i thought i would share this with you: advice on powder vs liquid vs tablets for washing machines

[yarooo]

after a (fascinating) conversation with my mil on this, i called miele to ask what they advise

they say that they always recommend powder, but that every 6 weeks or so you should run a hot wash (empty) with biological powder, to clean /clear it all through

so there you go

i like bold

smells lovely

If you have a cesspit/septic tank like me (country bumpkin) the powder plays havoc with your pipes and tank as a large part of the powder is bulking agent. I yearn for the days of Fairy non bio powder and its lovely smell. The liquid is far too overpowering.

Can anyone recommend a non smelly non bio liquid? We are all v sensitive here and can't use bio stuff.

I'm using Persil in the purple box. And you get free scoop! .

So why is liquid bad? Why would it gunk up the pipes? I use Persil Small and Mighty and I would imagine the water that swooshes it out of the tray into the drum would dilute it enough not to gunk things up?

We use powder, biological powder. Works a treat and good for the machine.

dunno otter but read back and see what happened to my machine after using liquid

where does one buy distilled vinegar in large volumes,I can only ever find it in smallish glass bottles

Liquid is bad as it doesn't contain bleaching agents that stop build up of mould/mildew/bacteria stuff

Tablets are bad as they don't disolve as easily as powder and clog pipes

Powder is good as it works out cheaper, you can use less or more, depending on the wash load/dirt and gets you clothes lovely and clean, especially the whites

Liquid/tablets are all a gimmick to get you to spend/use more

All this is the complete opposite t what the Indesit engineer told me and the Servis engineer told my mum. They said to always use liquid/capsules as powder blocks the pipes, especially if used on a 30degree wash. That seems to condradict what everyone else says though

I think 30 too cold

30 degree washes leave the clothes dirty.

which powder is best for school paint stains?

Oooh I want to know too. Dd1 got paint on school dress and I tried everything to no avail.

powder really does bblockthe pipes and drains

saw it with my eyes (and smelt it with my nose) at my mums... as the powder she had used had completely blocked her drains outside (was rather gross)

its a problem when you use low temperatures as it doesnt disolve properly

for that reason I use liquis almost all the time (as really dotn wnat my drains blocked) but do a hot was at 60+ every month or so with bio powder to clean the machine

never botehr with tablets or liqi tabs as tey are made to make u spend more money

another reason why i don't use low temperatures so much.

Wash it off in cold water first, before putting in washer, as this wil just set it...the paint BTW.

I teach Art, and am always having to remove poster paint from clothes

interesting about liquids being better but I use Bold 2in1 liquid for nappies - does anyone use powder for nappies, as I thought it was meant to affect absorbancy too much?

It's fabric conditioner you can't use on nappies, as it coats the fibres.

Bosch also recommend the powder as opposed to liquid or tablets for their machines.

I've started using "simply" tabs - apparently they are available in some supermarkets but I've never seen them so I buy online. They are cheap and eco-friendly and seem to work really well (much better than the eco bio-d I was using previously, and better IMO than ecover, too). Occasionally you get that thing where the tab is thrown forwards and sticks to the inside of the door though!

The Miele engineer I had round said that you never need to use more than a third of a scoop for a full load. Also, you should run an empty 95 degree wash (no powder either) once a month. If it is a washer/drier, you need to run the defluff after every drying cycle.

I find that 30 degree washes just do not get clothes clean, and sometimes the powder does not completely dissolve. I use quick wash 40 for things that have been worn but are not really dirty, and long wash 40 for everything else except really dirty things - in which case long wash 60. It's not eco friendly to wash at 30 if you just have to wash them again to get them clean, imo.

Does anyone use those eco ball things that say you don't need any washing powder? I can't believe they work

Have to use Surcare as allergic to practically anything with a scent. Or Bio D. Neither are terribly great at cleaning, but at least don't get rashes!

Anyone know of an unscented detergent that works?

Mainly use quick wash on Bosch - there's a program that's 15 minutes, but about once a week do a long wash for 60 minutes...

So is liquid really bad even if you use it in a ball in the main part of the machine with the clothes, or just if you use it in the drawer???

mrs jamin

are ou aware that you really should NOT use a 2 in 1 (Or fabric softeneer) with nappies... it coats them in stuff that stops them absorbing

Nobert... yes its as bad if you put it in the machine instead of the drawer... over time will coat the inside pipes and stuff with gunkyness and it smells

non-bio liquid is even worse than bio for the machine