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

I use whatever is cheap and effective. I used a lot of Arm & Hammer liquid but lately wanted something a little better. Overall it was fine. Tried Great Value (WalMart brand) powder and was very impressed. Long time since I had used powders but this has enzymes and works very well. Tried Sun powder, and although it doesn't have enzymes, it works surprisingly well. I'll sometimes give it a boost with dishwasher detergent as I did with A&H. I used to use Wisk and it was probably about the best overall (that could have changed since though, but I don't know) but I haven't used it in a long time since the price became too much. Used ERA for a while and liked it, though not as well as Wisk. That's when I started using A&H. And there was also a store brand or two that I used with success that are no longer available. I seldom use softener anymore but when I do, it's vinegar in a Downey Ball. FWIW, I tried Tide but I itch from it. Very few brands make me itch, but Tide does it.

We recently built a new house in the mountains of NM, on a well. We lived in a little trailer for several summers during construction. I tried the laundromat once and said, we have to get a washing machine. Trick was, it had to be outside the trailer. We went to Albuquerque and bought the nicest used machine I could find, a Kitchen Aid with manual controls and extra rinse option, for $200. DH made wooden pallets for the washer to sit on, I covered it with a big tarp when not in use. I used Calgon for both wash and rinse cycles, to overcome the hard well water. I could just stop the machine to soak really dirty items. The washer worked just great for 3 years, never a glitch. I hung everything on clotheslines strung around the forest. We gave the washer to one of our construction workers and he recently told me it's going strong, and cleans much better than his previous washer. So, yes, I would definitely recommend a used washer. If you live in a metropolitan area there should be several used appliance stores to shop. Honestly, even though I bought a new Bravos 850 set, I think older washers are much better made and more reliable. I wouldn't dream of buying a W/D now without a maintenance contract. Used might very well be the way to go.

Here are the rest of the loads that I measured. Light Blue load: 1 flannel shirt, 9 athletic shirts, 1 dress shirt, 5 pairs underwear, 1 pair of pants, 1 pair of shorts Wash 2 rinses Wash .793 gallons, spun out 2.1 gals total 2.9 gallons Rinse 1 2.1 gallons, spun out 2.3 gallons total 4.4 gallons Rinse 2 2.1 gallons, spun out 2.6 gallons total 4.7 gallons TOTAL 12 gallons Red load: 6 athletic shirts, 1 flannel shirt, 2 pairs underwear, 2 bath towels, 1 hand towel, 2 washcloths, 1 table cloth, 2 place mats Wash, 2 rinses Wash 2.6 gallons, spun out 0.793 gallons total 3.3 gallons Rinse 1 3.1 gallons, spun out 1.3 gallons total 4.4 gallons Rinse 2 3.1 gallons, spun out 2.6 gallons total 5.7 gallons TOTAL 13.4 gallons Light Grey load: 6 pairs underwear, 4 shirts, 12 pairs grey socks Wash, 3 rinses, water+ Wash 1.8 gallons, spun out 1.5 gallons total 3.3 gallons. Rinse 1 2.9 gallons, spun out 1.8 gallons total 4.7 gallons Rinse 2 3.1 gallons, spun out 1.8 gallons total 4.9 gallons Rinse 3 2.9 gallons, spun out 1.8 gallons total 4.7 gallons TOTAL 17.6 gallons White Load: 2 dress shirts, 3 athletic shirts, 7 undershirts, 9 pairs of socks, 9 pairs tighty whities. Prewash, wash, 3 rinses, water + Prewash 1.3 gallons, spun out 1.05 gallons total 2.3 gallons Wash 2.1 gallons, spun out 1.8 gallons total 3.9 gallons Rinse 1 2.6 gallons, spun out 2.3 gallons total 4.9 gallons Rinse 2 2.6 gallons, spun out 2.6. gallons spun total 5.2 gallons Rinse 3 2.6 gallons, spun out 3.4 gallons total of 6 gallons TOTAL 22.3 gallons