Expensive Laundry Detergent - Worth It??

I always alwasy buy tide.. It gets out everything. Clothes are more expensive than detergent. I would rather pay for Tide and be able to get out all of the dirt my kids get into. than have them wearing stained dirty looking clothes.

Try tide.. great stuff.

4 moms found this helpful

My mom switched to Tide when I got an allergic reaction to Cheer in the 1970s. We didn't have extra money for fancy things, but she felt it was worth the cost, as she is picky out how clean clothes are.

I've only used Tide my whole washing clothes life. Never even compared prices. Having watched my mom have to wash every single piece of clothing AGAIN after my allergic reaction was enough to convince me.

Yes, and the clothes get clean. I just use a watered down version of Tide itself as a pre-treatment, and I rewash multiple times if a stain required it.

3 moms found this helpful

I buy tide, use less and add vinegar and baking soda as needed. My man does delivery and his clothes wreak of sweat, beer, and cardboard, we do not have too many stain issues but I do find that the adding of a touch of vingar and baking soda help with the tide, and again I use less than reccomended.

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My DIL has a blog called DIY or Buy. She tested making her own laundry soap with excellent results. Her DH is my sweet son and he has a ton of allergies - and he does just fine with the homemade detergent.
Here is a link to her laundry detergent blog:
http://www.diyorbuy.com/2011/06/laundry-detergent/
This is such a money saver as well!

I have read in other self help books that the Fels-Naphtha bar used can also be rubbed on clothes as a prewash stain remover.
I find that Dawn dishwashing liquid removes a lot of stains for us.

I must use Tide on my DH's severely dirt, sweat, and greased laden work clothes, but I must use something way more sensitve on the rest of our laundry.
I buy in major bulk, but as soon as my current supply is used - I am making my own!

2 moms found this helpful

I use Tide Free & Clear and love it (a friend is chemically sensitive, so I like to do without the smelly detergent options; who needs the extra chemical exposure?). I've tried other brands but the extra work and extra products I need to get stains out bothers me. I'd rather wash something once and have it come out clean, thank you very much! I do, occasionally, add either baking soda or vinegar if clothes or towels are really smelly. And I agree with the poster who recommended Dawn dish detergent for grease stains. Really helps!

BTW -- I keep an eye open and buy my detergent when it's on sale. Even if I don't need it right then, I know it'll keep and keeping those dollars in my pocket instead of the store's works for me!

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Well, I only buy Tide (We use the bleach alternative version here) and I buy NOTHING else--no pre-treaters, no fabric softener, no boosters, no Shout, etc.
I don't track down and pre-treat stains, soak stuff, etc and everything comes out great. If there is an obviously BAD stain...I pour a little extra Tide on the spot & toss it right in with the load at the time.
I have no complaints and I think I save by buying NO other stuff for laundry. So--maybe not a bad idea for you to try it.
Oh--just use the liquid--powder kills washing machines over time....

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My daughter insists on Tide. I don't see a difference. But she swears by it. When I buy detergent, I rarely buy Tide. She does. Since she lives with us rent free, I let her buy it :)

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I understand. I tried one of the "green" types that Costco sold, but not only did it not get out stains, it didn't get out odors. I have also in the past used the Kirkland brand of dry detergent, because we were overseas and Tide cost an absolute fortune, but the problem with the Kirkland brand was that the granuals were larger than the dry Tide granuals, and they didn't actually all dissolve. I would be shaking out detergent when I took stuff out of the washer. SO, I would have to wash in warm water cycles to get it all to dissolve. That cost more money and I wasn't sure if I was ahead or behind with that!

Since coming back to the states, my husband has developed a bit of a sensitivity to regular detergent and now we have to use either Tide Free and Clear or All Free and Clear. Especially in the dry winter time.

So I would go ahead and switch to those. Costco carries one or both of those brands, so there's at least that.

D.

1 mom found this helpful

I haven't had any issues with cheaper brands. I don't see a differance. I do add Oxyclean and use shout as well. I use the shout with the scrubber top and set the washing machine on soak if there are stains. I haven't had any issues. I always check before I dry the item and if there is a stain, I may have to reaaply shout and wash again, but that happens very rarely.

1 mom found this helpful

I have never used the free and clear brands... so I can't say how they work.

But I do like Tide. I also agree its pricey. We like the Walmart brand laundry soap. The smell stays with the clothes if you use the fabric softener along with it ( when we run out of fabric softener I notice the smell doesn't stay as long on the clothes). If there is something that obviously needs pretreated we use the detergent and let it soak. Otherwise I have never had a problem with our clothes not being clean.

1 mom found this helpful

We only use Tide Free and gentle.
I double rinse everything
I use no fabric softeners on my daughter's clothes, she is highly sensitive to chemicals, even hard water will set her off.
So yes Tide is worth it for us. I have used it forever, I have 4 kids, 3 are still at home.

