I wonder if it isn't due to the ubiquity of HE washers now. You have to use HE detergents and in my experience (unfortunately, in hindsight) powdered detergent just doesn't dissolve like it should. I was using my favorite powdered detergent which is actually manufactured here locally, but had to go to their liquid instead as the powder left huge deposits of gross soap slicks on clothing. Especially noticeable on jeans and dark clothing, but I'm sure it was on everything. With the HE, you have to micromanage each load, not overload, make sure there is a mix of weight/size of pieces being washed. But hey, it's efficient somehow.