View Full Version : Powdered or liquid laundry detergent...
Which type do you use?
I was a powdered detergent user forever, mind you, that's all they had when I started doing laundry, but about 2-3 years ago I made the switch to liquid and haven't looked back.
Used to use powder, but switched to liquid when I went to only cold water washing, so it would dissolve better.
I still use powder because I feel the plastic container uses more resources/energy than the cardboard box. I'd like to use liquid, but I already end up recycling (using) way too much stuff.
Which type do you use?
I was a powdered detergent user forever, mind you, that's all they had when I started doing laundry, but about 2-3 years ago I made the switch to liquid and haven't looked back.
Does one clean better than the other? Is one less expensive per wash load than the other? I still use powder because I always have which isn't a very good reason.
The problem I have with powder is that it isn't made to dissolve in cold water, so I always have to use warm or hot. Also, if you don't get it mixed up with the water well, it can leave white spots on your clothes. I think they probably clean about the same otherwise.
I've used liquid as long as I can remember because the green detergents are more difficult to find in powder. And before green detergents were widespread, I bought fragrance-free, dye-free detergent, also easier to find as a liquid.
I'd rather use powdered (I have the sames feelings about cardbord vs. plastic as CathyA, but I have to use liquid. Powder just won't dissolve in our hard water. I use a tiny amount and the shortest cycle on everything but really dirty things or linens. I can usually get 50 washes out of a 32 wash bottle.
We are on a septic tank system, so powdered is out. I don't particularly like using liquid, but I don't have a choice.
janharker
10-10-11, 8:09pm
Is there such a thing as powdered for HE washers? I've never looked. Anyway, we have a septic tank, I don't like it when the powder doesn't dissolve, and I have an inflexible DH who does his own laundry and has never used powder. Thus, liquid HE Tide for us.
We had trouble with SURF not dissolving and I contacted the company - she said the soap could have been "old" - which could be the case, I stock up when it is on sale. Or she said it could be we are over filling tub with clothes...hmm I could be doing that (not dw). But now surf has come out with a new concentrated power -- I can't get over how little I need to use and still get lots of suds. I was 90% on warm, but it really is mostly cold. So yes, we are still in the powder camp.
thinkgreen
10-10-11, 8:54pm
I always use powdered for the same reasons as CathyA. Like Float On I use less than the recommended quantity so I always get between 200-300 loads out of a 150 load cardboard box.
The less plastic the better as far as I can tell. They say it can be recycled but there are no plastic recyclers near here so it has to be transported a long way before they can do anything with it. So my opinion is that plastic doesn't help anybody's carbon footprint.
I've always used powdered in the past, but recently switched to a liquid I found at Sams that is made from all natural ingredients. So far it is working really well and it smells like a big bouquet of lavender.
Liquid only because there's a good phosphate free version that Costco sells.
Homemade liquid here, put into recycled gallon jugs. We have very hard well water (have a water softener), septic system and I wash in cold, so liquid seemed to be the way to go. The homemade does a pretty decent job, but sometimes I have to use Clorox 2 or something to get rid of odors. Before we moved out here in the sticks and started the self sufficient lifestyle, I was a powder person.
Originally posted by Florence.
Does one clean better than the other? Is one less expensive per wash load than the other?From my experience, I don't notice any change whatsoever related to one being better than the other in relation to cleaning ability, and I've never sat down to figure out the cost differential between the two. Like CathyA, I too have experienced white chalky soapy reside in dark loads and bedding after laundering (using powder), so that was definitely one of the contributing factors that more or less prompted me to make the change from powder to liquid.
Super hearing from everybody! Thanks for the replies!!! Hate to sound like a broken record, because I know with most laundry related topics I tend to always bring up my old agitator top-loading washing machine, but I really can't wait to get a new washing machine! Mine is so old and worn out. It's had it.
Apparently with HE front-loading washing machines, you use but a fraction of the detergent typically used in a top-loading machine. Now that I can live with!
I use only powder, and a scant amount at that and my washing always turns out fine.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/17/business/cold-water-detergents-get-a-chilly-reception.html?pagewanted=all
I'm guessing I'll need a new one one of these days too. But I've heard there can be a musty smell with a front loader, and you can't interrupt it mid-cycle.
I have a Maytag W&D from l979. I was about 29 when I got it and felt like the richest person in the world! No more laundromats! What more could a person want? haha
When my 20 year old top-loader bites the dust I'll get another top-loader. I just can't stand the idea of not being able to toss in an extra item or two after the wash has started. Not to mention that everyone I've known with a front loader has had expensive repairs in the first year or two. The two repairs I've had were each about $30.
