Doing washing at night

[chocolateisavegetable]

We’re now on Octopus Go and so using the delay function on the washing machine so we use it at night when it’s much cheaper (we do have a smoke detector very near it to save drip-feeding). I’ve had a t-shirt ruined with what looks like drip marks for either the liquid detergent or the fabric softener, which I’m guessing is more likely to happen when you’re delaying the start time. Obviously I can move to washing powder or the tabs/capsules, but is there a non-liquid alternative to fabric softener?

I use Bold powder which is a 2 in 1 detergent and conditioner. Washing machine man said only ever use powder, and always use the drawer.

All in one liquitabs.

I stopped using fabric softener years ago, makes no difference from what I can tell!

Thank you both.

Sparkling that’s very interesting - did he explain why - better for the washing machine / better for your clothes ?

"Don't leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out. They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors."

www.derbys-fire.gov.uk/safety/at-home/fire-prevention#:~:text=Don't%20leave%20the%20washing,high%20wattage%2C%20friction%20and%20motors.

I use a laundry egg instead of powder or liquid.

Said no woman, ever.

How the fuck would you get anything done if you had to stand guard over the washing machine and dishwasher?

@RamblingFar i’ve seen those advertised when trying to find the answer to my own question. There were some mixed reviews, although the negatives were largely saying not so good as getting stains out - so is it just a case of using stain-remover or normal washing powder for washing stained items?

It's better for both according to him. Liquids and tablets don't dissolve well especially at low temperatures, and can remain on clothes/in the machine and not good for the plumbing.
If you put powder in the drawer then water mixes with the powder before it gets to the drum and gets to your clothes all ready to go.
I did think that there must be a reason they still put the dispenser drawers on modern washing machines, as it would be cheaper to manufacture them without one presumably.

I am sure someone will be along to says he's talking rubbish but I've no reason to disbelieve him.

If it something that's particularly tough to remove, then I rub in a dot of washing up liquid. Otherwise the egg seems to cope with pretty well. Has no problem with mud or flour for example.

Where does it say "stand guard"? Certainly not in the quote I posted.

Running an appliance that is a high fire risk while your family are asleep in bed is a different scenario to during the day when you're awake and pottering about in the house.

It's standard advice from the fire service.

I’m on Go and use powder in the drawer, I haven’t noticed any streaks on the clothes. We also run the dishwasher overnight and when it’s too wet to dry washing outside I’ve plugged a dehumidifier into a timer next to the drying rack which means I don’t need to chuck it all in the dryer to make room for the next load.

Yes, i am afraid I am one of those types that leave the dishwasher and washing machines running and go out. So far so good.

@FlyingFlamingo unfortunately our dishwasher doesn’t have a delay function so it only goes on at night if someone is up late enough! When it needs replacing we will certainly get one with a delay function

Actually my washing machine caught fire one day, luckily I was in on a day off and DS was at school. It burnt out the entire kitchen before the fire brigade arrived. I'd never ever leave anything on unsupervised now.

I got a new washing machine when the very elderly zanussi finally died on me and continued to use the liquid detergent I had left.
Within a month there was a build up of gunk(?) on the seal. I changed to washing powder.. just the pink stuff from lidl... and the problem disappeared...
Two years on and the seal is still spotless. I leave the door and dispenser drawer open when not in use.
I wont be using anything other than powder... 30° wash.. separate whites from the rest.... perfect results..

We are on economy 7 so I programme the washing machine, dryer and dishwasher to come on at midnight or 6am. The washer and dryer are in the garage with a fire door between it and the kitchen and we have heat sensors in there and smoke detectors so being as safe as we can.

I'd never ever leave anything on unsupervised now

Fridge? Freezer?

@chocolateisavegetable could you buy a timer switch for the dishwasher? Ours was £5 from Screwfix

That's interesting as I was told not to use powder by the repair chap!

Liquitabs are probably your best bet, (2 in 1 so includes conditioner) although as previously mentioned they're not great at dissolving at low temps.

@FlyingFlamingo I did suggest that to DH but he said it wouldn’t work because you need to push a button to start the cycle but it won’t work unless there’s power to the machine

Do the liquitabs work ok at 40 degrees?

I did try liquitabs, but even if I throw them in the empty drum somehow they make their way to the front and just sit on the seal sometimes.
But now i'm too afraid to use anything but powder anyway because I don't want to be told off by my repair man if he finds me disobeying him!

@Sparklingbrook 😂

I stopped using liquitabs and conditioner some years ago, after reading* how they gunge up the machine. As suggested, I did a 90 deg empty wash with just soda crystals - it was amazing how much dirty grey foam appeared, and still more with a 2nd such wash.

I now use just powder (in the drum) and soda crystals in the drawer - we’re in a hard water area. Laundry is absolutely fine - and no plastic.
*IIRC it was advice from Piglet John on MN.

The liquitab plastic boxes were a bugger to open, too.