Washing powder v liquid or tablets

Horace

I use Tesco non-bio powder because I too am sensitive to various brands. I have a 3kg pack which I bought earlier this year (in April, I think) and it is still going strong but then I do use a small scoop rather than try tipping the box.

I can also recommend Co-op's own sensitive fabric softener - it has a nice smell, is cheap and doesn't irritate.

r.mac_2

thanks for the tip horace - think i'll buy the powder to test/compare next time we are running low

MrsB_2

I've just converted (about a month ago) from Ariel powder (green for whites and purple for colours) and white vinegar / bicarb mix instead of conditioner, to Ariel liquids (colour and whites again) and Comfort concentrate conditioner.

I decided I needed a change cos I was sick of my washing smelling of nothing. It never smelt 'Clean'. Since I've swapped my washing smells lovely all the time, even the ironing pile smells nice!! I've also noticed that, although the conditioner drawer is back to being full of water, I have absolutely NO gunge in the drawer at all. Not even a black mark. I was constantly washing it out prior to swapping.

I only use a tiny bit of liquid (less than a quarter of the measuring ball) and a capful of conditioner, and everything is clean, fresh, soft, and stain free.

Personally - I'm sticking with liquids!!

morganlefay

I don't think washing machine engineers know anything at all about it as they all say different things. Mine said use liquid for washes up to 40 but powder for hotter ones, so I do and all has been fine so far tho I use much much less than they say. I am addicted to the smell of Fairy non-bio powder, and also Persil colour liquid - sad creature that I am ! (Tho I never use conditioner as it seemed to get the machine all gunky)

QOTD

Thanks everyone, I posted a similar question on the quick Q&A sticky - I missed this thread DUH

I'm going to buy some of Tesco's own powder next shop and see how it works out. I also like the tip on making sure that the machine isn't too full - this was probably the cause of my problem for getting white marks on clothes when using powder in the past.

jess8905

Hopefully I will have a new washing machine delivered on Sunday and wanting to get off to a good start was wondering if it's better for the machine to use liquid or powder detergent (or does it not make any difference?)

Also someone told me it's a good idea to put a scoop of soda crystals in with every wash, apparantly it helps with limescale build up (I live in a really hard water area) does anyone do this?

Finally are there any tips to keep the machine running well?

Jess

adandem

I think powder is the best, you get alot of gunk building up with liquid which can then cause blockages.

I don't know about putting soda crystals in with the wash, I've noever done it but I run mine on empty with them on a very hot wash every so often to keep it clean.

Joannaclaire

There's a brilliant website https://www.washerhelp.co.uk with all sorts of useful tips re using the machine.

Sailor_Sam

i try to be 'green' in anything i do, i have just sent for "indian soapnut shells" these are suppose to be good for the machine, and the environment.
i sent on the internet to www.salveo.co.uk

have not used them yet, so don't know how good they are.perhaps others can tell us.

Nile

Hello jess8905

I'll move your thread to the 'Old Style' board, where this subject has been discussed in previous threads.;)

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Regards

Nile