What are /r/laundry's favorite Products & Services?

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No. Your washer does not have a fabric softener dispenser, don’t pour it in there.

You can use one of these if you want to use fabric softener:

Downy Automatic Dispenser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VA2VV0/

Don’t use fabric softener on towels or athletic clothing.

It’s mildew from your washing machine. It starts to smell when exposed to moisture, such as from your body or moisture in the air outside.

Clean your washing machine with Affresh tablets and wipes as shown in this video: https://youtu.be/X1vFsjcbkdM . As suggested in the video, you should run the cleaning cycle three times in a row, use a new tablet each time. Use the wipes to clean the seals and detergent tray.

After your machine has been cleaned, wash your laundry as normal, but don’t use liquid fabric softener, it acts as food for mildew. Also, add a cup of borax powder to each load of laundry, it will help clean and deodorize your laundry and help keep the machine from growing mildew.

Gain is decent detergent, but if you’re open to switching to something else, I suggest this:

Tide Laundry Detergent with Color Safe Bleach Powder, Orange, Original, 95 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AX40MQA/

Mold/mildew

Clean your washing machine with Affresh tablets and wipes as shown in this video: https://youtu.be/X1vFsjcbkdM . As suggested in the video, you should run the cleaning cycle three times in a row, use a new tablet each time. Use the wipes to clean the seals and detergent tray.

After your machine has been cleaned, wash your laundry as normal, but don’t use liquid fabric softener, it acts as food for mildew. Also, add a cup of borax powder to each load of laundry, it will help clean and deodorize your laundry and help keep the machine from growing mildew.

I suggest this detergent :

Tide Laundry Detergent with Color Safe Bleach Powder, Orange, Original, 95 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AX40MQA/

How to wash will depend on the fabric the weighted blanket is made from, so always follow washing instructions on the care tag. This is the one I have. I bought a couple of cheap duvet covers for it on Amazon (here) to limit the washing of the blanket itself.

The part that moves in the middle of the washing machine is called an Agitator. A Dual Agitator is a design that means the top portion of the agitator, the auger, moves in one direction, usually clockwise, while the bottom portion moves both clockwise and counterclockwise.

You do not have a fabric softener dispenser dispenser, from what I can tell. If you want to use fabric softener, you can use one of these devices:

Downy Automatic Dispenser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VA2VV0/

Personally, I don’t use liquid fabric softener, I use dryer sheets (but not on towels or anything I want to remain absorbent)

I have this collapsible mesh tote that works great. I find it a lot easier to deal with than a traditional basket, especially with stairs since I can watch where I'm walking.

On your darks loads, only loosely fill the washer, no more than halfway, select the deep fill and the extra rinse settings. Poor cleaning performance is a common complaint with your type of washer (top loader without agitator)

Using Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda laundry additive in every load can help reduce detergent buildup in tour washing machine. Use vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser instead of fabric softener.

Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster & Household Cleaner, 55oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0029XNTEU/

Lay it out flat and brush it with this:

Evercare Pet Hair Remover Glove Pic-Up Mitt (2) and Magic Lint Brush (1) for Pets Clothes Furniture and Travel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0741DKSZL/

I have a similar brush and it works very well

The German version of Persil has a "colors" formulation that is free of bleaches and optical brighteners and is considered by many to be one of the best detergents for darks. It comes in a liquid and a powder.

I forgot to mention this in my other comment, but Folex Carpet cleaner works well at removing rust stains from fabric. I often use it as a laundry pre-treat.

https://www.amazon.com/Folex-Carpet-Spot-Remover-32/dp/B001B0V5GG

Double check which Tide formulation you have, you typically have to go out of your way to find P&G Professional Ultra Tide Professional With Oxy Bleach.

If you’re already in possession of this detergent, I recommend increasing the soak time, enzymes take time to work, and using only cold or warm water (hot water can destroy the enzymes).

I use this enzyme odor remover on my dog run (artificial turf in my yard that my dog goes potty on):

Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator for Pets, Dogs, 1 Gallon Refill - Ideal for Artificial Lawns & Patio https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0098QN9SC/

I haven’t used it in my laundry because my detergent and go-to laundry additives haven’t let me down yet (not enzyme based and unfortunately they don’t seem to be available in Canada). But it’s very concentrated and has compared favorably against many other brands of enzymes I’ve used on my artificial turf. I bet 50-100ml would do a lot of good in the laundry.

Contains enzymes, detergents, water conditioners, and oxy bleach all in one formulation.

