Washing powder v liquid or tablets

Gigervamp

I stopped using the tablets because I found they weren't dissolving completely in the drawer. The gel capsules you put in the drum of the machine and they dissolve as soon as they get wet.

hot.chick

I just buy a bottle and use a cap full - sometimes I top the bottle up with water to streatch it further...

also stopped with powder as it wasn't disolving...

TITEASCRAMP

So tablets are for the drawer and capules are for the drum.
I'm still lost as to the cost differnce. I got some bold 2 in 1 tabs the other day cost they were on offer. They seem to be okay so far. They have dissolved in the drawer.

Which wash the clothes best though? Or does ordinary power do just as well.

The reason I think I'm againt power, is beacause I never know how much to put in. I think I use too much, therefore it isn't cost effective for me.

[Deleted User]

Bear in mind that the recommended amount of detergent is always overgenerous (to encourage you to use more than you need - so spending more money):mad:

You'll find quite a few peeps on here, me included, who use half the amount they say in every wash. Not only does this save quite a lot, but also means that the detergent is more fully rinsed out at the end. The cleaning is exactly the same. I'm not sure, but would think that liquid capsules is another marketing ploy and you won't get any better results from them

I think it might be difficult to halve a capsule. Therefore, tabs or loose powder would probably be best as you can more easily reduce the amount you use.

camelot1001

As the water here is very soft I can get away with using half a tablet for all but very dirty washing. I wouldn't be able to do that with a gel capsule - awfully messy!

calleyw

camelot1001 wrote: »

As the water here is very soft I can get away with using half a tablet for all but very dirty washing. I wouldn't be able to do that with a gel capsule - awfully messy!

Would powder not be easier no need to cut up a tablet?

I personally use powder as I find it easier and cheaper. You control how much you put in.

Yours


Calley

Pink.

Hi TITEASCRAMP,

I prefer washing powder as it's easier to measure out and mix with soda crystals.

This earlier thread discusses the merits of all three:

Washing powder v liquid or tablets

I'll add your thread to that one later to keep the ideas together.

Pink

uolypool

When I use to use tablets years ago I use to put them all in a big bag and bash them with a rolling pin, and then use a spoonfull in the draw, it always brought my washing up nice and clean.Now I tend to get a bottle of whatever is on offer and a bottle of cheaper value liquid and pour half of the good stuff and half of the cheapy stuff into a old large softner bottle ,top up with water and use a capful of that,again it cleans fine ,and it lasts so much longer.:T(I also smash up dishwasher tablets and put a teaspoon of it into the dishwasher at a time and clean plates etc every time.A big box of dishwasher tablets I bought at the beginning of the year from ebay is still going strong and I doubt i'll have to buy more until after xmas

bluebag

I use 'big box' powder on the recomendation of a washing machine engineer. He said the liquids and gels cause the machine to gunk up as there is no bleach in them. It pevents the bad smells and slimy door seal thing.

BitterAndTwisted

TITEASCRAMP wrote: »

I have noticed that washing machine detergent tablets are cheaper than the liquid capsules. I have no idea for the reason behind this. Or what the difference actually is.

The only difference is that you have some control over the dosage with the tabs. The manufacturers will do anything to be in control of the dosage rather than leave it to the consumer to decide. For most of us using half of the manufacturer's dosage will get most dirty laundry as clean as a whistle. In soft-water areas I suspect you could get away with a quarter or less. I think a lot of us are hooked on scenting our laundry and aren't paying as close attention to the cleaning. I suggest an experiment may be in order to find exactly how little can be used for the same results.

I won't be doing it as I'm a laundry-gloop fan and paid something like 3 quid to make ten litres of the stuff.