I still use an old top-loader and one of my anal co-workers told me I'm not loading it correctly. Says I should let it fill with water, add detergent and let it mix, then add the clothes.......I see the wisdom,but just can't wait around for all this to happen. I toss in the clothes while it is filling with water and then add liquid detergent. Off I go..........
janharker
10-11-11, 7:30pm
Float On, I have a Whirlpool Duet HE washer and dryer. The only repair I've had to make is replacing the washer handle that got run into. Well, I did replace the water connector hoses, but that is a maintenance item that I always do. Rubber hoses dry out and it's better to replace them before they break and spray water all over the room. And, I often hit the Pause button on the washer and throw in an item after the cycle has started.
Homemade liquid for us. Like Marianne we use recycled jugs. It's insanely cheap and works just fine.
I so appreciate the additional posts! Thanks everybody!
Acorn. Thank you so much for the great article!
CathyA. My mom started off with no washing machine (she used the bathtub), then my dad bought her an old used wringer washing machine, then, after a number of years using the wringer, she progressed to an automatic washing machine. She said she felt like a ton of weight had been lifted off her shoulders at that point!
Float On. In many ways I still hold a deep down desire (and love) for the old top-loading style washing machine. IMO they're easy, simple, and practical! And nothing IMO beats a good ol' top-loader when it comes to washing diapers! I like to look at it as, "where old-fashioned meets old-fashioned"!
Tenngal. Me too, in many ways! I'm anal enough already! ROTFLMAO!!!
Janharker. Thanks for the additional info Re: HE washing machines!
Stella. I'm liking the sounds of homemade detergent more and more.
Liquid, and I'll never go back. Powder doesn't always dissolve, depending on the type of water you have, but also depending on how much agitation the clothes get. If they get twisted up, it's easy for clumps of not-yet-dissolved detergent get stuck, and then it's a mess.
Selah. When I used to use powder, I found I had the most problems with chalky soap reside when I ran bulky loads, i.e. bedding. Used to upset me so bad.
As a side-note to this thread and to top-loading washing machines, I love top-loaders for their ability to serve as a backup laundry basket. Being able to deposit a day or twos worth of facecloths, hand-towels, and bath-towels into the basket (drum) till laundry day is so handy!!! In many ways, I feel the old top-loading washing machines are true workhorses and a must have item for any traditional, old-fashioned homemaker sold on the benefits of reliability and practicality.
I use powder because it lasts longer than liquid for me and I can recycle the boxes. I have to do an empty vinegar wash every so often to balance out the alkalinity and mould smell, though, and I suspect powder builds up more easily than liquid.
Regarding the article on cold-water washing that Acorn posted, if I don't wash clothes at at least 30C, they come out smelling of mildew and some stains aren't removed!
Having chemical sensitivities, the only washing product I've used that doesn't cause rashes and trouble breathing is soap nuts.
Mira. Have you tried a vinegar rinse? (Where you add a little vinegar to the wash on the last fill cycle). Adding vinegar to the actual wash would save you from having to do two separate cycles.
Powder buildup more so than liquid? I'm almost certain about that. When my last two were in diapers, I found that I could start a wash (diapers agitating in the plain hot water), and suds would form before I even added detergent to the wash. I always used vinegar so never concerned myself overly Re: reside, however once I switched over to the liquid, the diapers rinsed more cleanly and thoroughly. Mind you my washer is old and worn and doesn't agitate and spin as efficiently as it used to, so I tend to place blame on that.
Larknm. I have to give the soap nuts a try! I see them all the time when I'm out shopping and always wonder about them.
domestic goddess
10-14-11, 1:51pm
I always used powdered detergent, when I was in my own home. DD uses liquid detergent, so I do, too. I have no real preference. I also had the problem with powder on the clothes in cold water, until I started making sure I dissolved it first. No problem after that.
DG. I'm a firm believer in the idea of having a proper and efficient working washing machine if using powder. I think that makes for all the difference.
Mira. Have you tried a vinegar rinse? (Where you add a little vinegar to the wash on the last fill cycle). Adding vinegar to the actual wash would save you from having to do two separate cycles.
I'm not sure I can do that with my machine, unfortunately. There are only compartments in the detergent drawer for pre-wash, main wash and softener. It's front-loading so can't be opened at the start of the rinse cycle either. Maybe there is a way and I just don't know. Ideas?
Mira. Your post sure makes me think. Just one more thing for me to carefully consider when the time comes for me to replace my old washer/dryer set.
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