Can you use powder detergent in a regular washing machine? Less effective?

Question

I don't have a powder dispenser in my machine (i'm not sure if you need one or not) and I was wondering if I could use powder soap. I use liquid right now and I notice how expensive it is compared to powder (you get more loads in powder).

Answer 1

Actually, we prefer powder to liquid, for the same reason you cited...more loads/box.  That's important when you've got kids.  I don't think there's a day in 20 years when we've had the washer going at least once.

Now for the commercial:

My wife prefers Tide to anything else.  She'll get the cheap stuff and use it on towels (stuff that doesn't get dirty).  She works the opposit that you do....she'll always buy powder unless there's a sale on liquid.

Answer 2

When wash machine is full of water you add about 1/2 cup of powder detergent make sure to fix it with the scooper.

Answer 3

Powdered laundry soap is used in washing machines probably more than liquids.  You don't need a dispenser, you can just add a measured amount while the machine is filling with water.  The package usually will give you recommended amounts to use.  

Answer 4

For many years, all we actually had was powder detergent, and it did seem to work quite well, the only downside was the residue that the powder left at times, on the clothes and washer tub, also you could find clumps of detergent, where the powder had become wet but clumped and did not completely disolve, now if you use it in your normal dispenser I am sure your washer adds water into it to disolve or

delute the detergent, but I would think it will begin to appear messy and quite possible clogged, now you could just pour a cup of power into a top loader after it is filled and might work well. If you have a front loader you would have to put the powder directly on the clothes prior to starting the machine.  Since Liquid has become more popular and it is already disolved and far more effective. I would suggest you look at the different brand names. Plus, I am not sure if the powder comes in He brands, for most of the new washers do require it, it resolve the suds issues. Being very honest, my choice is purex, good detergent, cleans the laundry, great smell, liquid, and comes in He, the cost is great in comparison.  

Answer 5

You can use powder, but be sure you put it in first, with the washer water running on warm or hot so that the powder will dissolve.  Once the powder dissolves, switch the water to the appropriate temperature (based on the color of the clothes you are washing).  

Answer 6

Powder is fine, just make sure you run the water and dissolve it a while *before* you put in the clothes.