I developed laundry detergents AMA

[LapinR0se]

For many years I was responsible for innovation for one of the biggest laundry brands in the UK.
Any questions you have on stains, wash cycles, laundry products etc you can ask me.

Yes that means delicates. I think it’s arse covering on the part of M&S. originally I thought it was appropriate for baby clothes because of the poppers and patterns. But for plain white fitted sheets….no reason

Thank you, I feel vindicated

@boatyardblues

Do the enzymes in bio powder really munch your skin? DH’s uncle (70s) has got this into his head and won’t use them.

Yes, if you are sensitive to them. They did a real number on me, I was covered with a nasty rash wherever I sweated and my body touched my clothes, so rash didn't occur on my face/hands for example but was very bad elsewhere. Finally my mother realised she'd changed our laundry detergent to a bio one (this was about 30 years ago) and my rash vanished in a few days as soon as my clothes were all re-washed and the washing machine itself was put on a 90'C degree cycle (empty) to denature any remaining enzymes in the drum.

Was a truly horrible experience and to this day I avoid any bio detergents.

I read this thread years back and have used powder for my whites and liquid for my coloured items ever since.

I do a service wash every now and again but I have a washer/dryer (would rather them separate but live in rented accommodation and this is what’s been provided, no space for 2)
….. some items, when air dried, have dust bunnies right in near the seams…. Any advice?

(If @LapinR0se is still around).

Oh bugger, just accidentally deleted my question.

Was there a reason for not responding to the question on the rock hard towels and the removal of phosphates please?

I cannot get over how excited I feel by this thread! 🤣🤦‍♀️ I’m learning so much! Can we nominate for classics??

I’ve just started using earth breeze detergent sheets, they’re meant to be super eco friendly and come in a paper envelope. Are they ok to use? Better/worse than a regular brand?

Is supermarket own versions of vanish just as good as the proper branded one? They’re so much cheaper so I’ve swapped to them as they looked so similar!

I’ve swapped to Ecover fabric conditioner but I haven’t tried it yet, though I’m nervous that the eco brands don’t sound like they might be any good after all, or worth it environmentally. Any thoughts?

Liquids are supposed to be really bad for washing machines. I am confused you recommend it over powder.

ZOMBIE THREAD!

So, are eco brands like Ecover have as low environmental impact as they claim to be? Does their low impact at the domestic drain come at the expense of higher impact in production?

What's their whole life environmental impact compared to non-eco products?

The main environmental footprint of doing laundry comes from the energy it takes to heat water in your machine. Cooler cycles have a much better profile. if you want to be eco-friendly, turn to 30 when possible

Nice to see you back OP! Loved this thread.

I read through this all last night! Very very interesting!

Hello Op, thanks for coming back to an old thread. I'd also like to ask about detergent sheets like earthbreeze - I know they're expensive but how do they compare to liquids v powder? Thanks

H @Rollinghill honestly I don’t know as they were not on the market in any meaningful way when I was working in detergents. So we wouldn’t have included them in any side-by-side testing.

I often think about this thread. I wonder if the OP will disclose about colour catchers - it was an often deflected question if I remember correctly. Please spill the dye OP.

Thanks @LapinR0se

Hello again @LapinR0se ! What is the main difference between cheaper detergents e.g. Lidl brand, and main brands, please? Are the leading brands worth paying for? Thank you

Normally top stain removal is Persil or Ariel (these are “Top Clean” brands), with the two brands competing by format e.g. Persil
might win in powder but Ariel in capsules or liquids.
Sometimes a supermarket own brand wins on stain removal though. For latest results you can check Which? or I think Good Housekeeping tests detergents as well.

Which? testing here: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/washing-powder-and-laundry-detergent/article/full-laundry-detergent-test-ratings-aIVZc3D36seF

It you rent a subscriber to which you can’t view the results .

Can you unlock those results @LapinR0se?

No I’m not a subscriber any more

You may be able to access it via your library. Which? is very popular, so I should think many library systems have it.