Soda Crystals

juliapenguin

Gemma7 wrote: »

hi i'm newish and only just getting to grips with all this money saving! do i use half soda crystals and half washing powder and where do i get the vinegar from? and how much do i use? thanks!

Hello Gemma

I don't know what everyone else does (I'm new here myself...) but I use about half and half in the washing machine. I got my white vinegar from Morrisons but I've not tried that in the washing machine or dishwasher yet.

Good luck!

Julia xx

Cazzdevil

I've done a search but can't find the answer I'm looking for.

I've bought a bag of soda crystals and on the first wash I'm already impressed, used a half cup of them with half the usual amount of washing liquid and they've washed a couple of stains out which the liquid hasn't managed before.

However... How gentle are the soda crystals? The reason I ask is because my boyfriend and I go mountain biking a couple of times a week so there's always dirty kit to wash but I'm concerned about using the crystals on the wicking layers (you can't use conditioner on them for example because it blocks the wicking pores and ruins the clothes).

Does anyone have experience of using the crystals with outdoor/sports kit and if so, would you say they're okay to use? The cycling kit is very expensive and I don't want to end up replacing it just cos I was trying to save a few quid on washing powder

It says on their website that soap flakes are recommended for sports/microfibre materials, but doesn't say anything about the crystals.

Thanks x

lil_me

http://www.soda-crystals.co.uk/cleaningtasks/laundry.html states they are gentle, also says soap flakes are recommended. I've used them even on silk items before without problems but as always it's up to every individual if they want to risk it. I also wouldn't use as much as you have been if it was me, I put a tablespoon of powder and same soda crystals, sometimes 2 for VERY heavy soiled, I've got 2 mucky boys and it's never failed me yet. I use them on DPs gym tops which are those breatable things aswell as my waterproof jackets etc. Other than that not much experience sorry.

Pink.

Hi cazzdevil,

Sorry I can't really help with your query about the sports kit but I have been using soda crystals (50/50) with washing powder for over a year now with no problems. There has definitely been no damage to fibres or colours in our washes.

Pink

Cazzdevil

Thanks, it says on the side of the bag to use half a cup but it did seem a bit much to me. I'll cut it down to about the same quantity as of liquid. That'll work out even MORE economical

PS - I LOVE your avatar Lil_me - it's so cute!

Brooktop

I think you can get white vinegar from Tesco too. You're better off with the cleaning stuff (in a trigger spray) rather than the cooking stuff; it works out cheaper too.

Seakay

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=546291&highlight=buy+vinegar

Few ideas here about getting in OS cleaning supplies

sparklewing

Sorry for all the questions, trying to get my head round stuff.

I have seen that some people use soda crystals in their wash, I use tescos own 2 in one tablets, could I use one tablet(which I sometimes do anyway) and add a spoon of soda or would I need to change to powder and mix the crystals into that?

If that makes sense.

kethry

i use one tablet (Aldi's own but same thing really) and a bit of soda crystals. it all dissolves and winds up in the same place!!!

HTH

keth
xx

sparklewing

thank you, I thought it woud be ok but wanted to check.

I'm really enjoying finding ways to reduce our spending.