Within the past couple of months I have tried the Miele laundry Ultra Color Powder and the Sensitive skin powder. I really liked both of them. I did think the Ultra Color cleaned a bit better. I don't love the smell of Tide and I feel like it's a bit harsh on my clothes. I have also tried Nellie laundry powder and I think both Miele powders cleaned better. I'm using the powders in a top load Speed Queen washer.

I have a box of the Miele for dark colors. I dont think it cleans any better or worse than other detergents but the scent is really really nice (not the cheap perfume scent of other brands) and not overpowering. YMMV. Because it is scented, my skin doesnt like it. I have not tried Miele sensitive detergent because Persil powder sensitive I tried ten years ago had perfume added, and I won't spend the money on another experiment. American "free clear" brands have no added perfume.

I still have some Miele Ultra Color that I got on my search to replace powdered Cheer. It seems to work, but even their American site claimed it had 5 enzymes & it only has two in the US stuff. I like the smell & would probably buy again.

Thanks for the replies, any other suggestions for powder detergents?

Dan, in the area of TX I live in, Tide and Gain seem readily available, and I use both of those. They do a good job of cleaning (especially the Tide I use, which is the original formula). My washer is a TL Speed Queen, and I have learned that I have to use more than what is recommended for an HE washer of course, but still less than a cup per the directions in generations past. Because Gain is strongly fragrant, it might not be a good fit for you if you need a sensitive formulation. Cost perspective, you get more for your money with these than the Miele powder, but there are factors to consider when comparing these powders economically.

> Thanks for the replies, any other suggestions for powder detergents?

I like this from Costco. Comes in a 28 lb tub. It's no better nor worse than the name brands but this costs 10 to 11 cents (USD) per load. I've used it on dirty, grimy, greasy work clothes no problem.

I'd check the ingredients for optical brighteners -- those are something I definitely do not want in my laundry detergent, don't assume a product marketed as sensitive or free & clear doesn't have them.

Yup. Last I looked, ALL Free/Clear has OBs, while TIDE Free/Gentle does not. No wonder whites come out white with ALL Free!