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cleanit:laundry [2026/10/08 17:44] – [Liquid vs Powder] greatwhitebuffalo41cleanit:laundry [2026/10/08 18:07] (current) – [Detergent] greatwhitebuffalo41
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-===== Enzymes =====+===== - Enzymes =====
  
 ==== What IS an Enzyme? ==== ==== What IS an Enzyme? ====
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-===== Pretreatment =====+===== - Pretreatment =====
  
 ==== Identify the Issue ==== ==== Identify the Issue ====
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   * [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oHWzZ1Sth0Y0J2ynmXFl7M4mGZe-T_MJ_m_Y39pfBug/edit?gid=1261634780#gid=1261634780|Lipase List - Pretreaters (North America)]] Link goes to google drive but is made by [[https://www.reddit.com/user/KismaiAesthetics/|u/KismaiAesthetics]] of r/Laundry on Reddit   * [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oHWzZ1Sth0Y0J2ynmXFl7M4mGZe-T_MJ_m_Y39pfBug/edit?gid=1261634780#gid=1261634780|Lipase List - Pretreaters (North America)]] Link goes to google drive but is made by [[https://www.reddit.com/user/KismaiAesthetics/|u/KismaiAesthetics]] of r/Laundry on Reddit
  
-===== Detergent =====+===== - Detergent =====
  
 ==== Liquid vs Powder ==== ==== Liquid vs Powder ====
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 ==== How do I choose a good Detergent? ==== ==== How do I choose a good Detergent? ====
-Good surfactants! Surfactants are what we commonly refer to when we're talking about detergent. They are what actually lifts and pulls soils and stains from the clothing. When I look for detergent I'm looking for, good surfactants, something that's been tested over and over again. This is one of the things some of the bigger companies can do so well since they have the teams and resources to do the research needed. Companies like Tide and Persil post their studies and have been in the game for many years. + 
 +**Good surfactants!** 
 + 
 +[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfactant|Per Wikipedia:]] A surfactant is a chemical compound that decreases the surface tension or interfacial tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid. The word surfactant is a blend of "surface-active agent",[1] coined in 1950.[2] As they consist of a water-repellent and a water-attracting part, they are emulsifiers, enabling water and oil to mix. They can also form foam, and facilitate the detachment of dirt.  
 + 
 + 
 +Surfactants are what we commonly refer to when we're talking about detergent. They are what actually lifts and pulls soils and stains from the clothing. When I look for detergent I'm looking for, good surfactants, something that's been tested over and over again. This is one of the things some of the bigger companies can do so well since they have the teams and resources to do the research needed. Companies like Tide and Persil post their studies and have been in the game for many years.  
 + 
 +**Enzymes**
  
 In addition to surfactants, you want a detergent that has some enzymes. Below in the resources is the Lipase List, every detergent on there will have AT MINIMUM lipase in the ingredients list. If you read the above section on enzymes, you'll know they do the heavy lifting on stains and break down stains into smaller bits so the surfactants can wash them away. In addition to surfactants, you want a detergent that has some enzymes. Below in the resources is the Lipase List, every detergent on there will have AT MINIMUM lipase in the ingredients list. If you read the above section on enzymes, you'll know they do the heavy lifting on stains and break down stains into smaller bits so the surfactants can wash them away.
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   * Extra dirty, if you work in the automotive field or somewhere with an extra amount of grease, you'll want something that breaks down grease more thoroughly   * Extra dirty, if you work in the automotive field or somewhere with an extra amount of grease, you'll want something that breaks down grease more thoroughly
   * Kids, kids can come with a whole wide array of messes, you probably want to consider something that's been well tested, works on just about anything, and isn't damaging to clothes. Recommendations on this can include kirkland, Tide, Aerial, Persil powder in a free and clear format   * Kids, kids can come with a whole wide array of messes, you probably want to consider something that's been well tested, works on just about anything, and isn't damaging to clothes. Recommendations on this can include kirkland, Tide, Aerial, Persil powder in a free and clear format
 +  * Accessibility. As mentioned above in the liquid vs powder debate, use what you'll actually be able to use. If you physically or mentally have a disability, issue or literally anything holding you back, USE WHAT IS EASIEST TO USE. Again, please just stay away from laundry sheets, they don't do anything.
  
