Washing powder challenge.

Purleygirl

I won't be able to buy any more washing powder until Tuesday, six people here, only a few scoops of powder left. So, I've been using half the recommended amount and the difference is? No difference, the wash comes out the same :j It's the cheapo Lidle's stuff too. Happy days. So the lesson is, use half the amount, lasts twice as long.

eddi

Purleygirl wrote: »

I won't be able to buy any more washing powder until Tuesday, six people here, only a few scoops of powder left. So, I've been using half the recommended amount and the difference is? No difference, the wash comes out the same :j It's the cheapo Lidle's stuff too. Happy days. So the lesson is, use half the amount, lasts twice as long.

....and if you run out totally, I've used gentle hair shampoo and conditioner in the washing machine in an emergency when I've run out of the "proper" stuff which has been quite acceptable too

bagpuss38

eddi wrote: »

....and if you run out totally, I've used gentle hair shampoo and conditioner in the washing machine in an emergency when I've run out of the "proper" stuff which has been quite acceptable too

Oh me too, and in total desperation i've used washing up liquid

Edwardia

I live in a hard water area, the only thing I've found that cuts down on washing powder a bit is adding washing soda

threemuttleys

Washing up liquid!

Middy

I never use the recommended amount. I use about half and it still cleans. On the bottle of Persil Small n Mighty 28 wash bottle, I put a little dot on the back of the bottle for everytime I used it and I have put down 50 and there is enough liquid for 3-4 more washes in there.

When I used the power tablets and told me to put in two, I used one.

I don't know anyone who uses the recommended amount. The manufacturers do this so you buy more boxes and bottles of washing detergent.

Purleygirl

Never thought about washing up liquid or shampoo or just 2 tsp of washing powder, thanks so much for the tips!

frugal_shopper_2

threemuttleys wrote: »

Washing up liquid!

Not something I would use myself, this is the typical result.
http://youtu.be/vxzgm-JfQKo

It has a similar effect in dishwashers too.
http://youtu.be/L_gANd0E6IA

lindseykim13

I use probably a quater of the recomended amount and don't have any issues. I've also used washing liquid in an emergency or if i have something greasy going in the wash. Just a drop and it will be fine. No more than a dribble lol

xneeniex

I think i need to wise up, i use full amount and a bit more for good luck

house_elf

When I was a Careers Adviser in the 80's, I visited a factory which made all the washing powders for most of the major supermarkets 'Own Brand' labels. It seems the only difference between them was perfume and colouring!

Our guide advised us to cut down the dose to about 1/4, as the 'recommended. dose was basically there to encourage you to buy more powder!

He also suggested that you dilute conditioner X 2 as the concentrated stuff was another way of getting you to use more! As no one can accurately measure such small amouts.

I make my own laundry liquid ('Gloop') from a recipe found on MSE. It uses soap and soda crystals and costs pennies compared to branded stuff. Just add whiteners and stain removers to the wash when needed.

It does take a bit of effort, but I just remind myself that it's probably saving us £10 -£15 every time I make a batch! :j