Tide Free and Gentle Powder

last year

last modified: last year

I was under the assumption that Tide Free and Gentle Powder did not have OB's, so I went ahead and ordered 2 boxes online at a reasonable price. When they arrived, I looked at the ingredient list and found that it does indeed include OB's listed as "whitening agent fluorescent brightener 71". I had planned on using this on my colors and darks and was very disappointed. Also, looking at the ingredient list I could not figure out what makes this formula "Free and Gentle" other than having no scent. I realize that this was my fault, and I should have done more research before making this purchase. Just thought you all might like to know before purchasing this product.

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littlegreeny

last year

I also wish it didn't contain OBs but I use and like this powder very much. I use it for bath towels, microfiber towels, whites and sportswear. I found even though it claims to be unscented it always has a little scent from what I assume it picked up from surrounding scented products. My boxes always have that old-fashioned, classic detergent aroma and there is a "whisper of scent" left over as Mama used to say.

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Comments (16)

SEA SEA
last year
Yes, the pods version of Free and Gentle has optical brighteners too. : (

The liquid does not. It's a bit confusing. I would like F&G across all their versions to be free of OBs but I don't make decisions over at P&G. It makes sense that if it is to be actually called F&G it should be free of potential irritants.

Having no scent added and a touch less oxygen bleach is their classifier for the powder.
doreycrouse
last year
No bleach activator either
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Pat Z5or6 SEMich
last year
Gobsmacked again. I really like this powder and now you're saying it isn't really free and gentle? I hope I remember to call P&G tomorrow. I'm so mad at them for putting "Downy" on a liquid Free & Gentle bottle that they know does NOT have Downy in it. I'm now just THIS close to leaving P&G again! No wonder Roc refuses to use P&G detergents.
ShadyWillowFarm
last year
If you have been using the product and like it, why leave??? I used it for my infant and it was great. Switched to something less expensive once he was older and not so sensitive.
SEA SEA
last year
Pat, the Downey version of the F&G liquid is due to the enzyme they put in--celluose. It munches the fuzz that accumulates on fabric, thus making the fabric feel softer. It's not really Downy fabric softener, just to be clear. Littlegreeny shared that bit of info.

I do like that detergent, but end up with the tiny holes in clothes because of the cellulose. I like how it makes the fabric very smooth, but then I have little holes in my clothes...I don't use that one anymore but have fond memories of it. Wish I could have it both ways, but can't.

I wonder what Roc is using these days?
Pat Z5or6 SEMich
last year
SEA SEA, it's just that in my old age I'm having a very hard time with false advertising meant to lure in customers. P&G does it all the time but so do other corporations. Same as I'm having a hard time with lying politicians. Lieing?
Trapped
last year
Looking at the label for All liquid at Target. It shows an optical brightener.
Laundry Mich
last year
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.
Cavimum
last year
My bottle of liquid Tide Stain Release Free Gentle (purchased at Target) does not have OBs listed in the ingredients.
Alex Mars
last year
last modified: last year
I have the Tide Hygienic Free Liquid and also does not list OBs.
littlegreeny
last year
last modified: last year
My Tide Ultra Stain Release Free also has no OBs. I found this formula to be the best performing free and clear detergent. My laundry has never been cleaner.
tideman_59
Original Author
last year
Thanks everyone! I now have a couple of Tide options without OB's! Hopefully, they'll keep it that way. Now, if only they had a powder version without Ob's.
vinmarks
last year
Why are OB's bad? Is it a sensitivity issue or is there some other reason they are bad?
dadoes
last year
vinmarks,

OBs (optical brighteners) are fluorescent dyes which function like bluing. There is some concern about adverse health effects, and some people are sensitive to them (skin irritation and such). They can also cause fading (or an appearance of fading) of dark colors such as black and navy.

are optical brighteners in detergent harmful
vinmarks
last year
@dadoes Thanks for the explanation.

Tide Free and Gentle Powder

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Tide Free and Gentle Powder

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