forum threadphoinix | Staff posted Yesterday 07:22 AM
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forum threadphoinix | Staff posted Yesterday 07:22 AM
[S&S, AC] $29.48: 3 × 154-Oz Gain + Aroma Boost Liquid Laundry Detergent (Original Scent) ($9.83 each) at Amazon
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Several decades of research has shown that phthalates cause many health issues, including cancer. The latest study linked it to heart disease. It concluded that up to 13% of cases can be traced back to phthalates. Their statistical modeling is questionable but most experts agree that avoiding phthalates is wise.
https://www.consumerrep
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/2...sease.html
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/fighting-phthalates
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cos...-cosmetics
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The best detergents will have enzymes to break down protein and starch-based stains, e.g. food, blood and grass. Look for ingredients that end in "ase", e.g. protease, amylase, etc. Most premium detergents will have 2-4 enzymes. One detergent pod claims to have 7.
While enzymes are good, they can also harm natural fibers like cotton since natural fibers are also made from proteins and starches. My approach to laundry is then to use the weakest detergent possible that achieves your cleaning needs. For example, my biggest problem is sweat. I get almost no stains. So for me, the dollar store brands are just fine. And since they don't have enzymes, they're better for my cotton fabrics. But if you have a lot of stains, try a name brand detergent with no enzymes, e.g. Tide Simply and some Arm & Hammer detergents. If that's not good enough, get a detergent with enzymes, e.g. this Gain and most Tides. And if that's not good enough, get the most powerful detergent, Tide 10x. Basically, get the weakest detergent possible for your needs. Your wallet and your fabrics will thank you. I normally use Arm & Hammer (because it's cheap) or Gain (for the scent) but also have Tide 10x on hand for tough stains.
If you ever do have tough stains, you can use a pretreater, which is basically concentrated cleaners (solvents and enzymes). Or just dab on some of the detergent full-strength and rub. I use a toothbrush to apply the detergent. Don't brush too hard or you'll damage the fabric.
As for hard water, pretty much any detergent will have a water softener to dissolve the minerals. If you're unsure, just get a name brand. Color apparels can benefit from a bleach alternative. Many brands offer a version that has a beach alternative, e.g. Arm & Hammer. Some premium brands also claim to have additives that can protect the colors from fading. But whatever you do, never use regular chlorine bleach on colors.
Detergents come in several forms: Liquid, powder, pods and sheets. Pods and sheets are the most convenient but they're also the most expensive. Plus, sheets also rank at the bottom for effectiveness. That confuses me because sheets are just compressed detergent powder so I don't know why they'd be ineffective. Powders used to rank on top but liquids are now #1. In fact, most companies no longer make powders. Liquids also have the advantage of pretreatment. You can use it to pretreat extra tough stains, something you can't do with powders, pods or sheets.
Happy laundering!
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