Idania Rosso

Idania Rosso has spent more than 25 years working in family homes, and laundry has been part of the job, and of her own home, the whole time. She has watched laundry change, from washing by hand to machines, pods and a long run of new detergents and softeners, and she has seen most of what can go wrong: bleach spots on dark clothes, garments ruined in the wash, loads that came out smelling musty, sweaters covered in pills. What she shares on All About Detergents is what each mistake taught her: the small habits that keep clothes from getting ruined in the first place.

Laundry Basics

Does Laundry Detergent Work in Cold Water?

Modern detergent cleans most everyday loads well in cold water. See what works, which stains need warmth, and how cold washing cuts…
Laundry Basics

Zote Soap: What It Is and How to Use It for Laundry

What Zote laundry soap is, how pink, white and blue bars differ, and how to hand wash, pre-treat and grate it, with…
Detergent Types

Laundry Detergent Bars vs Liquid Detergent: Is a Bar Enough?

A detergent bar is enough for hand washing and stain treatment, but liquid suits machine loads. Learn how soap and syndet bars…
Buying Guides

Fels-Naptha vs Zote: Which Laundry Bar Should You Use?

Fels-Naptha is a compact stain bar and Zote is a large general laundry soap. Compare purpose, ingredients, scent, size and cautions, then…
Stain Removal

Fels-Naptha Laundry Soap Bar: What It Is, What It Does and Whether It Is Safe

An honest overview of the Fels-Naptha laundry bar: maker, current ingredients, how to pre-treat stains, safety and sensitivities, and where it falls…
Buying Guides

Fels-Naptha Alternatives: What to Use Instead

Alternatives to Fels-Naptha for people who cannot find it or want fragrance-free or different ingredients: other bars, liquids, enzymes and oxygen bleach.
Laundry Basics

Can You Use Regular Bar Soap to Wash Clothes?

Regular bar soap can hand wash a few light items in a pinch, but it leaves residue in hard water and does…
Stain Removal

Best Bar Soap for Stains: Which Laundry Bars Work on Which Stains

Which laundry bars suit which stains: grease, collar grime, grass, blood and makeup, why soap works or falls short, and a simple…
Detergent Types

Liquid vs. Powder vs. Pod Detergent: What Is the Difference?

Compare liquid, powder and pod detergent on cost, stain removal, convenience, storage and safety to choose the best one for your laundry.
Skin & Health

Laundry Detergent Guide for Allergy Sufferers

Fragrances, dyes and preservatives are common detergent allergens. Learn how to choose gentler products and wash clothes to protect sensitive skin.
Laundry Basics

Top Tips to Hand Wash Clothes with Detergent

Step-by-step instructions for hand washing clothes with detergent, plus tips for delicates, stains, rinsing and drying.
Skin & Health

Are Fabric Softeners Toxic? The Truth About the Myth

Fabric softeners are not poisonous when used as directed, but fragrances, quats and preservatives can irritate sensitive skin. Learn the facts and…