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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Difference between bio and non bio laundry detergent

12 replies

ChuckleMyPeanuts · 07/07/2024 15:53

That's just it really. I have never given it any thought before but now I want to know. Essentially I want to know what is going to get my laundry cleaner. Thanks.

OP posts:
Dearg · 07/07/2024 16:00

https://www.persil.com/uk/laundry/laundry-tips/washing-tips/difference-bio-non-bio-detergent.html

The link explains more about it, and a MN poster who worked in the field did an AMA a couple of years ago.

I find Bio better for bedding , tea towels , whites, and I use non-bio sports wash for most clothing . Never use bio for wool or silk.

Bio liquids contain chemicals which can irritate sensitive skin , but Bio powders don’t have that same ingredient.

I think Bio is better on stains, especially food stains.

The Difference Between Bio and Non-Bio Detergent

Bio or non-bio – do you know which is right for you? Browse our guide to help make your decision and learn what the difference between bio and non-bio is.

https://www.persil.com/uk/laundry/laundry-tips/washing-tips/difference-bio-non-bio-detergent.html

RoseAndRose · 07/07/2024 16:03

Bio Vs Non-Bio Washing Powder - Which?

Bio products contain enzymes, which "eat" certain stains and dirts much better, giving you a cleaner wash. Non-bio doesn't have enzymes, still cleans well, and is considerably less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Magpiecomplex · 07/07/2024 16:07

@Dearg bio powder does contain the same ingredient (the enzymes) as bio liquid. I'm one of the generation who reacted to the first Persil bio detergent when it was released in the UK, and that was definitely powder.

ChuckleMyPeanuts · 07/07/2024 17:26

@e1y1 - hello, are you still on Mumsnet by any chance? I really am looking for an idiot's guide to washing detergent. What do you think of these new washing leaves - are they effective, eco friendly, and good for my machine. And, should I have both bio and non bio in my cupboard? Thanks so much.

OP posts:
Exx · 08/07/2024 16:04

Bio detergents eat clothes made of natural fibres as well as the stains, so they wear out sooner than washing in non-bio.

dementedpixie · 08/07/2024 16:11

I use bio powder mostly with some bio gels and liquids too depending on what I'm washing. The enzymes in bio products break down organic stains. Powder (bio and non bio) contains bleaches that also help clean clothes and help keep the drum clean too (unless it's a colour powder). Liquids dont contain bleaches so may fade clothing less. I don't use non bio at all.

Thedayb4youcame · 10/07/2024 00:51

What problem are you having exactly? Is it that your laundry is just generally not clean, or is it spots / stains?

Google the "sinners circle". You will see there are four components to cleaning anything, and in theory all should be balanced. How they balance is anyone's guess, but that's not quite the point...the point is, is that a reduction in one component means compensation is required from one or more of the other components.

For example, a quick wash in a washing machine sees a huge reduction in time, which also means it hasn't time to heat the water to a high temperature too, so will require more water (chemical on the sinners circle) and greater agitation (mechanical) to compensate.

If your washing is just generally grubby looking, this can easily be due to a build up of detergent on the fabric, if nothing else. You could try soaking the cloths in nothing but clean water before washing (warm water is ideal, but of course will cool as time progresses). You may even find a longer, hotter wash cycle with no detergent would be as good too.

But without knowing your specific issue, it's hard to advise - but please don't think it's all about the detergent, as very often it isn't.

Thedayb4youcame · 10/07/2024 00:53

Sinners circle

Difference between bio and non bio laundry detergent
CrunchyCarrot · 10/07/2024 00:56

Magpiecomplex · 07/07/2024 16:07

@Dearg bio powder does contain the same ingredient (the enzymes) as bio liquid. I'm one of the generation who reacted to the first Persil bio detergent when it was released in the UK, and that was definitely powder.

Yes this happened to me too, was definitely a powder. I am very allergic to the stuff and had a terrible rash everywhere the clothes touched me, where I sweated. The enzymes remain in the clothes and can react with your skin. I would never, ever use those detergents again.

dementedpixie · 10/07/2024 07:23

It could have been the bleaches or the fragrance or another ingredient that you reacted to in the powder. Liquids don't contain the bleaches but may have optical brighteners in them

CrunchyCarrot · 10/07/2024 22:39

dementedpixie · 10/07/2024 07:23

It could have been the bleaches or the fragrance or another ingredient that you reacted to in the powder. Liquids don't contain the bleaches but may have optical brighteners in them

Unlikely - we switched to the same brand non-Bio and I had no further reactions. Had to boil wash our machine on empty and rewash all my clothes, but the reaction began dying down as soon as that was done. Honestly it was so bad at the time I'd never take the risk by trying another enzyme-based detergent again.

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