan,
For what it's worth, I can tell you that if you stay this diligent about your machine and utilise the liquid HE type as I do then you likely will have no problems.

I've the black version of your machine (larger capacity model WM2277HB) which I bought in 2006. ZERO issues. I couldn't be happier. Never have I experienced any of the "issues" many complainers on "review" sites have stated regarding newer front loaders and LG's in particular. After all these years, my machine's dispensers are gleaming clean, and I've not ever experienced the musty/mouldy odours so many folks mention. Recently I removed the deck lid just to inspect things--not any signs of leakages, misdirected detergent, etc.

On a side note, though--alot of buyers of this sort of machine think there's something wrong because they're used to seeing a huge drum full of sudsy water that top loaders of years past gave--so they pile in the detergent thinking it'll help clean clothing better. LG specify something on the order of 2 tbsp HE....but I'm guilty of always having used 3-4. No trouble (for me) so far.

Not long ago I looked at buying a "parts" machine for down the road in case this one ever gave up on me. Can't tell you how many I saw which had abundant evidence of undissolved powder in dispensers.....caked on everywhere and plenty of softener residue. They really looked horrible. A great deal of users are pretty clueless and careless--amazing considering what these machines cost! Hope this is of some help!

Allen

 

[washer111]

IMO, it was always the LIQUID detergents I've heard the caused trouble - not powders. Perhaps in hard water areas, but certainly not with soft water. 

 

Liquids do not have bleaching ability, and don't deal with oils as well. 

 

And if you're uber concerned, then perhaps avoid liquid fabric softeners. Replace with vinegar, or use very little doses instead. 

 

The best idea regarding this (which SOME may debate) would be washing your clothes at the CORRECT temperatures. Newer machines do have Automatic Temperature Control, so you'll have to alter your cycle selections to circumvent this. 

If you have a model with a heater - then use it regularly (on Sanitise or "Whitest Whites"). 

 

With almost any detergent, at the correct dosage for the soil and load size, with the right temperature, you'll NEVER have issues with mold. 

Keep the Door and Detergent-Dispenser ajar, just to be safe.

 

FYI - There is NO need for expensive cleaning products in these machines. Use the correct wash temperature and detergent, keep the door open and you'll be fine. 

Those products are designed for folks who wash in Cold water exclusively, use fabric-softener and under/over dose their Liquid detergent product

 

[frigilux]

Although I use the pod format these days (usually Tide or Wisk's offerings) I've used powders for years in front-loaders without any problems. Have never seen undissolved powder in the dispenser drawer, inside the washer or on clothes. Like you, I have very soft water.

If you like Nellie's, and you're not seeing undissolved detergent on clothes, use it. I see from your link that they make a pod version as well. Might have to give them a try.

Enjoy your new LG! They make great front-loaders.

 

[ronhic]

A few tips and tricks to ensure your machine stays sweet-smelling

 

- If you prefer cooler wash temperatures, liquid detergent and fabric softener....then do a HOT wash (60c plus) at least every other week to properly clean the outer drum.

 

- Powder detergent is best. In this country at least, the cleaning power of the leading powdered detergents is at least 10% higher than the liquid equivalent.

 

- People who use powder rarely complain about their machines smelling manky and going mouldy - it tends to be cool/liquid/fabric conditioner users.

 

- NEVER keep the door closed on a front load machine if it isn't actually washing - it creates a lovely, moist environment for mould.

 

- WIPE the door seal out when you have finished washing....leave the door ajar with a dry face-flannel folded over the top of the door between the door and the seal so it can't fully close and simply push it to.

 

- If you're a person who washes some things in cooler water, but others in hot...such as sheets, wash the 'HOT' washes last....especially if you don't use fabric conditioner in those particular loads. This will prevent you having to do a maintenance wash.

 

- Continual COOL/COLD washes, particularly with liquid detergent and combined with fabric conditioner causes a sticky grey 'gloop' referred to as SCRUD to accumulate between the drums of ALL machines. A HOT wash every week or so, powdered detergent and reducing or not using fabric conditioner will prevent it completely.

 

Finally, take 'advertorials' with a dose of cynicism.....

 

[allan]

Thanks for all the input everyone! Lots of excellent advice and points of view.

I think I will stick with the Nellie's for now because it barely causes any suds and seems to rinse completely. I don't see any residue at all in the drum, drawer, rubber gasket, etc, and my clothes don't have that soapy feel which is good because I have bit of eczema. I will avoid cold/cold washes if at all possible.

 

[launderess]

Am Glad You Are Happy With Nellie's Which Is What Matter

However there is nothing "new" or special about the product.

Nellie's soda is simply a modern variation on using soda crystals/soda ash and soap to clean textiles. It has the added benefit of washer protection agents/anti-corrosive.

The stuff contains:

COCONUT OIL, SODIUM CARBONATE(soda ash), SODIUM METASILICATE, FATTY ALCOHOL ETHOXYLATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE (salt).

All and all not much different than many other of the powder *garage* or "boutique" private label products you find all over the Internet or sold by specialty retailers often at a high mark-up.

