I find this thread discouraging. I started using Charlie's Soap due to recommendations on this forum, but the vehemence of the opinions here is hard to figure?! Does anyone consider why they have such strong opinions about laundry detergent? Or whether they feel these strongly worded comments are actually helpful to the forum? Clearly, some of the difference with results has to have something to do with the difference in water from one community to another. Hard water, soft water, heavily treated water have to make a big difference in how a detergent works. I have seen a few comments here that point out the basic reasoning that many people had in using Charlie's soap, but it bears repeating. Using a detergent that has fewer harsh chemicals and less negative effect on the environment and the water supply. And the second big reason was trying to escape the overabundance of products that cause reactions to the skin from who knows what ingredients. What I want to use as a laundry detergent, is a product that cleans clothes well but is made from natural ingredients that do not affect the water supply or the environment. And definitely, a product that rinses completely out of the clothes so that there is no residue to sit on the skin and either provoke a reaction or be absorbed into the body. It would be more helpful to me, to read comments from someone who actually knows and understands what is in these competing products and what affect they have on not just cleaning the clothes, but do they affect the environment and do they leave a residue that can cause a problem for the skin? And I'm also trying to avoid fragrances. I really dislike them across the board, unless they are natural fragrances, as in coming from essential oils or something. I don't wear perfume and I find it difficult to spend time in a room with someone who does wear it. Bottom line - this thread did not help me figure out which detergent is going to help me have the laundry experience I am looking for.

Checking in to see if any of you found an answer to your stinky laundry smell? I’m beginning to wonder if maybe if I should go with a washing machine with an agitator to get the clothes cleaner? I’ve tried all the different cleaning agents for the machines, I use powder detergent, I keep lid open between uses. I had a front loader and had this issue and went to buy a top loader thinking I would get back to the old school washers. The salesman sold me a top loader with the the spinner at the bottom and I’m pretty much right back to where I started. Any thoughts On this topic or on the top loaders with the agitators? Ty

I used Clorox Clean-Up then switched over to Tough Jobs Bathroom Cleaner with Bleach when my mother-in-law, who has Alzheimer's, lived with us. I know they're not made for fabric but the combination soap/bleach made a tedious job much easier. Rinsing, soaking, disinfecting, borax, Biz, Clorox, Oxi, Oxydol, detergents with bleach, etc. First, I tried the new undies route, with pads, but the Alzheimer's was more advanced than we thought. Resorted to the Depends. The ones we order for her now are more like Pampers. Laundry IS personal. At least we're talking about actual dirty laundry on an actual laundry forum. Colored panties might not hold up to the toughest cleaners and you may notice some skin reaction if they aren't thoroughly rinsed. I always washed my MIL's undies separate or with her washcloths which were about the same...sigh.

A bleach rinse in commercial laundry is typically just 6 minutes.... I agree with the short exposure times to chlorine bleach. I love bleach for specific applications. Laundry is not one of them... it is a LAST resort for stain removal or a quick way to sanitize. I once read in an old housekeeping manual that when washing "white" laundry, chlorine bleach should NEVER replace proper laundering techniques. That has stuck with me for more than 15 years now! Although, I did bleach a load of dishtowels last week in the vintage Maytag, just because I felt like it that day. Side note---I love ammonia in those disgusting type loads. Gets rid of the grease, the grime, and the stink. ;) And cold washes??! Don't....just don't. Laundry sin.