Least amount of washing powder?

Rossy2692

Morning all, have just loaded up the washing machine and proceeded to put the powder into the drawer and noticing stocks were a bit low i put alot less than i usually do into the drawer which got me wondering how little i could use but still get the clothes clean??

Boodle

I use approx a tbsp of soda crytals and a tsp of soap flakes plus a wee dash of vinegar in the conditioner compartment. I rub a bit of washing up liquid into any stained bits before I pop the washing in. But when I used to use washing powder I would use a tbsp to scoop it in. One tbsp used to do the job well enough unless they were stained etc. But I actually find the soap flakes, soda crystals and vinegar do a better job.

Rossy2692

Interesting thank you! I must admit I have used the soda/vinegar in the past and was never that struck with their performance, not for me i am afraid but thanks for the advice will def try the tbsp of powder and see how i get on

Fruball

I use a tbsp and find no difference from when I used a full large cup.

In my experience, most kids whites don't get 100% white from ANY powder no matter how much you use so they get an occasional treatment from Dr Beckmann whitening sachets which bring them up lovely.

It annoys me when tv ads for washing powders say that they are better than ever, get your whites really white etc as they have been saying the same thing for the last 40 years and I have yet to find one that performs any better than when I started doing washing 28 years ago!!!

outtawork

I was told by the washing machine engineer to use 30g powder & 5g of water softener, although mine is a small 5kg load.

babyshoes

It does depend to an extent on how dirty your clothes are. I have done a load of t-shirts, jumpers etc with no powder before - there was enough left in the pipes to give them a freshen up. (as adults we don't really get clothes dirty most of the time.)

I tend to vary the powder depending on what's in the load - a tiny bit for everyday clothing, more (and a warmer cycle) for bedding, towels, animal blankets, dirty overalls etc.

meg72

I use a liquid detergent and reduced the mount by half and then half again, so I now only use 1/4 of the recommended dose. It would work with powder too, just keep reducing until you are happy with the result.

bettycrumble

I'm another one that puts just over 1tbsp of powder in the drawer. I've found no difference whatsoever and will never follow directions again.

I do add a stain remover for rough looking whites though.

Rossy2692

Thanks everyone! 1tbsp i shall start with! Love the tip about there being enough in the pipes for a 'freshen up' wash! Thanks again

Boodle

Funny you should find it works less well, and works better for us. Might depend on water hardeness. Colours always get a half hour cold wash. I usually do a couple of coloured washes a week and then usually one, sometimes two white washes. I always do the white washes on a full-cycle high-temp wash without any soap etc in the machine which keeps them whiter than a normal wash with soap added used to. I also like to think this keeps the pipes clean.

lostinrates

It would be interesting and helpful to know the water hardess of people when they respond I think.