Own brand washing powder ?

Essex-girl_2

I am not sure if I have read it on here or somewhere else but some table salt in the washing machine helps colours to stop fading.

Havnt tried it myself yet but will do this week. No idea of amount though!

basmic

Essex-girl wrote: »

I am not sure if I have read it on here or somewhere else but some table salt in the washing machine helps colours to stop fading.

Havnt tried it myself yet but will do this week. No idea of amount though!

Not heard that before, but I do know Dylon sell salt for dying clothes - the same as table salt, I suppose.

But I imagine the salt softens the water, making it easier for the Dylon dye to penetrate the clothing. Maybe if you use salt in your machine when washing, it makes it easier for the detergent to penetrate the clothes and stains?

lauren_1

I use mainly stardrops for regular laundry or value powder and soda crystals for whites that need a bit extra help.

thriftmonster

I like Sainsburys basics biological as well - and it doesn't affect ds2's eczema - if it needs a boost I add a tbsp of Biotex powder - great for grass stains.

foreversomeday

There is a thread on here about soap nuts - have you heard of them? I haven't used them myself but they are supposed to be very economical and they are better for your machine, your skin and the environment. If you do a search it should be easy to find.

I just buy whatever is on offer to be honest! I have started putting a small amount of vinegar in my fabric softener drawer though as I have read on here it keeps the machine working better. I am still looking for something which smells gorgeous and keeps the "just washed" smell as well as our washing never does - I can't work it out.

Come to think of it it is probably because I dry clothes on an airer in the kitchen, have only just cleaned out the washing machine for the first time, and never use fabric conditioner, but I am determined to find a washing powder which smells nice and the smell sticks!

patchwork_cat

The salt I believe is to help fix the dye. If I have bought something cheap e.g a cheap fashion scarf for my daughter first wash I will add a copious amount of salt. ( O level chem teacher was a colour chemist and I think this is where I first heard this)

Also for grass/ mud stains like football /rugby kit make a really strong paste of borax and rub this on the just wet stain before washing - leave a bit, scrunching it in and then wash - great ( wear gloves to scrunge if your hands are like mine!I forgot once, oh dear!)

tessie_bear

i use tesco or sainsbury value and mix it with bold and its really good.............i smudge on a dollop of own brand liquid on stains.works for me

ShelBell

i would recommend researching soap nuts before trying them, there is a large opinion that they are pointless and a waste of money.

almar_2

It wasnt worth getting the soapnuts trial for 75p I only got sent five soapnuts, I was told I could use them approx five times over but didnt feel confident that they were cleaning things ok.

Now I do the powder mix that I mentioned in post 4 and it works out much better for me.

mrsproudmum

hi

My mum bought me this from lakeland months ago and i am impressed , i was a bold girl before !With two muddy teenagers

Wash-It Laundry Ball

You're no doubt familiar with the whole gamut of washing paraphernalia... you've lugged them all home over the years. Well, this is a power-packed ball that does it all!
Scientifically formulated pellets inside the Wash-It Ball 'activate' water molecules producing electrolytic oxygen and hydrogen ions, which unleash their natural power to lift dirt from clothing fibres.
The results are tremendous, and so are the benefits. For a start, the ball is good for 100 washes (based on a one hour cycle) which makes it so economical, especially if you bear in mind that no softeners are needed. It's absolutely safe and gentle for every fabric, and leaves no unsightly detergent residue behind that can irritate sensitive skin; contains no harsh chemicals that deteriorate fibres or fade colours; and lastly, it's environmentally friendly.
18g stain remover stick included for stubborn stains.

£7.99
Ref 5718