Oxyclean

[many houseapes]

Just a question for those of you who use oxyclean. Have you really noticed an improvement in your laundry?? I am thinking about trying this product, but I would like to hear your opinions first before I buy it.Thanks

[mauimagic]

It seems to keep my laundry clean!! I use it instead of borax in my HM laundry detergent.

The friend who borrows my car (and always returns it washed) uses it to add a polish to the car - and my car (Forester 2000) is always shinig!!

[2ndGenGranola]

It seems to keep my laundry clean!! I use it instead of borax in my HM laundry detergent.

I use it in my hm laundry soap too. My clothes have never looked better. I use it in the carpet shampooer for bad spots and all kinds of things.

[joyofsix]

Thanks for asking this question. I haven't bought it because I didn't know if it would really work. Waiting more opinions.

[Jerseygirl]

I don't use it in day to day laundry, with desk jobs our stuff doesn't get that dirty, but I love it for stain removal, babyfood / formula, red wine on my tablecloths and napkins. I make a paste, let it sit, then add extra to that wash.

[Grainlady]

There are too many variables to laundry to say if Oxyclean will improve your laundry - over-all - until you give it a test yourself. It works best in warm to hot water - not cold water. The newest version creates more suds, so if you have a front loading washing machine, it may not be the best choice for you, or require an extra rinse. It may not be a necessary add-in for ALL loads, and it may not address the root of your laundry challenge.

I've successfully used it for hard to remove stains, like beet juice, or to whiten an antique tablecloth I bought at an auction. I also added it to my dry homemade laundry mixture (ZOTE, borax and washing soda), but that added to the cost, and very little to it's effectiveness; and clothes were stiffer when dried on the line using Oxyclean, or the less expensive brand Sun Oxygen Cleaner from the Dollar General Store.

Some things to consider...

1. If you have hard water, that can contribute to soap build-up and not-so-white whites, if whites are your main problem. There are ways to take care of those issues, including using HOT water, adding more detergent, using water softener products in the wash AND the rinse.

I realize we're supposed to save the planet by using cold water, but few people realize soap and detergents (unless designed for using in cold water) don't work well at certain temperatures (especially cold water temperatures in the winter). Detergent manufacturers and care labels define cold water as 80-85°F. If the temperature of the water is too cold for your hands, the detergent will not activate and clean effectively. Hot water has always been recommended for removing dirt from heavily soiled items.

2. Since phosphates have been removed from our laundry detergents, you may find add-ins beneficial, especially for whites or heavily soiled clothing. I add Cascade dishwasher detergent to my whites occasionally. We have extremely hard water and I almost always dry our laundry on a line in the basement anymore. When I dry clothes outside, my whites don't require the Cascade treatment because the sun whitens them.

There is a beneficial amount of phosphates in Cascade, which helps the detergent clean better in hard water. There are also enzymes (remember BIZ?, it had enzymes in it to help remove organic dirt/stains) and/or bleach in dishwasher detergents that help remove stains and whiten whites. Detergents, such as ROMA (I can find it at Big Lots), which are made in Mexico have high amounts of phosphates in them and work VERY well in hard water for cleaning laundry. These high-phosphate detergents may be against the law to use in some states. Phosphate higher than .05% and Roma has 16 times that amount.

3. You can also add Sodium Tripolyphosphate (aka STPP). You'll find more general information here...

http://ths.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/l...601018823.html

I found STPP too expensive to use on a regular basis, so I stick to Charlie's Soap with an occasional addition of Cascade to whites. For heavy dirt, I'll use 2 T. Charlie's Soap instead of the usual 1 T. NO softener, which only contributes to laundry problems and is extrmely toxic. Every time you add another product to your laundry, you add a considerable amount to the cost of doing laundry.

[Neeley]

It works great for us. DS's baseball unifroms are always white pants w/white jerseys & it keeps them looking new even after he has been sliding into the bases.

We love it & highly recommend it.

[stinkbug]

I bought some *generic* oxy clean that specifically states on the label NOT to use it in carpet cleaners....

[frugalfranny]

Some things to consider...


2. Since phosphates have been removed from our laundry detergents, you may find add-ins beneficial, especially for whites or heavily soiled clothing. I add Cascade dishwasher detergent to my whites occasionally. We have extremely hard water and I almost always dry our laundry on a line in the basement anymore. When I dry clothes outside, my whites don't require the Cascade treatment because the sun whitens them.

Thanks grainlady....I am going to try the Cascade...forget the Oxyclean. I have looked at it, but not tried it as I thought it was a bit pricey when I didn't know if it would work.
But the Cascade should work as I have used it to take out a stain, when made into a paste with water, but you don't leave it on anything very long. It is really strong, as evidenced by your hands when you use it for a spot.

We are also one of the states where phosphates have been outlawed but everyone I know goes to Idaho to buy their soap. The few that buy 'the other stuff' here have really been complaining that the other soap doesn't clean, leaves spots, etc.

[Contrary Housewife]

I got a bucket of the cheaper generic and have been satisfied with it so far. You use very little of it, maybe two tablespoons per load, so it should last a while. I don't use it every time, just once in a while to brighten things.

The first time I used it I put all my whites in the tub with a couple scoops and let it soak for an hour before running a normal wash, and it really helped bring the clothes back to life. No more dingy grey, as they say.

I also used it to clean some plastic containers that were stained. You have to wash the grease off them first, but then you can soak the plastic and it really works to get rid of the stains.

[shoiji]

I will buy the knock off versions of oxi-clean. Especially if it is cheaper. I will also fill up a bucket with hot water and a scoop full of the cleaner to soak anything that needs to have a stain removed. I have also found that it works great with cleaning plastic. Cleaning plastic blinds, chairs, garbage pails is really easy with this stuff. Just make sure to use really hot water.

[Grainlady]

I will buy the knock off versions of oxi-clean. Especially if it is cheaper. I will also fill up a bucket with hot water and a scoop full of the cleaner to soak anything that needs to have a stain removed. I have also found that it works great with cleaning plastic. Cleaning plastic blinds, chairs, garbage pails is really easy with this stuff. Just make sure to use really hot water.

I think your soaking method is a winner!!! We often get in too big a hurry these days and forego the benefits of something as simple as soaking (or pretreating stains).

As a bit of additional information, use hot water, NOT boiling water, with Oxygen Cleaners.

[Sassyclass]

I've never used it but I do use baking soda and there is a big difference in my whites. Much cheaper and safer, and my washer tub comes out pearly white after a load.

Cat

[MomToTwoBoys]

I used OxyClean like ten years ago when it first came out and I loved it! I haven't used it since then, but when I did use it it was magnificent for cleaning out all of the gunk.

[geckoace]

ive used it on the babies clothes and it gets out all kind of nasty stains