Washing not coming clean

[Zil131]

I have DSs aged 18m and 3.6, so lots of washing and very little time. I have to confess that I am guilty of the following:

1. Allow DSs to get very very grubby
2. Leave dirty clothes to smoulder in wash basket for 2 days
3. Throw all washing on a 40 degree rapid cycle
4. Use cheap supermarket brand non-bio detergent

But stuff doesn't really come clean.... Which of my habits do I need to recify for best results...??

Don't use rapid cycle. Makes a big difference in my machine, anyway!

agree about long cycle (it's not like you need to turn the drum yourself) and bio powder. oh the revelation :o
a cup of soda crystals directly in the drum are good too.

Long cycle and Ariel Actilift

Just coming onto find out the answer as I have this problem too (although i think it maybe because I overfill the drum) but can I just say, what a marvellously written OP!

You've completely eradicated the need for about twenty back and forth posts there, you are very efficient! I'm very jealous!

Please could someone post the method for using soda crytals and vinegar. Are they used together or separately, and at what temp? I've been and bought these and would like to spruce up the old machine later. Thanks

soda crystals = a cup full directly into drum
white vinegar = half a cup or so into the conditioner dispenser

great for a service wash.

Why thank you ajaybaines! Although actually maybe I should have added in 'over fill the drum' aswell.
I will make the effort to put the washing on slightly earlier, so it can have a full cycle (rather than a rapid one) before I hang it out and go out for the day.

Is Bio powder bad for little skins, or it is just a case of try it and see?

thanks mousey - both at the same time?

bio powder is fine for most people (ds and I both have exzema and don't feel a difference).
just try it.

I use both in the same service wash at 95º

I've never understood the difference between bio and non-bio but had it in my head that non-bio = 'good', bio = 'evil'. Not sure why... So, bio cleans better?

bio = enzymes that break up dirt
non-bio = no enzymes

non-bio was supposed to be more gentle to the skin but that has been disproven.

So who are the people who care about the enzymes then?

My washing is never clean either, despite using Ariel or Surf and washing soda or Oxywash. I think it's the machine. It's never been as good as my deceased 20+yo Zanussi :( they don't make em like they used to.

I found Actilift a great expensive disappointment too!

Bio also = enzymes which will eat your lambswool sweater!

really Elbow?

Well, I'd put a washload in, added the tablets, fabric conditioner and set it to go... some little while later when I come to empty and hang there is my beautiful cream lambswool jumper covered in what looked like cotton wool - it was almost see through - Never again!!

Surely that was a hand wash only job though?

yep, that is right. the enzymes in bio detergent 'eat' proteins (which most stains are made of). so for wool and silk you need to use shampoo or special wool detergent.

I use non-bio on other similar woolies with no ill effects. (Hate hand washing!)

OMG I was about to write almost the exact same OP.

I have just changed from Fairy non-bio to Ariel actilift and haven't noticed a difference.

I think it might just be the machine. 8 yr old (to us) re-conditioned Hotpoint. Would you expect it to be passed its best?

I use bio powder (Ariel or persil or Daz but only when it is on offer!) and normally do a proper (longer!) cycle. I have a time saver option on the machine that can cut some time off the cycle which makes it shorter but not as short as the quick wash cycle. I only use the quick washes for small loads that arent very dirty - they are not for full loads (according to my machine instructions)

I find all the dirty marks come out yet stuff comes out with greasy marks on at times that I didn't know they had when they went in!

I have a lovely red top that invariably looks clean till I put it on then find another grease mark :(