Laundry gel or powder

[lahdeedah2019]

I used to use laundry powder all the time and fabric softener . Then I switched to laundry 2 in 1 gel and also use fabric softener at the same time (I'm aware it's not necessary ) I just like to . I was just wondering what actually is better for washing clothes with gel or powder ? I find with gel the clothes don't always come out smelling nice , not horrible just don't smell of anything but when I used powder sometimes there would be powder residue when I'd take the clothes out the washing machine

I use capsules for convenience but I'm told the powder is better at removing stains

I find the capsules can be quite expensive compared to the powder and gel ?

Powder is supposed to be better, both at cleaning the clothes and keeping the machine clean. I put the powder in the drum (disclaimer; the box says never to do this, but I've done it for years without any problems), I never get any powder residue and the drawer stays clean too.

I do find the gel makes the drawer all icky

If your clothes were coming out with powder residue then it’s likely you were putting too much in. I find that I don’t really need to put in the amount suggested on the box.

I find powder better but then i have a grubby toddler who comes back from nursery covered in god knows what so i need something strong! I actually use bio powder (none of us have particularly sensitive skin thankfully!)

I like the liquid you put in a cap in the drum. Capsules are too expensive and one doesn't seem enough for my large load machine, using 2 makes them even less economical. Powder is messy and clogs up my machine drawer.

powder hands down.
the difference in cleaning is astonishing.
I also put it directly into drum.
liquid only for black jeans (to stop them fading too quickly)

There was an AMA thread on here a while back by someone who worked in the detergent industry and they said gels ruined washing machines and powders cleaned clothes best.

Think il be going back to powder ! Just need to decide what to go for ! Does anyone use supermarket own brand for example Tesco range ? I don't mean the budget ones just the normal ones

Powder. It is cheaper, more environmentally friendly (at least the packaging is cardboard and not plastic), and better for the machine as pp have said. Sainsburys own brand big boxes for us.

Lidl Formil powder is good too.

Was told by a dermatologist ( I have a skin condition) to use powder but 50 % less than stated. Our clothes come out completely clean and I wonder if the amount suggested on the box is a marketing ploy.

I always use the powder tablets. I like the Aldi ones.

@victoriabun companies will always tell you to use more in instructions than actually needed . Makes them more money doesn't it as you'll get through the product quicker xx

I second Lidl Formil powder. I used to use gel all the time but then my machine started smelling really bad. Looking into it it seems that the gel sticks to the insides and builds up, not good for your machine. Plenty of soda crystals and white vinegar sorted that out and now I only use powder.

I've heard good things about the Aldi laundry powder

Oh, and like VictoriaBun I use half the recommended amount - just one tablet per wash. I agree it's a marketing ploy to suggest using more because the laundry comes out perfectly clean with 50% less.

Il have a look in Lidl. Silly question but do you use fabric softener as-well or just the powder?

I switched back to powder last year after years of using gel. The only reason I did it was to save plastic waste. No idea about how well it cleans, looks fine to me, lasts much longer than gel and cardboard boxes get crushed and recycled..

I just don't think the gel seems to make clothes clean 🤔

I use powder as gel and liquid made my old machine stink as it gets clogged up on the outside of the drum. My favourite is Sainsbury's own version of bold, it's lavender & something. Smells lovely and is a lot cheaper than Bold! Can't believe now how much the gel and liquid costs compared to powder! So glad I switched.

I use aldis 2 in 1 bio powder. V effective and smells lovely

I use powder, Tesco or Lidl can't tell the difference in how clean clothes are just wherever I'm shopping. As PP only use about half the instructions on the box. I also put straight in the drum.

Thanks everyone . Really helpful !