  
 ==== Resources ==== ==== Resources ====
   * [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oHWzZ1Sth0Y0J2ynmXFl7M4mGZe-T_MJ_m_Y39pfBug/edit?gid=0#gid=0|Lipase List - Detergents (North America)]] Link goes to google drive but is made by [[https://www.reddit.com/user/KismaiAesthetics/|u/KismaiAesthetics]] of r/Laundry on Reddit   * [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oHWzZ1Sth0Y0J2ynmXFl7M4mGZe-T_MJ_m_Y39pfBug/edit?gid=0#gid=0|Lipase List - Detergents (North America)]] Link goes to google drive but is made by [[https://www.reddit.com/user/KismaiAesthetics/|u/KismaiAesthetics]] of r/Laundry on Reddit
 +  * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfactant|Wikipedia:Surfactants]]
 +  * [[https://www.biolinscientific.com/blog/what-are-surfactants-and-how-do-they-work|What are Surfactants and how do They Work?]]
  
  
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-===== Boosters =====+===== - Boosters ===== 
 + 
 + 
 +==== Citric Acid ==== 
 + 
 +**How to use** 
 +  * 1.5 - 2 measuring teaspoons desolved in water is all you need and can be placed in the laundry softener compartment or something similar to a Downy Ball if you don't have one. 
 +  * Used to correct overdosed detergent, won't effect correct or underdosed detergent 
 +  * Used in the final rinse cycle or, fabric softener tray 
 + 
 +**Pros** 
 +  * Citric Acid is great at preventing and mitigating odor rebloom (where something smells bad a day or two after wash) 
 +  * Citric Acid will replace your fabric softener. Unlike softener it will not leave a waxy build up on your clothes but it will leave clothes feeling softer and nicer on the skin. 
 +  * Desolves calcium (yes, it'll be great in your bathroom too) 
 + 
 +Cons 
 +  * It's acidic, don't leave it laying out on metal, stone, etc. 
 +  * Getting it in your eyes is very much going to suck and could potentially be dangerous, be careful 
 +  * Poweder needs to be mixed with water before putting it in but, liquid does exist. 
 + 
 + 
 +==== Resouces ==== 
 + 
   * [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oHWzZ1Sth0Y0J2ynmXFl7M4mGZe-T_MJ_m_Y39pfBug/edit?gid=1327334713#gid=1327334713|Lipase List - Boosters (North America)]] Link goes to google drive but is made by [[https://www.reddit.com/user/KismaiAesthetics/|u/KismaiAesthetics]] of r/Laundry on Reddit   * [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oHWzZ1Sth0Y0J2ynmXFl7M4mGZe-T_MJ_m_Y39pfBug/edit?gid=1327334713#gid=1327334713|Lipase List - Boosters (North America)]] Link goes to google drive but is made by [[https://www.reddit.com/user/KismaiAesthetics/|u/KismaiAesthetics]] of r/Laundry on Reddit
 +  * [[https://www.reddit.com/r/laundry/comments/1nhdr0r/when_the_rinse_washes_you_clean_youll_know_citric/|Reddit post about why citric acid]] by u/KismaiAesthetics
  
  
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-===== Reddit Sources: =====+ 
 + 
 +===== - Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets ===== 
 + 
 +==== Not even Once! ==== 
 +That should be all I need to say. Fabric softener is terrible for your clothes, your washing machine, and can cause dryer fires! 
 + 
 +This section will be expanded in the future but for now: 
 +  * Fabric softener softens your fabrics by coating them in a waxy coating. That waxy coating will build up and build up over time on your clothes with each wash and will be harder and harder for your detergent to get out. This can stress out your fabrics and lead to faster wearing of your fabrics. 
 +  * That waxy coating also builds up in your washing machine leading to break down of seals, extra wear on the washer and //gasp!// Scrud! 
 +  * Wait dryer fires!? Yeah, you heard that right. The waxy coating sticks to your lint trap, making it less and less effective over time. It can also stick to your heating elements and the inside of your dryer vent line. It's also very flamable, just like the lint you're catching. (clean your lint traps every use and clean your vent line 1-2x a year!) 
 +===== - Reddit Sources: =====
  
   * [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oHWzZ1Sth0Y0J2ynmXFl7M4mGZe-T_MJ_m_Y39pfBug/edit?gid=0#gid=0|Lipase List]] Link goes to google drive but is made by [[https://www.reddit.com/user/KismaiAesthetics/|u/KismaiAesthetics]] of r/Laundry on Reddit   * [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oHWzZ1Sth0Y0J2ynmXFl7M4mGZe-T_MJ_m_Y39pfBug/edit?gid=0#gid=0|Lipase List]] Link goes to google drive but is made by [[https://www.reddit.com/user/KismaiAesthetics/|u/KismaiAesthetics]] of r/Laundry on Reddit