Mystery solved: The "load-down" on Tide detergent

Some grocery aisles are pretty easy to navigate. In the baking section, for example, you probably buy the same brand of baking powder all the time and choose the granulated sugar that's on sale. But when you head over to the crowded cleaning-supplies aisle to pick up laundry detergent, confusion can set in, especially when you're confronted with myriad formulations for powders and liquids touted to produce Brighter! Softer! Cleaner! loads.

Zack, an eagle-eyed reader of Consumerist.com from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, became a bit bleary-eyed several weeks back when comparing Tide laundry detergents (photo, right). As this post on the site notes:

". . . Each of these three kinds of Tide laundry detergent gives you a different amount of loads - 48, 52 and 64. They all weigh and cost the same, they're all '2X Ultra' formulation. The only difference is they have different scents, Clean Breeze, Mountain Spring, and Original. Can anyone crack this detergent dilemma?"

We're happy to report that we were able to suss out the situation:

Each container of the 2X Ultra Tide detergents shown holds 100 ounces of concentrated detergent. A bottle of Tide Mountain Spring scented cleaner (right) washes 64 loads. When Tide adds a bleach alternative (center), in this case to an "original scent" detergent, the number of loads per bottle drops to 52. Incorporating a fabric softener to the mix results in even fewer loads—a bottle of Tide Clean Breeze with Downy (left) delivers 48 loads.

Procter & Gamble, manufacturer of Tide, had two choices in determining detergent prices: It could have charged more for products with a bleach alternative or a fabric softener, cleaners that a company spokesperson, Lauren Thaman, calls "value-added products." Or the Cincinnati-based P&G could have set one price for the same amount of cleaner but with differing numbers of loads.

Thaman notes that P&G took the second approach, common among manufacturers, because it's more economical for the company and easier for retailers. What's more, things could get complicated when detergents with different prices go on sale.

As for the consumer, Thaman says, the same-size-and-price-but-different-loads method "is more transparent. . . . The shopper is used to shopping for a price, and the number of loads is right on the label."

Still, this pricing structure could be confusing, especially since a unit-pricing label indicating cost per quart like the one Consumerist.com reader Zack saw is not nearly as helpful as cost-per-load information.

Bottom line: When you're choosing among detergents, compare the cost per load (total cost divided by the number of loads). And, of course, use the ratings from our latest report of 34 detergents to find the product that can best handle a variety of tough stains.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Before you shop for new laundry equipment, visit our washing machines and dryers product pages.

Photo courtesy of Consumerist.com

Check out our appliances forums

With nearly 400 user-initiated topics, refrigerators remain our most active appliance-related forum. A good place to join in is the "Anyone happy with their purchase?" thread, where people are reveling in—or just plain regretting—their recent refrigerator buys. Other notable fridge topics include:
• When you should repair or replace a refrigerator.
• The pros and cons—and costs—of French-door refrigerators (shown).
• Buying advice for narrow refrigerators.

Dishwashers enjoy the second-highest number of member-created topics in our appliances forums. Check out these:
• Bosch, Electrolux, and Kenmore models have received rave reviews in the "I love my dishwasher" forum set up by forums moderator Angelo Mannino.
• Dual-drawer dishwashers are drawing detractors and defenders.
• One member noted a downside to some high-tech models: The circuit boards could prove difficult to replace.

For washing machines, you'll find a number of interesting reads. These include:
• Picks for a dependable front-loader.
• Talk about which store offers the best return policy.
• A thread on curing washers of mold and mildew, a topic that prompted this recent blog post. It's an example of how we can work your specific needs and concerns into our coverage.—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Read about how some appliances have become more energy efficient in recent years, and learn how the federal Energy Star program has lost some of its luster.

Mold can be a problem for some front-loading washers

Front-loading washing machines are more efficient than traditional top-loading washers. Sure, you’ll pay a $400 to $500 premium over the average top-loader, but your electricity and water savings should offset the added expense over the lifetime of the appliance. Plus, front-loaders are among the highest-rated washers in our tests.

But front-loaders don’t have a spotless reputation. We’ve received myriad comments from readers about water left behind at the end of the wash cycle, bleach spotting, excessive vibrations, unhelpful service reps, and other complaints common to all washers. But one issue seems unique to front-loaders: mold buildup in the rubber gasket of the door and the resulting odor on clothes.

The mold problem is so widespread that class-action suits are targeting LG, Whirlpool, and Sears, whose Kenmore front-loaders are made by Whirlpool. The Maytag Neptune front-loading washer line has been part of a similar lawsuit, for which a settlement was reached.

One Consumer Reports reader had a Whirlpool Duet for four months when it and her family’s clothes began to smell of mold. She contacted the manufacturer, which she says told her to clean the machine twice a week with bleach, wipe the door down after each wash, and leave the door open to dry it out. “I work full time and have five children—four who do their own laundry,” says Merryl Nall of Collierville, Tennessee, says. “Needless to say, that would not work.” Whirlpool took back the washer, and Nall has switched to a top-loader. (You'll find more discussions about mold in washers in this forum.)

