Washing powder vs tablets?

Phil3822

I've only recently flown the nest and am trying to fend for myself. An issue I'm finding is with washing. I use Daz and a cheap conditioner. My clothes come out clean but are often like cardboard.

Also, my washer doesn't seem to use all the powder and conditioner as often there is some mushy stuff left in the draw.

So, has anyone got any recomendations on how to get my clothes nice and soft?

Am I better using something like Bold 2 in 1? Should I use liquid tablets I can put straight in the drum?

So many questions I know, any help will be greatly recieved

miserly_mum

If you want soft clothes use Lenor, i'm as miserable as sin when it comes to grocery shopping but its one thing I won't scrimp on.

If the washing powder isn't using everything out of the drawer, try pulling the drawer out and cleaning in behind it as it sometimes gets clogged up with old powder.Or let your machine run empty for a wash cycle with no powder to clean it out.

OliveOyl_2

We were forever cleaning the fabric softener tray of all it's nasty gloop. (teenagers seem to use loads of FS, though it is apparently v bad for fabric!)
But I now use white vinegar instead and my soap tray is gleaming.

BTW I like cardboard towels, they're far more absorbent, and I like a rough towelling after a shower

trying-very-trying

Maybe you should reduce the amount of powder you use. For most regular light loads, you could try just about a tablespoon of powder, it works for me, but then we do have lovely soft water.

Phil3822

Thanks all. I already use half the suggested amount for a wash. I'll try less though
Does white vinegar leave clothes soft, fresh and not smelling of vinegar?

OliveOyl_2

They don't smell of vinegar at all!
Neither do they smell of fabric conditioner, which I used to like, and now find cloying and chemical!

Does wonders for dark clothes, seem to make the blacks blacker, something to do with getting rid of the calcium stuff (we have hard water) I think?

trying-very-trying

OO - How do you make the FS out of vinegar, and where do you buy big bottles of vinegar?

LOOYATES

EVENING, just agreeing really one tablespoon of powder is enough on 30 degrees, for really badly soiled add a teaspoon of soda crystals, honestly it does work, those companies are going to tell you you need to use tonnes but it just ends up blocking the drawers up yak!!!!;)

Bambywamby

Personally I like Bold 2 in 1 (and it's frequently on offer.)

It's a liquid so it goes into a ball then directly into the machine (no gunked up dispenser tray) it's economical as you can water it down by 50% and it is a wonderful clothes softner too.