Tide Professional Ultra with OXY Power Powder Detergent For Color & White Laundry - 15.5 lbs (140 Loads) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0839N3XB7/

Could be a water hardness issue. Get a free water hardness test strip from Morton here: https://www.mortonsalt.com/testyourwater/

Test your washing machine water.

If it is hard you can purchase borax (use 1/2 cup per load) or Calgon water softener (I use this) https://www.amazon.com/Calgon-Liquid-Water-Softener-Fluid/dp/B00CNJREKK and use it each load.

Using fabric softener can also cause buildup in your fabrics (and your dryer's lint trap!). It also decreases absorbency so it's bad for towels, washcloths, and wicking fabrics (like athleticwear).

I don't know a portable washer that would be big enough for sheets, but for if you're afraid of falling down when you do laundry, you could buy one of those big plastic storage boxes (something like this) and use that instead of the tub. The shape will make it waste less water compared to using the tub, and you can put it close to something you can grab.

I had the same though - they looked like nubuck, so I went and found the original boots: https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Womens-Tetra-Launch-Waterproof/dp/B005O6Q8P6

They are full grain solid leather and would have been at least smooth finish and probably actually shiny when new, so I felt confident recommending the polish.

For nubuck I use an abrasive brush thing, and for waxy-finish leather like Dubarrys I like dubbin or Nikwax.

When I was a kid, my mum gave us these little plastic sock-attaching thingies so we could pair our socks before putting them in the basket and they would stay together in the wash. It meant that she never had to match socks and the onus was on the sock-owner to manage their socks, either by pairing them up before putting them in the basket or matching them up after they're clean.

There are special detergents designed to clean this sort of grease stain (sometimes marketed as "mechanic's laundry detergent"). I've had good luck with this one, and I never worry about it contaminating my washer.

Houses burn down because of this. My sister in law is still living in a travel trailer a year after hers burned down. That scared me enough that I made a cardboard baffle for where the filter goes and fitted it to my leaf blower so I could blow it out. I also ordered one of these and cleaned it and blew it out again.

I agree that the wooden ones work best. I bought some from Amazon and have been happy with them. I didn't order as many as you want, but here's a pack of 100 heavy-duty ones.

I would try an Oxi Clean type product

One of my favorite detergents has oxygen bleach already in it

Tide Laundry Detergent with Bleach Powder, Orange, Original, 95 Ounce (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AX40MQA/

i do have front loader. sorry i forgot to include that in the post. i am going to have to google how to get the gasket out because i can't find it at all hahaha.

i think i am going to buy this for my washer since i do not have enough room to leave it open: https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Washing-Machine-Flexible-Machines/dp/B08QJFX74T/ref=sr_1_4?crid=LAMLG75V8RX9&keywords=washer%2Bdoor%2Bprop&qid=1648600719&sprefix=washer%2Bdoor%2Caps%2C292&sr=8-4&th=1

thank you for your help!

Cool thanks how often does she recommend to wash it?

Which one do you have or which brand does she recommends?

I got this one it actually doesn't cover the whole bed, but reviews said it works and so far so good. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003PWK2A8

Thanks for the help

This detergent is expensive, but it’s designed for this sort of thing (you may be able to find it for a better price at an auto supply store): https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KE1VYOK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Check the link for an example. color catcher

Many brands offer this type of sheets

Use a detergent free of optical brighteners and oxygen bleach. Woolite Darks is great for this kind of stuff.

Always use laundry soap that has enzymes in it to deal with kid stains. I used Biz and it worked well. There are spot sprays with enzymes and pretreatment/soaks, too. https://www.amazon.com/Puracy-Natural-Laundry-Enzyme-Based-Clothing/dp/B08Y62FDZG?th=1

I found a good replacement. Amazon sells flexible silicone cups used for mixing epoxy. Since they’re flexible, heavy clothes like jeans won’t crack them in the spin cycle.

Downside is the measurement lines are hard to read and it won’t keep a line from a Sharpie marker.

Silicone Measuring Cups for Mixing Resin - 6 Pack 100ml Mixing Cups for Epoxy Resin Arcrylic Paint Pouring Non Stick Stir and Pour Tool with Precise Scale

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08937X6DP

(not an affiliate link!)

I haven't had to deal with that particular problem, but for other stubborn odors I've found this product really effective (just spray it on, let it sit for a while, then wash): https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B083XBTBJR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Try Febreze

I would take care of the source of the problem: your armpits. Dip a cotton ball in alcohol and use them to wipe your armpits twice a day. Apply a good deodorant afterwards.

I would use something like this instead of using bleach https://www.amazon.com/Carbona-Color-Run-Remover-2-6/dp/B00J5HUOTQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=1RF1EE862R3UI&keywords=carbona+color+run+color+remover&qid=1642359258&sprefix=carbona+color%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A1L...

