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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

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:
Namechangehereandnow · 15/03/2023 18:54

I’ve used many different brands, sometimes get lumps although usually don’t. When I get the lumps I clean the drawer out BUT realised the problem was actually the jets above the drawer where the water comes out! So now I regularly clean the holes/jets above and haven’t had lumps since.

GuyFawkesDay · 15/03/2023 18:56

I tend to but bold lavender/chamomile as it cleans well and smells lovely.

Aldi bio powder is fab though.

I'm a drum girl too, just whack it in before the washinh

PillBoxes · 15/03/2023 18:59

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?

inthewash.co.uk/laundry-and-ironing/soda-crystals-for-washing-clothes/

yikesanotherbooboo · 15/03/2023 19:18

I really rate LIDL powder and have no problem with it setting in the drawer although I do know what you mean.I only use a small scoop . In your shoes I would put powder in the drum .

urrrgh46 · 15/03/2023 19:27

Agree on the drum for powder - a washing machine engineer recommended doing that. As powder is better for the machine but i said i didn't like the drawer mess.

motherofkevinnotperry · 15/03/2023 19:29

Aldi and I put it in the drum

PillBoxes · 15/03/2023 19:32

Those who put the powder directly into the drum, do you just throw it on top of the washing, or before you put the washing in, or do you use a "ball" thinggy?

HanSB · 15/03/2023 19:33

Does anyone know how to stop the powder setting hard in the cardboard container? I always buy a big container but the bottom 1/5 goes hard and clumpy

BatshitCrazyWoman · 15/03/2023 19:34

PillBoxes · 15/03/2023 19:32

Those who put the powder directly into the drum, do you just throw it on top of the washing, or before you put the washing in, or do you use a "ball" thinggy?

I use Daz powder, put it in the drum, then put the laundry in. I don't use any kind of dosing ball or anything.

PillBoxes · 15/03/2023 19:39

BatshitCrazyWoman · 15/03/2023 19:34

I use Daz powder, put it in the drum, then put the laundry in. I don't use any kind of dosing ball or anything.

Show quote history

I need to get a life, but before I do, doesn't the powder disappear down the little washing machine drum holes of doom if you put it in before the laundry goes in?
I need a better hobby, but this is fascinating me somehow!

twilightcafe · 15/03/2023 19:44

Pink Daz from Home Bargains

twilightcafe · 15/03/2023 19:45

BatshitCrazyWoman · 15/03/2023 19:34

I use Daz powder, put it in the drum, then put the laundry in. I don't use any kind of dosing ball or anything.

Show quote history

I use an old plastic cat food tub or yoghurt pot to put liquid/powder straight into the drum.

LindorDoubleChoc · 15/03/2023 19:49

Lidl Formil straight in the drum. Smells lovely!

bridgetjonesmassivepants · 15/03/2023 19:49

I was very chuffed to get about ten boxes from the tip recently. Someone was throwing it away and the tip workers were keen for me to take it as they aren't allowed to take stuff themselves. Judging by the packaging I'd say it's all at least twenty years old if not thirty. Best thing is, it still works perfectly!

Normally use Formil from Lidl, the tropical one. It does clump sometimes but I just chuck the lump away - it isn't a bit issue!! Especially as Formil costs about £3.20 a box.

timtam23 · 15/03/2023 19:51

Sainsbury's own brand is good and also the Aldi one. I have the Lidl one at the moment but it does sometimes leave a hard blob of powder in the detergent drawer

GuyFawkesDay · 15/03/2023 20:13

HanSB · 15/03/2023 19:33

Does anyone know how to stop the powder setting hard in the cardboard container? I always buy a big container but the bottom 1/5 goes hard and clumpy

Use a plastic tupperware type container. Only thing I have found that works

BatshitCrazyWoman · 16/03/2023 08:45

PillBoxes · 15/03/2023 19:39

I need to get a life, but before I do, doesn't the powder disappear down the little washing machine drum holes of doom if you put it in before the laundry goes in?
I need a better hobby, but this is fascinating me somehow!

Show quote history

No, it doesn't!

Namechangehereandnow · 16/03/2023 11:15

HanSB · 15/03/2023 19:33

Does anyone know how to stop the powder setting hard in the cardboard container? I always buy a big container but the bottom 1/5 goes hard and clumpy

Sounds like the box is damp … is the area, or room you’re storing it in damp? It doesn’t have to be wet to the touch, just enough moisture in the air/cupboard to set the powder.

Aerielview · 16/03/2023 11:28

I used to use Ariel and Persil, switched to Aldi's Almat and wouldn't switch back now. I find it's every bit as good as the big brand names.
I think all washing powder clumps up to some degree in the detergent drawer. To avoid this build up, I just put the washing powder straight into the drum of the machine, after I've put the clothes in. Saves me having to clean out the detergent drawer every so often.

Theoldwoman · 16/03/2023 13:05

I’ve been using Aldi Almat for a few years now ( the blue one is my favourite) and I wouldn’t change back.
I do sometimes get a bit clumped in the drawer but that’s because I wash on cold for most things. I use 60 degrees for whites and everything comes out spotless.

Peartreewalk · 17/03/2023 07:56

Aldi clumps for me too so I avoid.

Original poster
Robinonaspade · 22/03/2023 10:32

Interesting to hear everyone's results from their washing powder.

I've managed to get to an aldi and just washed whites at 60 with the blue bio, so far impressed! No clumping in the drawer and clean.

I have made a note of other recommendations too, as aldi is quite a distance from me.

Many thanks.

OP posts:
ChestnutGrove · 22/03/2023 10:50

In

whiteonesugar · 22/03/2023 12:42

I like the asda one in the pink box, smells lovely. I usually put straight in the drum.