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Housekeeping

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Original poster

Washing powder recommendations please!

58 replies

Robinonaspade · 26/10/2022 22:21

I used to used Ariel automatic biological washing powder, but need to find a cheaper alternative at the moment.

Can anyone recommend me a reasonably priced biolgical washing powder that cleans whites properly, but does not leave a lump of hard powder in the drawer dispenser? (Asda essentials and lidl own brand both leave a lump and Asda not very good at washing whites. Morrisons own brand also has the same problem, but less so. I have ensured washer and dispenser drawer are clean.)

Thanks.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 26/10/2022 22:26

I've not had issues with leftover powder. Are you putting too much in or using a cycle that is too low in temperature? Maybe try putting the powder in the drum instead of the drawer

I currently have aldi coconut powder and have surf coconut for when it runs out

dementedpixie · 26/10/2022 22:27

Have you cleaned the roof bit of where the dispenser drawer fits into?

Muchtoomuchtodo · 26/10/2022 22:27

we use Lidl powder and never have any left over in the tray.

make sure you’re not using too much.

Topseyt123 · 26/10/2022 22:31

I use either Tesco home brand or Aldi Almat. No problems.

I don't put the powder in the drawer. I have a dosing ball and put it straight into the drum.

Original poster
Robinonaspade · 26/10/2022 22:31

Thanks for the advice.

The drawer compartment is clear and I have lessened the amount of power used, even weighed recommended amount, much to the amusement of my family!!

My parents use lidl powder too, and have the same issue.

Thanks for ideas. I've not tried Aldi yet, not close, but will make a note of them for my next shopping trip!

OP posts:
Pumpkinpatchlookinggood · 26/10/2022 22:32

Pink Surf...
And blue Lenor..

Original poster
Robinonaspade · 26/10/2022 22:33

Thanks. I wondered about just putting it in the drum. May give that a try with rest of the powder I'm using, see if it helps.

OP posts:
Original poster
Robinonaspade · 26/10/2022 22:33

Never used surf... On list thanks!

OP posts:
ChocHotolate · 26/10/2022 22:34

Another vote for pink surf

Itstarts · 26/10/2022 22:34

Just put the powder in the drum with the clothes. I've used pretty much all supermarket own brands with no issues.

dementedpixie · 26/10/2022 22:35

I often use pink surf but thought I'd try coconut surf instead. I tend to buy branded when they are on offer as I refuse to pay full price for them

Original poster
Robinonaspade · 26/10/2022 22:40

Appreciate all the ideas, thanks.

I agree that getting a box when on offer is the best idea, although recently the nearby shops seem very limited in what's on the shelves. Not very much choice and empty spaces where offers were. I obviously have to change my shopping habits!

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 29/10/2022 10:54

I use Sainsbury own brand ( colour/non-bio/bio depending on what I;m washing )

Couldn't find a dosing ball (well there was but it was £9 !!) I bought a couple of squidgey silicone tumblers from Amazon. They can go in the DW so fine for the WM

Powder , scoop of soda crystals , scoop of Astonish powder if I need to.
Always in the drum .

My machine has a automatic dosing compartment but I don't use liquid unless it;s a very delicate wash

MARK89474 · 15/03/2023 18:05

I got a few old balls from the 90s the large plastic ones just for powder

PillBoxes · 15/03/2023 18:15

A tablespoon of Tesco own brand + a handful washing soda crystals in the drawer. Does a great job.

Branded products may suit some but I rarely buy them now and see no difference at all TBH.

soundsofthesixties · 15/03/2023 18:23

Lidls own, called Formil, it's brilliant.

HamFrancisco · 15/03/2023 18:28

Lidl’s Formil sets like cement in my washer drawer, I need to put it in the drum.
@PillBoxes , what difference does adding soda crystals make?

ChestnutGrove · 15/03/2023 18:30

Surf is good. Or Daz for colours

Bamaluz · 15/03/2023 18:35

I use washing tablets , Sainsburys or Asda, which are basically compressed powder, for less mess and nothing left in the despensor drawer.

CandidaAlbicans2 · 15/03/2023 18:37

Had no problems using Sainsbury's own brand in the drawer until the box got a bit old and damp and effected it (made it less disolveable). Morrison's own seems fine too

Cookerhood · 15/03/2023 18:38

I've always had trouble with Lidl & Aldi powders going to a solid lump in the drawer so will try the drum next time.
I've currently got Tesco lavender powder & it's fine.

dew141 · 15/03/2023 18:41

My son did a Crest science project on best washing powders for a variety of stains. Ariel came top, followed by Almat from Aldi (and Persil was near the bottom).

I'm now a convert to the Aldi one, doesn't leave powder in my drawer and much cheaper than the branded ones.

OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea · 15/03/2023 18:46

We use either Tesco own or Lidl and no problems with clumps.

earsup · 15/03/2023 18:53

I use either the asda one or aldi / lidl...and add a little of ariel to the drawer if clothes are stained as i find ariel good at stain removal, all of my powders go a bit lumpy as i store them in a cupboard which can be cold....agitate with a fork to break up lumps before adding.

urrrgh46 · 15/03/2023 18:54

I use Surf or the Supermarket version of Surf - most of them do one.