lordkenmore
Well-known member
Oh, how does one select a favorite detergent? It's just as hard as a crazy cat lady selecting her favorite cat out of the 20 cats...
What is everyone's favorite laundry detergent?
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lordkenmore
Well-known member
As for powder vs. liquid, I still prefer powder. Part of that is just it's what I grew up with. Powder was good enough for my mother's Kenmore, and so it's good enough for the Shredmore here. I also find arguments that it's better environmentally (renewable paper box, no heavy water to ship or protect in freezing weather). I also have been influenced by arguments about powder rinsing better and possibly being better for machines.
But...I've been using liquids more. Mainly because they are easily found.
I also have had a bias the last 10 years or so for "green" detergents. Not as powerful--but probably good enough for most of what I need. I've thought these might be better for sensitive skin. Plus they are about the only easily found choice left if one wishes to avoid optical brighteners. That said, I've also used some conventional detergents off and on (more "on" recently, due to availability and cost), and I don't note much problem with free and clear versions.
This last point brings up another bias: I generally am finding myself liking unscented. I have mixed feelings. Slight scent can be nice when machine drying. But scented detergent is so overwhelming now with many brands. Plus, I hear stories about how the chemicals might not be so good for one. Plus in summer, when I line dry, I like the "air dry scent" from outside.
But...I've been using liquids more. Mainly because they are easily found.
I also have had a bias the last 10 years or so for "green" detergents. Not as powerful--but probably good enough for most of what I need. I've thought these might be better for sensitive skin. Plus they are about the only easily found choice left if one wishes to avoid optical brighteners. That said, I've also used some conventional detergents off and on (more "on" recently, due to availability and cost), and I don't note much problem with free and clear versions.
This last point brings up another bias: I generally am finding myself liking unscented. I have mixed feelings. Slight scent can be nice when machine drying. But scented detergent is so overwhelming now with many brands. Plus, I hear stories about how the chemicals might not be so good for one. Plus in summer, when I line dry, I like the "air dry scent" from outside.
Favorites, but by no means all
Powder Tide HE Turbo for a most stuff. This leaves more suds in the rinses than the original formula Power Tide HE, but they had to go and change that formula.
Persil Universal Powder or Rosalie's Zero Suds for towels because they prevent foam during the spin after wash. I add a measure of Rosalie's to the Tide-STPP mix when I wash undershirts to wash out the underarm deodorant/anti-perspirant film because I can use a great deal of detergent and have very few suds at 190F.
Liquid Cheer with color guard for darks. I also sometimes use Persil MegaPerls for colors.
All are used with some STPP.
Powder Tide HE Turbo for a most stuff. This leaves more suds in the rinses than the original formula Power Tide HE, but they had to go and change that formula.
Persil Universal Powder or Rosalie's Zero Suds for towels because they prevent foam during the spin after wash. I add a measure of Rosalie's to the Tide-STPP mix when I wash undershirts to wash out the underarm deodorant/anti-perspirant film because I can use a great deal of detergent and have very few suds at 190F.
Liquid Cheer with color guard for darks. I also sometimes use Persil MegaPerls for colors.
All are used with some STPP.
passatdoc
Well-known member
powders
I stick to powders, I think they dissolve and rinse better than thick liquids. Powders are also lighter per dose and cost less money/energy to ship. That said, my favorite powders are German/Henkel Megaperls, both Universal and Color. I bring it back from trips to Germany. When I'm ready to break into a new plastic package of Persil, I store it in a Glad food container with airtight lid.
I've purchased, but have yet to open, a package of Persil powder from Walmart. I will try it eventually.
Re: domestically sourced detergents other than US/Walmart Persil, I use Gain HE and Tide HE powders, unscented if possible and if not then the original scent. I don't trust detergents that claim to be for both HE and toploader machines, I doubt one formula can do the best job in both types of machines (so much for Costco house brand). Gain HE powder is not easy to find, but Amazon usually carries it. The downside is that either you have to order a large shipment (like six boxes) or else buy it via Prime Pantry, which requires a $6 delivery charge and which strongly encourages you to fill the box with other products (some of which you may need, some of which you may not need).
I stick to powders, I think they dissolve and rinse better than thick liquids. Powders are also lighter per dose and cost less money/energy to ship. That said, my favorite powders are German/Henkel Megaperls, both Universal and Color. I bring it back from trips to Germany. When I'm ready to break into a new plastic package of Persil, I store it in a Glad food container with airtight lid.
I've purchased, but have yet to open, a package of Persil powder from Walmart. I will try it eventually.
Re: domestically sourced detergents other than US/Walmart Persil, I use Gain HE and Tide HE powders, unscented if possible and if not then the original scent. I don't trust detergents that claim to be for both HE and toploader machines, I doubt one formula can do the best job in both types of machines (so much for Costco house brand). Gain HE powder is not easy to find, but Amazon usually carries it. The downside is that either you have to order a large shipment (like six boxes) or else buy it via Prime Pantry, which requires a $6 delivery charge and which strongly encourages you to fill the box with other products (some of which you may need, some of which you may not need).
Costco Pods
I have been using Costco's Kirkland Signature pods for over a year, and I've found nothing better. Whiter whites, brighter colors, great stain removal at half the price of Tide. What's not to like? (I do use All Free & Clear as my backup detergent for the dogs' blankets and other items.)
I have been using Costco's Kirkland Signature pods for over a year, and I've found nothing better. Whiter whites, brighter colors, great stain removal at half the price of Tide. What's not to like? (I do use All Free & Clear as my backup detergent for the dogs' blankets and other items.)
Amazon's free shipping now requires $49 of purchases. It's an effort to sell Prime .
I'm going to stir the pot and say.....almost any type from .... METHOD.
