Oxiclean advice, pleeze

[fidgiegirl]

Hi all!

Here's the deal:

I like to use Oxiclean on our whites/lights, and have most of a Costco-sized box left.

We have an top loading HE machine.

Directions on Oxiclean box state that in an HE machine with no Oxiclean dispenser, put the Oxiclean directly into the tub, then load clothes. This worked great in the front loader at the other house, but at this house, it's not dissolving. The centrifugal force just pushes it to the edges of the tub, where it clumps up and stays on the clothes.

I thought I would just put it in the tub and start to fill the tub before putting in the clothes, like I used to do on the non-HE machines I've used in my life. The sensor messes that up. Plus I tried it and it just rinsed the Oxiclean out of the tub.

So: Options and non-options:

#1: The box specifically states NOT to mix the Oxiclean with the liquid detergent in its dispenser.

#2: Machine has a fabric softener dispenser that I typically fill with vinegar. But perhaps I can change this approach? Or put the vinegar in the bleach dispenser, or just not even always use vinegar?

#3: It also has a bleach dispenser available (for liquid bleach). I was thinking maybe I could shake the Oxiclean up with some water in a bottle and then place the mixture in the bleach dispenser? Seems like kind of a lot of work, but if it does work, well then, excellent.

#4: Can I add the Oxiclean directly on top of the clothes, or will I have the same non-dissolving/clumping problem?

#5: What else?

Thanks, laundry gurus. I feel kind of silly posting this. Such a first-world problem, really. But it does help our clothes to stay so much nicer and I don't want to start back up with bleach.

[Mrs-M]

How about mixing/dissolving in water before adding?

[fidgiegirl]

Yes, Mrs. M, but where do you think is the best place to add it in? Which dispenser, or simply sprinkle over the clothes?

If I have to stop the cycle mid-way, ain't gonna happen. :laff: Might as well be realistic about that!!

[Mrs-M]

Hmmm... I wish I had a HE washing machine/dryer, but how about in the bleach dispenser? How many compartments does your HE have? Gee, wish I could remember the HE washing machine I was just looking at, at Sears. It had three, maybe even four compartments behind a small slide-open drawer.

P.S. I've never fancied the idea behind direct-application of detergents/etc on washables. If you can, Fidgiegirl, see what your HE offers, and if you have to, post again with a follow-up as to what sorts of compartment options your washer has.

I'm so jealous right now... I can't wait to get a HE set!

[fidgiegirl]

Detergent, Fabric Softener, and Bleach.

[Mrs-M]

Oh, for sure, I'd put it into the bleach compartment, Fidgie. Liquify it first so it's a fluid, then add.

I love that you started this thread, because when I get my new modern HE washing machine/dryer, I'm going to try this! Totally awesome idea!

P.S. Do post an update to let me know how it worked. I'm dying to know!

[Rosemary]

I'd just sprinkle it on the clothes. That's what I do, in fact. We have a regular washing machine. I'm all for easy solutions, and having to dissolve it first sounds like a hassle to me.

[Tussiemussies]

Kelli, just to let you know, on Facebook or a search I was doing, I saw how to make homemade oxiclean... Let me see if I can find the URL...

I did a search for it and there was a lot of sites. It was on ehow, as a stain remover and you had to make a fresh batch day-by-day...

Maybe some of the other links, you won't have to do that. On ehow it was in liquid form but don't know how it would effect all of your laundry since it is made primarily as a stain remover. Oh well... :)

[fidgiegirl]

Well, I already have the Oxiclean itself. It's more of a question of how to use it with my washer, though I do thank you . . . I suppose if I did mix it with water, it would have to be in the moment. I mean, my understanding of how Oxiclean works makes it seem like it wouldn't lend itself to being mixed up as a batch very much ahead of time.

[bunnys]

Uh, I don't even know what an HE washer/dryer is. My Maytag set is 23 years old. A little temperamental sometimes but VERY reliable. (knock wood)

I have to say, Fidgie, I use Oxiclean (Sun, cheapo version) and I can't tell a d@mn difference in my clothing. Even when I've used the name brand I haven't been able to tell a difference. It's a non-chlorine bleach, right? I use regular bleach on my whites.

[Tussiemussies]

Have to agree Kelli, have used the name brand too on my clothes and noticed no difference. I did notice a difference with Clorox 2 bleach for colored clothing although it has perfume in it...

[morning girl]

I use Oxyclean for whites too, Of course I never read the box direction. I have a front loading machine. I use Costco powder detergent and put the oxyclean in the same dispenser. Can you use power detergent instead of Liquid/

[fidgiegirl]

HE = High Efficiency

I do notice a difference and will continue to use.

Will update you on what I decide. Thanks for all the ideas!

[treehugger]

I have an HE machine, and use OxyClean with my lights. I am able to put it in first, in the drum, like you said you used to fidgie. Sorry that doesn't work for you any more. If I had to switch methods, I would probably first try adding the powder to the vinegar that I put in the fabric softener dispenser. And if that didn't work, then I would dissolve it in water, a la minute, and pour that in the bleach dispenser (which I don't use). Good luck!

OxyClean is the best stain remover soak that I have ever found. Love the stuff! We were talking about how to get whites white without bleach recently, and for me, the answer is a soak in OxyClean prior to regular washing.

Kara