Washing powder and fabric softner

[Sixpencenonethericher]

I have an 8kg washing machine and have been using the amount that it says
But other people have been using a tbsp of powder and half a cup of softner
Any one have any advice ? Thanks

[NotALondoner]

I use 125 ml which is a half cup.

[Sixpencenonethericher]

Thanks do you use softener ?

[NotALondoner]

NO!!!!! What's it for? Never used it in my life. Apparently it's good to reduce static in those polyester work trousers...

[Sixpencenonethericher]

They see me coming I'm so gullible

[Hikari01]

I never use extra softener. It's not good for elastic bands and fabrics, so if you have a lot of them (i.e. underwear with elastics) you might be better off not using softener.

[Sixpencenonethericher]

Thanks I might give it a miss

[dementedpixie]

I use just over 100ml of powder (maybe a bit extra for whites or if things are particularly dirty) and some fabric softener unless I am washing microfibre cloths (and whatever is in with them) as they say not to use it.

[NotALondoner]

100 ml for an 8 kg machine? Ooh I might use a bit less then.

[rabbit123]

Don't forget it depebds where in the country you are. Hard water areas need larger doses. We're in a soft water area and I can get away with 60ml. Anything over about 85ml foams up too much and is difficult to rinse out

[fussychica]

I live in a hard water area but never use recommended dosage. I use powder tablets and only use one in a normal load. Never use fabric conditioner with towels as I think it makes them feel like they haven't been washed. If I bung some in with bedding it's very little, certainly nothing like they suggest.

[NotALondoner]

Are you lot using 8 kg machines with only 60 mls/one tablet? How do I know if I have hard water or not?

[NotALondoner]

Ah. I am in a hard water area apparently.

[rabbit123]

You'll need more detergent in hard water. Hard water has a higher mineral count that can neutralise the cleaning agents in the detergent. Thankfully, laundry detergents contain a softening agent, but obviously, the harder the water, the more you need to use.

Stick with the dosing advice on the box/bottle. If you're using tablets, you should be fine using 2. I prefer powder and got a free scoop from the Ariel website which has all the measurements down the side.

[Sixpencenonethericher]

Take a plastic water. Bottle and 1/4. Fill with water
Then add. 8 -10 drops of washing up liquid and shake and if it foams it's soft

[fussychica]

Go to your water suppliers website - should be able to type in your postcode and it will tell you.

Mine is a 6kg machine - 1 tablet works for me.