Washing soda and soap *will* get your laundry clean, lord knows that is how things were done for hundreds of years before modern detergents came along.

 

[aquacycle]

Nellie's

We don't have that detergent here, but the container it comes in is FABULOUS.

 

[frigilux]

Price of Nellie's Laundry Soda:

100-use Container of Powder: $.21 per load

50-use Container of Nuggets (pacs): $.40 per load

You'd need to factor in the cost of shipping if ordered online.

AquaCycle: I agree--the container is pretty cool. I have enough detergent in the house to last 2 years, so the last thing I need is more; but I'm very tempted to order the Nuggets, just so I can reuse the container with other pods/pacs!

 

[washman]

Frig, here's a "nugget" of advice

Stay with your PODS!

 

[Cookietaster12]

Keep using your Nellie's Detergent. If you simply follow the instructions, and use the proper cleaning cycle, per the owner's manual, then you will have no problems. I have had my Maytag 3000 Series set since April 2009, and I have never had an issue with mold or and residue. I use the proper amounts of detergent and fabric softer, and I run the cleaning cycle once a month as well. The most important thing for you to do is to keep the door ajar once you are finished your laundry so that the drum can air dry. This prevents the mold from having a place to grow and cause the foul smell. If you do those things, then you will have no issues with your front loader. ALWAYS FOLLOW the detergent instructions. ALWAYS!!!!!

 

[neptuneman]

I have seen many reviews online about Nellies and they are pretty positive. There is a discount store near me that sells this at a pretty good price. I have been wanting to give it a try.

What do you guys think about the Ozone producing machines? I have been using one for about two months now and the clothes seem fresher and the washer stays clean with no more odors. I still use a little detergent though.

 

[henene4]

Part me?

A ozone washer? Not one for domestic use, or missed I something?

 

[matthewza]

We always only used powders and we have never ever had issues, even with using a handwash detergent in our front loader for many years. And my mom and I are both very particular about machine care.
Tried Ariel liquid when it came to SA but went back to powders because powders definitely clean better and last longer and are much cheaper than liquids

 

[frigilux]

Allan-- Nellie's All Natural should thank you for advertising: I just ordered their Laundry Nuggets and their dishwasher powder. I would have ordered the dishwasher pacs but they don't come in the adorable little tin.

I'm fairly skeptical of the cleaning ability of "all natural" detergents, but I also like to try new products. If nothing else the Laundry Nuggets can be used for loads of bath towels, which aren't heavily soiled and need a clean-rinsing detergent.

They recommend their dishwasher detergent only to customers who have a water softener, which I do. We'll see how it does. If it doesn't clean well, I'll use the tin to store Cascade Complete pacs, which is what I normally use.

 

[allan]

@frigilux

So far, I like Nellie's because it doesn't seem to produce a lot of suds. In fact it produces so little that I'm always tempted to put in more. But I have refrained so far.

You should also try the Nellie's Oxygen Brightener. It seems to work well with my white work shirts.

I must admit that the container was the main thing that attracted me to the product.

I've scoured the internet for review of other detergents to try, and the only one that has me intrigued is the Persil stuff. It sure is expensive! I don't know if it's worth trying...

 

[murando531]

The Nellie's tins make me miss when Electrasol had the Jetson's edition tins. I think my mom still has some actually.

 

[frigilux]

Allan--- The Persil you saw online is probably made by Henkel (photo #1) and it's an excellent detergent, but no better than Tide with Bleach. It rinses clearer than Tide.

My favorite non-American detergent is Persil Bio made by Unilever which is sold in the UK (photo #2). Again, cleans as well as Tide, but rinses even clearer than the Henkel version. I've also used UK Ariel (photo #3) with great results, and I loved the scent. In the end, I felt Persil was marginally better at removing stains and the produced the clearer rinse water.

You can purchase the UK detergents from britsuperstoreonline.com. Prices for the detergents are reasonable, but the shipping costs will make your head spin. I used to order three 50-use boxes of Persil and the total bill would come to $158. (Note: I used around half the recommended dose in soft water, and consequently got many more than 50 uses per box.) The last of it was used a few weeks ago, and I don't plan to order it again, simply because Tide cleans just as well for a fraction of the cost, even though it is nearly impossible to get a truly clear rinse in super-soft water.

I'm dressed head-to-toe in black quite often for work, and love Perwoll Intensive Black (photo #4) which can be found at amazon.com. Cleans better than Woolite for Darks and keeps clothes blacker longer. Perwoll is a Persil-related detergent.[this post was last edited: 7/14/2014-01:00]

 

[allan]

Frigilux, thanks for the tips!

I saw your other post in the "Super" forum about soap vs detergent. I guess I should be worried now because I've been using the Nellie's with a cold rinse. Maybe I'll start using a warm rinse from now on.

So I take it the Tide is a detergent and can be used with cold rinses? I never wash in cold water but I do use the cold rinse because it's the default setting on my LG front loader for the Cotton/Normal setting (which is what I mostly use).

I'd like to try the Bio Persil stuff but those shipping costs are prohibitive!