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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

Washing powder or liquid

43 replies

Sixpencenonethericher · 22/09/2015 21:52

Is liquid bad for washing machines I've got some but someone said. It wrecks machines
I do towels with non bio on 60
Bedding with non bio on 60
Whites with bio on 40 coloureds same
I think I read on here that non bio is the only one that works on 60 if anyone can enlighten me please

OP posts:
Tarzanlovesgaby · 22/09/2015 21:57

bio powder washes best.

it contains enzymes that destroy organic molecules, i.e. dirt and wash them away.
the enzymes only work in water below 50 degrees, but as the water takes a while to get to temperature they work in hot washes too.
plus the soap contents works in all temperatures.

Original poster
Sixpencenonethericher · 22/09/2015 21:59

Thank you.

OP posts:
rabbit123 · 22/09/2015 22:29

Yes powders are much better and leave the machine cleaner. You'll also notice that whites stay white and colours are brighter.

You don't need to use both a bio and a non bio with powders, 1 bio powder is suitable for all washing.

Bunbaker · 22/09/2015 22:32

Liquids leave gunge in washing machines and don't clean as well.

NameChange30 · 22/09/2015 22:38

Doesn't bio powder damage some natural fibres like wool and silk? So you would need to use non-bio for those.

Tarzanlovesgaby · 22/09/2015 22:43

yep, the enzymes don't differenciate between proteins in mud or fabrics so for wool/silk/leather/feathers you need to use a special wool detergent (or shampoo)

wowfudge · 22/09/2015 22:56

I also find that non-bio doesn't take the colour out of dark coloured clothes in the same way bio does. A special delicates detergent is good for woollens, machine washable silks, etc.

Original poster
Sixpencenonethericher · 23/09/2015 07:20

Thanks everyone

OP posts:
Davros · 23/09/2015 09:22

I use capsules that go in the drum to avoid gungy drawers. What's the view on those?

VulcanWoman · 23/09/2015 09:30

I have ordered some Soapnuts............

Original poster
Sixpencenonethericher · 23/09/2015 09:50

Let me know how you get on I'm always thinking about them

OP posts:
penguinsarecool · 23/09/2015 10:01

I just use non-bio powder. I remember reading somewhere in a magazine saying its better for your clothes and bio liquids or powder. I can't say i've ever bothered to compare washes lol but it non-bio does a good enough job on our washes so i've never reallt felt a need to change.

wowfudge · 23/09/2015 10:09

Soap nuts = Emperor's new clothes or they'd have taken over the market.

VulcanWoman · 23/09/2015 10:14

I will report back, £9 for 330 washes!

rabbit123 · 23/09/2015 11:37

wowfudge, look at the ingredients list for non bio powders. It actually contains more bleach and more chemicals than bio as it has to make up for the enzymes.

Non bio liquid doesn't contain any bleaching agents OR any enzymes. It's one of the worst causes of mould and gunge build up.

Original poster
Sixpencenonethericher · 23/09/2015 11:50

So should I use bio coloured for darks or just normal bio for everything

OP posts:
Original poster
Sixpencenonethericher · 23/09/2015 11:51

It's areil bio and colour if that matters

OP posts:
Tarzanlovesgaby · 23/09/2015 12:03

I use ordinary bio for light coloured clothes a the colour version for dark and bright colours.

VulcanWoman · 23/09/2015 13:09

Well, Soapnuts delivered, they are brown and about the size of a grape, haven't got enough dirty washing yet to test but they created a bit of a lather under the tap when I rubbed one with my hands, I've put them in an air tight container and I'll not store them under my sink where I usually keep the washing powder as it sometimes gets a bit damp, says to keep them dry. Oh, when I took them out of the cloth bag, they'de been packed in a plastic bag and they were quite sticking and stuck together, not sure if this is how they're supposed to be.

rabbit123 · 23/09/2015 14:30

sixpencenonethericher, I use bio for everything. Colour is a marketing gimmick. Oxygen based bleaching agents are not chlorine bleach and don't strip colour. People hear the word bleach and think it will fade everything, but it's not true.

Almost every powder detergent since 1907 has had oxygen based bleaching agents in it, colour detergent was a marketing ploy by P&G in early 90's.

Original poster
Sixpencenonethericher · 23/09/2015 15:16

Thanks rabbit

OP posts:
Bunbaker · 23/09/2015 21:18

I really wouldn't use soapnuts. I tried them about three years ago thinking that they were better. After a few weeks DD's eczema got worse and my washing machine stunk.

I discovered quite by accident that DD's eczema improved when I started using bio powder because it killed the mould spores in my washer, and it was the mould that was aggravating the eczema.

Not using bio powder occasionally or doing regular service washes will result in a stinky washer full of mould.

Soapnuts don't work anyway.

Davros · 23/09/2015 23:06

Ahem, Capsules anyone?
I tried soap nuts some years ago, they were rubbish. If anyone wants the leftovers (there's plenty), do let me know

rabbit123 · 23/09/2015 23:22

Capsules are just ready dosed liquid

Davros · 24/09/2015 07:56

But are they better for the machine than powder or liquid as you bypass the drawer?