Tide Cold Water question

[lordkenmore]

It's interesting seeing this thread again. I've been thinking of seriously trying Tide CW, and it seems like this is the time. For me, it's less about water temperatures--it's not that hard to vary temperatures, at least a bit. But I prefer doing these sorts of tests when I'm line drying, since there would clearly not be the risk of dryer heat setting stains.

 

I did do one round of experimenting earlier in the season. I never monitored the exact water temperature, but it was cooler than usual, but not tap cold. The laundry (at least a shirt or two) didn't seem to end up as fresh as I wanted. That said, it wasn't so bad that I immediately decided to rewash said items.

 

I have used this stuff a couple of times as a regular detergent (i.e. in "normal" wash temperatures). It seems (not surprisingly) to work just fine there for cleaning. My only gripe is the scent. It's not an unpleasant scent, and it's not the strongest Tide has ever shipped. But I'm not a huge fan of scents in laundry detergents these days.

 

[lordkenmore]

All this being said the "free and clear" version of Tide CW always gets my vote. For some insane reason P&G only sells the stuff up north.

 

Assuming my tests work well enough that I'm willing to get another bottle, I'd be interested in Free and Gentle. I've heard stories that it sometimes turns up in the US near the Canadian border, so I keep my eyes open here in WA. But I may be too far from the border.

 

I recall when I was making this earth shaking decision of Do I Buy Tide CW? that I checked their website. One review asked for Free and Gentle, and the official Tide response was to try regular Tide Free and Gentle. They indicate it requires 60 degrees Fahrenheit (vs 40 degrees Fahrenheit for Tide CW). I have to admit I wonder what the actual realistic minimum is. Maybe I should get another bottle of Free and Gentle and experiment with cooler temperatures now during line drying season...

 

[panthera]

Cold, Cool, Lukewarm, Warm, Hot

Enzymes, when formulated to work in lower temperatures have made it possible to reduce temps continuously over time.

They're obviously not there yet, but it's great that their effectiveness at lower temperatures is improving. Sooner or later, they'll get to where we really can wash at low temperatures.

 

First, however, we have to have some useful definition of 'cold - hot'. Our tap water cold in winter is just barely 35ºF. In summer, it's warmer, but still way colder than the 'cold' found at lower altitudes or in warm areas of North America.

Our 'Hot' is 145<span style="font-size: 12pt;">ºF. That's enormously warmer than the recently-dead body temperature American washers now call 'hot'.</span>

 

<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Personally, I'm sticking with phosphates and enzymes which are happy in the 120</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ºF range for now coupled with real rinsing and not just two quick squirts and a heavy scent to cover the filth.  We'll see how things develop over time, but it's looking good.</span>

 

[mamapinky]

If you have a Ollies discount near you they may have Tide coldwater Free, my Ollies has tons of it.I like this stuff in warm and hot water.

 

[lordkenmore]

Sooner or later, they'll get to where we really can wash at low temperatures.

 

Well actually we have been at this point for years. Problem is...the results might be, ah, disappointing for anyone but those for whom saving energy is Priority #1.

 

I have to honestly wonder if detergent technology will improve enough so low temperatures are viable. Can it actually be done? And is there enough push to make it happen? That is, are there enough people who actually care about laundry getting done decently to encourage detergent engineering?

 

One unfortunate issue: it seems like a lot of people are perfectly satisfied with technology the way it is. A couple of years ago or so, I had one conversation with a woman about laundry. I mentioned using hot water, and she immediately told me about the wonders of cold water, and how great detergent technology is. I have not tried Tide CW in tap cold yet--one day I might try and get the courage to do so--but I'm guessing the results would be disappointing. And yet this one woman is perfectly happy, apparently, with the detergent technology of today.

 

[appnut]

Washing in cold water still creeps me out.  Especially for personal whites; towels; cotton sheets; kitchen towels; and cleaning rags. 

 

[gusherb]

To provide an update to my experiment using Tide CW; it has gone over quite well actually. I've only washed my clothes in cold water since my last post about it in July and they've come clean and odor free each time.
Though, now that the weather has taken a turn toward winter the city water is dipping into the 50s so I've begun to use the detergent on warm now, which is rather lukewarm given the water heater situation mentioned in my original post from July.