DON'T use Calgon!

robnye

thought so........ off to tell missus to not buy it any more....

Brooktop

A previous post is correct that washing powders DO help prevent limescale build up...that's because part of the job of the detergent is to soften the water. Soda crystals do a better job of softening the water, but they also help remove stains...so you can use less washing powder. As soda crystals are only 55p for a 1kg bag - they save you money on washing powder and there's no need for the likes of Calgon.

cwcw

Cheapest to live in a soft water area. :j

adouglasmhor

Dealmad wrote: »

I use Ecover washing tablets and wondered if these tablets would contain water softners?

Just brought a new washing machine and just wondered if it was wise for me to buy calgon but seems not and also its to expensive.

Try simply active eco smart - much better than ecover - https://www.simplywashing.com. you get a sensitive skin version too and they have a softener.

Morrisons sell them I don't know who else. Much cheaper than ecover too. free delivery from their website too

adouglasmhor

cwcw wrote: »

Cheapest to live in a soft water area. :j

I do - bad for your teeth though.

Pennylane

"In the trade" DH recommends soda crystals.
We are in a VERY hard water area and if customers ask about Calgon he suggests either a LEVEL TABLESPOON OF SODA CRYSTALS WITH YOUR WASHING POWDER IN EACH WASH OR using soda crystals about every 3 months ALONE (no laundry in) on a 90 degree wash.

exprog

Pennylane wrote: »

"In the trade" DH recommends soda crystals.
We are in a VERY hard water area and if customers ask about Calgon he suggests either a LEVEL TABLESPOON OF SODA CRYSTALS WITH YOUR WASHING POWDER IN EACH WASH OR using soda crystals about every 3 months ALONE (no laundry in) on a 90 degree wash.

I'm a bit challenged in this department. These soda crystal things - assuming they are a good idea (i.e. better/cheaper than Calgon), are they just called 'soda crystals', where do you get them, how much would you use per three-monthly usage?

Pennylane

Hi exprog. Soda Crystals are VERY cheap. I think the last bag I bought was about £1.25?? You should find them in your local hardware shop or even a good supermarket. They will be near the washing powders, bleach etc. You may also get them in the chemists.

DH says use a good cup full of them on a 90 degree wash every 3 months.

They are also brilliant for cleaning your drains, plug holes, cutting through grease, loads of uses. I soak the racks from my cooker in these in hot water from time to time to get them clean.

Hope this helps.

jammyjenny_2

I swear by Soda Crystals for other cleaning stuff like unblocking sinks aswell as water softening.

This site is really useful and gives details of stockists - https://www.soda-crystals.co.uk.

davetrousers

The last bag of Soda Crystals I bought cost about 52p for a 1 kg bag and it says to use 50g of powder per wash. They come in a green bag now (or it's a different brand).

Another thought I had is that now more people are washing at 30 degrees the chance of scale building up is reduced. Isn't it?

Also I don't seem to be able to find Star Drops?