Since we're talking about front loaders, tell me about detergent!

[DebbieJ]

I bought some Kirkland Ultra liquid laundry detergent. In the instructions, it says to fill the cup to line 1 for a regular load in a regular washer, but to fill it to line 2 (and therefore use more detergent) for use in an HE machine.

I am confused. Isn't the whole point of an HE machine to use *less* detergent?

I'm on a hunt to find some Tide HE...

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif

[DebbieJ]

I bought some Kirkland Ultra liquid laundry detergent. In the instructions, it says to fill the cup to line 1 for a regular load in a regular washer, but to fill it to line 2 (and therefore use more detergent) for use in an HE machine.

I am confused. Isn't the whole point of an HE machine to use *less* detergent?

I'm on a hunt to find some Tide HE...

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif

[DebbieJ]

I bought some Kirkland Ultra liquid laundry detergent. In the instructions, it says to fill the cup to line 1 for a regular load in a regular washer, but to fill it to line 2 (and therefore use more detergent) for use in an HE machine.

I am confused. Isn't the whole point of an HE machine to use *less* detergent?

I'm on a hunt to find some Tide HE...

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif

[DebbieJ]

I bought some Kirkland Ultra liquid laundry detergent. In the instructions, it says to fill the cup to line 1 for a regular load in a regular washer, but to fill it to line 2 (and therefore use more detergent) for use in an HE machine.

I am confused. Isn't the whole point of an HE machine to use *less* detergent?

I'm on a hunt to find some Tide HE...

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif

[new_mommy25]

I use HE liquid detergent. I wait until it goes on sale and then I just buy the maximum allowed!! I have used Tide, Wisk, Gain etc. and haven't really noticed a difference between the brands. I also have pretty soft water so I use less than is recommended. I usually use a splash of detergent (about 2 tablespoons) for a full load of clothes. I have the Kenmore HE3 washer and dryer.

[new_mommy25]

I use HE liquid detergent. I wait until it goes on sale and then I just buy the maximum allowed!! I have used Tide, Wisk, Gain etc. and haven't really noticed a difference between the brands. I also have pretty soft water so I use less than is recommended. I usually use a splash of detergent (about 2 tablespoons) for a full load of clothes. I have the Kenmore HE3 washer and dryer.

[new_mommy25]

I use HE liquid detergent. I wait until it goes on sale and then I just buy the maximum allowed!! I have used Tide, Wisk, Gain etc. and haven't really noticed a difference between the brands. I also have pretty soft water so I use less than is recommended. I usually use a splash of detergent (about 2 tablespoons) for a full load of clothes. I have the Kenmore HE3 washer and dryer.

[new_mommy25]

I use HE liquid detergent. I wait until it goes on sale and then I just buy the maximum allowed!! I have used Tide, Wisk, Gain etc. and haven't really noticed a difference between the brands. I also have pretty soft water so I use less than is recommended. I usually use a splash of detergent (about 2 tablespoons) for a full load of clothes. I have the Kenmore HE3 washer and dryer.

[Marisa6826]

We use Tide HE (and also horde it - it's hard to find!).

I use less than line 1 - usually by 1/2-1/3 less and everything comes out fine.

The only time I use the full amount is when I wash the Pigdog's bedding. It's still stinky if I don't use the full cup.

-m

[Marisa6826]

We use Tide HE (and also horde it - it's hard to find!).

I use less than line 1 - usually by 1/2-1/3 less and everything comes out fine.

The only time I use the full amount is when I wash the Pigdog's bedding. It's still stinky if I don't use the full cup.

-m

[Marisa6826]

We use Tide HE (and also horde it - it's hard to find!).

I use less than line 1 - usually by 1/2-1/3 less and everything comes out fine.

The only time I use the full amount is when I wash the Pigdog's bedding. It's still stinky if I don't use the full cup.

-m

[DebbieJ]

Okay, I really want to find some HE detergent. I saw it once at our grocery store, but not again. I'm kicking myself for not buying it then.

But my question is about the regular detergent. Why would it say to use MORE of the regular detergent in an HE machine??? Doesn't that defeat the purpose?

