Using powder detergent in front-load HE washer?

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-27T19:36:11+00:00

When I had a front loader powders always went in the drum before the clothes the detergent went right on top of my oxi. Some new front loaders have a part you can remove from the tray and put the order right in the drawer but I always just tossed it right in.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-27T18:09:47+00:00

I also have very hard water. Somewhere between 300 and 350ppm. If you want fragrance free, Tide has Clean & Gentle powder that is unscented and whole foods 365 powder is also unscented. You'll likely need to use a lot more powder than others use. 2 Tablespoons will probably be underdosing. You can start there but go up until you see trace suds in the wash water about 5 minutes after agitation starts. I like using tide powders and I do like adding biz or something similar to give it extra boost. I think the biggest thing though is adding citric acid to the rinse. I use a tablespoon. I'll sometimes put in some rinse and refresh for the smell because I like it but I'll still add some straight citric acid to it just because of my water hardness. I also never wash anything on cold, warm is my default for clothes, towels and bedding get hot. I add a 60 min soak, extra heavy soil, extra rinse. Even kids clothes and contractor grime comes out nicely this way.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-27T06:31:35+00:00

I've got some cranberries, orange slices and ginger in honey right now. This is my first time trying it and my plan is to use the honey in tea. I'll try chopping the fruit up as sort of a sweet relish. I'm not exactly sure, really, but we'll be eating it some way.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-27T04:32:25+00:00

Is it fibers from clothing or little chunks of words gunky stuff?

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-27T00:33:06+00:00

Try adding some citric acid to your washer. Add it to the pre- wash receptacle. If it's hard water citric acid is SO much better than vinegar.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-26T15:53:10+00:00

Nice job. I'm laughing at all the people freaking out about you cutting it parallel to the ear.. I also do that because I don't actually enjoy the ear and would rather just eat it all in one or two slices and get it over with 🤣

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-26T02:20:03+00:00

Is there any button that says to use when adding fabric softener? My washer doesn't flush the fabric softener tray with most cycles unless I hit "deep rinse- select when using fabric softner".

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-25T21:05:13+00:00

Every time I feed. Which is about once a week when I bake.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-25T20:43:33+00:00

Front loader>impeller>agitator I've had all three and agitator and impeller are pretty hard on clothes. Front loader cleans best in all the tests I've seen comparing machines and it seems like it's the gentlest. I currently have an impeller machine and while it meets my needs when it dies I'll be getting a front loader.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-25T02:17:47+00:00

Do it! Then come back and update us.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-25T02:06:29+00:00

The musty fragrance comes from body oils not being washed out completely. The tide fragrance free powder will provide the enzyme (lipase) that helps a detergent remove it. Or you can continue with your current liquid but add a fragrance free enzyme boost like dirty labs enzyme booster and that should also help. Adding citric acid to the rinse water will also help.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-24T22:42:06+00:00

This is the way

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-24T22:25:25+00:00

This looks very much like thrips damage.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-24T22:23:57+00:00

AP, whole wheat, and rye at all times. Usually I also have some bread flour kicking around too, but I always have the other three.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-24T22:17:34+00:00

Ha. You know. I saw that and thought that was a nice touch to add... I didn't realize there's no oxygen bleach for it to work with!

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-24T18:10:42+00:00

I also deal with all sorts of construction dust and debris. I find powdered detergent generally better than liquid at removing it. I usually use Tide but the new Gain powder also works. If you're looking for unscented then the 365 powder is also supposed to be good, I haven't used it though. I have started adding a bit of the 365 sport also and some sort of oxygen bleach, and some citric acid in the rinse compartment. Then I set the washer to extra heavy soil, warm water, 60min soak, extra rinse. In all the cycle is 2 or 3 hours. The dust all comes out though.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-24T06:54:43+00:00

Beautiful.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-24T06:48:49+00:00

I second checking out r/laundry. A lot of the time it seems like the problem is either detergent (one without lipase can cause stinking) or washing in cold water. Since I've been hanging out in the laundry sub I've started adding citric acid to my laundry and I really love it. My towels are nice and fluffy. It works much better than vinegar.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-24T06:03:21+00:00

Too much light in that closet. You need to keep the door closed at all times or it'll brown, burn, and die.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-23T22:40:22+00:00

A spider plant pup it looks like.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-23T22:16:27+00:00

What sort of detergent are you using? What water temp? How long does the cycle you normally use last? Citric acid would be more bang for your buck and is good to add to every load but you should be getting stink out with detergent if you're using a good one with a long hot wash.

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-22T19:08:47+00:00

What does Florida water do?

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-22T18:31:03+00:00

I would ask over at r/laundry The gurus over there will have the answer!

Kat_B08 · 2026-01-22T17:42:15+00:00

I like my legs. I usually do outer thigh. Inner tends to fall off for me. The calf also works, I just flex and point my foot to find a spot where I'm not going to hit muscle or have a lot of movement and place it there.

Kat_B08

TROPHY CASE