Please talk to me about bio v non-bio

[HoratiaDrelincourt]

Very dull, sorry. I've done a search but can't find a more recent thread than 2007, nor one that quite answers my question.

I have always had sensitive skin, which the DC have inherited. So I have always had non-bio. I tend to wash at 30 except nappies, towels, face cloths, tea towels, etc at 60. I line dry in fine weather. I generally use 1/2 to 2/3 of the recommended amount of detergent with no obvious loss of cleaning power in normal washes. I use a separate softener (Comfort Pure or similar own-brand) on clothes.

But am I doing it wrong? Would bio reduce the argh factor when baby poo leaks on white clothes? is bio better for nappies? is the sensitive skin thing a myth?

I have a hazy idea that bio is worse for the water system.

Am I losing it?

Thanks in advance for any wisdom!

different powders suit different people and all you could do to find out if you react to bio is to actually try some. Bio has enzymes to break down protein, starches and fat in dirt and stains on clothing so can be more effective than non-bio. Some people say it is the added fragrance that irritates them rather than the enzymes.

p.s. I use bio powder and wash at 40°C apart from towels/bedding as I wash them at 60°C

Ah interesting. I definitely react to fragrances and colours so that could certainly be it.

When we used cloth nappies we found that non-bio was far, far harsher on the skin than bio. When I looked into it I could find little evidence that bio caused skin problems but some limited evidence that bio was better.

I would consider giving bio a try using the minimum amount you can get away with and doing an extra rinse at the end and see how you get on.

It always used to be said that bio powders could cause skin problems, and lots of people switched to Persil non-bio (including us). It always used to be very good for white shirts.

However I hear that latest research has failed to find any evidence, it might just be due to changing brands with different formula or perfume. If there was good evidence, you can be sure it would be trumpeted in Persil's adverts.

The Which tests on powders always have the bios better for cleaning. We sometimes use Aldi Almat bio now which is a Best Buy.

I definitely react to all sorts of things, including bio detergents - but I'm very sensitive to perfumes so that could be it.

I find that all the towels come out softer if tumble dried than if line dried. Perhaps you could finish the nappies off with ten minutes in the tumbler to bash them softer?

Adding washing soda crystals also seem to make things come out softer, I think it might be because it dissolves the soap better, so there will be less residue in the clothes.

Maybe try ditching the fabric softener? I don't use it, instead I use about half the amount of powder and about 2 tablespoons of soda crystals. The laundry is nice and soft and it feels clean iykwim.

The soda crystals are in the laundry aisle, come in a bag and about £1 for a kg.

I use the Aldi powders which are great.

Where do you put the soda crystals?

You can put them in with the powder.

There are suggestions for use on the packet. Washing soda is very good for cleaning greasy things. You should wear gloves as I expect it will clean the oil out of your skin.

I wonder if it used to be in granny's Bath Salts?

I put them in with the powder in the drawer.

I also use soda crystals down the plug holes of our sinks and shower etc. just pour some in, leave formanfew minutes then pour innsome white vinegar. It all froths and foams and gives a good clean. Flush through with hot water, job done for pennies.

Having moved here from countries where non-bio doesn't exist, I was baffled by the choice. Being an eczema sufferer and having young dcs I did some research and came to the conclusion that there is no sufficient evidence that non-bio is better for your skin.
Bio, by contrast, is much better at removing stains.

All very interesting! I am inspired to give it a try - just look out for a reliable brand on offer

Any recommendations?

I buy whats on offer as I refuse to buy washing powder at full price. Currently using Persil and have a box of Ariel on standby when the Persil is finished.

Ecover does a bio version - I wonder if it has less in the way of perfumes than other brands

Interesting, my mum always said that anything except Persil non bio made us itchy so I've always used non bio but never think our whites in particular get that clean. Depressingly excited that I'm going to give bio a go after 34 years!

Oh and powders are better than liquids for whites apparently. Something about bleaching agents and optical enhances I think.

Lots of useful advice. I'm off to get some soda crystals and bio washing powder...

We've always used non-bio as Daz and Ariel made my dad itch so non-bio was what I grew up with. It was really bad on bedding for him.

However, I bought a pack of Sainsburys own Bio powder and have used it accidentally on the spare bedding. Dad was absolutely fine. So as a test, I pinched some Bold from a friend who thought I was going daft and tried it - voila, instant itch; so I do think it's the perfumes/added conditioners. (And yes, he did know I was doing it!)

Now we used Method laundry stuff which is brilliant.

I'm sure it is perfumes that cause problems not if it is bio or not. My DD has very sensitive skin, when she was younger the only non-bio she could tolerate was persil. When in a sleep deprived haze i bought bio persil by accident & used it & was amazed to discover it is better for her skin than the non-bio. However persil is the only brand we can use, anything else makes her itch etc. try a couple of different brands to see what works for your family

Does anyone know if non-bio is better for the clothes in any way? I ask because I washed my raincoat yesterday and the label suggested non-bio, but that might be because it's a Seasalt coat and they are organic, etc. I thought it might be that they thought non-bio was better for the environment rather than that bio might harm the fabrics in some way.

the enzymes may affect the coat in some way. It is also not advised to use bio on wool/silk as the enzymes will 'eat' away at the fibres.

Thanks!