I only use cold water tide and use it to wash my quilts in. I use to use Wal Mart generic, I guess the big manufacturers had a fit until they took it off the shelves. That is when I switched to tide. Scent of it doesn't bother me. If you use the proper amount there is no problem. I have a top loading machine and wouldn't have a front loader.
I have heard of the purex. I only use liquid detergent.