I used to work on top load Whirlpool washers. Based on the timer module and water fill pressure valve this machine is approximately over 25 years old. It’s actually one of the best made type washer still being used today, but due to the age they do get grimy. I don’t think it’s your water.

You can clean your current machine by filling the tub up with as hot as possible water you have , let it sit for 10 minutes to soften the grime them scrub between the metal washer tub and the outer plastic tub with a long thin lint brush. Like this Vanitek 26-Inch Long Flexible Dryer Vent Cleaner & Refrigerator Condenser Coil Brush Auger Lint Remover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0778RFGQ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_JFDJBATQB8J2WZ2PYE14?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Vigorously scrub up and down and side to side.

When you get your new washer to avoid mold and other grimy issues leave your washer door open to allow it to air out, avoid using liquid softeners if you can and periodically wash the machine by running hot water and bleach to kill any stubborn grime.

An electric fabric shaver will refresh it if you’re worried about the frizzing and texture!

one person recommended this: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00LM94874/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_CJWMKSK1FFYQ7SNB6V6Y?th=1 would this product have a similar outcome as the Rit Color remover?

Rit color remover . This is the only thing that’s guaranteed to work, but it really stinks and requires stove top treatment, so it depends on how badly you love the hoddie. Do not use bleach, it may turn your hoddie yellow.

I like the ultra concentrate version as far as liquid detergents go, but I prefer this product:

Tide Laundry Detergent with Bleach Powder, Orange, Original, 95 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AX40MQA/

The name is confusing, it’s color safe and contains something similar to Oxiclean, it doesn’t contain chlorine bleach.

It's gonna take some elbow grease but I have one of these on hand if that ever happens. It's been great for per hairs, little lint, fuzz from towels, surprise pieces of tissues stuck to clothes. If it's the pilling kind of fuzz (little balls stuck to the top of the fabric) you'd probably want to use an electric shaver.

Evercare Magik Brush (Double Sided Lint Pic-Up Brush for Pet Lint & Dust ) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071YSCWBD/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_455380DJPC1SJV2R1NSY

If the entire load is affected I would just try to rewash it (without the towels of course) with maybe a little bit of vinegar and no detergent if you wish.

Public machines could have played a part but most likely not. The person who used the machine before you could've washed something that left behind a lot of fuzz and didn't bother to clean it out of the drum. Best thing to do next time is just take a look inside the drum to see if something was left behind before you load your clothes in.

Hope this helps a little

Is it the de-solv-it that's branded as the laundry saver or the general citrus solution? Is there a difference between the two or just marketing tactics??

De-Solv-it 11823 Orange Sol Laundry Saver Stain Remover Spray, Unscented, 12 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AH7BR2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_71127720MVTVFRFBDC0B?psc=1

Orange-Sol De-Solv-It Citrus Solution - Odor & Stain Remover for Cloth, Wood, Glass & More, 12-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BQWVTQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_YQNY594PHR8HKTFSN6Y4

Thank you

A friend told me to usea spray fabric finish to replace the ruined/gone fabric finish that was initially in it and it worked! I had to rewash gently afterwards because mine was a little bolero sweater that this happened to.

https://www.amazon.com/Faultless-Starch-00502-Sizing-Fabric/dp/B0013QZ0EQ

I hope someone who reads your post will chime in if they've ever used a product like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Wash-Wizard-Detergent-Alternative-Replacement/dp/B07RGMTV6N/

https://www.amazon.com/Lovfri-Friendly-Professional-Flocking-Detergent/dp/B07SFWLV51

I'm dying to know if they do any good.

Ammonia (easy to find, cheap, however it has a noxious odor) or sodium tripolyphosphate aka STPP (not as easy to find, usually has to be purchased in larger quantities, no smell though)

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/home-and-decor/cleaning-and-disinfectants/all-purpose-cleaners/10184

Pure Sodium Tripolyphosphate (2.5 lb), Eco-Friendly Packaging, Powerful Cleaning Agent, Water Softener, Laundry Additive (Also Available in 0.5 lb, 1 lb, & 50 lb) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0QGSSU/

For the ammonia, add 1-2 cups into the wash. For the STPP, add a half cup into the wash. For both, wash on the hottest water temperature the fabric can withstand. Do not use ammonia on any animal fibers such as wool or silk, never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia.

