Laundry- What do you use?

[Jynell]

Tide? Gain? Generic? Fabric softener or dryer sheets? Why?

I'm running low in the laundry supply department, looking for something with a bit more "fresh laundry scent" & wondering what everyone uses to get out tough stains & smell nice???

[Lanie]

We use the cheapest liquid, Purex. Our washing machine repair person said that powdered laundry detergent is death for your washer. ;) We thought that was funny! I'd love to buy more expensive, yummy smelling detergent, but it's not a necessity right now.

To get out tough stains, even those that have been through the dryer, we treat the stains with dishwasing liquid. It works like a charm and gets outs almost any oil based stains.

[Jynell]

I'd never heard that the powdered was bad. I bought that the last time around b/c it was less expensive than the liquid Tide. The reason I switched to a more expensive brand was b/c I was re-washing and/or using so much pre-treat stain remover to get the stains out of the kids clothes. I haven't had any problems getting it to dissolve & it's been working great. BUT, I looked into what you said, apparently it's suicide for your septic system too! (So glad I've only used one box!!) I'll have to remember to try dish washing liquid too!

[Sarah]

We use cheap, liquid Purex as well. I add vinegar to the kids loads to keep them from smelling and I use cheap, scented dryer sheets to add a yummy smell.

[kellie]

I love Arm and Hammer Essentials laundry detergent in the Mountain Rain scent. Who knew I could get so excited over laundry detergent? I'm telling you, though, this stuff smells great! The laundry room and even the hallway always smell great on laundry day.

[Jennifer]

Hmmm, I may have to try this one!

[Jynell]

That's what I'm looking for! I'll have to give this one a try next. I used to use the A& H and I remember that it did work pretty well on the kid's stains... can't remember why I switched... probably just to something cheaper...

[BlondeMomBlog]

I use All Free & Clear when it is on sale (bonus if I have a coupon). I also buy Publix's store brand equivalent or Arm & Hammer unscented. I do use dryer sheets. Honestly in the summer I have a big old wooden drying rack (the old timey kind) and you just can't beat hanging some things out to dry in the hot sun. I washed my girls' winter coats last weekend and hung them out to dry outdoors ... temps were in the 60s. They smell so good and fresh. Nothing can duplicate that smell!

[M3]

I use SA8 by Quixtar (the new name for Amway). I was so frustrated by poor results that I took a chance when Consumer Reports said this was, by far, the best detergent. I must admit, I've been happy enough with it to buy a second box. I use vinegar as my fabric softener and borax because we have really hard water. I use Zout to pretreat stains.

[Lisa- Domestic Accident]

I use Shaklee stuff right now. You use just a fraction of soap compared to regular stuff. I'm with Sarah and add vinegar if I have something stinky. Works every time!

[Jennifer]

I use Tide and I add some oxi clean (I love it for tough stains). I also use Simple Expressions lavender scent fabric softener. Then a bounce sheet in the dryer.

[Kerry]

Free and Clear detergent and I use very little in my front loader. The bottle I got from Costco will last me forever and I do laundry for 6 people which means several loads daily. Rinse with vinegar if necessary. I use Fels Naptha for most stains. Avon pink bubble bath rocks for grease based stains. I use dryer balls or Natura dryer cloths (these work better during static times of the year). My DH likes the towels and sheets to smell so I use Method wet dryer cloths for those. Dryer sheets and fabric softener is full of stuff that is bad for you. I 've been converting to healthier products the last few years.

[Lisa- Domestic Accident]

OOooh, I love the smell of Method products. I tried using their dryer sheets but wondered if the reusable ones were such a bargain. Do you think so?

Honestly, I love mopping my floors with Method Good for Wood. So yummy.