Mold, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can cause symptoms that include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation, fever, and shortness of breath. For people with chronic lung illnesses, mold infections can develop in their lungs. And exposure to mold can also bring on asthma attacks.

Suggested remedies to the mold problem abound. Whirlpool sells Affresh tablets as a way to clean washer residue and mold. Sears warns against using non-HE detergents, cleaners that could create conditions for mold growth. And LG recommends that once or twice a month you run a special hot cycle to which you add bleach to clean the washer.

Our advice:
• When washing, use warm or hot water unless a load requires cold.
• Wipe the door gasket and glass dry once you’re done washing.
• Clean the detergent dispenser and any attachments once or twice a month.
• Run a dehumidifier if your laundry room is damp.

If you see mold buildup in a front-loading washer, call the manufacturer for service and save all paperwork related to the purchase and service of your machine. In the Maytag Neptune settlement, plaintiffs eligible for restitution needed to document multiple authorized repair visits made during the warranty period and soon after the warranty expired.

In response to the many reader letters we've received, we're asking owners of front-loaders whether repairs they’ve had done to their washers relate to mold alone. We’ll report on the findings from the Annual Questionnaire, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, in future stories.—Ed Perratore

Tip of the Day: Buy the best washing machine for your home

In our 2007 report on washing machines, some of the top-loading models were only so-so performers. But manufacturers made improvements to their models, as we found in our 2008 washers review.

If you're in the market for a new washing machine, watch our video (right) and read our latest report and buying advice.

Essential information: Follow our washing tips to get your clothes clean, learn about the best laundry detergents, and plan your new laundry room. And don’t forget to check out our new Home Improvement Guide interactive, which provides buying advice and more for appliances, tools, and building materials for every area of your home.

Appliance trends for 2008 . . . and beyond

Michael DiLauro, a product-information specialist who covers a wide range of home products for Consumer Reports, recently attended the 2008 International Builders’ Show. Here, Michael, who knows a thing or two about the appliance industry, provides his insight into the appliance trends you’ll see in the coming months and years:

• New lines and brands emerge. You’ll have three new full lines of appliance to consider when shopping this year. Samsung and LG will round out their offerings in 2008, as both will offer a complete line of major appliances; Samsung has added a dishwasher while LG has come out with a wall oven and a cooktop. Also debuting in the U.S. market this spring is Electrolux, which will have 130 new products in stores. Take a look at the new Electrolux appliances. The GE Café line, introduced last fall, has been a big success. Look for GE to increase the number of Café line products this year.

Also, after years of major changes and consolidation in the appliance industry—including Whirlpool’s acquisition of Maytag, Jenn-Air, and Amana—some brands are now being repositioned. Amana is being morphed into the brand for the practical style seeker. (Read about the company’s Jot dry-erase refrigerator, shown.)

• Appliances go high-tech. Sophisticated electronics continue to make their way into the appliance world. For cooking appliances, the gadgetry allows for easier-to-clean glass touch controls and more one-touch functions that control cooking time and temperature. Behind these one-touch settings are algorithms designed to bring the ovens up to the correct temperature and cook to the proper doneness, adjusting and providing visual feedback along the way. One range I checked out features 11 different cooking modes, many of which would not be possible without state-of-the-art electronics and algorithms. Ranges and wall ovens from several brands have electronic controls that are completely blacked out until you touch the surface. The electronic controls on some Bosch gear lights up when you bring your hand to within six inches of the controls.

International Builders' Show Product Preview: GE Profile WPDH8800J Washer With SmartDispense

All washing machines are set-it-and-forget-it when it comes to the water—but it’s still up to you to measure and add the detergent. We’ve seen liquid-detergent-and-fabric-softener dispensers for washers before, but GE’s new Profile WPDH8800J front-loader (left in the photo) is the first washer designed to dole out the right amount of detergent and softener based on the load size, soil level, fabric, cycle, or even water hardness. Called SmartDispense, the new feature is built into the pedestal below the Energy Star–qualified washer and has a claimed capacity of up to 350 ounces of detergent and 85 ounces of fabric softener—roughly six months’ worth for a typical household.

Costing $1,800 with the pedestal, the washer and its matching model DPVH880 dryer, $1,329, aren’t cheap. If you’re willing to dispense with the SmartDispense feature, you’ll find high-scoring front-loaders from our washer tests for as little as $650 and top-loaders starting at $400.

The washer and dryer will be in stores in July.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Read our latest report on washers and dryers.

Prevent a dryer fire at your home

Recent incidents in Stuyvesant, New York, Bridgewater, New Jersey, and Erwin, North Carolina, point to the dangers of dryer fires. In fact, on average, more than 13,000 fires start in laundry rooms in the United States each year, resulting in 10 deaths and $97 million in property damage. Nearly 4,000 of these fires arise from lint buildup that occurs when people fail to clean their dryer vents. The following advice can help you prevent a disaster.

