What am I doing wrong (a detergent/pre-treatment problem)

15 years ago

I love my new LG FL, and I am more than pleased with its performance. I've changed a few things from when I had my first FL, so it's hard to compare.

I had been using Charlie's Soap already, but I also used fabric softener previously (dryer sheets). I've stopped using anything at all except CS, plus either a wee bit of vinegar (rinse) or Borax in the wash load.

The problem is that I pre-treat my kids' clothes whenever I see a stain, and I am using the Spray 'n Wash Dual Power on these stains (which can be a few days old by the time I see them). I'm now experiencing a problem where, while the stains are coming out, the area where the stain treatment touched the fabric is slightly faded, almost like a faint bleach stain.

Is there a better way to treat these stains? Is the combo of CS and Borax not a good one for the stain treatment?

I'd welcome suggestions on how to get the stains out without creating new and more permanent damage to the fabric.

Thanks!

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Comments (7)

aamassther
15 years ago
Since you're already using CS powder, try the CS "All purpose cleaner" for pretreating stains. It works quite well, just let sit for a little while.
The Spray n Wash you're using contains a peroxide based bleach- I called Reckitt customer service a month or so ago to ask about the different SnW formulas. That could be why your noticing some faded spots, especially if the fabric is khaki. Those dyes seem to be the most vulnerable to bleaching. HTH, Todd
jrdown
15 years ago
pyrmom ~

I use Charlie's All Purpose Cleaner as my stain treatment. I find that is works very, very well if I leave it to penetrate 15-30 minutes before washing. Get the gallon size and use a small plastic squeeze bottle that is convenient for the laundry. Don't be put off by the watery look and feel of the cleaner. It is great stuff!

I also use it to get up carpet stains. This is the best product I have used for that and it doesn't leave residue. Some folks say they use the APC in the carpet cleaning machines that you can rent.

Robyn
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trinityklm
15 years ago
I'll third the CS all-purpose cleaner as a pre-treater. It took me awhile to get the hang of it, but I spray stains and sprinkle a little Oxyclean and rub it in a bit. I let it sit for a while and voila! So far everything I've done this with has worked. It even works on stains I've washed and dried numerous times. The only thing I don't like is the chemically smell of the all-purpose cleaner. I wish it was less strong. It doesn't linger, though.
compumom
15 years ago
Good question. I use Oxyclean with decent, but not great results. The only color issue I had was with some towels from Bloomie's that kept turning from gold to orange--albeit evenly! LOL After I returned two batches I gave up and bought a different brand, no problem again.

But I have two other questions---I'm also using Charlies Soap. I'm using the liquid, but they sent me a sample 3 pack of the powdered variety. I've used it one time only, with good result. BUT I'm beginning to wonder why I see NO soap bubbles when I use a couple of tablespoons of the CS liquid in my machine. I have a Bosch FL and am using the suggested amount from Charlies. How much do you put in?

Fabric Softener-- In my old TL machine I never used a fabric softener except an occasional Bounce sheet to get rid of static cling and lint, but nothing really on my towels as I heard it cut the absorbency. Anyway, with the new machine I didn't like the hardness of the towels (Charisma) so I began to use some liquid Downey. It's helped quite a bit. It seems like the FL leaves a rougher towel than the TL. Yes?
pyrmom
Original Author
15 years ago
Well, shucks, I already have a gallon of CS's All Purpose Cleaner. I'll definitely try that!

I also have Oxy-Clean, which I've sometimes added to a load as well, but honestly, I didn't really notice a difference.

Compumom, I'd be interested in knowing an answer to your question, too. I'd prefer to avoid using FS at all, but I'd also love to have softer towels. Not that I had them before - my Kenmore's FS dispenser never worked.

I'll have to do a search and see if someone else has a solution, if one isn't posted here.

Thanks for the answers - glad it seems like an easy fix!
plumbly22
15 years ago
compumom... I also have a bosch and rarely see anything resembling sudy in my washer with charlies powder.... IF I have pretreated sometimes I will see a few bubbles hanging on the bottom edge of the door... not every time, seems to depend on how many things were pretreated and how much they were pretreated... with all purpose charlies...

do you get suds with the liquid charlies laundry?????
compumom
15 years ago
Plumbly, nope not very often. I admit that the weekly cleaning lady does the bulk of the laundry around here, so I'm not constantly aware. But when I run some loads I feel like there's few bubbles in evidence.
Also- have you noticed some odd holes in your garments or towels? I don't think that I ever had a hole in 30 years of using my well-made Maytags (the real Maytag brand). In less than a year with the Bosch I've found holes in napkins, a favorite nightgown, a brand new towel and a couple of other items. I'm waiting on a service call now for a second cracked fascia (but that's another gripe) so I think I'm going to do some complaining on this problem too.
Pyrmom- let us know what you find out!

What am I doing wrong (a detergent/pre-treatment problem)

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aamassther

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What am I doing wrong (a detergent/pre-treatment problem)

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aamassther

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