Unless your are referring to UK-only "non-biological" detergents or those made especially for wool - no, European detergents are far from enzyme-free. From store brand detergents to Persil and Ariel, they all have enzymes; up to seven in some cases. Quite a bit more than the American brands.

That being said: yes, some people can be allergic to enzymes, too. I am currently using a detegent powder made for sensitive skin. No perfumes, dyes, or preservatives - but it does have six enzymes. (It's also only available in Germany, so...)

Hi Pat,

I don't use ALL free and clear liquid withOUT enzymes. I only use the one with enzymes, just fyi, as it might affect your outcome. I know a lot of sensitive people do use the enzyme-free ALL liquid detergent and from what I've read on reviews and such, they are pleased with it, as are you. So, that's good.

I'll just type my routine for soaks and such and you can pick and choose and time things how you like.

I fill washer with warm water, add my a full dose of detergent, which for my machine and water conditions is 1/2 cup of powder or fill to line 2 for liquids, (I understand people with harder water may need to use detergent than I do) I now add any oxy pods or oxy powders if a whites load, or I add Borax at this time if needed. I let the washer agitate (full fill top loader--don't want to confuse FL users) a few minutes to mix things up, then I shut down the machine for it to soak anywhere from 30 mins to several hours. The time of soak for me is based on how much gunk needs to be removed. Then I turn the washer back on and let it cycle through what is called "pre-wash/soak" on my machine. This will drain the machine and spin, but it does not do a spray rinse.

Now that the gunk has been loosened up and the laundry detergent and additives have been drained out, then I proceed to a "heavy duty" cycle on my machine--it might have a different name on other washers. I select hot or warm temp at this time. I add a half a dose of detergent, for me, that is 1/4 cup of powder or line 1 of liquid. You want the cycle that washes well and doesn't reduce the temp of the water you selected. I let it cycle through and poof, all clean.

I hope that helps! Take care Pat.

I thought All F&C had optical brighteners - ?

FWIW, last night I ran the soak cycle on our Duet with a small load of clothes that were used to work on our cars and clean the garage. All of the items were FILTHY. Used engine oil, lots of dirt, grime, and grease. I used Line 4 of Gain liquid that we have been trying to get rid of for months. I used cold water and heavy soil to try and remove as much dirt as I could before washing. To my surprise, ALL of the soils were gone except for a few very faint spots. If Gain is one of the lowest rated detergents via CR and can do this, I'm sure that any detergent can have similar results. Soaking is far more beneficial than anyone would ever imagine. It just is much better with enzymes.