1 mom found this helpful

I studied marketing in college and laundry detergent is one of the products that inspires the most brand loyalty. Most people use the same detergent that their parents used.

I used Tide, the same as my mom, for many years until finances got tight. Then I started making my own! I use a similar recipe that you got from the link, 1 bar of soap (Ivory) grated, 1/2 cup Borax and 1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda. Mine is a powder, and it only takes a tablespoon to clean my laundry just fine.

I also get whatever detergent is on sale with coupons. I'm a freak about everything being clean and I haven't had any issues with Purex.

Try making your own! It's cheap, easy and works great!

1 mom found this helpful

i have two little kids 3 and under i use ALL free clear on them and its works pretty good. BUT for really good stain fighting i use arm and hammer SENSITIVE myslelf and my children have REALLY sensitive skin and both are great for us and very nice on the pocket book. So check out walmart and give them a shot. PLUS on really tough stains i pour it right on and let it set rub together a couple times and toss in the wash. Good luck

1 mom found this helpful

I use the Arm & Hammer that comes with Oxyclean mixed in. If it's really tough, I'll add a little more Oxyclean and let the fabric soak in the wash for about 20-40 min. before running a full load. I always let my stained clothes soak in the wash before adding a full load -- then I'm not mixing buckets of water. I am also a big fan of the Oxyclean Gel Stick - it's the only thing I have found that has worked. Three quarters of the way after using a stick though I find I need to wet the fabric first and then apply the solution as well as soak in a mix with Oxyclean. I also add 1/2 - 1 cup of white vinegar in the first rinse cycle. This works as a natural fabric softner and helps remove excess detergent.

1 mom found this helpful

I use whatever the cheapest laundry detergent is. Having said that if you have kids that are getting food stains in the clothing here is a tip to try.

use cascade dishwasher soap. the powdered one. put about a half cup in a bucket put in water and swoosh it around. put the clothing in and let it soak. then after about a half hour put the whole thing into the washing machine and run a cycle. you will need to rerun it with the laundry detergent or put the detergent in and then do an extra rinse. we used it all the time with my sons baseball uniform and my babies shirts with spit up on them. it takes care of all of that. i wouldn't do it on dark clothing though as it might take the color out of a dark pair of pants. good luck

1 mom found this helpful

We have used Charlies Soap (great reviews on amazon) exclusively for over 2 years and are very happy. Clean clothes, no fading, stains are never an issue. I use the multipurpose liquid to spot treat when necessary and 1T of the powder detergent, does the job everytime at a fraction of the cost of regualr detergent.

When I was looking to switch 2 yrs ago I called Charlies Soap directly & they had Excellent customer service & were very helpful in helping me understand their products.

1 mom found this helpful

I really like Arm & Hammer with Oxyclean (they have a free and clear too). It's reasonably priced and goes on sale often. I use oxy max stick for stains before the wash too. I have a 4 year old boy - and this combination works wonders for us (even helped get most of melted crayon off all his clothes without having to throw them out)

1 mom found this helpful

All has a clean and clear too you can try that one. Im a little biased! Tide is the only thing I wash in and I personally don't think the cheaps brands compare at all!

First, a question: do you have an HE or regular washing machine? If it's HE, you probably need to get more water in the wash to get those stains out.

Second, my recommendation is Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds. It's not "technically" a free detergent, but if you check it out it might still be okay. It has very few ingredients. I get mine on Amazon. It's been getting stains out that All Free and Clear left in.

The best, absolutely the best is Ecover liquid. Very organic and if you pour a dash on the stain it is gone. It never fades clothes or damages them. It is fragrance free and hypo allergic. It even gets meconium out of a newborn's diapers.
I have used Ecover for over 20 years since finding it in Europe. It is sold in many stores in the USA where it is pricey but very worth it. About 11 dollars for 40 loads.
Forget Tide it is total poison. If you want skin allergies use it.

Do you have a costco? I use the Ecos brand and it is only $12 and it is huge. It's 210 oz. It lasts me over a month and I have a 4 person family. I chose it because it is 100% natural and earth friendly. I love this stuff.

We tried Gain and love it!!! It smells so good and it cleans so much better than the free and clear!

I don't buy Tide unless I get it on sale. The only time I buy it is if I have a coupon in Sunday's paper and Walgreen's has it on sale, so it's double the savings. There are other detergents out there like All and Arm & Hammer products that clean just as well if not better. Also, Clorox makes a new chlorine free bleach. It runs about $2.99 per bottle at Target. It's in a green and white bottle. I've only used it on stained clothes and it hasn't disappointed me yet. As far as the smells go, add vinegar to your laundry.

