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blush How do you use powder detergent in newer machines?

16 years ago

I thought in newer HE washing machines, clothes are put in before h20 so it can weigh the clothes to see how much h2o is needed. But if you do that and add powdered detergent afterwards doesn't it leave splotches on the clothes? Especially since they use so much less water to dilute within.

I ordered the GE harmony w/d set. Any tips would be appreciated before I place a order for Shaklee or Charlies. Thanks.

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Comments (3)

User
16 years ago
I always add the powdered detergent directly on to the dry clothes in my FL and then start the machine. I've never had a splotch. I also add dry bleach at the same time. My daughter's FL has a place in the top of the machine to add the detergent, so she doesn't put it directly on the dry clothes.

I added powdered detergent to the dry clothes in my top loader too. Never had a splotch on those clothes either.

I think the agitation is enough to get the powder well dissolved.

I use either Charlie's Soap or Tide HE. Both work well.

Enjoy
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sparky823
16 years ago
Add your detergent to the detergent dispenser on the Harmony and it will add it at the right time. Same for bleach(chlorine)and fabric softener. Things like oxi you would add with the detergent,just be sure to use dry with dry and liquid with liquid to prevent gumming up the tray.
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See May that's what I mean. .its sometimes h ard to know because slipperiness is a factor that the water was conditioned enough to hold dirt ect in suspension but it doesn't mean that enough was added for there to be enough enzymes and bleaches to do their job expecially if the person has soft water, so sometimes 1/8'th of a cup in a top loader with soft water may give you slippery water, but it may also not give enough enzymes to break down dirt and stains. I guess it all depends on water chemistry and trial and error, of course along with type of chemicals and water temp..everything would have to be in balance. This isn't something that was a concern to me until I actually thought about it lol. I used to just dump an amount of detergent in, feel the water and determine by the slipperiness until it was brought to my attention that just because the water is slippy does not mean I added enough detergent. .it just means I added enough to condition the water.lol... Yes Poppy my clothes are clean so I must be adding enough detergent lol..I know never to follow the manufactures amounts, yep they want to sell. Thank you both for responding
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plumbly22
16 years ago
The post above doesn't say, but I'm guessing that the ge is like the bosch and whirlpool where you put the detergent/softner/bleach in the dispensers prior to turning on the machine and it "rinses' out the dispenser with water to add to the drum when it is ready for it... I used to put my detergent in my old top loader prior to clothes...but with the fl I use the dispenser....
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