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Housekeeping

What's the best washing powder?

60 replies

LyraBelaqua · 14/05/2013 16:17

I know this is a bit of a strange question but I am totally fed up with my washing coming from the machine looking almost as dirty as when it went in. We are hard on our clothes and currently live in a very dusty house which is having loads of work done and I currently use morrisons own non-bio. I don't mind spending more if it actually gets clothes clean! Any recommendations gladly received, also tips on how to get clothes clean very welcome thanks

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chocolatespiders · 14/05/2013 16:20

I find if I overload my machine it does not clean properly

You may need to do a maintenance wash with an empty machine on a very hot wash with white vinegar in the soap draw.

I use Fairy and Lidl formil, I have 2 girls one who loves to get very very grubby!!!

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alienbanana · 14/05/2013 16:22

Aldi almat is as good as persil.

You probably need a bio washing powder - I've never found non-bio to be that good

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Frontdoorstep · 14/05/2013 18:23

I use persil but agree about not over filling machine.

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Rattitude · 14/05/2013 18:29

I got a box of the Aldi Almat washing powder, and I have not been impressed. I don't like the smell and it leaves some white residue on coloured clothes. I will finish my box but I won't buy it again

I quite liked the Lidl Formil washing liquid I got in the past though, and I do like Persil too.

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somethingscary · 14/05/2013 18:34

Is it just me or doesn't the Aldi stuff dissolve? I had to throw it away. Watching with interest (use Ariel but buy from Booker when on special offer)

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MousyMouse · 14/05/2013 18:38

just put the powder directly into the drum.
in our old flat the water pressure was very low, so the powder wouldn't dissolve and clog the drawer. but putting it in directly solved that.

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Rattitude · 14/05/2013 18:46

I put my Aldi powder directly in the drum too. Still not great though! My highest washing temperature is 40C though, so the washing powder might work a bit better if I chose a higher temperature.

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LyraBelaqua · 14/05/2013 20:10

Thanks for your help will give these a try. I have had the Aldi one before but it seemed to bring us all out in a rash, could have been any number of things though I suppose. Think I will swap to bio powder and give that a try :)

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AnaisB · 14/05/2013 20:14

dd and ds often get a rash from more expensive washing powders. i think its because they have more perfume and musks. we use tescos biological and i've got no complainants. i was using another brand that was cheaper, but after a while mu whites were greying.

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ilovepowerhoop · 14/05/2013 20:19

I use persil or ariel bio powder but only buy it when it is on special offer.

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napkin · 14/05/2013 21:26

I found persil non bio to be best and soak items if coloured only a hour in vanish before you wash. Do you use liquid or powder? Can't use bio it is too harsh for me.

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peachcake · 14/05/2013 21:57

Persil for me :)

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MolotovCocktail · 14/05/2013 22:02

I'm a big fan of Surf and Daz bio liquids - they're good cleaners and I'm a sucker for their smell lush lush lush! (I'm the weirdo who keeps sniffing the laundry when its drying, and loves to smell freshly-washed bed linen, towels, etc Grin)

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Showtime · 14/05/2013 22:17

Problems finding something suitable for silks and woollens, so been using plain soap flakes, with additional soda crystals for whites or white vinegar
as softener if necessary. Easy to add oil or Zoflora etc if scent required and very pleased with results.

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Rattitude · 14/05/2013 22:38

I use Woolite for silks and woollens although it has become more difficult to find it in some supermarkets.

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Rockinhippy · 14/05/2013 23:35

I'd second the maintenance wash, especially if you've been washing extra grubby clothes as a result of the building work, you probably need to do it more often & clean your filter too.

We like Aldis non bio here & have found it to be one of the few powders that doesn't bring DD out in a rash, Persil being the other, but if its not dissolving properly it could be down to you living in a hard water area & needing to add a water softener too, vinegar, soda crystals or Epsom salts will all work for that

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karinmaria · 15/05/2013 03:25

Always used Fairy non-bio as I'm allergic to the others (well, I was as a child and don't fancy risking it). Luckily very happy with it. I tend to use soda crystals with each wash and do a maintenance wash with the crystals once a month.

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rubyrubyruby · 15/05/2013 04:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Pudden · 15/05/2013 09:39

Ariel bio; it makes the clothes smell nice as well- very 'clean' smell

Aldi powders don't dissolve for me either, just remain in a big lump inside the soap drawer. If i bung them in the drum, it leaves white marks on the clothes

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amothersplaceisinthewrong · 15/05/2013 09:40

Areil Liquitabs. I avoid Persil like the plague as it rots clothes,.

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noisytoys · 15/05/2013 09:41

I use Lidl Formil but about a quarter of the recommended dose because if I use too much the clothes don't rinse properly and come out sticky. It is great though and a big bottle lasts months Smile

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GROOVEYCHICK · 15/05/2013 12:32

I use aerial and I always go back to it
The powder seems to smell stronger I find
It cleans really well brings the muddy dog towels up lovely

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theninjabreadma · 15/05/2013 12:38

I love Ariel bio too, find it makes everything sparkly clean but it can fade the colours.

I also avoid Persil because I find it leaves tiny pin prick type holes in my clothes.

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georgie22 · 15/05/2013 12:47

I use Aldi liquid which is great - Aldi washing powders / liquids came out best in a test on performance, smell etc. on a BBC programme last week. Didn't like their gel but the liquid seems to suit us all and works! Previously only used Fairy or Persil but no discernible difference other than price of course!

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napkin · 16/05/2013 09:54

What is it with Persil damaging your clothes theninjabreadma and amothersplaceisinthewrong ? Is that Non-bio and Bio. I use it but have been finding my clothes bobble?

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