Chlorinated brake parts cleaner is the same chemical as the most widely used dry cleaning solvent, tertrachloroethylene (aka “perc”). I suggest buying a can of CRC Brakleen (get the red colored can, the green colored can is a different chemical). Spray it on to saturate the affected area, then agitate with a medium stiff brush, like a toothbrush or fingernail cleaning brush, then agitate some more with a colorfast cloth (microfiber, cotton terry, etc). Repeat if necessary.

The stain should break down quickly and the spot will dry quickly. I’ve never had an issue with upholstery fabrics, but it would be wise to spot test in an inconspicuous area.

Here’s the product for reference:

CRC BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner - Non-Flammable -1lb 3 Oz (05089) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LDR9HI/

If you feel more comfortable buying something that says it’s for fabrics, you can buy dry cleaning solvent, but you usually have to buy in much larger quantities. Whatever you buy, check the material safety data sheet to confirm that the chemical is tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene.

Here’s the SDS for Brakleen (red can) http://docs.crcindustries.com/msds/1008012E.pdf

Tumble them in the dryer with several rubber dryer balls, like these:

https://www.amazon.com/Ontel-DryerMax-Reusable-Hypoallergenic-Softener/dp/B004W7GNB2

It may take several cycles, but it works well for removing pet hair. The rubber dryer balls seem to work better than the wool ones for removing hair. I don't usually tumble dry my clothes, so I use a no-heat option if I'm just tumbling to remove dog hair.

Cold wash, delicates cycle, use a “for darks” detergent, hang drying is good as long as it’s not out in the sunlight, sunlight will fade dye rather quickly. If the shirt is solid black, you can always re-dye it when it fades.

Here’s a widely available detergent I would recommend:

Woolite Darks with EverCare Liquid Laundry Detergent, 66 Loads, 100 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Packaging May Vary https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004S6C0I2/

Whink Rust Stain Remover. Squirt it onto the stain and it will instantaneously disappear. You have to wear good gloves when you use it, you really don’t want to get it on your body. Pretreat the stains, the wash the garment as normal.

Whink 1291 Rust Stain Remover, 16 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ZZYUE2/

I love Jersey Mike’s, I think I’ll have it for lunch tomorrow! I used to be a cook and would come home smelling like salad dressing and the indescribable but unique smell of a commercial kitchen (neither a terrible nor a desirable smell).

Anyway, my suggestion is to use this detergent:

Tide Laundry Detergent with Bleach Powder, Orange, Original, 95 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AX40MQA/

Despite it’s name, it does Not contain chlorine bleach and it Is color safe

I also suggest adding 1/4-1/2 cup of 10% ammonia to the wash (remember to never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach) https://www.acehardware.com/departments/home-and-decor/cleaning-and-disinfectants/all-purpose-cleaners/10184

As for the burning smell, make sure the lint trap on your dryer is empty and that your dryer vents are clear.

Clean your machine with a Affresh tablets and wipes

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load Washers, Including HE, 6 Tablets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C91Q86I/

Affresh W10355053 Washing Machine Cleaner, 24 Wipes | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BHUSR38/

Start adding a 1/2 cup (or even a full cup) of borax powder to the wash.

Put vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser (instead of fabric softener) your laundry will smell faintly of vinegar, but that smell will dissipate by the time it dries.

Looks like mildew.

Clean your washing machine with Affresh tablets and wipes as shown in this video: https://youtu.be/X1vFsjcbkdM . As suggested in the video, you should run the cleaning cycle three times in a row, use a new tablet each time. Use the wipes to clean the seals and detergent tray.

After your machine has been cleaned, wash your laundry as normal, but don’t use liquid fabric softener, it acts as food for mildew. Also, add a cup of borax powder to each load of laundry, it will help clean and deodorize your laundry and help keep the machine from growing mildew.

I suggest this detergent:

Tide Laundry Detergent with Color Safe Bleach Powder, Orange, Original, 95 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AX40MQA/

This was specifically formulated to whiten laundry that’s stained from red clay and other dirt stains:

4 lb. 12 oz. Bottle OUT White Brite Laundry Whitener, 4.75 lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000DZFBMY/

I suggest Tide Plus Bleach powdered detergent (it does not actually contain bleach and is color safe)

Tide Laundry Detergent with Bleach Powder, Orange, Original, 95 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AX40MQA/

You can use a Dryel home dry cleaning kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077N5M2CJ/

I suggest putting a few tennis balls in the bag along with the garment, they’ll fluff up the down. Use the dryer’s low heat setting. Use the spray that’s in the kit on the armpits, or wipe them vigorously with the towelette before putting the garment and towelette in the dryer bag.

