What's the alternative (inexpensive) to soap powder in washing machine drawer?

[MaggieW]

For various reasons I can't use the soap powder drawer on the washing machine so need either liquid or powder that can go directly into the drum with the clothes. What would you recommend please?

We use these at all temperatures. You put 5 or 6 soap nuts in a cotton bag. Tie it up and put it in the drum with the washing. Keep using until the nuts are soft. Usually after about 3 or 4 washes.

www.soapnuts.co.uk/

"Which" tells me that soap nuts are no more effective than sloshing your clothes around in hot water, so they get dirtier and dirtier.

You can put the scoop of washing powder through the porthole of the washing machine. I do that, it prevents damp soap clogging the drawer and slot.

Thanks both. Piglet do you find that the washing powder bleaches the clothes at all when put on directly?

I tip it in immediately before turning on the machine, so it gets churned up and mixed with the water and clothes. I haven't seen any patchiness.

For darks and colours, I often use a liquid that does not contain bleach, I use powder for whites.

You used to be able to get a plastic dosing ball free from Persil and presumably other makers, that you fill up and put in the drum.

I use all my liquids/powder in the drum as I ahem cba cleaning the drawer. Tend to use persil or surf liquid and had no problems

I use the soap nuts on my pooey reusable nappies and they are still clean and fresh smelling months later . I do use and recommend vinegar too to help remove smells and keep fabric soft.

I once used Ecover directly in the drum and this stained the clothes terribly so be careful OP.

An Eco egg

I sometimes use washing tablets - they are supposed to go in the drum. I think some of them say put them in first then clothes on top then switch on. The liquitabs are all designed to go in the drum.

We have used soap nuts for several years. We are a family of 4 with active young boy and girl.
Never had any issues or complaints that the clothes are not clean or smell.

Which magazine is just that... a magazine. I actually use the product. Perhaps that carries more weight!

Fairy non bio liquid has a dosing cap thing on the top. Mil just bungs it in the machine.

I use Persil non bio liquid. currently £6 for a bottle instead of £10 in Tesco. Gets all my clothes clean on a 40 wash - even with two very muddy boys aged 4 and 6.

and it comes with a dosing cup you stick straight in the drum.

Any of the gel ones are designed to go straight into the drum, as are tablets and liquitabs. TBH I think you can put more or less any liquid in the drum in a little container and it'll be fine.

Aldi liquid gel goes directly into the drum.

I use soap nuts and think they work well.

I am same as PolterGoose. No dosing ball, just pour the powder on top within the drum and start machine. No problems. Been doing that for years. Liquid Ecover on cycling clothes fine, too. We use Bio powder & wash at 30.

I use soda crystals but soap nuts didn't work for us (months of trying).