Stain Removal Test #2: Results from Ace, Sam's Club, Soap

[sudsmaster]

Retromom

I don't have an online source for STPP. I buy it in 50 lb sacks from my local chemical supply outfit. I keep the sack in a plastic bin to help prevent deterioration from exposure to atmospheric moisture (STPP gradually decomposes to a less effective form, TSP, upon prolonged exposure to moisture/heat).

STPP and hard water go together like Bob and big loads.

 

[Maytagmom]

I know I have seen STTP in the stores somewhere....

But WHERE...(this is a problem shop-a-holics like myself have)Maybe the 99 cent only stores, or Wally World had it.

After reading some of these threads about "making your own soap" and other booster issues, I am going to have to check into this. I've used Borax 20 mule team, with good results.

Venus, I will pick up some STTP if I find it when I go out Laundry shopping this Friday. We will do a trade for the "you know what but keep it a secret". LOL

King Dollar (there is one in Brenham) had the Indian Tide and Chinese Tide. The Indian Tide wasn't in stock last time. I'm beginning to think it was a one shot deal.

Eugene, I am also surprised the Ace didn't get stains out. Do you ever use Shout? Ace has worked great for me, and I only wash in cold. (I know...*gasp*)

Anyone here in Texas know where to grab the FELS? Is this anything like Zote?

 

[launderess]

If you can find STPP locally by all means go for it, the Chemistry Store while somewhat decent in price, does charge a handling fee on top of UPS delivery. It might pay for one person to order a 10lb bucket and divy it up.

Maytagmom and Venus, if you all want to try some of the phosphate laden Ecolab detergent from my stash, shoot me an email and will send you a sample.

Finding Fels can be hard, but check your local supermarket's laundry section, however sometimes they put it in with the bar soaps. Also check fleaBay for both the vintage and newer versions.

Personally prefer the old "Purex" version of Fels soap for both having real "Naptha" and that it contains washing soda, whiteners and lots of other "detergent" ingredients. Since my stash of vintage Fels numbers about 40 or so bars, think am set for the duration. *LOL*

L.

 

[frigilux]

Am I not remembering correctly or were bars of Fels Naptha kinda brownish in color back in the '60s? My Mom always had one at the laundry sink for scrubbing stained fabrics. They must be yellowish now, because that's the color of my laundry soap containing Fels.

 

[launderess]

Yes, vintage/Purex Fels was the "brown" laundry soap most housewives were familar with. The new Fels bars are a golden yellow colour, similar to "Dial" soap.

L.

 

[lederstiefel1]

Tests

Great tests!
But it shows that none of the products contains bleaching agents...am I right?
Best for that purpose is oxygene based bleach such as percarbonate or perborate, second best: chlorine bleach as it affects fibres much more and isn't to be used on most coloured items nor on woollens or silks.
And as I've always thought: soap's the best in cleaning! I've ever had very good cleaning results with it but slightly was in doubt whether it was just "washer's luck" or really the soap's washing power.
And as FRIGILUX has already mentioned: It leaves washing somewhat conditioned but not softened, as to say so.
I love it - maybe I go back for it, too! But....is it also working in cold water? I fear, it wouldn't very well....?!?
Nevertheless, this testing convinced me of soap as a washing agent again! And pure soap isn't the washer's last word on the subject, isn't it?
I still keep old recipes from the turn of the century how to improve soap's washing power by adding some agents to mix your own complete washing soap.....smile....

Ralf

 

[sudsman]

Venus

E mail me here I will send you some STTP I have it in the 50 lb bags and will be glad to send you some.