frugal HE laundry detergent questions

[jewelsJZ]

We just got a new washer. It's a High Efficiency machine. Two questions:

1. I have two large containers of regular laundry detergent. Any way I could use these in an HE machine? Or do I need to give them to someone with a regular machine?

2. What is the most frugal HE detergent to buy that gets the job done? Bonus points if it is free of dyes and perfumes, etc. as one of my kids has very sensitive skin.

Thanks in advance, frugal mommas!

[montlake]

I tried using my regular detergent in my front loader. It made it stink and left spots on my clothes, even reducing the amount per the manual that came with my machine. I switched to HE detergent because it was such a pain. I don't know which is the most frugal but maybe surf the web looking for some samples before you commit to one. We found that whatever scent was in the detergent was magnified by 1000 when the clothes came out. Some of them came out just digusting. We use our local store brand because it's the mildest smell. The only completely scent-free one I tried was Seventh Generation and I just can't justify the cost of that one right now.

[ShwarmaQueen]

I would just try using 1/2 the normal amount.

[fruitfulmomma]

Don't have a HE, but I use Ecos Free & Clear which is something like $6.99 for enough to do 50 HE loads. Comes out to less than 14 cents a load. Biokleen is another good choice. Those are the two cheapest ones I've found. Seventh Gen. is like 2 or 3 times more $.

[karne]

You really don't want to be using regular detergent in an HE washer. It's better for the washer to have the low-sudsing HE detergent, and you actually only need a very small amount. I would say about 1/2 of the recomended amount on the container. I have had to have my washer serviced after using regular detergent.

In terms of brands, I have tried them all, and now I usually buy whatever is least expensive and dye free, such as ALL. I haven't found the natural detergents to do a great job, and I can't see spending extra $$$ for it since I do so much laundry.

[MtBikeLover]

Originally Posted by karne

I have had to have my washer serviced after using regular detergent.

Me too. When the tech came out, he told me to stop using regular detergent and switch to HE.

[SeekingJoy]

I have primarily used 1/4 to 1/3 the amount of regular All Free and Clear and Tide Free and Clear with our older HE machine. It wasn't as efficient as some of the newer models, so YMMV, but it seemed to work fine.

We get a new, even more efficinet one in two days!

[artemis33]

I love Country Save powder. It is safe for HE, septic, and free of dyes, fragrance, etc. Love it! Oh and also safe for cloth diapers if that is an issue!

[lach]

I use Charlie's Soap. A bag lasts us for months, and I do laundry every day, so I think it's a pretty good deal.

[zebra15]

HI, the place Im renting has a HE washer (i dont like it but thats a whole 'nother thread). The detergent I use is ALL FREE AND CLEAR. DS has asthma and its the only thing that doesnt bother him. Plus its very dry here and that detergent seems to wash out and not leave any residue. The other thing I'm sure I always do is run the double rinse cycle. Our area has hard water too. The double rinse adds about 20 mins onto the legnth of the entire cycle but if I dont the clothes feel 'slimey'.
I also found that I need to use a FREE AND CLEAR fabric softener (DOWNY). I dont know why but if i dont the clothes are just horrid.

I can't use regular detergent, even all f&c, it just doesnt work right.

I swear if we ever get out of here and get our own place the first thing i'm getting is a regular 'old fashioned' washer.

[RiverSky]

ECOS is cheapest at Costco, like $10 for a HUGE bottle and you only use the tiniest little amount of it in an HE machine. Ecos can also be purchased at health food stores.

[SeekingJoy]

Zebra15, vinegar might help instead of the fabric softner. Put it in the washer "fabric softner" chamber. It should help cut the detergent residue. And save money.

[annekevdbroek]

I have had a front loading HE washer for almost 7 years and have always used regular detergent, only 1/3 to 1/2 of the regular amount. I've never had any problems. :

[A&A]

I use Tide free and clear. Sometimes I use the HE and sometimes I just use a lot less of the regular.

[zebra15]

Originally Posted by SeekingJoy

Zebra15, vinegar might help instead of the fabric softner. Put it in the washer "fabric softner" chamber. It should help cut the detergent residue. And save money.

Vingear triggers breathing issues in DS.... things are so complex with asthma... its like he has Psycho nose at times....I can wash my clothes and it will still bother him.... UGH...

[SophieAnn]

Homemade Laundry Soap is VERY frugal! I've been using it in my HE machine for awhile now and things come out very clean and completely scent-free. I used a bar of Ivory soap, followed the Duggars' recipe and used the video from Backyard Farming as some additional how-to.

Recipe: http://www.duggarfamily.com/recipes.html

Video: http://backyardfarming.blogspot.com/...detergent.html

So for my recipe I used: 1 bar Ivory soap, 1 cup washing soda, 1/2 cup borax diluted in a 5-gallon pail. The Duggar recipe says to dilute it again by half (so 1 batch makes 10-gallons) but I don't bother diluting it again. I use 1/4 cup per load (a bit more if it's very dirty stuff) out of the 5-gallon pail.

[lorelei]

I just signed up for Ecos through subscribe and save @ amazon. It's by far the cheapest per load, $0.09/load. Most of the other "natural" laundry he soap was $0.20/load.

I'll let you know how I like it once it gets here. They have an unscented, but I bought lavender.

I worry about using homemade soap in a he machine. Most of the info I've read about those front load machines developing a funk is from folks using the wrong detergent, and or not letting it dry out.

[annekevdbroek]

I've been using regular detergent in my HE washer for 6 1/2 years with no problems. I use 1/3 of the regular amount. IDK if the newer machines are different some how, but it seems to work fine for us.

[Golden]

Originally Posted by annekevdbroek

I've been using regular detergent in my HE washer for 6 1/2 years with no problems. I use 1/3 of the regular amount. IDK if the newer machines are different some how, but it seems to work fine for us.

Same here. I probably use closer to half the amt. No problems at all. We always use whatever is cheapest in the free and clears....all, purex, arm and hammer, etc.

[Literate]

Yup, me too. 9 years of regular Kirkland (Costco) brand powder, using less than recommended. Works fine!