Use powdered Tide detergent. Only use half the recommended amount. Use a laundry additive that contains sodium tripolyphosphate such as this one, it will boost the cleaning performance of the detergent and more importantly, will greatly improve how well it rinses away from clothes. Use vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser (instead of fabric softener), this will mix the vinegar into the rinse cycle water and aid in removing detergent. Your laundry may smell faintly of vinegar, but that will dissipate by the time they are dry.

As an alternative to the sodium tripolyphosphate additive, you can use a 1/4 cup of borax powder. It’s cheaper and easier to find but it doesn’t work quite as well.

There is a product called White Brite that might help. It did wonders for my husband's white t-shirts.

Don't use it if the hoodie has a colored logo you want to preserve. As always, read the label directions.

All HE detergents will be labeled as such. Here is a pic of the HE version with the HE label at the top left-hand side of the bottle. If it doesn't have the label, then it's non-HE, which is what your washer needs.

The issue isn't always indoor/outdoor clothes. PJs get sweat on them every night, so if they're worth for a week straight, that's a week's worth of sweat to get out.

I'll usually wash towels separately for 2 reasons - I have a house worth of towels to wash usually, and they never dry right when dried with regular clothes, which can cause them to smell.

I don't use chlorine bleach on laundry anything longer since it's pretty toxic, can really only be used on whites, and Oxiclean works great on whites and colors. I add Oxiclean powder to the wash drum with every wash.

Another thing to check if the filter in the washer, which can sometimes build up a decent amount of gunk.

this is what I have. heads up, the spinner is effectively useless on this so you’ll have to hand wring the clothes. It can wash a couple of outfits at a time, not a ton, but I use this to avoid using shares laundry until I can use my dads washer every couple of weeks.

If you have the space and it's within your budget these portable washers are very highly recommended if you're trying to avoid the laundromat. They also make a heated drying rack.

the laundromat.

you mean you don't have the hook ups (pipes, drains) or don't have the money for the machines only?

don't overlook a used washer dryer set. craigslist often has nice sets for under $400.

if no space, a lot of people like the small portable washers

https://www.amazon.com/Giantex-Portable-Compact-Washing-Machine/dp/B01ALBMIEI

Nope, there’s hope. Whink rust stain remover will take the set-in rust stains right out. You have to be very careful handling it though.

Whink 1232 Rust Stain Remover, 32 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003KIQIW8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_dHV3Fb6B87DM0

Sounds like you stripped the bluing (blue pigments added to naturally off-white fabric which make them appear white) out of the fabric. You can add it back in:

Mrs. Stewart's Bluing 8oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NEMV3Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_DdM1FbFBDP4P7

Bleach can also react with iron in hard water and cause yellowing staining, presoaking the fabric in vinegar can help remove iron deposits.

You can use both of these techniques together.

lint remover:

https://www.amazon.com/Rollers-Upgraded-Handles-Remover-Furniture/dp/B07YV3TFC8

basically sticky tape on a handle

or make a loop out of masking tape and start pressing it all over it

Read the reviews on the product listing:

Sodium Tripolyphosphate, 1 Gallon Bucket (10 LBS) by Earthborn Elements, Powerful Cleaning Agent, Water Softener, Laundry Additive, Resealable Bucket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PKWSVVX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_rI8WFb177726T

And here’s a summary of why phosphates are no longer advertised for use in washing machines or dishwashers even though they are a safe and extremely effective component: https://worldwidejanitor.com/library/whats-the-deal-with-phosphates/

Basically, they boost your detergent and prevent the stains and dirt from redepositing onto your clothes or dishes.

Yep! I ended up finding it and buying it late last night! Persil Universal Megaperls has the blue pellets in it, and excellent for whites. Turns out the one with the pink crystals is the version for colors called Persil Colors Megaperls . So I purchased BOTH and I am VERY excited that I've found it. All because I added the word "pellets" to my search! Cannot wait. Thanks for following up with me!

They still make the megapearls version for the german market.

If you're worried about falling in the tub, these handles (or similar) work well for keeping your balance:

https://www.amazon.com/Carex-Locking-Suction-Assistance-Entering/dp/B004SI98XA/ref=sr_1_6?crid=383HNUT2IKYIO&dchild=1&keywords=shower+handles+for+elderly+suction&qid=1598409253&sprefix=shower+handle%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-6

You’ll need a fabric shaver. I chose on a whim the one in the link below from Amazon. It will also remove pilling on sweaters and shirts.

POPCHOSE Fabric Shaver, Rechargeable Lint Remover with 6-Blades and Electrostatic Brush, Effectively and Quickly Remove Fuzz for Clothes, Sweater, Couch, Blanket, Curtain, Socks, Wool, Cashmere https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QV7JLJR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d6eAEb82X3D7G