If Only They Knew

Austin_Allegro

Some excellent stuff on Calgon here, it confirms my suspicion that it doesn't necessarily save you money in the long run on repairs, perhaps the owner of your washing machine has fallen for the adverts on telly....

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/limescale.html

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=68131&page=1&pp=20

carpool72

I use one of those wash ball thingies from Lakeland (more environmentally friendly as well as cheap) but I have fallen for the lush new bold smell too. Also hubby has been moaning that our stuff doesn't smell 'clean' the way his friends do. Have tried explaining that this isn't a 'clean' smell, it's an artificial perfume but to no avail, so will now compromise. Am using 1/2 (or less if it's not very dirty!) measures of bold on bedlinen (so I get the benefit of the smell) and his stuff (every so often) and the ball the rest of the time. So I think the £7.95 ball (including very effective stain remover stick) + 45-wash box of powder will last for about 220-250 washes. Even at my washing rate that's the best part of a year!:j

Lillibet_2

I know it is very out of fashion now but my Nan still uses scented drawer liners & bundles of dried lavender in her wardrobe to keep her clothes smelling fresh. How hard can it be to collect some lavender from the abundance fo plants that are around in the summer & pop into a net bag or bundle & leave in the draw for year round freshness? Come to think of it, when my Grnadad was alive, my nan used to put bundles of dried herbs in his wardrobe for a more "manly" smell!

carpool72

Do you know, Lillibet, that's something I periodically think I should try. Maybe when the lavender sprouts this summer I'll remember to pick instead of just admiring the pretty flowers!

Glad

I only use 1/3 of reccommende dose of powder for most washes and a little more for white washes, I wash most things at 30 degrees too

Pooky

I tried that new Bold flavour......smelt gorgeous whilst it was all drying....after a few days tho all hubby kept saying was -- why do my shirts smell like cat pee.......and I must admit they did have a slight tang to them......ended up washing everything again to get rid of it!! - waste of a free sample really but worth a try!

I only ever use half the dose of powder in the machine and normally buy a huge box of persil in France when we do a booze run...can normally pick up one of the ginormous boxes for around 10 euro's and they always have vouchers on for the next box....I only buy 2 a year - they just last and last.

I also get my fabric conditioner over there --- you get 3lts for the price of a litre here - once it's diluted thats 6 lts for the price of one here!! Not sure why their washing products are so much cheaper....goes for dishwasher tablets too -- about half the price and normally have 33% extra free!!

Lucie_2

I've been using only one washing powder tablet for ages, everything still comes out clean. I never use fabric softener either - I don't really see the need.

I often break dishwasher tablets in half before putting them in the machine, especially if there's no REALLY dirty dishes in there.

Austin_Allegro

I've heard those laundry ball things are a rip off, but I don't really have the scientific knowhow to be certain - this link is interesting:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/washalrt.htm

Sarahsaver

Thats probably sponsored by the industries which make and sell detergent! The balls work by changing the ionisation (atomic charge) of the water.

foreverskint

I love the smell of aerial washing powder, but wanted to cut costs so I now mix it with a value box of powder and a bag of washing soda crystals. i use about two tablespoons per wash and I find this lasts at least 3 weeks compared to my usual 1 week for a box of aerial. The washing soda cleans really well and means you need to use less. I have 4 kids so this has saved me loads. and we're well 'ard here too