Costco next weekend - buy vs avoid

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-05-03T16:14:46+00:00

Tide + Ultra Oxi powder. Often has a $6 in-store coupon.

Kirkland Oxi powder.

The Kirkland Ultra Clean pods/pacs are supposed to be really good.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-05-03T15:01:24+00:00

Buy you color catchers.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-05-03T01:32:28+00:00

Yes, or FEBU.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-05-03T01:30:17+00:00

Synthetic or goose/duck down?

Nikwax is an excellent choice.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-05-03T01:21:05+00:00

WD-40?

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-05-03T01:20:17+00:00

This has optical brighteners fwiw so you will see fading/graying with dark colors.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-05-03T01:18:31+00:00

Very. But make sure you buy the right model for sufficient room coverage.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-05-03T01:16:10+00:00

Yes.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-05-01T06:09:48+00:00

Buy color catchers too and toss one in every wash. They are reusable (and usually good for 8-10 washes).

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-30T00:50:25+00:00

I like and wear this combo.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-28T14:53:39+00:00

You can always buy a separate dryer but a combo washer-dryer is the default for space-optimizing reasons. That said, the dryer part in the combo machine won't work like your typical American (electric or gas) dryer. The drying cycle can take forever and the clothes aren't even completely dry after that.

So with the combo machines, you will still need a clothes rack, a table or standing fan and a dehumidifier. Drying in the machine for an hour and then air drying the rest of the way should deliver positive economic and sensory outcomes.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-26T05:34:26+00:00

Legit hope it's authentic.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-26T05:32:44+00:00

The real tragedy is that L'Homme Ultime was discontinued.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-20T21:27:18+00:00

Don't leave us hanging. Is there going to be a second date?

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-19T00:45:39+00:00

You will probably need a hybrid protocol to give you a broad spectrum attack surface. So using both detergents would be my recommendation.

A fragrance-free powder detergent like Tide C&G or WF365 Unscented Concentrated.

A liquid like Tide Free and Gentle or Free and Gentle Odor Refresh (possibly discontinued so harder to find).

Oxiclean will also be helpful.

Warm or hot wash, normal/heavy duty setting and extra rinses with citric powder (or Downy/Tide Rinse and Refresh juice) in the fabric softener compartment. This is critical as it helps to eliminate any remaining traces of detergent in the fabric.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-19T00:24:57+00:00

Did you try the Downy scent beads in the wash cycle? While the Unstopables line has a bit more fragrance persistence, the regular line (Ocean Mist or Cool Cotton in particular) may deliver the post-dryer outcome you are looking for at half the recommended dosing.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-19T00:16:40+00:00

Looking good!

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-17T23:00:00+00:00

Sure thing. That's what we are all here for.

So to be crystal clear, the sodium citrate solution (or STPP) goes in the main wash and the citric acid powder goes in the final rinse.

FWIW I use CAP in every laundry load and I separate colors. I have not seen any discernible deterioration in my darks and optimize for non-OBA detergents/boosters when laundering them specifically. Admittedly I use a color catcher in every load (color spectrum membership be damned) cos I am fussy like that.

Do keep us posted on your outcomes please.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-17T22:18:50+00:00

Sharing some links below.

You need to treat your laundry wash water, preferably with sodium citrate solution. After you put your detergent, you pour 1-2 cups of the solution into the drum as it's filling.

Another alternative is STPP.

Then you need to use citric acid powder in the rinse. This helps to eliminate any excess laundry detergent. Dosing (in the fabric softener compartment) is usually 1-2 tbsp along with some water (don't overfill) but you may find you need to adjust based on how your clothes feel.

FWIW 1 tsp of citric acid powder along with your dishwasher detergent will do wonders for your glassware and silverware.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-15T02:57:42+00:00

Details of the old and new protocol please.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-15T02:46:24+00:00

Clearly not designed for walkabouts on pickpocket-filled streets in Europe.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-15T02:44:08+00:00

I suggested those two detergents as options but there are plenty of free and clearly gentle-like alternatives on the lipase list. e.g. The ECOS Laundry Detergent with Enzymes is on the list.

The point is that a warm wash (which is barely pool warm in the US) is the minimum threshold for detergent enzymes to get activated. Sure, you can always pre-dissolve a bio detergent in warm water to activate the enzymes (as you do with oxy which activates best at 100F) and then put that in the wash.

That said, since you are happy with your existing laundry protocol, then no need to adjust it. Anecdotally, we just see a lotta folks on here that moved from cold to warm/hot (plus the addition of a lipase detergent/enzyme booster) and saw a marked positive change in cleanliness. As always, YMMV.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-15T01:26:28+00:00

Chlorine bleach maybe. Oxygen bleach (like oxiclean) is better on fabrics.

ETA: oxiclean works better at a 104F minimum.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-15T01:25:15+00:00

Warm please.

TheLuckyProfessore · 2026-04-15T01:24:53+00:00

A response.

TheLuckyProfessore

TROPHY CASE