In the past I used a powder detergent from TJ's and I used half the regular amount and it worked out fine, but was bad for my dipes. I haven't used liquid in my machine until now and I'm puzzled by this.

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif

[DebbieJ]

Okay, I really want to find some HE detergent. I saw it once at our grocery store, but not again. I'm kicking myself for not buying it then.

But my question is about the regular detergent. Why would it say to use MORE of the regular detergent in an HE machine??? Doesn't that defeat the purpose?

In the past I used a powder detergent from TJ's and I used half the regular amount and it worked out fine, but was bad for my dipes. I haven't used liquid in my machine until now and I'm puzzled by this.

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif

[DebbieJ]

Okay, I really want to find some HE detergent. I saw it once at our grocery store, but not again. I'm kicking myself for not buying it then.

But my question is about the regular detergent. Why would it say to use MORE of the regular detergent in an HE machine??? Doesn't that defeat the purpose?

In the past I used a powder detergent from TJ's and I used half the regular amount and it worked out fine, but was bad for my dipes. I haven't used liquid in my machine until now and I'm puzzled by this.

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif

[Marisa6826]

I have no idea why they would suggest MORE detergent. Maybe a typo?

I have found HE at Shoprite more often than at Target, wierd, huh?

It has a new silver coloured top so you can tell it apart more easily.

I know that there are a couple other brands that make HE, but I've always used Tide.

-m

[Marisa6826]

I have no idea why they would suggest MORE detergent. Maybe a typo?

I have found HE at Shoprite more often than at Target, wierd, huh?

It has a new silver coloured top so you can tell it apart more easily.

I know that there are a couple other brands that make HE, but I've always used Tide.

-m

[Marisa6826]

I have no idea why they would suggest MORE detergent. Maybe a typo?

I have found HE at Shoprite more often than at Target, wierd, huh?

It has a new silver coloured top so you can tell it apart more easily.

I know that there are a couple other brands that make HE, but I've always used Tide.

-m

[jadamom]

I found a website that discusses this exact question: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/laundry/msg0516374121647.html . Basically, they say it's a misprint.

I get Tide HE at Target. There is a product locator at the tide.com website: http://www.tide.com/products/tide.jhtml?productId=85 . Enter your zip code and maybe you could try calling the locations to see if they carry it. Hope this helps!

[jadamom]

I found a website that discusses this exact question: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/laundry/msg0516374121647.html . Basically, they say it's a misprint.

I get Tide HE at Target. There is a product locator at the tide.com website: http://www.tide.com/products/tide.jhtml?productId=85 . Enter your zip code and maybe you could try calling the locations to see if they carry it. Hope this helps!

[jadamom]

I found a website that discusses this exact question: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/laundry/msg0516374121647.html . Basically, they say it's a misprint.

I get Tide HE at Target. There is a product locator at the tide.com website: http://www.tide.com/products/tide.jhtml?productId=85 . Enter your zip code and maybe you could try calling the locations to see if they carry it. Hope this helps!

[pritchettzoo]

There are directions on detergent? ;)

I think it's a typo. We use that (I call it Fide--faux Tide) and just use a smidge with no problems. If you have hard water, you may find you need to use more detergent; if you have soft water, you may find you need to use a little less.

Anna
Mama to Gracie (Sept '03)
and a BOY! (coming July '05)

[pritchettzoo]

There are directions on detergent? ;)

I think it's a typo. We use that (I call it Fide--faux Tide) and just use a smidge with no problems. If you have hard water, you may find you need to use more detergent; if you have soft water, you may find you need to use a little less.

Anna
Mama to Gracie (Sept '03)
and a BOY! (coming July '05)

[pritchettzoo]

There are directions on detergent? ;)

I think it's a typo. We use that (I call it Fide--faux Tide) and just use a smidge with no problems. If you have hard water, you may find you need to use more detergent; if you have soft water, you may find you need to use a little less.

Anna
Mama to Gracie (Sept '03)
and a BOY! (coming July '05)

[DebbieJ]

how do I know if I have hard or soft water? we just moved into a new house and our water comes from municipal wells. we have a water softener and often get rust in our toilets.

BTW, I was also at Sam's Club and their Members Mark detergent had the same instructions--use more for HE machines. Hmph.

