I love real Mexican Ariel powder. You know it is the real one, when the bag does NOT say No Phosphates. If it says No Phosphates, then this is not the "good" one. LOL

I think Tide he turbo Original Scent liquid is an excellent Daily Driver. It deeps cleans, smells great, is low sudsing and rinses easily.

For whites, Tide with Bleach powder, Persil Universal powder or Perls and Grab Green powder pods. I also use Vanish powder. Vanish added to detergent and whites washed on HOT or Sanitize....blazing white!

Thank you both!

Larsi, you surprised me with Ariel! And with Tide liquid! I'll see if I can find Vanish.

I bookmarked a few threads last night that I found here. I saw that some of my cycles require liquid. Had no idea! Hasn't been an issue as I've only used liquids but good to know going forward.

I'd like to try Persil, so I'm going to order the universal megaperls. Will pick up some tide with bleach powder as well. I'll stick to tide liquid.

Any other suggestions welcome!

Tide with Bleach powder and Persil Universal Megapearls are best for whites and lights, these are two good choices expecially with children's clothing that tends to get heavier soils.

For darks Cheer POWDER now has 3 enzymes and is OB free (not the liquid)

Purex liquid (whichever is enzyme free) for wool, down, silk) works great.

Mexican Ariel powder, is great all purpose detergent and will keep children's clothes cleaner and better rinsed ( less residue).

Towels and bed sheets... depends on the colors.

I like the combination of Tide Original HE and BIZ. In the eleven years of owning a front loader (now on my second), NOTHING has worked better with the hard water we have in South Florida.

So it seems like getting Tide with Bleach and Persil Universal would be duplicative, correct?

I am going to give Persil Universal a try, as well as Cheer powder. I will continue with Perwoll and Tide HE turbo.

Larsi and Mama, do you get Mexican Ariel in stores or online? I see it on Amazon but I think it is probably overpriced. $11 for one 1kg bag. I could get three 1kg bags for $20.

Mama, all towels are white. Most sheets are white - kids are light.

twebbz, I haven't had any issues with my Tide/Biz combo. I agree it's great!

Do a search for Mexican grocery stores in your area that will be the best place to find real Ariel

I just did. Thank you! I actually decided for the sake of convenience to order the ridiculously priced $11 bag. It says imported from Mexico, so if it isn't, I will return it. I didn't feel like dragging my kids all over looking for it. If I like it, I will find a local source.

I also order the Persil Megaperls, Cheer Powder, and Tide HE liquid. I should be set for a while!

Thank you!!

Update: have received all my new detergents! So far I have tried the Persil Universal Megaperls. I really like it. I used it on my sheets and the smell coming out of the wash was very faint but lovely. Once it came out of the dryer, smell was undetectable.

The Ariel is from Mexico. Bag doesn't say anything about phosphates, so I think we are good. The scent is very strong in the bag. Haven't used it on clothes yet.

Thanks, all, for your great advice!!

Mex Ariel is famous for its bittersweet scent... after the clothes are rinsed they will have a very fresh clean scent. Have fun with your new stash.

Thanks, mama! I will.