HA.
I've had very good luck with it in basically any machine I've used. From the BOL apartment top loaders through the years...to my FL Maytag Maximas.
Works great.
Smells good.
Decently affordable 'green' detergent.
HA.
I've had very good luck with it in basically any machine I've used. From the BOL apartment top loaders through the years...to my FL Maytag Maximas.
Works great.
Smells good.
Decently affordable 'green' detergent.
When friends visit, Real Persil, otherwise
When friends visit from Germany, real Persil (this stuff in the 'States isn't the real deal). Otherwise, Arm & Hammer with enzymes and four tablespoons of TSP or 1 scant tablespoon of STTP.
In 145F water.
With two real rinses.
Cold water washing is worthless. Whether it's our Thumper in Pank! or the Filter-Flo or one of the Maytags, lots of hot water, phosphate, enzymes and good turnover clean. When I smell what our friends' HE washers are like after a few months, no way I'd ever switch.
When friends visit from Germany, real Persil (this stuff in the 'States isn't the real deal). Otherwise, Arm & Hammer with enzymes and four tablespoons of TSP or 1 scant tablespoon of STTP.
In 145F water.
With two real rinses.
Cold water washing is worthless. Whether it's our Thumper in Pank! or the Filter-Flo or one of the Maytags, lots of hot water, phosphate, enzymes and good turnover clean. When I smell what our friends' HE washers are like after a few months, no way I'd ever switch.
German Persil
Always gets my vote. But have so many things in my stash that it is hard to pin down a favourite.
Love the vintage Persil 59 and original Persil soap powder.
Ditto Ariel Excel gel in "Alpine Frachie".
Always gets my vote. But have so many things in my stash that it is hard to pin down a favourite.
Love the vintage Persil 59 and original Persil soap powder.
Ditto Ariel Excel gel in "Alpine Frachie".
cycla-fabric
Well-known member
Arm and Hammer Clean Fresh Scent
Arm and Hammer Clean Fresh Scent Powder, I get at BJ's in a large tub container. Liquid I like Wisk.
Doug
Arm and Hammer Clean Fresh Scent Powder, I get at BJ's in a large tub container. Liquid I like Wisk.
Doug
Someone gifted a half full or so bottle of A&M Liquid
To us when at laundromat a few weeks ago and must say the scent is rather nice. Can be a bit strong if overdosed but otherwise I quite fancy it! Not enough to run out and purchase a bottle as have more than required for the duration..
To us when at laundromat a few weeks ago and must say the scent is rather nice. Can be a bit strong if overdosed but otherwise I quite fancy it! Not enough to run out and purchase a bottle as have more than required for the duration..
Hi Intuitive,
I've just given up on Drive after 10 years as it was leaving a chalky residue in the boot of all machines.
When I had a look at Choice, Drive has dropped from being on par with Omo to halfway down the list. I've switched to Omo and I'm now trying to get used to that very strong smell.
The other reason I looked to switch is that I'd had to start using Napisan to get things white again. Since the switch to Omo I no longer need additives.
From memory the Choice detergent review was free, you just need to have an account.
Cheers
Nathan
I've just given up on Drive after 10 years as it was leaving a chalky residue in the boot of all machines.
When I had a look at Choice, Drive has dropped from being on par with Omo to halfway down the list. I've switched to Omo and I'm now trying to get used to that very strong smell.
The other reason I looked to switch is that I'd had to start using Napisan to get things white again. Since the switch to Omo I no longer need additives.
From memory the Choice detergent review was free, you just need to have an account.
Cheers
Nathan
midcentnurse
Well-known member
Sams brand ultra has worked well for me, it seems to be he closest thing to Tide for almost half the price. But I juice it up with a teaspoon of stpp and a cup of baking soda.
mamapinky
Well-known member
Almost impossible to choose a favorite, I like so many. But this week I'm really liking Walmarts Persil Caps. Powders are the majority of what I use, but I've been enjoying some liquids lately. I have to say my favorate for whites though is Tide with Bleach powder, STPP and lots of hot water. I also really like Tide F&G Pods, is there nothing these little guys won't clean LOL. I better stop,
But I'll say adding some STPP to a TOL or MOL detergent changes everything.
Panthera, I was under the impression that TSP should not be used for laundering? ?
But I'll say adding some STPP to a TOL or MOL detergent changes everything.
Panthera, I was under the impression that TSP should not be used for laundering? ?
TSP
Mamapinky,
I prefer STTP. TSP, however, works just as well - just has to be dosed much higher.
There are some people who have experienced TSP binding to some mineral or other and never rinsing out.
Haven't ever had that experience, but believe them.
I do believe that is the reason some say don't and say you didn't.
In our water here and back home in Munich, Germany (where, if you drop a glass, the water might break before the glass does, it's so hard), I've only had outstanding performance with TSP.
Hi Laundress!
Mamapinky,
I prefer STTP. TSP, however, works just as well - just has to be dosed much higher.
There are some people who have experienced TSP binding to some mineral or other and never rinsing out.
Haven't ever had that experience, but believe them.
I do believe that is the reason some say don't and say you didn't.
In our water here and back home in Munich, Germany (where, if you drop a glass, the water might break before the glass does, it's so hard), I've only had outstanding performance with TSP.
Hi Laundress!
delaneymeegan
Well-known member
I buy Baking soda by the case (24 boxes) which lasts about a month or two, and use 1/2 to a full (small) box per load of laundry. I add about a teaspoon of detergent (front loader), and fill the softner dispenser with white vinegar.
To be honest, I am just like Norgechef with the store brands. Even though I could afford it, store brand that cleans just fine at 3.99 a jug versus same size Persil at 7.99. I would feel guilty spending the 4 bucks more.
