Purex 3-in-1 Not Necessarily Best for Front Loaders

The Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets caught my eye because each one contains a premeasured dose of laundry detergent, fabric softener and anti-static. It sounds easy, convenient and, best of all, no worries about adding too much soap or fabric softener to the high efficiency washer's dispenser. I tried both the tropical escape and spring oasis fragrances.

Purex Complete 3-in-1 Overview
Purex sheets are available in two scents and a free and clear variety. The starter packs come in a refillable plastic dispenser and cost $5.94 per 20-count package, approximately thirty cents per load, at Walmart. A 38-count refill pack costs approximately $7.50, or twenty cents per load.

I purchased Purex 3-in-1 during a sale online and paid approximately $3.50 for a 20-count package.

The label says the laundry sheets are safe for HE, top and front loader washers. Simply toss one sheet in the washer along with the laundry. After the wash cycle, transfer everything, including the wet laundry sheet, to the dryer. Use one sheet for regular loads or two for extra large loads. (See the label for complete information.)

The plastic dispenser is approximately an 8x8 rectangle and three inches deep. It is lightweight, easy to transport and does not take up much room. The sheets are thick polyester with a distinct layer of HE detergent and a visible strip of fabric softener.

Performance Power
Using only one sheet per load, the detergent cleaned alright and created minimal suds since it is HE. However, smelly or heavily soiled wash loads required two sheets. In the washer, the blue detergent portion turned white, leaving a small strip of fabric softener. After drying, most of the fabric softener was gone from the sheet. It eliminated static cling, but the fabric softener was a bit disappointing and did not do much to soften laundry or leave a noticeable fragrance. This was particularly evident on freshly laundered bedding and bath towels.

Purex 3-in-1 Complaints
Browsing the web and reading reviews on Amazon.com reveals two common problems with Purex 3-in-1 sheets. One issue is marks or stains from the fabric softener portion of the sheet. I have never had this problem, even when using the Bounce Dryer Bar, but it is a possibility with dryer sheets. The label advises users to rub a bar of soap over the marks and rewash the garment.

Some owners of HE washers complain that the sheets enter the washers causing clogs and other problems. I have not experienced this either and, initially, failed to understand how the large sheet could pass through the small drain holes in the washer. Purex.com addresses this concern by explaining that some front loaders have a small gap between the rubber and the drum, allowing small items, such as socks or laundry sheets, to enter the washer. It recommends placing the sheets inside a lingerie bag to avoid this problem.

Room for Improvement
The product label should include a warning about laundry sheets possibly clogging front loaders. Customers need access to this information at the point of purchase instead of having to scour the web for information.

Purex touts this product as a green option because it uses less water and packaging, creating a lightweight product that costs less to transport. The manufacturer should boost the green quotient and revamp the packaging by making it from recycled plastic or paper. The thick polyester sheets need an overhaul as well.

The instructions embossed on the plastic dispenser are difficult to see.

The Final Rinse
The performance power is lacking, but Purex Complete 3-in-1 sheets may be a convenient option for those who go to laundry mats and do not want to tote large containers of soap and fabric softener. However, I use a front load HE machine and will not purchase these again due to the potential for clogs.

Sources:
Purex Complete 3-in-1 FAQs, Purex.com