Oh, Help! Oxyclean and other questions from the new girl

[sarahperdue]

Hey Everyone,

What is the optimum concentration of Oxyclean for soaking? I figure at some point, more simply doesn't make a difference.

Also, is it hard on clothes? They seem to do fine even after long soaks--a day or two--in the short run, but does it do long term damage to the fibers? (usually cotton, sometimes cotton poly blends, occasionally silk)

If you frown on Oxyclean, do you have a better suggestion?

Consider me a rank amateur when it comes to laundry. I hate to do it, I hate to fold it, I hate to put it away... But I appreciate the science of using the best combination of products, right solutions, etc. I also love having the best tool for the job, learning how it works and how to use it properly. I have an addictive personality. I'm hoping you all will inspire a greater love of laundry and fearing that you will be the catalyst for a washer collecting addiction. Where do you put them all?? Perhaps I'll be a fun student.

Also, I checked the archives--was there a way for me to keyword search for answers to my questions? If there is, please explain.

Cheers!
Sarah

 

[peterh770]

Where did the Super Searchalator go? I think we have a bug.

In the meantime, the hotter the water is, the better Oxiclean works.

 

[maytagbear]

It's reasonably safe, but

I think soaking for anything much over 30-45 minutes gets to the point of diminishing returns.

Most of us here love to do laundry. However, we can understand not loving to do laundry, particularly if it's expected of us.

However, your statement about proper tools and techniques is what we love to hear.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[gmmcnair]

Hi Sarah!

I don't think a search would do much good because the Super forum isn't archived IIRC.

I have used up to a (1 oz) scoop for a gallon of water before on tough stuff.....basically a t-shirt that got blood all over it from a shaving nick that my MORON ex partner put through the dryer. It took it after soaking for 3 or 4 hours.

The shirt survived to a ripe old age too!

 

[mixfinder]

Oh If Only I Were Closer

I place doing laundry right up there with a nature hike, 18 holes of golf, a relaxing message. I LOVE to do laundry. Two washers are the bees knees so one can soak and do specials while the other keeps up with the daily grind. Under loading and the warmest water temperature for each fabric have a lot to do with keeping laundry fresh and clean. Smaller loads don't wrinkle as much in the dryer either. ATK did a test on removal of food and grease stains and laundry detergent, oxyclean and warm water in an overnight soak removed everything. OxyClean works best in warm water because you don't risk setting protien based stains. Coupled with good (Tide) powdered laundry detergent you should have stunning results. Liquid fabric softener helps to prevent future stains from setting. A piece of my soul dies everytime I think of the clack clack clack of a Kenmore doing the laundry of my beloved friend. First the dishwasher, then the ovens and the next frontier will be the washer! Maybe even a wringer machine for the country house.

 

[sarahperdue]

...are you insulting my grandmother's washing machine?

220, hot water and final connection of the Kitchen Aid stacker coming to the country house soon--really this time.

That fridge I almost killed myself unloading died--replacement ideas? I really like icemakers...

Oh, if only you were closer.

 

[westingman123]

yep, we love our laundry!

How about we all take turns for Sarah? I'm not so awfully far away, and I IRON! Beware, though, if you bring the wash here; there are small appliances waiting to jump into your vehicle!

Seriously, I don't use Oxyclean very often; I find that Sears Ultra Plus detergent (and some Wisk from time to time) serves me well.

 

[launderess]

Oxiclean

Unless they have changed the formula is something like >40% sodium carbonate (washing soda).

Washing soda does have it's uses, but can be harsh on textiles, especially if one adds more to the often considerable about found in many laundry detergent powders.

Personally, for pre-soaking I prefer Tide With Bleach, nothing touches it for results. Indeed have often soaked items in cool water for an hour or so and they emerge "clean", only requiring a short wash cycle then rinsing, or perhaps only rinsing.

Much depends upon why one is soaking items. To remove stains and heavy soils, then any detergent with enzymes and oxygen bleach will do. To merely brighten and whiten items, then soaking in oxygen bleach solution (Oxi-Clean, Biz, or even pure sodium percarbonate (sold by Ecover), is fine.

 

[limey]

Corrosion

Sarah,
One thing to remember, particularly should you be using a front load washer, is that almost all laundry aids can, should the required concentration be reached, damage aluminium, the spiders in the front load machines are made of aluminium.
Should you wish to see what has happened in some of the more extreme cases please visit fixitnow.com/wp/2009/10/28. Please read the write up from David F at the end of the photographs and remember that a great many of the laundry aids we consider to be ‘safe’ actually have a pH value above about 8.0 and therefore should the required concentrations be reached, are capable of corroding the spiders.

 

[sudsman]

Corrosion Sara

Not saying that is cannot happen, but dont have too much concern for such. As it is not a ordinary happining.

I always have 2 or 3 home type machines here in the plant along with a number of others ranging from 20 to 150 lbs.
The home machines are used for rewash loads and quick run items. and left overs from the large loads. In almost 40 years I have NEVER had a machine to fail due to corrosion of any type. And the chemicals used in a hospital laundry ARE FAR STRONGER than anything you have at home. The Liquid Bleach we use is 10% almost double that of home bleach.. Dry bleach is 20% And many of the detergents have a ph of well above 10, At no time has any washer ever failed due to the chemical use. We do not expect a home washer to last in these conditions more than a year. However most have lasted 2 or 3 years and 1 lasted almost 6 years and was given to a employee who is still useing it. Most fail due to general wear and tear. And not a single one has ever had bearing problems or problems with the spider. So although it sure can happen dont be too concerned about it.

 

[hoover1100]

Don't worry about oxygen bleach in your washer.

Your washer is more likely to suffer corrosion and other negative conesquences such as mold and smells if you don't use oxi bleach than if you do.

I've never seen it damage clothes, however it will fade colours over time, it's certainly far less harmful than chlorine bleaches though.

For things that need soaking, warm water, a biological washing powder and oxygen bleach (if not already included in the detergent) should do the trick for almost anything, followed by a warm or hot wash in more of the same detergent/oxi bleach combo.

Best of luck

Matt