FL detergent recommendations, first time owner.

10 years ago

We just purchased an Electrolux FL machine, we live in NYC I'm not sure what type of water we have. This is my first time owning a washing machine, most buildings don't have them so we are used to sending out the laundry. I've been doing some research and have come up with a few questions, if someone can help I will appreciate it.

1. Powder or liquid? I've been reading that liquid can "gunk" up the machine, not sure what this means.

2. We have kids so something preferably less chemical at least for their clothes.

3. Fabric softener? To use or not? If yes which one is recommended? Also read that it can gunk up the machine.

I'm currently using Planet Ultra liquid detergent and ecover fabric softener for the kids clothes, both have an A rating on ewg.

For me and my husband I just got liquid tide and downy.

I also saw some threads on dishwashing detergent and if someone can recommend something that will be great. Once again first time owning a dishwasher, we have a Bosch if it makes a difference, I'm currently using the finish tabs but I really don't like them, not sure if it's the machine or the tabs but I feel like their is soap on the dishes. I originally purchased seventh generation detergent but when I called Bosch to inquire about a feature they said not to use seventh generation powder or tabs because it will make the dishwasher smell.

Please help!!!

Featured Answer

georgect

10 years ago

Congrats on the Electrolux!

For the most part NYC water is soft (hi neighbor, I'm in Fairfield county CT)

Powders are preferred over liquid (powders tend to foam less than liquid) but are harder to find. It seems liquids have taken over store shelves. Some stores still dedicate a section for powders though.

Opt for the Free & Clear type of detergents for less additives but I'm no expert in this department maybe you'll get more input from others.

Fabric Softener is personal preference, I use it on and off (yes on some loads here and there no on other loads). I like them to be on the watery side as the thick formulas tend to stick more to parts of the washer and dispenser.

I don't know anything on dishwashers or their additives.

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Comments (6)

rococogurl
10 years ago
NYC water is great! It's such perfect water that I didn't need any salt in my dishwasher at all.

Ecover is my preferred fabric softener. It does just enough, it's thin and won't do any clogging IMO. The fragrance is light and acceptable (I have the geranium). I can't get near Downy though others here like it .

Never heard of the Planet Ultra but I'd want to be sure it's HE and not concentrated. If you are seeing anything but minimal suds I wouldn't continue with it. Here's a pic of pretty optimal sudsing. Usually I use 1 Tb for small loads and 1-1/2 to 2 Tb for full loads.

BioKleen is well liked on this forum. I've never used it but you can see how it rates. It does well, I think.

I'm a Persil person. I use the Euro perls which do a great job.

Re dishwasher. I have a Miele and use 1/2 Method smarty tab (grapefruit-rose) which I cut with scissors. For the occasional heavy soil load I use a Finish Quantum tab. Ecover also makes nice tabs and I've used those whole.
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Anna
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you. Do you buy persil in the US or order from Europe? I've read on the forum a few people order the European version.
rococogurl
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I have the Euro Persil megaperls. I bought it before Persil was introduced here and still have half a box left. It goes very far in the FL because not much more than a TB is usually needed for a load. Gracious Home should still carry it and there are sources online. I prefer the megaperls to Tide as I feel it cleans better and it's not powder so it doesn't bother me.
Jeannie Cochell
10 years ago
I have a Bosch and like 7th Generation pods. They're getting harder to find though and while in Ace the other day, I found Mrs Meyers in lavender. I was a long-time Cascade user but wanted to try a more earth-friendly approach to cleaning and soaps. I'm addicted to Mrs Meyers, I think, lol. As for dishwasher stink, I'm still looking for a product I used years ago that was really nothing more than a yellow rubber thing, like a car freshener, that hung from the top rack. Seems to me I can set a box of baking soda in the DW if the smell bugs me. Can also put a cut lemon in there. Just remember to remove that stuff before you run it.

Congrats on your new home and appliances!
hcbm
10 years ago
Hi, I'm in NYC and have had two different cheap compact front loaders ( An Italian made Whirlpool and a 10 year old Malber) over the last 10 years and currently have a Bosch dishwasher. I use both liquid and powder detergents in the washer and just dose carefully. I usually use All Free and Clear for a family member who has significant sensitivities to all fragrances and dyes. I play around with a variety of detergents including various ethnic specific detergents for myself. I think I'm becoming obsessed. LOL

Yes, IMHO too much of any softener or liquid detergent and cold water will gunk up and eventually kill any washer. Warm and hot water are your friends. In my building I usually only get between 105- 115 degree water which isn't all that hot, but my machine does not dumb down the water temp so I'm ok for now. I will be adding a tiny point of use water heater just to get true hot water washes.

My dishwasher did not do a good job with Kirkland detergent and only adequately with Cascade complete, however I ordered Dropps from Amazon and had better results, but still not as good as my older Bosch I have in my weekend place.

Good luck. I think you will enjoy having clean clothes when you want them instead of waiting for the service to bring them back. And the pleasures of a dishwasher are never to be underrated.