cheapest way to buy washing detergent?

starving_artist

Every time I go in the supermarket to buy washing detergent I have a crisis because of all the different options. Leaving aside special offers, generally speaking what is the cheapest form of washing detergent: powder, liquid, liquitabs, concentrated versions?

newleaf

Powder is definitely cheapest. You can mix it with washing soda crystals to make it go further too. I use equal parts of a 'quality' powder, a 'value' powder and soda crystals mixed together in a huge plastic tub. I'd also say you should experiment with using less than the manufacturer's recommendation. I use a 50ml measure of powder in a full load with no difference to the quality of my wash. (Manufacturer recommends more than double that amount)
If you can get into a Costco, the washing powder is very cheap there. Their own brand, 'Kirkland', is super value and comes in a big plastic drum. It's as good as any posh brand.

furndire

I must admit I like the liquid kind best, (Aldi) as you can use it with a lower temp wash, sometimes powder can leave white marks. Do Costco do a reasonable priced liquid?

newleaf

I didn't look specifically at prices for liquid, as I don't use it, but my mum got her Ariel liquid there last time we went. I guess you would need to go and browse.
What I would say is that white marks left by powder are usually a sign that you are either using too much powder or overloading your machine. Try using less powder and adding 30mls of white vinegar in the final rinse instead of fabric softener. You'll be amazed.
If you don't fancy the smell of vinegar you can put a few drops of Zoflora in to disguise it, but the vinegary whiff does dissipate during drying anyway.

cabra1

I have always found that no matter
what machine I have had I always use half
what ever it says on the packet.

At the moment I am using airiel tablets
its a box with 24 written on the front.
But that is 24 little packets and each packet
contains two tablets.One tablet is more
than enough for a full machine load.
So this box is going to give me 48 washes
its less than 10p a wash because it was on
offer in Tesco for under £4.
When I use liquid I only use about 1/2 a
cap full.Soap powder at most half a teacup
full.

I have used the cheaper own brand powders
and the results have been good enough.
Although if its something thats badly
marked I swear by Ariel as it really does shift
the grime.Rescued loads of stuff thats had
bad spills on with Ariel.

Most brands are OK

Just get yourself the one that seems like good
value for everyday stuff and keep some Ariel
in reserve for grim washing.

tee_pee_2

i use tablets fairy for the baby and sainsburys own lable biological and I out one tablet in and a scoop of soda crystals. Saw it on here and it works a treat.

jaygrunt

why use soda crystals?
will this not just add to the cost

e.g if you use half of what company recommends then fill up with soda crystals doesnt that defeat the object?
Or does putting in crystals have some other benefits aswell|?

mercurystar999

My wife will only use Daz and comfort. She puts so much comfort in that we go through a bottle a fortnight. Considering its only two of us thats a lot i think.

When i do the washing (rarely i know!) i use half as much of both and i don't see any difference!

I'm trying to get her to try different washing powder/tablets but she won't. She says anything else makes her itch!!

We do some shopping at aldi's some times is there own brand stuff any good?

hesjane

jaygrunt wrote:

why use soda crystals?
will this not just add to the cost

Soda crystals soften water, and are excellent for loosening dirt & dissolving grease. Soda crystals are much cheaper than detergents and therefore by mixing them with your detergent, eg Persil, Fairy or whatever, you are improving the wash but reducing the per wash cost (because you can use about half the detergent to achieve good results)

Hope this makes sense.....it did to me until I read it back:rotfl:

jinkssick

I use Morrisons or Asdas own brand. incredibly cheap at £1.50 and washes just like expensive detergent. A 60ml shud do fine for any large load. The white lines from using powdered detergent when it is used over or exactly what is said on the box.

like someone said stick to half the recommended and you get a nice wash and no white lines.

black-saturn

I'm still using the soapnuts.