Washing powder - which one?

[SleepyFergus]

I've been considering moving from liquid to powder for a wee while now, and have just been trailing the Tesco Naturally Powered powder which I have liked so far. However, I don't do my main shop in Tesco so unlikely to use this much in the future. I personally haven't had any problems with it gunking up and not dissolving properly in the drawer either, which seems to be a common complaint from some.

So which powders do you recommend? (We shop in Sainsbos if their own brand was recommended)

ASDA smart price does a perfectly good job for us (baby, mucky toddler, DH does outdoorsy stuff so often muddy)

Lidl's Formil. Comes second in the Which? reviews after Ariel. Much, much cheaper though!

I use Waitrose powder tablets. I was told by the washing machine repair man that powder is better for machines than liquid as they don't gunk up (technical term?!) the inside of the machine. I have used Sainsburys powder tablets too and they were good.

Ooh, Lidl you say? I go there for DDs nappies so might pick up a box to try....

Always use powder for whites - got that from a leading R&D specialist in the industry.
Liquids for coloureds and always do a monthly high temp maintenance wash. Et voila!

(Not sure that directly answers your question though!)

Do sleepyfergus - it really is brilliant stuff, and amazingly cheap compared to brands and supermarket own brands.

Ariel Actilift is great - I buy the big box.

ASDA smartprice here too. I have a big hairy football playing son, a daughter who leaves makeup on every towel she touches and it pulverises the dirt.

Would happily pay more for something that works better but I haven't found it yet. BTW, I'm a saddo who usually has several fabric conditioners in different fragrances on the go and I get excited over bleach boil washes.....

Don't get me started on line drying, the pleasure!!! -

I'm a tad obsessed with laundry.

Personally don't like the smell of clothes after using sainsbury own brand powder, we normally get fairy or tesco own brand powder, which smells the same as fairy but a lot cheaper!

ecover bio get things properly clean + nice subtle smell
ariel bio also good, but the smell is quite strong.
for darks/work trousers I use a liquid as it doesn't fade the colours as much. other coloured stuff/school uniform I wash with colour powder (whatever is on sale)