New laundry gels just too soapy!

[Jiblet]

Hi all. Does anyone else find the new laundry gels or small and mighty liquids etc just don't rinse out very well.

I use the smallest amount just a few millimeters but my machine still can't cope, especially with towels, they need rinsing about 3 times.

I've seen in the USA they've introduced HE laundry detergents for new energy efficient machines but can't see any sign of them over here.

My local supermarket has stopped selling the older style liquids and I've never been sure about powder in a cold-fill machine.

I'm wondering if my machine is just rubbish but it's only a few years old, don't want to fork out for a new one only to have the same problem

What are other people's experiences with these gels/ highly concentrated liquids?

Thanks :)

i also only use a teeny tiny bit of gel... perhaps 1/8 - 1/6 of the recommended amount. (my clothes are always clean and you can smell the detergent too, i cant really imagine how strongly they would smell if i used the recommended amount!

If you are that worried use a small amount of super concentrate liquid and mix with water before putting in machine so its already a bit more liquidy?

Using liquids / gels & low temperature is notorius for making washing machines and the pipes etc really gunky and manky so best to use a biological powder, and hotter washes sometimes as well to minimise this.

there is a chance that your machine contains a resident sludge of old powder and conditioner. This is very common if you do a lot of cool washes.

Put some old cotton towels in it (no soap or conditioner) and do a HOT MAX wash. If there is old sludge, this will tend to wash it out, and you will see the machine foaming up even though you added no powder or gel. Do it again. When it stops foaming, even on HOT, then you can be fairly condident that the old residue has mostly been washed away. Do this maintenance wash every few months.

BTW if you use a lot of bath oil or skin cream, or I suppose if you work in a chip shop or ice-cream factory. you may get a grease buildup in the machine, again a HOT MAX wash with old towels, but this time add Ariel powder which is quite strong.

I always use bio powder and have a cold fill machine too. I stopped using liquids when I started getting dirty marks on my washing - apparently a build up of slimy stuff in the drum/rubber seal which is more common with liquids.

I agree with Seona. Liquid/gels don't have bleach in, which means after a few weeks your machine and every load of washing you do will start to stink.

If you do use the gel, then run a weekly hot wash with some cheap powder and bleach (stick the towels in with it). Never had any issues with powder in a cold fill machine.

Yes Jiblet i find they don't rinse and am wondering how well powder will rinse in cold water too! Did you get a new machine or find another solution?

I found the Asda 2-in-1 gel a nightmare to get out-towels needed 2 or 3 rinses.The Tesco one is better.

I've kept empty bottles and diluted all liquids 50/50 with water before using. Now gone back to powder (Bold) as I had the slime problem and now it is much better.