Ecover - is it really that good?

[LizziePizzie]

I have been using Ecover clothes washing liquid and washing up liquid for years, and I mean about 8 years. I buy the big 5 litre containers and fill up the same bottles I bought 8 years ago. I feel good about myself and sleep well at night...

However...

I am finding that I have to use industrial drain cleaner all too often as my drains keep getting blocked and I use sooo much stain spray on my clothes as stains never seem to come out. My whites are looking tired and some hard wearing areas (collars and cuffs) are looking decidedly grubby.

I was my colours at 30 degrees and my whites at 40 (or if I am doing towels/nappies/sheets I'll do them at 60 degrees).

I am beginning to have sleepless nights about washing clothes more than once as stains are not coming out and using so many other products that are harmful to the environment to get stains out, that it?s almost defeating the object of using Ecover in the first place.

Anyone got any magical solutions? The stains tend to be tomato based (pasta sauce) or grease/oil stains, and the blocked drains is oil/fat. And before someone says it, I do try and drain off as much as I can before I wash up.

I did use Ecover everything, but have found the Washing up liquid doesn't quite do its stuff, and the smell of the conditioner has gone a bit odd recently..

However i still swear by the Laundry liquid, and the powdered Laundry bleach, am currently experimenting with other products, and have to be careful as we have a septic tank with a soak away.

Try using the bleach dissolved in boiling water, and pouring down the sink, it fizzles a lot but really helps get rid of the grease (i use it down the loo occasionally too)

the washing up liquid is great as liquid soap/shower gel (and for washing up).
the bio-powder is also very good, but out local store doesn't stock it anymore...

The dilemma of cleaning products is do you go for the eco brands which contain less chemicals and more environmentally friendly, or conventional brands which are better at removing stains but contain chemicals which have been linked to asthma and eczema. Ethical Consumer magazine is writing a buyers' guide on cleaning products and currently has a forum which would be interested in hearing peoples views and tips.
www.ethicalconsumer.org/discuss/forums/tabid/61/aff/21/default.aspx
Why not share your tips for cleaning clothes or your top brands for getting your house clean.

coming in a bit late here but I may have a great solution. I had the same issue with Ecover blocking my drains. There are 2 things here. How to unblock your drains in a friendly way and how to lessen it happening again. First, EM or effective microorganisms (friendly bacteria) will break down the fats and oils and also neutralise the smell. Second, EM ceramics reduce the water cluster and reduce surface tension thereby lessening the amount of washing liquid required. There are a few people selling such products in the UK. Microbz is one I have used. Hope this helps.

Soda crystals do a great job on drains. get in the habit of shooshing some down the sink every weekend with boiling water.
I've never had a problem with blocked drains, mind you and i use BioD. A british comapny, all products certified vegan they do a great job

Hi yes they still sell vanish soap, seen it in Savers and Tescos