Boardwalk BWK340LP 18 lbs. Pail Low Foam Laundry Detergent Powder - Crisp Clean Scent | Commercial & Household Use | High Efficiency Washer Safe | Bulk Laundry Soap for Hotels, Gyms & Large Families

First, I want to say that I am a laundry fanatic. I take laundry very seriously. We are a family of 5, and laundry is a daily chore. I separate, I starch, I stain treat, I soften, and I have a system that's been working for years.So that's the type of crazy who's writing this review.I read a study that said powdered detergent was no less effective in HE machines than pods, and so began the slippery slope that led me to Boardwalk.Now that we have that out of the way, here's my experience in bullet points.You cannot find a cheaper detergent than this.It does a great job. As good as tide, and you only use a little.The lemon scent is only noticable to me when the clothes are still wet.I use fabric softener for a nice smell and to reduce static. This is still a significant savings.I use a larger amount and a soak cycle for heavily soiled clothes and that works really well.I've actually stopped using Lysol laundry sanitizer for strong odors. I no longer need it.Less than stellar observations:I suspect that it causes more fading than tide.The powder is extremely fine, so avoid accidentally inhaling it.No fresh laundry scent.Skin irritation is possible. I did a soak load of underpants for our newly potty trained toddler, and forgot to do an additional rinse load. The result was some dermatitis where he was in contact with the clothing. It cleared up within 24 hours and hasn't been an issue since.I have no qualms about recommending this stuff. I used to spend 23.00 a month on pods and softener. This should last me at least 6 months.++++++++++++UPDATE++++++++++After 10 weeks of use, averaging 1.5 loads per day, here are my follow up observations.-It really takes very little of this detergent to get clothes clean.-The clothes come out feeling very clean. They *feel* clean. There's no residue.-I've been paying special attention to whether or not I see more fading than I would with a retail detergent. I do not.-I no longer think the bucket will last me 6 months. At the rate I'm going, definitely 3 months. I'll update when I run out.-Since the initial rash incident when I didn't get a proper rinse, there's been no itching or rash from anyone in the family.-I'm baffled by the odor removal powers of this cheap, plain, unadvertised detergent.-I continue to feel like I'm getting tremendous value out of this detergent.-It definitely requires the use of a softener or a dryer sheet in at least every other load, to avoid static. If you're a softener minimalist, bear that in mind.