Keeping it green.. washing powders for new washing machine

Edwardia

My mother didn't know what to get me for Christmas so she very kindly bought a washing machine. I chose it and it's got all the energy ratings and wash programmes and water saving features so that bit is fine.

We live in an area supplied with natural spring water and all the water company does is add chlorine as required by law. However the water filters through chalk and is really hard. We have one of those gadgets on the mains to somehow electronically soften the water but I don't think it really works as the hot water still comes out looking like milk.

The washing machine is a cold fill only machine and I want to minimise limescale buildup in the machine.

At the moment I am getting great results ie clean washing, no itching, fresh smell and non-smelly washing machine using Ecover Non Bio Washing Powder with imported American Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (100% natural, fragrance free and phosphate free) and Ecover Under The Sun fabric softener.

My question is, does Ecover + washing soda soften water enough without using Calgon ? It certainly looks like the detergent is working better now I'm using Arm & Hammer.

Opinions please ?

Edwardia

71 views and no suggestions ?

lil.smartie

Don't know! I have borox (well fake borox from big green smile) and method liquid which seems to work well here!

Kate

Ben84

I'm wonder why import from the US, as washing soda is also known as soda crystals and can be easily and cheaply bought here in many shops?

As for water softening, soda crystals are good for that, but if they soften it enough is a matter of how much you add. They simply bind to the minerals in the water and prevent them from depositing inside the machine and on your washing, so the more dissolved minerals the more soda crystals you'll need to add. My packet suggest 25-50g (depending on water hardness) to be added with the detergent and to use the recommended detergent amount for soft water. As I have very hard water, I use 50g.