What happened to washing powder tablets?

Lugh_Chronain

Stompa wrote: »

I've certainly noticed the reduction in tablets, but had concluded that perhaps they were being slowly phased out in an attempt to get people to switch to the (typically more expensive) liquitabs.

I think Stompa has hit the nail on the head here.

totallybored

I agree with the increase in big boxes, there does seem to be more and more of these. I've also noticed lots of offers on these recently. I can only guess the supermarkets do it as the majority of customers don't look at price per wash and associate a huge box with value and think that the bigger the box means more washes.

I can certainly remember when I was at uni the tablets seemed to be more popular and there would be lots more of them. I don't think I've ever bought a big box of powder ever (where do you store these things???).

I prefer the bottles of liquid and these only have a small section like the tablets too (at one time there would be loads with the ball on top!). I've not bought any for a while as I have about 2 years worth in stock but I won't pay more than 10p a wash. Big box powder tends to be more expensive than this even when on offer.

DCFC79

Cant say i notice any empty shelves at work,

Middy

When I washed with tablets, I only put one tablet as it foamed the water and kept my clothes clean. If one can do that, doubling it would be a waste.

I can't use tablets as the last batch made me go into a rash.

Stompa

Lugh_Chronain wrote: »

I think Stompa has hit the nail on the head here.

Though it wouldn't really account for an increase in 'big box' powders (which I must admit I'd not noticed since I don't use them).

A._Badger

Stompa wrote: »

Though it wouldn't really account for an increase in 'big box' powders (which I must admit I'd not noticed since I don't use them).

Have a look at the shelf space allocated to them when you next shop.

These changes are rarely driven by consumer demand - look at the explosion of fake butter and nutritionally questionable 'ready meals' in the past decade or so - but by the desire of the manufacturers and supermarkets to dig deeper into our pockets.

My hunch is that the big two (Unilever and P&G) are 'up to something'.

valk_scot

The move towards lower temperature washes of 30'C and 40'C has caused the move back towards big box powders. Tablets don't dissolve so well at low temperatures and can leave streaky marks. Using liquid detergent at low temperatures can promote the "gunging up" of pipes and machine inners with that black mouldy stuff you find in the dispenser drawer, especially in hard water areas. Big box powders don't have these problems.

I have soft water and can use anything in my machine even at 30'C but I like big box powders because it's easier to adjust the dose to the exact amount you need. And they're cheaper per wash on average, especially if you find a good offer. You do need somewhere to store it though, I admit.

Valwoire

I've visited both my local mr t stores over the weekend and couldn't find own brand washing powder tablets in either of them! have ended up with liquid tonight, hoping it's ok as i really don't want to go back to loose powder - I used to spill so much of it, it was such a waste!

COOLTRIKERCHICK

maybe they are trying to push the liquid tabs as they are cheaper to make, so more profit for them.

Enterprise_1701C

The reason they are trying to push liquid tabs is because you can't cut them in half!