I have a front loader and prefer powder to liquids. I do use liquids on a few things, but not often. I think liquids can build up in the machine so use sparingly. I used liquids in the top loader I had before the front loaders and there was a yucky line in the tub from liquid detergent. I hardly ever use a cold water wash and have always done at least 3 loads a week with hot water. I do not use fabric softeners. The powders I use clean well.

Mommy, powders have a higher alkalinity than liquids, in fact most liquids have a neutral PH which is why people say their clothes feel softer using liquids. Rule of thumb is liquids do better on oil/fatty stains and powders do better on clay.

Notice on my other thread about my liking liquids..I said I use a Gain Pod which is liquid but I also said I use a Tide booster pod? That is to raise the alkalinity for better cleaning.

Liquids vs powders have had much discussion..but both have their place.

If I was washing a shirt that had an oily stain I'd choose a liquid, unless I pretreat.

If I wash garden clothes covered in clay soils I'd choose powders.

Also because liquids lack sodium carbonate they are less harsh to the dyes in dark clothing.

I would not personally choose a liquid for my whites or white sheets unless I was also adding a booster to raise the PH and for whitening purposes.

I have been enjoying liquids lately. .but its winter in Pennsylvania meaning the household is not giving me much clay type soils to wash. Come spring I sure won't be relying on liquid alone to clean outdoor muck.

I also want to say that although I've been enjoying liquids...powders are still my absolute favorate.

I used primarily powders for years and years. I think if you don't do a lot of hot washes or Sanitize washes, liquids can (not saying it does though) contribute to mold or slime in the wash machine.

I DO NOT add liquid detergent to the detergent dispenser (fear of any liquids not getting washed out of the rear/inside of the machine). I dose the liquids in a soft, small silicone cup and toss it right into the drum with the clothes. Works so well!!

I have switched to primarily liquids since everything comes out softer, compared with powders. Also, no matter how careful one is with powders, I always managed to make a little mess, whether opening the powders or measuring them. I have yet to spill liquid detergent anywhere.

I do use Grab Green powder pods for my white towels, white and light striped dinner napkins and for any white or very light sheets I wash. I do a MIN. of two 150F washes EVERY week, so I have absolute zero fear of any kind of "mold" or "build" up using liquid detergents.

Also last week aamassther generously gifted me a whole bag of German Dalli Med powder detergent. It is endorsed by several top German Allergy associations. It is made for whites or heavily soiled laundry, yet it is enzyme free and free of optical brighteners. Aamassther and myself are thinking it is either zeolite free or low in zeolites, as this powder leaves everything so insanely soft (as soft or softer than a liquid). Crazy. One must dose VERY carefully, as it is uncharacteristically sudsy for a German detergent, but it is a great powder.

In a nutshell, I like powders, but I love liquids now! :)

@mamapinky wrote: Also because liquids lack sodium carbonate they are less harsh to the dyes in dark clothing.

Would say that's the answer to why I don't use Cheer.

I have no powders. Can't stand the off-gassing and it always felt like I was breathing them in when I measured. I think powder pods or perls are the way to go these days. Premeasured, sealed, no mess, minimized fragrance, easier to store.

So I would redefine it as dry vs liquid.

I don't see dry vs liquid as an issue. I think it depends on use. F.ex., I use a liquid (LeBlanc) for bed linens. Use the tab for towels since I think the dry rinses better than liquid with my towels.

I have delicate GG tabs & delicate liquid.

Everyone has different laundry, of course. It's not a one-size fits all issue. And what some of us do doesn't work for others.

But it's great to share experience and learn the best way to approach. I've got my routine down pretty well and honestly, it take me longer to get to putting things away than to do 6 loads a week!

I have used powders almost exclusively since getting my FL over 10 years ago. Liquids are messy & pods I would believe are too expensive for what you get. I don't use fabric softener & never noticed that my clothes are not soft with powder. Always hated the gooey drips on liquid bottles. Of course I love not so soft clothes off the line versus the softness from the dryer.