It could have phosphates still..there's no way to know for sure, but even if there are they don't list them on the bag and haven't for a long time. That is a powerful detergent that will clean the heaviest soils, leaving everything smelling very fresh. Let us know what you think after a few loads. Personally I love Ariel.

what does the back of the package look like? Is there an import sticker?

I've wondered about those stickers. I've bought many a bags of Ariel without the sticker and some with at the Mexican store. My Mexican store only sells Mexican Ariel so its all imported regardless if there's a sticker. I really don't think the sticker has anything to do with the phosphates. Used to be the Mexican store had Foca loaded in phosphates and never a sticker on those bags. Nor do the bags of Ace with phosphates.

What type of loads is this best used on?

Everything..and if it still has phosphates it does so much more than other detergents..FL users should use with caution as it can be a real sudser. I have soft water and a FL and I'm able to use it at 3 T doses on normal soils. Light soils like my sheets 2T.

Oops..don't use Ariel on darks, deep colors, wool, silk, or down. What am I forgetting. Cashmere..

This stuff is amazing! Thank you MamaP! Once again your suggestions have brought a big smile to my face! xoxox

JC your welcome and Thank You.

JC...are you still enjoying the Ariel?

Hi MamaP :) Last month there was a post about how to get the "dog smell" out of dog bedding...well, I've found it! I rescue dogs and currently have 8. One of the rescues has a terrible skin condition and is VERY stinky.... I wash his bedding daily but have noticed there was still a slight hint of "dog" left behind. Yesterday I did several loads of dog bedding with Ariel, some borax and HOT water. Everything came out fresh and clean as can be with a very light clean scent! I live in California and we have semi hard water. With 3 tablespoons of the Ariel I get the perfect about of suds...I went back to the store today and bought the remaining 4 bags ;)

Thanks again MamaP. You are the BEST!

I'm trying to find some of this in Columbus, OH. We have quiet a few Mexican Grocers.

JC I'm happy your finding Ariel to be a good detergent. .I do really love it.

Cedric don't buy the Ariel anywhere other than the Mexican store as the formula will be different.

Wife allowed me to get the $2.99 bag. It cost me some Hot Sauce and Goya Rice though.

I blame mamaP for this new addiction. I have a basketball jersey with a stain I'll be inquiring about later tonight or tomorrow.

Awh...that cute little stain maker really needs you to use Ariel.

Adorable, what a cutie! You need to get back to that store and buy one of each... ;) If you're using a front loading washer...make sure you start with just a couple of tablespoons.

Cedric.....I'd pass on the Viva,Roma, Blanca Nieves as they are very sudsy and none have phosphates anymore. The Foca is a very nice detergent but can also be sudsy and again no phosphates anymore. What is the bag of detergent third shelf down far right?

I've never used the 123

Notice your Ariel doesnt list phosphates (Sodium TriPolyphosphate) but P&G stopped listing it long ago on Ariel...instead they list *water softener* ya but what water softener lol...some of those ing. Could be phosphates...I'm inclined to think that bag does have phosphates....look over the bag does it say anywhere no fosphatos Sp?? Better think up some fabulous meals to fix for that beautiful wife of yours because once you get a taste so to speak of Ariel with phosphates you will want more. lol its not just the cleaning..the phosphates also help to keep anything from redepositing onto clothing meaning they rinse cleaner leaving softer clothes.

As for the Mexican Downy..sniff before you buy..they are all very heavy on scent.

Beautiful family you have.

mamaP here's what I found on Arcoiris Detergent: http://www.samsclub.com/sams/arcoiris-9kg-9kg/prod6900018.ip

Two cuties!