What I have come to realize from all the years of washing dirty, rotten catchers pants is that it really depends on the type of water where you live that will determine what works best... here in MA I have very hard water so I use piping hot water, cascade and bleach....works like a charm...but when we traveled I couldn't seem to get his pants as clean as I could at home...also another factor....once those pants hit the drier it sets the stains...so best to line dry in the sun...I also have a good solution on how to dry pants ASAP when you need them real quick....drive down the highway with them blownin' in the wind....works like a charm