When it comes to dryer fires, flexible dryer ducts made of foil or plastic (plastic is shown at right) are the most problematic because they can sag and let lint build up at low points. Ridges can also trap lint. Metal ducts, either flexible or rigid (rigid is shown at left ), are far safer because they don't sag, so lint is less likely to accumulate. What’s more, if a fire does start, a metal duct is more likely to contain it.

No matter which kind of duct you have, clean it regularly. Also clean the lint screen each time you use your dryer and get rid of any lint inside, behind, and underneath the dryer. These simple steps will not only reduce the risk of a fire, but your dryer will also dry your clothes faster and use less energy. Learn more dryer-safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, whose illustration is shown at right.

Essential information: Watch our safety alert video for more information on preventing dryer fires. If you’re in the market for a new dryer or washer, read our February 2008 report on laundry appliances. And find the best detergents to get your laundry clean.

Kenmore HE5t Steam Washer: First Look

The addition of steam makes this HE5t one hot performer.

Price we paid: $1,600

Date of Consumer Reports full report: February 2008

What it is. This front-loading washer, model 4778, is an updated version of the HE5t model we’ve previously tested, but it adds Steam Treat, which is supposed to enhance cleaning performance.

When you push the button to select the Steam Treat option, available for five of the machine’s wash cycles, the water temperature is automatically set to warm. As the wash cycle progresses, the water is slowly heated and steam is introduced into the tub. Sears claims the steam washer will provide "optimal removal of organic stains" (food and blood) and "temperature-sensitive stains" (oil), and is designed for "heavily soiled loads that need improved stain treatment, loads with multiple types of stains, or loads you suspect as having stains, but are afraid may have been missed."

This Energy Star–qualified appliance is available at Sears stores nationwide. It comes in white or red (shown; Sears calls it Barolo) and has a stainless-steel wash basket, a sanitize temperature, and a clean-washer cycle to keep the interior clean (we haven’t tested those features).

What we liked. In initial testing, the HE5t has delivered excellent wash performance with and without the steam option. However, when using the steam option, performance has been somewhat better. Among its appealing features are an extra-large capacity (a claimed 4.0 cubic feet), quiet operation, and high marks for water and energy efficiency.

What we didn’t like. The long cycle times. A load using the heavy-duty cycle runs 1 hour, 40 minutes—not uncommonly long for a front-loader--and more than 2 hours with the steam option. The HE5t also has proved to be not as gentle on clothing in small and large loads as most of the other front-loading machines we’re testing.

Our initial take. Our preliminary testing shows this washer to be a top-notch appliance, though it is expensive. Indeed, you can get similar washing performance from the nonsteam HE5t for several hundred dollars less.

Use our free buying advice if you’re in the market for a new washing machine and learn how to set up a laundry room near your living space. And look for our latest report on washers and dryers in the February 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.                         

Buy the best appliances and kitchen gear

Shopping for appliances and kitchen gear shouldn’t be a race against the clock. You’re going to live with these products for years, so it’s important to choose models that blend performance, value, and brand reliability.

But if you can’t dedicate loads of time to researching your purchases, scout our all-star lineup of appliances and kitchen gear below. They’re the top performers from a year's worth of testing at Consumer Reports. Note that models within groups are listed in performance order, and prices for dishwashers, dryers, ranges, refrigerators, and washers are for models with a white finish.

Watch Bob Markovich, editor of the Consumer Reports Home & Yard franchise, present five top-performing appliances on NBC's Today Show, from November 19, 2007.)

(Click on each appliance name below to see models, then learn more about this gear using the links in the "essential information" section.)

• Cooktops & wall ovens
Essential information: Read our buying advice.

• Dishwashers
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and find out which dishwasher detergents work best.

• Gas grills
Essential information: Read our latest report, prepare our easy, delicious grilling recipes, and watch a video buying guide.

• Microwave ovens
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and take our microwave safety quiz.

• Ranges
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice.

• Refrigerators
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and find out how much storage space refrigerators really offer.

• Vacuum cleaners
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and watch a video buying guide.

• Washers & dryers
Essential information: Read our latest report on laundry appliances and buying advice for washers and dryers. Use our washing tips to keep you clothes looking their best, and learn how to avoid dryer fires.

• Wet/dry vacuums
Essential information: Read our latest report.

First Look: Steam appliances are hot

When it comes to home appliances, steam is in. Our engineers and technicians are testing a slew of different steam products, including dishwashers, microwaves, and washing machines. We'll be publishing First Look product previews of this new gear in the coming weeks and months.

Although it might seem unusual for a dryer to have a steam option—after all, this appliance is supposed to dry, not dampen, clothes—some of the latest models use steam to help reduce or eliminate wrinkles and odors. Learn more by reading our recent First Look of the Kenmore HE5 Steam Dryer (shown).

Essential information. If you're in the market for a new dryer, use this free buying advice. Then refer to the Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the right model for your home. And if you're considering adding a laundry room near living space, keep these design considerations in mind.