Powder vs liquid vs gel

[IcyShark]

Powder vs gel vs liquid

I seem to be going through a hell of a lot of gel for the washing. Am I the only one who thinks the quantity looks less? Same for liquid, bottles never seem full anymore. I seem to go through a hell of a lot and Im constantly buying it. Thinking of switching to powder but I find clothes smell better and are softer with gels and liquids. However, I guess powder if more economical. Any thoughts???

I use Ariel or persil pods. I never wash at 30, towels and sheets always at 60 and clothes at 40. I also do an empty 90 wash every couple of months. No smells in the machine or pipes.

Powder - cheaper, better for machine, recyclable box

I have a “handwash liquid” that I use one capful of in the drawer for the rare wool wash I need to do, as the powder doesn’t seem to dissolve well on the wool cycle on my machine.

Havent used fabric softener for years, ran out once, didn’t get to shops for a fortnight (rural) no one in the house noticed so never bothered again!

Oh and I run the machine empty on the hottest programme once a month as a maintenance wash. Never smells.

I make my own and use that most of the time. Occasionally use powder too.

I knew powder was cheaper but that’s a big difference!

The aldi powder is £3.89 for 40 washes, not 80

If you don’t mind my asking, what brand of powder did you use for your son’s sensitive skin? I always find powders very highly scented

I use powder for whites, a slightly reduced dose chucked straight in the drum. I decant it from a huge box. I’ve never used the drawer. My friend had some baked solid into her drawer and it won’t shift- it looks like it’s fossilised!
I use a liquid for darks and a different one for colours.
No fabric conditioner as a white goods engineer told me that basically, it’s the devil. Plus it reeks to me. No offence to anyone who’s a fan.

Powder. Aldi big box. Decant into plastic tub that used to contain stain removing powder (I have several of these). Use the scoop that came with that stain removing powder. Pre treat tougher stains with Vanish soap. Line dry outside where possible. Laundry always nice and clean.

Thanks for the thread OP! I've used powder for years but started using liquid earlier this year and I get through a bottle so quickly so was thinking about going back to powder. I will after reading this thread!

Ecover liquid. Hate perfumed detergents

I use an own brand powder. I buy a £4 box which lasts two of us about 6 months. Four loads a week using two level dessert spoons each.

All perfectly clean. I dry outside or on an airer in the garage. My machine always smells fresh.

I’ve tried liquid and gel capsules and I’m back on powder. I buy a big box of Lidl’s own brand. It’s cheap and does a great job.

And yes, powder straight into the drum. I also add a drop of calgon to every wash.

We don't even get gel where I live. But looking at the prices some have mentioned, that is probably why.

Here powder is still the most popular option, but unfortunately I have never seen any in cardboard boxes. Plastic bags all the way. I use powder for most washes, but darks like black jeans etc I do use the colour liquid. We used to get the Ariel colour powder, but who knows why they discontinued it. In fact, Ariel have discontinued all powder. Not sure that was the greatest idea, as they have massively lost market share now.

The pods aren't great sellers here either I think like me, people tried them when they first came out and realised how shit they are and went back to powder. A lot of machines here are cold wash only, so this will be a factor.

We get two types of powder. Automatic for a front loader and then hand wash. This is for of course, hand washing, but also for a top loader or twin tub as it foams more. Putting hand wash powder into a front loader you setting up for a foam party in there.

Quick question, if you put the powder in the drum do you put it in before the washing or on top? Such a stupid question I know, but if it stops the drawer getting manky it's worth asking.

Before the washing (or if after, make a gap so you're putting it onto the drum).

Like most on here it seems I have switched to using powder, in smaller quantities, straight in the drum. And have also stopped using conditioner, despite being in a hard water area - have learnt to embrace the crunchy towels.

I never have to clean a mouldy drawer any more!

I use waitrose own brand powder - both bio and non- bio, it's economical, seems to wash well and best of all doesn't leave a perfume stink on clothes (hate smelling that artificial perfume).

I have a Samsung washing machine and every 40 or so washes it prompts you to run a drum clean cycle. This keeps it tip-top and sparkling, no smell, no mould, no grimy build up in the door seal. I add a bit of calgon now and again to help with the hard water.

We are in a soft water area. Use soap nuts which last several washes from Amazon, or a refillable washing ball. Occasionally use a non-bio, unperfumed liquid for heavily soiled items. I am allergic to.perfume and can't bear the artificial perfume smell of fabric conditioner.

If you put it in before the washing goes in, doesn't it fall through the wee holes in the drum?

Yes. That's where the water fills from, so it's fine!

I've stopped using conditioner. It started when I was made redundant and was cutting back on everything. We don't miss it, our clothes are clean but smell of nothing. I now notice artificially fragranced clothes and don't find it pleasant.

Powder in drum here.

It is and you can choose how much to use when you use powder, so it's even more economical.

4.86p per wash vs 21.55p per wash

If you can eke another 7 washes from the powder then you're paying £3.89 for the powder or £18.75 for the pods.

** These are Persil capsules vs Aldi own-brand powder. The own brand capsules are £3.15 for 24 washes

@NamingNoNames as its £3.89 for 40 washes (not 80) then it would be just under 10p per wash for the powder.

Still cheaper than using pods

sorry I was looking at the wrong powder - you are right.
The numbers are for an 80 wash box of something else.

Should read If you can eke another 7 washes from the powder then you're paying £7.78 for the powder or £18.75 for the pods.