Laundry detergent alternatives?

Jibber123

We've always used the big value 4.5l Ariel laundry detergent. We end up doing at least 1 load a day, with dogs and 2 small boys, everything gets muddy especially this time of year! We also live in a hard water area so end up using about 100ml per load in the larger 9kg drum and heavily soiled items. This means we are getting thought over £150 of washing detergent a year! Just seen this in sainsburys

and thought i'd give it a go, works out about 1/3 of the price of Ariel. Also seen Aldi Almat but can't find the dosing instructions online, wondered if anyone has any thoughts on how good they are? 

Katiehound

Just seen this online:

"Following rigorous testing, the Which? panel of experts scored Aldi's Almat Bio Washing Powder an impressive 79% beating leading brand Ariel (78%)."

Whatever I am using I just use roughly the same amount.
 I'm also in a hard water area and I use Tesco limescale prevention  gel  however that seems to have zoomed in price(  may now not be cheaper than Calgon)
Another thing you might try is to add washing soda as that should reduce the hardness of the water and therefore reduce your wash powder use.

YoungBlueEyes

I use Almat gel (after reading so many good things about it on here), and I've found it as good as Fairy powder. I'm in a hard water area too so I put either 1/2 or a full eggcup full of washing soda in the powder drawer with either 1/2 ish or nearly full cap of gel. Depends on what I'm washing and how dirty it is - my stuff gets the half doses or less sometimes, himself's work kit gets the full whack. 

I don't use fabric softener anymore either (having read on here) - I use a squirt of cheapo white vinegar. Good moneysaving tip  

Mnoee

I use Sainsbury's regular own brand bio and non-bio, and find it fine - though I'm not in a hard water area, nor are we particularly grubby. It seems equivalent to a name brand (I use scented stuff like Surf for bedding) for my needs, but they seem quite different to yours! 

MrsStepford

We use Persil Hygiene Professional. Two boxes of the 130 wash size cost £80 and last for a year.