Laundry question

[The Big Ragu]

I'll know the answer to this question soon enough, I guess. ... But I am working from home right now and just decided to throw in a boat load of laundry I have been neglecting. I didn't have any laundry detergent, though (ran out and forgot to buy). I can't run out to buy some. ... so I decided to use dishwasher powder instead.

Was this a horrifically bad idea? I set the machines to hot water wash to help the powder dissolve. I wasn't sure how much to use, but I erred on the side of less. Is this going to work, or was it a really bad idea?

 

[deskslave]

The Interwebs seem to suggest that dishwasher detergent contains a ton of bleach, so hopefully what you put in were whites.

The other problem would be whether the powder can dissolve -- a dishwasher runs pretty hot. But my dishwasher here says the hottest setting is 75 Celsius, and the hot water cycle on the washing machine is 90.

 

[Double J]

Good question. I do a ****load of laundry each week and unfortunately I can't offer a definitive answer, but I don't know why it wouldn't work.

I'd be more concerned about the temperature setting. Generally, I wash everything in cold water - your colours aren't as likely to run and the clothes, in my opinion, get just as clean as they would in hot water.

But how the temperature will affect or not affect the powder you're using, I have no idea.

I'm interested to hear how it works for you, though. Dishwashing detergent may be all I have someday, so I'd like to know. Good luck!

 

[Ace]

Your jeans will sparkle, Rags!

 

[deskslave]

Generally, even powdered laundry detergent needs hotter water to dissolve properly, as does most any solid, for that matter -- as any Southern iced tea aficionado will tell you. If you're using cold water, you're much better off with liquid.

Though, in reality, you're better off with liquid anyway. It costs more, but it works better and lasts longer.

 

[The Big Ragu]

Oh shoot. I didn't consider that there was bleach in the powder. This could be REALLY ugly. Please say some prayers for my clothes.

 

[Moderator1]

Please tell me you are kidding?

 

[The Big Ragu]

Moddy, Not kidding. I can be a knucklehead about things like this.

And I am hoping there is no bleach in there. I just went to Cascade's website and looked at my powder. It doesn't say anything about bleach and they make a separate variety with bleach. So I am hoping I am safe. I'll know in a few minutes.

 

[The Big Ragu]

I think I am safe. They have a quiz to help you determine which product to buy, and one of the questions is, "Is bleach important to your routine"? I answered, "I can live without it if I still get clean dishes." and it gave the powder I have as the choice to buy.

 

[deskslave]

Might not hurt to run them through an extra rinse cycle as well, just to get rid of any lingering powder/grittiness.

 

[Double J]

Generally, even powdered laundry detergent needs hotter water to dissolve properly, as does most any solid, for that matter -- as any Southern iced tea aficionado will tell you. If you're using cold water, you're much better off with liquid.

Though, in reality, you're better off with liquid anyway. It costs more, but it works better and lasts longer.

I use liquid. Specifically, Gain.

The stuff works well, smells good and is reasonably priced.

But generic dryer sheets work well enough for that end of the laundry process - you don't need to spend extra for Bounce or whatever.

And I totally feel like Susie Homemaker when I say **** like that.

 

[Ace]

What are you going to use for fabric softener, Rags?

 

[deskslave]

There you go. Even cheap liquid is better than powder, most of the time. It's one of those things, though, where if you can afford to go higher-end, it's usually worth it, especially if you get into the stuff that's free of a lot of the chemicals and other ****. Anything that's in your laundry detergent will eventually get absorbed into your body.

And I totally feel like a ****ing hippie when I say **** like that.

 

[21]

What are you going to use for fabric softener, Rags?

He's going to have to change his handle to The Big Rags after that laundry gets done.

 

[deskslave]

What are you going to use for fabric softener, Rags?

 

[Double J]

What are you going to use for fabric softener, Rags?

May I suggest something from the Herbal Essences line? ;D

 

[Rumpleforeskin]

What are you going to use for fabric softener, Rags?

May I suggest something from the Herbal Essences line? ;D

I'll have what she's having.

 

[The Big Ragu]

FYI, I usually use liquid. Tide.

For those who have been sitting on pins and needles (I was!). It worked!!!

It doesn't have the usual Tide scent, but the clothes look clean, it looks like the powder dissolved and it rinsed fine -- no residue. Also, my clothes weren't bleached. They are happily tumbling away in the dryer right now.

 

[Double J]

What are you going to use for fabric softener, Rags?

May I suggest something from the Herbal Essences line? ;D

I'll have what she's having.

Nice find!

And forget what she's having. I'll just have her. ;D

 

[Rumpleforeskin]

What are you going to use for fabric softener, Rags?

May I suggest something from the Herbal Essences line? ;D

I'll have what she's having.

Nice find!

And forget what she's having. I'll just have her. ;D

And forget having just her, I'll have her AND what she's having.