*rant* Im really sorry but I just have to say this...

kiebee

Ok, I know this will be deleted but I wan't people to read it and see sense!

On this board, I have read countless times to use less than the recomended amount of wash powder it says on the box! :eek: Although it may seem that manufactures just tell you to use more to boost sales (clearly that thoery doesn't hold water as if manufacturers could sell you a smaller amount of powder in a x wash box for the same amount, they would!). Although your clothes may SEEM as clean, there will be hidden dirt. If this does not bother you, them you will encounter problems with LIMESCALE (if you are not in an EXTREMELY soft water area). If you've seen the calgon advert, your washer only looks like that if you dont use enough detergent! Use the recommended amount, lo and behold, you get very little limescale! Wash powder contains zeolite (phosphates in cheaper ones), which prevent limescale!

It may seem money saving to save a few pence on each wash, but I'm sure shelling out for a new washer would be far LESS cost effective!

Ok rant over! :mad:

Pitlanepiglet

I'm interested in this, can you post links to evidence regarding this? I'm always of the view the Calgon advert is just that - an advert so tend to ignore it but I'd be really interested in seeing research.

JayJay14

I wouldn't have thought that using more wash powder prevents limescale build-up as Calgon suggest using it in addition to 'normal' powders. I'm 53 and my Mum always used half the amount of powder even when I was a child. My washing machine hasn't got room in the drawer for the recomended amount of powder. I have always used a lot less powder that recomended and live in an area with very hard water and have never had a machine break down due to limescale.

I also have clean clothes.

angelnikki

A lot of OSers use a mix of washing powder & soda crystals (Dri Pak 1KG 29p in MrT) in their wash. The soda crystals are great for stain removal and softening water so there's never a problem with "hidden dirt" or limescale.

I don't use calgon/the recommended amount of powder and have never had a WM breakdown due to limescale and we live in an extremely hard water area.

Nikki
x

joanne0620

Tesco, Asda, JS and a few others are all moving towards phosphate free powders and tablets (Can't link I just work for the company that makes them!)

How much detergent you use depends on the level of soiling to the clothes, if I had a really filthy football kit to wash I'd use 2 tablets but for general day to day laundry I only ever use 1 tablet.

All personal choice I suppose, dosage instructions are guidelines and not set in stone.

Nelski

I would be very interested in the links too (I have seen the daz ad going on about hidden dirt too:D ) I am down to at least half of the powder/tabs I used to use and have also cut down the time my wash is on and the temperature it is washing at.................................No complaints about the smell yet:D .....................but then I do live alone:o :rotfl: :rotfl: Cant see how powder use would affect lime scale myself - but then Im no expert and I live in lovely soft water area so not so concerned ---- but please bring those links on

annie123

with out giving a chemistry lesson zeolites are used a a water softener when the powder comes in to contact with the clothes, allowing the soap to clean easier.

When the machine empties, the now dirty water (zeolites included) go down the drain the rest of the water goes in zeolite free for the rinses thus allowing lime scale to build up over many years.

vinegar is a cheap way to dissolve lime scale in anything including washing machines and is used by many here as a fabric softener.

Cant believe calgon is still going does anyone use it?

OP no one on here would wash a football kit at 30 with 1 tablet and expect it to be clean, nor do I think we are all walking around in dirty clothes with washing machines about to go to the great scrap heap in the sky.

my rant over;)

kiebee

Ok, these links are from Washerhelp, a site run by engineers, people that earn a living repairing washing machines.

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/limescale_2.html#cl_q1

Also, Quote from this page http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/washing-machine-usage.html

"Use less powder. Most manufacturers recommend that you use more laundry detergent than you need. It is better for sales. You can get away with using half as much powder, if not less

The statement above is from a website. It's a commonly held belief, and one that is very wrong for most people. Use the correct dosage or you risk exposing your washing machine to the effects of limescale and a build up of grease and slime ( Causes of grease, slime and black mould inside washing machine )

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/usage_2.html#cl_q1 - also sheds light on washing liquids

JayJay14 wrote:

I wouldn't have thought that using more wash powder prevents limescale build-up

The powders have zeolites/phosphates, which essentially act as built-in Calgon

angelnikki wrote:

A lot of OSers use a mix of washing powder & soda crystals (Dri Pak 1KG 29p in MrT) in their wash. The soda crystals are great for stain removal and softening water so there's never a problem with "hidden dirt" or limescale

And how can they be sure that it is softening the water enough? You cant see limescale buildup without dismantling the machine

joanne0620 wrote:

Tesco, Asda, JS and a few others are all moving towards phosphate free powders and tablets

Very true, however some cheaper powders still use them

Nelski wrote:

I have seen the daz ad going on about hidden dirt too

Really, haven't seen that one?:D

annie123 wrote:

When the machine empties, the now dirty water (zeolites included) go down the drain the rest of the water goes in zeolite free for the rinses thus allowing lime scale to build up over many years.

However, washing machines rinse with cold water, limescale only really affects hot water (which is why your hot tap tends to become scaled up)

You asked for it

doraexplorer

utter cods wallop! keibee .

small rant over

let the good old Old stylers come in and tell you sooo........:D

kiebee

Prove it

RHYSDAD

Thanks for the rant kiebee but i think people will still decide to do what they want. Your rant won't make a jot of difference to me and my 1 tablet wash.