Hello :)

Have you tried soaking the stained clothes in the Oxiclean for a bit before washing them? It really works great. I use the laundry soap from Costco and when needed, soak in OC and then spray a little Spray & Wash on it and wash like normal - good to go. Works great. Also, depending on the stain (if it's more oily), Dawn dishsoap really takes them out as well. :0)

Try Shaklee. Not only is it less expensive (you use less and it goes further) but it gets out stains - is scent free for those with allergies - and is NON-TOXIC. Even the scent one has very little scent but the FREE laundry powder or liquid has NO scent. If you have stubborn stains I use Shaklee's Nature Bright (laundry brightener) along with Shaklee's Laundry Concentrate (liquid or powder).

People who use this product love the product and won't use anything else and I am talking 20 to 30 to 40 years they have been using this product because people love it and it does the job.

Also, you aren't putting toxins on your kids clothes so they don't have to run around all day and smell the chemicals on their clothes.

It also makes your washing machine last longer and your clothes last longer also. You win all around.

If you know of someone who shares Shaklee go for it. Otherwise go to http.//nontoxiccleaners.myshaklee.com

N.

I use Costco's brand of powdered detergent, add OxiClean to some of the loads, but what I found to treat stain is the OxiClean GEL STICK and let it sit. I have 4 kids, with ALL sorts of stain issues....and a husband who is notorious for spilling food on his white shirts! Works every time.

Tide and Bounce causes too many respiratory/skin issues on our home.

I've had a lot of luck with 7th generation HE dye free. A little goes a LOOOONG way (more than the others I've used including Tide, Purex, etc). So it's turns out to be cheaper in the end and has gotten our stains out (of which there are many!). YOu can get it at Cosco/BJs or online, which is economical. I do also use Oxiclean with the loads and things turn out great. Good luck.

check into Shaklee's laundry products. At first glance they look expensive but when you compare cost of each load, they are way less expensive because of the concentration. You can also save tons on the other cleaners. And they are also safe and nontoxic. They were bio-degradeable long before anyone knew what that meant.

I love, love, love Arm & Hammer's product line. I do believe there is a "free" version.

My sis uses Tide, & I just don't think it's worth the extra money.

I use Shout for any stain and I LOVE the brand ALL he for my laundry. I like the one in the dark blue bottle that smells so good!..

I also use Downey.

I'm brand loyal and I don't switch brands, etc due to $$. No sense in trying to fix something that already works.

You can find these on weekly specials at the grocery or Target and when I do, I stock up. I have about 9 bottles stocked now.

I use FINISH dishwasher cubes and Dawn dishwash liquid. Our soaps are Lever 2000, Dove, and Bath and Body soaps.

Tide is good and I have used it... I just like the ALL brand better.

I use Gain. I find that I have to put in twice as much of those cheaper detergents to get my clothes clean. I find that the gain does not need extra and the clothes come out very well. Nothing takes out all stains though.

We use Melapower that is a safe, "free" laundry cleaner that costs me $16.99 for 192 loads. It breaks down the stains with natural enzymes and I only
"prespot" occasionally when I spill a cup of coffee or somehow my chocolate gets on me instead of in my mouth, lol. Tide is NOT safe and doesn't even clean that well. If you check the ingredients it's primarily water....

To answer your question, don't think the expensive stuff is worth it :)

M.

Ecos at Costco, I think I have seen it at Fred Meyer, Whole Foods & New Seasons too. Seventh Generation, Biokleen & Shaklee also work great. I got some great stuff at Hutchin's applaince at 512 SE Baseline St. It was just under $30 for this bucket ( I think it was 3-4 pounds), however it was so concentrated, I used so little per load it has lasted for months (more than 6). I am still using it, I just put it into smaller containers to put it on my shelves, that's why I don't have the name. All are "Green " products very concentrated & I have used them all with great results. Hope this helps. I use Simple Green to pretreat the stains works great. You can get Simple Green at Bi-mart & Lowes. Please check out this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxx8MlLCSF4&feature=pl...

I, too, usually soak in Oxyclean before washing. Usually does the trick for most stains. For oily stains, I find I have to scrub with Shout.

We just switched to Ecos to try it out and put less detergent into our water system. Don't have enough results to give info. on, yet.

My all time favorite pretreater is Melalueca's Pre-spot. Man that stuff took out everything it didn't take much at all. I haven't found someone who sells it locally and don't want to become a member again. But would definitely go back to it if I found a contact.

I'm allergic to Tide so I stick to the cheaper brands that make a free and clear. Also maybe you need a better stain remover Zout it totally amazing, I switch from Shout to it.

I have 4 kids, 3 of them are boys who are rough on clothes and I love,love, love Tide and can definitely see the difference. Recently, I got a free bottle of All and was very pleased by how well it worked, but I will still buy Tide.

I use a brand called Country Save, which is a chemical free detergent. It costs us about $15 a box (powder kind, I have no idea how long the liquid lasts), but lasts for up to 8 months. We also use the oxygenated bleach (safe for sensitive skin. Mine is VERY sensitive) on stains and to freshen and brighten clothes. www.countrysave.com

For the record I HATED Tide, but I know there are many who like it.