Using 1966 Amway S-A-8 Detergent Compound - will it work?

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danmantn

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 3, 2009
Messages
982
Location
Tennessee
So, on a whim, I purchased a NEVER BEFORE OPENED sales kit that contained samples of Amway's 1966 "S-A-8 Detergent Compound"--approved by McCall's magazine no less! It contained four samples, still wrapped in cellophane.

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I originally decided that I would just leave them as-is and not open them, but I couldn’t resists to find out what would happen!

I was a bit concerned what might happen with a detergent that’s been around for nearly 1/2 a century, so I garnered up some old towels.

First, I used hot water and then dumped the “brick” of detergent in the filling tub. It had solidified from all the moisture and years of storage I suppose.

To my amazement, the detergent dissolved almost immediately, and began to create lots of bubbles under the water fall (as it does today)!

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I added the laundry and the washer began to whirl and the bubbles got to work...by the end of the 12 minute cycle, the bubbles were nearly gone (as it does today).

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And still clear during the rinse cycle (as it does today) - slight cloudiness from the Amway fabric softener (new).

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Wash done, and the basket left completely clean (as it does today). There was a little bit of sand-like reside from some of the detergent that was caked to the box (I shouldn’t have dumped that into the wash). The dryer took care of that issue.

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And finally, laundry left fresh-n-clean (as it does today). Perhaps all 45 year old detergent still works; I have no idea, but this was my first experience and was amazed at the results. Wanted to share my experience with everyone on the site. I hope you enjoy and have a Happy Holiday!

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Me too, I've bought off 3 different distributors in the last 22 years, all have been really nice. My current Amway lady I've been using for 10 years now...I make it simple when I "hire" them...I want to buy at your cost and have no interest in the business side of things. I do the same with other direct marketing companies...most have been very respectful of the rules. I like buying from such companies as opposed to the big box stores as the local person makes some profit.
 
I do the same when buying Melaleuca products.  My cousin and his family sell it and I told them that I would order from them only when I need/want to, and to not pester me to order more than I need or want.
 
How do you like their laundry products Polkanut? I don't know anyone well enough to order. I also want to try Shaklee stuff...I have tried most of the other companies.
 
I find Melaleuca laundry detergent to be average.  It's not something that I "have to have".  I do however really like their Diamond Brite dishwasher detergent because it is very gentle on my antique china, and doesn't discolor my vintage aluminum cookware.
 
I still have OLD detergents...

I still have about a third of a box of 1998 Amway SA8 Plus 12.6% phosphate which still works GREAT(no enzymes, though-I add those), two 20-something load boxes of never-used 1991 Fab Ultra powder 10.7% phosphate and OLDDDD 1950's all! I also have a 24-tab unused, Korean-made Purex box from the 90's. I also have 12.6% phosphate all dishwasher detergent from 1975. I have now a brand-new 33-load plastic pail of Amway Legacy of Clean powder that works wonders on my white wash! My Amway dealer is my brother's friend's ADORABLE 20-year-old son! LOL I have been buying Amway powder detergent since the early 70's.
 
To Polkanut-read this!

http://scamadvocates.com/32-Melaleuca.html

I am not surprised that these "door-to-door" sales people work for scam-artist, pyramid-style" companies. Sadly, people rush-into these situations before really doing their homework. Luckily my young Amway rep is very smart and won't put-up with these seemingly religious-based(like AA) proselytizing practices, let alone be scammed!
 
For Whirlcool:

Very old powder detergents may not fully dissolve when used, as witness my old 1950's "all" powder in the blue & green box. If you wish to use such old powders, try dissolving the recommended amount in a small container of hot water(or nuke it) before adding it to the washer. When I had my older top-loaders, I used to always measure my liquid & powder detergents and let them dissolve in the tub as the water fills, then add clothes when about 10" of water was in the tub. I got the very best performance from them, with never any residue whatsoever.
 
Danmantn, I JUST noticed...

Your Speed Queen has green inserts on the dials! I LOVE those! That is the color of my car!
 
My other set has the red dials. The green dials are very tranquil, mellow - I like that. I have the blue and black in inserts as well, but I think the soft green is my favorite. I encourage everyone I talk to to get these - very easy to install and inexpensive (they are just thin plastic) - but REALLY dress up the washer from the standard grey dials. You can also take out the grey discs that come with it and have grey and white knobs. :)
 

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