I first realized something was amiss when I couldn't find the orange-lid buckets at the Sears website anymore. The old HE Stain-Fighting Formula has been discontinued, according to the owner of the store I mentioned, and another formula is in the works. buzzley gave this info at the Laundry Forum: "I haven't been able to find it either. They must be eliminating nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), which a Consumer's Report article from last year claimed were ingredients in Sears detergents, even though most other detergents stopped using them long ago. Either that or DeSoto finally went under and Sears had to contract with a new manufacturer. I'll bet that they will eventually reformulate all of their detergents or simply drop the ones that aren't big sellers. This may be good or bad. Guess we will have to wait and see." Since the orange boxes don't have the HE symbol on them, I'm leery of using that formula. I've heard that manufacturers won't honor an HE washer warranty if HE laundry detergent isn't used. I bought two of the orange-lid buckets in July when they were on sale half-price, so I shouldn't need any more for at least a year. Some people are saying they're still finding it at some stores. But I can't find any in my area now. I presume it's at the stores until it sells out.

I have 4 different varieties of the Sears...someone stop by with a truck and you can tak99% of it. I can't use all of this. I have never had a problem with this stuff disolving in my TL'ers. But I generally use hot water. I've heard complaints of it not disolving in cold and dubbed down warm. I've only used it 4 times in my Duet (I love saying my duet) all with hot water and again no disolving issues. I would just pre disolve it before adding it to the machine if its giving you problems, seems like a pain but it will only take a minute. Jody I think you need to stop by and grab a few hundred pounds of mine to add to your stash. LOL. I do plan to sell the vast majoriy of mine But will keep maybe 5 pounds of each. I really like it used with Wisk, STPP & Pure sodium percarbonate, Sins recipe..it does a fantastic job on whites and bedding. Have you tried that yet? Ajaynes2...I must have missed it..what machine do you have?

@rpsinfoman, that's exactly the point. Everything I've said is just my opinion. It doesn't include a million dollar research budget, or extensive testing... All of my opinion is just based of my thoughts of using their washing machines. I wouldn't say LG, is the worst washing machine in the world. And any machine will clean clothes to some level. However... If I was buying a machine for my family, I'd go with anything but a LG based off what I've seen from using one. Nothing can frustrate someone more, than a washing machine that constantly fills with Cold Water for at least 1/4 of a cycle, no matter what temperature is selected. Or... A machine, that can cause massive cotton pilling by using a Permanent Press cycle for a load of T-Shirts. Or... A machine, that somehow manages to drip water into a fabric softener dispenser, causing it to dispense into the main wash. Honestly. I bet a lot of people are more than happy with there LG Machines. Most people could care less about the Launduring Process, and simply set the machine and walk away... Never observing what's happening. I think 99.9% of the LG Owners probably fit into that mold. And that's fine. Laundry is a chore for most people, and they couldn't care how the final result is. But.... If I was purchasing a machine to clean clothes for my own family. I'd avoid the LG if I could. I have higher standards than most. I just wouldn't want one. I know I probably sound spoiled saying that... But I think they are inferior to other brands. From time to time at Lowes... A 2.2/3 Cubic Feet Whirlpool or Frgidaire front-loader will appear. I always tell myself... I bet those do a pretty damn good job. They remind me so well of Asko & Miele machines. That's what I'm talking about. You don't have to spend a million bucks for quality. It's out there, but... In my mind, LG isn't it.

With the extremely cold weather we have had in New England the last two weeks I have spent most of my free time inside close to the fireplace trying to keep warm. One day, I had some business out of State so I stopped by a Hometown Sears store. There was no Ultra Plus on the shelves but I figured I'd ask anyway. After some searching between the owner and myself we found 8 boxes hidden behind some appliances. Needless to say I purchased all of them. He also has some liquid Ultra Plus so I grabbed a jug of that as well. Patrick (shieldagt) has first dibs on these. Jeff