skip to main content

Tide Original vs Free and Clear?

aviastar 7A Virginia

6 years ago

Hi! First post over here...

The question: Looking for opinions on whether Tide Original has more cleaning power than the un scented/no dye version.

Details: We cloth diaper- 100% cotton diapers, single layer and microfiber and PUL covers. It's the covers that get an ammonia stink if they aren't getting clean enough in the wash. We had some stinkiness so I upped the amount of detergent in each load and it's been taken care of.

We use powder- I read it was better? And I bought a big box of the Tide Original because that's what readily available at my grocery store- I have to hunt down the un scented powder and I can't find the big boxes of it. So while I personally prefer as few scents as possible in our home, the original is really inoffensive and if it cleans better I'll just stick with it.

Each load of diapers gets a rinse and spin, and two washes on hot with a full cup of detergent. No fabric softener or dryer sheets- it can affect the absorption. I also line dry/ sun them every so often to diminish staining and I'm not opposed to bleaching them when necessary but try to avoid it as it can mess with the PUL.

Thoughts? Any un scented powders that are amazing? Thank you!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

mamapinky0
6 years ago
I think Tide F&G Powder is the same as the original powder as far as enzymes. 2 enzymes, I think. The Tide F&G Pods have 5 enzymes. If it was me..I'd use the F&G pods along with STPP. The STPP will ensure you get the best clean and help remove all detergent residue.

What washer do you have..does it have a heater? II've always found for cloth diapers the hotter the water the better and rinsing is critical. IMO Tide F&G would be the best for dipes as you want to avoid the synthetic perfumes next to babys skin.
aviastar 7A Virginia thanked mamapinky0
sspeer9
6 years ago
I'd consider Ecover Zero or Biokleen Premium Plus powders. They work pretty well with hot water.
aviastar 7A Virginia thanked sspeer9
Related Discussions
Tide Free he liquid not as good anymore??
Q
Comments (31)
@CharterOps -- Where do you live in E TN? Back to the topic: Maybe I need to try the Sears detergent again; I didn't notice the 'fresh' smell everyone mentions when I tried it (which one should I try?). I've noticed the lack of 'freshness' with Tide, and just thought it was my nose. I've been using liquid Wisk HE with very good results, and fresher smelling clothes. I'm finishing a box of Tide powder HE, but do notice it's still not the same as the original Tide powder. For all of you who have detergents you don't want, consider donating to your local Animal Shelter, or even your local Vet's office. =)
...See More
Tide vs Gain
Q
Comments (11)
A lady I know was having a lot of allergy problems. She went to see an allergist and have test and during this he ask her what kind of detergent she used. She told him Gain,he said it contains the most allergy causing ingredients of any brand and told her to use the All Free/Clear and that really helped her. But also, my brother in law has allergies really bad and his allergist ask him what detergent he used and he said Tide. He said to throw it away and use nothing but the All F&C. But maybe the Tide cleans just as well(or better??). I like the All and get the powder most time when I buy All F&C. Cheer doesn't bother me and I like it the most for colors.(powder)
...See More
Original Tide "he" turbo works WELL. Very WELL!
Q
Comments (15)
about the camera formatting. I see you have an iphone. When you look at the bottom right of the screen, when the camera is on, there is a graphic that looks like 3 circles in 3 tones of grey. What I've discovered is that they work like a gyroscope, for lack of a better word. to get the camera to display the way you are shooting the pic or video, you need to make sure that the mid tone circle is in the up position. When you turn it, to take a pic with a horizontal layout, it is possible to turn the camera and the 3 circles don't spin into position, so it continues to take pic as it was before you turned it. So take your camera out and play around with those circles and you will know what I mean. Now, this is what I believe to be the facts, but its only something I discovered, so I could be totally wrong, lol (but I think I am right:)
...See More
Tide Free and Gentle Powder
Q
Comments (16)
The only version of All without OB's... that I know of, is a special bottle of All Small & Mighty, manufactured for and sold exclusively at the Miltary Commissary. It also has a green Solider hat on the front, IRRC. I can't seem to recall any Tide Product NOT having OB's. Even when Tide "Free" originally came out as a Powder (it wasn't Free & Gentle yet)... it still contained OBs and enzymes.
...See More
mamapinky0
6 years ago
I thought about those Speer but diapers need a workhorse detergent. The ones you mentioned are nice but highly doubtful they will do the job on dipes
aviastar 7A Virginia thanked mamapinky0
beaglenc
6 years ago
I second the FandG pods. Lots of people have had trouble with them dissolving completely. You might want to make sure they are completely dissolved before adding diapers. Also Borax is great for diaper and all clothes. I used to soak my babies diapers in it as well as add to the wash.

Good for you for using cloth instead of paper and plastic! Or whatever material is used now. Would be interesting to know just how many are in landfills across the country.
aviastar 7A Virginia thanked beaglenc
aviastar 7A Virginia
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for the replies! We have a whirlpool cabrio- it's new and as the very first not hand me down washer we have ever owned, we love it! I don't believe it has a heater, but our water temps are set around 125-130 I think. I always choose the hottest setting for both washes. I do use extra rinses, but not as consistently as I could. STPP? Help a girl out...what does this stand for? The regular Tide doesn't seem to bother Bubs- he's one now and we've only ever used the scent free variety, until this round. But as he has gotten older, having more solid foods... Let's just say I want to stay proactive in having a great wash routine, haha!

biokleen and ecover are both mentioned in and around the diaper forums, too, but tide is the go to one size fits most recommendation, and it does work very well since I increased the amount per load.

I will take a look at the pods- the diapers get a no detergent rinse and spin and two consecutive washes, so it would be hard to dissolve them first before adding the dipes. We love the cloth! And actually find it less gross than the sposies all around!

thank you, again! I'm going to see if my walmart has a large box of the un scented powder and the pods and give each a try!

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Battling the Tides Results in a Wondrous House on the Water

By Mitchell Parker

A complex construction effort pays off big-time with unobstructed views of Blue Hill Bay in Maine

GREEN BUILDING Let’s Clear Up Some Confusion About Solar Panels

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Different panel types do different things. If you want solar energy for your home, get the basics here first

DECLUTTERING Decorate with Intention: Clutter Clearing 101

By Laura Gaskill

Fearlessly face disorganized areas to find the home of your dreams

FLOORS 10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Home’s Original Floors

Save yourself the cost of replacing your old floorboards with these tips for a new finish

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Original Drawings Guide a Midcentury Gem's Reinvention

By Kimberley Bryan

Architect's spec book in hand, a Washington couple lovingly re-creates their midcentury home with handmade furniture and thoughtful details

REMODELING GUIDES Love the One You're With: Honoring a Home's Original Charm

By Sarah Phipps Design

Before you jump into teardown mode, consider these 3 examples of homes whose quirkiness is a draw

TRANSITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Stress-Free Style in Dallas

By Jess McBride

This family home blends practicality, personality and prettiness in one package

MOST POPULAR 10 Reasons to Get Rid of More Clutter

By Laura Gaskill

From a calmer mind to a more workable closet, the benefits of streamlining are just a few trash bags away

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Jersey Shore Beach House Breaks Free

By Becky Harris

Shedding its dismal and oppressive rooms for a gloriously radiant outlook, this weekend home finds the light

DECORATING GUIDES Feel Free to Break Some Decorating Rules

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Ditch the dogma about color, style and matching, and watch your rooms come alive

More Discussions

Powder: Tide Original vs Bleach vs Free & Gentle

31

laundry before pictures.

6

OK to vent dryer over/near driveway?

3

Large distance between washer and dryer

4

house plans- mudroom/laundry help!

30