What do you use in your washing machine?

emmie1234

I tend to buy whatever is on offer. I tried using the basics/value powders and they bought hubby out in a rash so I've got a stash of that in a big tupperware under the sink that I use for washing the nets/tablecloths things like that. A while back Asda lavender/cotton flower washing powder was on offer £1/box so I stocked up then and bought loads. Surf (big box 3kg) is now on offer £3/box so I have been buying that too and I use whatever fabric conditioner is on offer but I only tend to use it for the towels so it lasts ages - yet to give vinegar a go. I only use half the amount of powder that I used to use now too after finding this board!

Vampgirl

We live in a pretty hard water area and have found that the best thing for our washing is some tablets from Lidl we put in with the washing powder (think they're like a cheaper version of Calgon). Without them it didn't matter what combination of detergent and fabric conditioner we used, things would come out quite stiff but with the tablets even without fabric conditioner we have lovely fluffy clothes.

roddydogs

tallyhoh wrote: »

I have been using Asda value, 50p for an E3 size, and mixing it with washing soda. Also using Asda value conditioner 44p for a large concentrated size. Towels and stuff are really soft and lovely. I would recommend it. I think the conditioner works out as cheap as using vinegar etc.

Fabric conditioner should not be used with towels-even if it make the fluffy-they will stop absorbing water-PS why does it need soda in?PS its a good idea to run the W/M at hottest every now and again using old clothes or rags-im told this gets rid of scaling!:rolleyes:

Angelraesunshine

I use Tescos 2 in 1 powder use 1/2 a cup not a full one anymore i was using there own version of calgon tablets but am on last box and not gonna bother any more i use distilled vinegar now and comes out great. i buy the concentrated fabric softener what ever is on offer between lenor, comfort or fairy but only use it in white washes when i use the vanish crystal oxy stuff as it makes it come out harder or on the bedding/ towels as i love the stronger smell.

Lyndsay_21

i used to use any supermarkets own brand but bought some surf on offer once and now i tend to use that as i love the smell of it.

pnq06

I brought some soda crystals on the weekend and so far so good :j Need to use softner though as it all came out very stiff after first try without softner!

Here's to many more pennies being saved :T

Thanks all

DebtphobicDeirdre

if you have leftover washing powder that you didn't like you can use it to soak off baked-on food from your oven dishes.

thriftmonster

I was using Ecover as ds2 was allergic to anything else - but was sick of the stains. So I tried Sainsburys Basics Bio powder - which isn't too scented and he's fine with it and the clothes are a lot cleaner. Maybe he's less sensitive now he's older - but anyway - RESULT!

hev_2

Is it okay to use soda crystals with baby clothes (eight months)?

I've got a huge stash of Persil non bio tablets from a great deal at Costco. Would it work with one tablet and some washing soda. (Also have about 40 gallons of softener, but that is another story!)

Where is the best place to get washing soda if you don't live near a Tesco (implausible I know, but the Tescos here are awkward for me to get to)?

Thank you.