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif

[DebbieJ]

how do I know if I have hard or soft water? we just moved into a new house and our water comes from municipal wells. we have a water softener and often get rust in our toilets.

BTW, I was also at Sam's Club and their Members Mark detergent had the same instructions--use more for HE machines. Hmph.

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif

[DebbieJ]

how do I know if I have hard or soft water? we just moved into a new house and our water comes from municipal wells. we have a water softener and often get rust in our toilets.

BTW, I was also at Sam's Club and their Members Mark detergent had the same instructions--use more for HE machines. Hmph.

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif

[new_mommy25]

Deb, I usually buy the detergent at Safeway. They always have it and they run sales fairly often. I have also bought some at Longs Drugs.

For water hardness, here is a recent thread.
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=60&topic_id=19666&mesg_id=19666&listing_type=search

The map is just a guideline. For the most accurate answer you can call your water company.

Hth,

[new_mommy25]

Deb, I usually buy the detergent at Safeway. They always have it and they run sales fairly often. I have also bought some at Longs Drugs.

For water hardness, here is a recent thread.
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=60&topic_id=19666&mesg_id=19666&listing_type=search

The map is just a guideline. For the most accurate answer you can call your water company.

Hth,

[new_mommy25]

Deb, I usually buy the detergent at Safeway. They always have it and they run sales fairly often. I have also bought some at Longs Drugs.

For water hardness, here is a recent thread.
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=60&topic_id=19666&mesg_id=19666&listing_type=search

The map is just a guideline. For the most accurate answer you can call your water company.

Hth,

[lmintzer]

We also have a new Kenmore HE3. I have one bottle of Tide HE for the grown ups, but I like to use a free and clear detergent for the kids' stuff (due to sensitive skin).

My mom had a large containter (from Costco) of All Free and Clear. There were instructions on it for use in front loading washers. We bought a smaller (non-Costco-sized) container of All, and there are no such instructions.

If I'm remembering correctly, what they said was: for a medium-sized load, fill to the lowest line on the All cap and wash normally. For a large-sized load, fill to the middle line on the All cap and use the "extra rinse" cycle. I'm going from memory here--does this sound familiar to any Costco shoppers?

[lmintzer]

We also have a new Kenmore HE3. I have one bottle of Tide HE for the grown ups, but I like to use a free and clear detergent for the kids' stuff (due to sensitive skin).

My mom had a large containter (from Costco) of All Free and Clear. There were instructions on it for use in front loading washers. We bought a smaller (non-Costco-sized) container of All, and there are no such instructions.

If I'm remembering correctly, what they said was: for a medium-sized load, fill to the lowest line on the All cap and wash normally. For a large-sized load, fill to the middle line on the All cap and use the "extra rinse" cycle. I'm going from memory here--does this sound familiar to any Costco shoppers?

[lmintzer]

We also have a new Kenmore HE3. I have one bottle of Tide HE for the grown ups, but I like to use a free and clear detergent for the kids' stuff (due to sensitive skin).

My mom had a large containter (from Costco) of All Free and Clear. There were instructions on it for use in front loading washers. We bought a smaller (non-Costco-sized) container of All, and there are no such instructions.

If I'm remembering correctly, what they said was: for a medium-sized load, fill to the lowest line on the All cap and wash normally. For a large-sized load, fill to the middle line on the All cap and use the "extra rinse" cycle. I'm going from memory here--does this sound familiar to any Costco shoppers?

[ilovetivo]

We use a detergent called Equator. We get it at Abt Electronics, but you can get it online. Here's an internet description:

"Equator Low Sudsing Detergent is the best 100% biodegradable, 100% phosphate free, 100% cruelty-free, 100% dye and fragrance free, super ultra concentrated detergent, ecologically formulated for today's high efficiency washers. Equator is low sudsing and dissolves easily in the lower water and temperature requirements of front-loading washers, while offering outstanding cleaning results for top-loading washers. Not only is Equator Low-Sudsing Detergent better for your washer than regular detergents, it is also better for the environment, since it is 100% Phosphate free and biodegradable. Optimize the cleaning ability of your front-loading and top-loading washer with the specialized cleaning power of Equator Low-Sudsing Laundry Detergent."