So, HE washer users, which detergent??

[StaceyinLA]

I've been using Tide HE anyway because it's the only one I could find in original scent and dh wanted Tide (I used Melaleuca for years but he is certain that is why his clothes smelled like sour milk - but, of course, it wasn't).

 

Which ones do you like/dislike? Also, how much do you wind up using in a load to get your clothes smelling fresh?

[ciyates]

We make our own. It is very cheap, does a great job in the HE washers and doesn't have a smell.

[haysmommy]

I actually make my own detergent out of ivory soap, borax, and washing powder. You can add essential oil for smell. It took less than $10 in start up materials and I don't forsee myself buying detergent for a good while. I use 1/4 cup per load. I was skeptical that this would work, but it got out the 3 day old chocolate milk stain from my youngest's shirt-so I am sold.

[Sputterduck]

We use All. I like the smell of normal Tide, but the HE version is different and overpowering.

[Mom2GirlsTX]

Here are the only 3 brands I use. Now remember I have had mine 6 years and it has never, ever been moldy or left a bad smell. I use less detergent than is recommended and found that the clothes actually come out cleaner.

 

For Powder:

Sears HE unscented

 

For Liquid:

Tide Unscented HE (I use about 1/2 of what it says to use)

Costco HE Liquid Unscented

Sears HE Unscented

 

For Fabric softener I use never more than a tablespoon, I was told by the service man at the beginning that to much laundry soap and to much fabric softener were responsible for many of the mold issues. Not sure if that is true, but it has held out true in my case since I have not had issues.

 

Several years ago Consumer Reports rated the Sears and Costco HE detergents the best buy.

[bairnmama]

I only use ALL Free & Clear, mainly because of allergy issues. I've noticed that if I leave the washer door open after the last load until the drum is dry, I don't get that moldy smell. Also, it takes MUCH less detergent than the bottle says. But that only saves me even more money. :)

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

We buy a big box of Surf from Sam's and use only a quarter of the green cup that comes with it along with a quarter cup of Borax:) It seems to work great and the detergent lasts a long time since we only need a quarter of the cup provided for large loads;)

[newbie]

We have been using Method b/c less chemicals.

[homeschoolally]

and only use 1/2 a scoop. Its the only HE detergent available around here so I haven't compared it to any others.

 

I've found it especially important to use powder because the liquid builds up and causes (its actually one of several causes in our case) a moldy smell. Liquid fabric softener will cause the same problem.

 

Hope this helps!

[LaxMom]

I use Seventh Generation, most of the time the blue eucalyptus - lavender, but the unscented was on sale last month so I bought a case. I don't notice our clothes smell like anything in particular after they're dry, but I dry on the line, so...

[Tree House Academy]

Wisk He is one of my favorites. I also like Tide He and All He.

[farmmom4him]

I make my own or use soap nuts.

 

:D

 

The stuff I make, I am not liking on my cloth diapers, so I need to check and see what I need to do differently. ;)

[jazzyfizzle]

I actually make my own detergent out of ivory soap, borax, and washing powder. You can add essential oil for smell. It took less than $10 in start up materials and I don't forsee myself buying detergent for a good while. I use 1/4 cup per load. I was skeptical that this would work, but it got out the 3 day old chocolate milk stain from my youngest's shirt-so I am sold.

 

I would love to give this a try. :001_smile: