Good "cheaper" laundry detergent?

[Tickla]

I have always used Tide, but it is getting SO expensive I have been looking at some cheaper kinds & looking for some recommendations. I like the smell of Purex Naturals?? I think it's called. They have lilies & linens, cherry blossom & a fruity one--has anyone used these & are they good at cleaning & smelling fresh? They only cost $3.94 here--that is cheap! But I hate to buy it if it's not going to work well. Thanks !

 

[rosanafamily]

I use Purex HE. It's worth the money and works well. When on sale around here you can get it as low as 1.99.

 

[Cruise]

I always used Purex or Arm & Hammer before I got my HE machine. I always thought they worked fine and didn't have any trouble getting out stains or smells.

 

[rockyroad]

I have been using Purex detergent for a couple of years.
You can also use less than recommended.
And it usually works just fine.

When my kids were little I used Era, which I consider to be the best detergent ever.
I like to keep some for especially dirty or food soiled laundry.
Sadly it has become hard to find.

 

[Tickla]

Thanks! I just might go ahead & try it. It would be nice to save some money on laundry!

 

[krise]

I go to costco and get mine. for less then 20$ it does 96 loads.

 

[rosanafamily]

I always used Purex or Arm & Hammer before I got my HE machine. I always thought they worked fine and didn't have any trouble getting out stains or smells.

Purex does make HE detergent AND it sells for the the same prce as regular detergent. Use it all the time!

 

[disneystacy]

I have found that other brands although cheaper than Tide, you actually need to use more of it to get the clothes clean. I have tried other brands in the past including the Purex Naturals and I needed to use 1 1/2 capfuls to Tides 1 capful. No money saving imo. I just stock up on Tide when its on sale and utilize my coupons.

 

[lulamc]

I use ALL or ALL Small & Mighty. I always have coupons and it's on sale a lot. I usually get it for under $4.

 

[sherry7]

I'm a huge fan of Sears powdered detergent. (They have it in liquid form as well). I was having a really bad problem with buildup (scum) in my front loader, and this detergent completely solved that problem. Plus, my clothes aren't fading like they did when I used Cheer. The people over on the GardenWeb laundry forum rave about Sears detergent.

It's very inexpensive...the regular price of an 180 load box is $23.99 (13 cents per load). It goes on sale pretty frequently, so you can get it even cheaper. If you go to the store, it's sold in the hardware department (yeah, that's weird).

 

[hickchick]

I buy laundry detergent at Big Lots - "Sun" is their brand. It smells good and gets the clothes clean...

 

[luvmy3]

I'm a huge fan of Sears powdered detergent. (They have it in liquid form as well). I was having a really bad problem with buildup (scum) in my front loader, and this detergent completely solved that problem. Plus, my clothes aren't fading like they did when I used Cheer. The people over on the GardenWeb laundry forum rave about Sears detergent.

It's very inexpensive...the regular price of an 180 load box is $23.99 (13 cents per load). It goes on sale pretty frequently, so you can get it even cheaper. If you go to the store, it's sold in the hardware department (yeah, that's weird).

I just got a couple of boxes of this when it was on sale for $12 and I am very happy with it.

 

[brymolmom]

I use the All - free of dye and perfume. The huge one at BJ's lasts us a long time and it is concentrated so we only use about 1/3 capful per load. It is about $13.99 or so??? at BJ's but they have $2.00 coupon off sometimes, so we get it then and it lasts months.

 

[bigfish2215]

I'm a Era Girl. Tide makes me break out. 1 bottle is good for 96 loads and I can find it on sale here for around $10.00 not too bad. Also, my DH work at a milk plant so his clothes are stinky like sour milk (yucky) I add a 1/2cup of Borax and that has even stretched the all mighty dollar. Helps the soap work better and makes them smell better too.

 

[woodkins]

I have been using Purex for over 2 years and it is GREAT! It washes the clothing beautifully, no fading etc & gets the clothes very clean. My husband is a blue collar guy & it even cleans his clothes! I think it is a great value!!!

 

[englishteacha]

I use Sun or Purex, whichever I can get cheaper. Both work well. If something is particularly dirty I either let it soak a while or add some Borax or Oxyclean. I wash almost everything in cold.

A friend gave us a giant jug of Tide (she has an HE machine and accidentally bought regular Tide). I don't think clothes are any cleaner using the Tide than using the cheaper detergent.

 

[torinsmom]

I was using Extra which was around $4 for 30 loads. Then I found LA's Totally Awesome brand at Dollar Tree, $1 for 21 loads. I was skeptical, but it has worked really well for me. I also got my fabric softener there; it was a refill carton for $1. I am happy to save some money!

Marsha

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Costco's house brand, Kirkland Signature, is very highly rated by Consumer Reports.

 

[Princess April]

I use Purex and I am happy with it.... give it a try and I think you'll like it.

 

[Justsyd2]

I've been using Purex for over 10 years. It works great! I can usually find it on sale for less than $3.00