Which Washing Powder for Top-Loader Machine?

[Gerrard]

Probably an odd question to ask, but I've just had the machines in my block changed from old knackered front-loaders to new, spangly (albeit, very basic) top-loading ones. Now, I've just been using normal washing powder and Comfort softener before. Since there's no tray, I just sprinkle the powder and pour a bit of softener in with the washing. Turns out the softener stains!

Being a bloke, and not really into the whole laundry thing, I was wondering if people had recommendations for what works best for these top-loading machines? I found the tablets don't really work that well when I used to use them, but they might be better in a top-loader? Any help would be great!

[AledJ]

When I was at uni we had top loaders!! I just used the tablet things which you can also get small special bags to put them in! All my clothes came out washed and all were fresh

[Steve]

You're supposed to put softener in on the last rinse, which is why it has its own tray on a front loader. Maybe that's why it was staining.

Obviously for 2-in-1 stuff that rule cannot apply.

[Funkstar]

Don't top loaders (not this) stop before the last rinse to let you add the softener? Or do they predate the use of fabric softener?

[Gerrard]

Ah, didn't know that. The instructions aren't exactly clear; they're crappy little pictures and no text. I have enough trouble remembering to get my washing out, let alone to turn up at the right time to add the softener! I'll have a look around in town today, but it looks like it'll be the 2-in-1 stuff now.

[Rave]

I used a top loader at my halls of residence. For some reason the drum had a central spike coming up the middle, for squirting water about or somesuch. They washed alright except one time during the wash cycle a pair of my y-fronts managed to float one leg hole over the spike. Then, it went for a 1200-RPM spin, which stretched one side of my pants to about double the size of the other.