Does anyone wash at a low temperature and REALLY manage to get their washing clean? Am I doing somehting wrong

[scaredofthegarden]

Just putting the clothes away - not something I do too often since the cleaner usually does it and have noticed that hardly anything is clean. I have two DSs 4 and 2 and so things get pretty dirty but I thought it was supposed to be possible now to wash at 40 degrees. Am I doing something wrong?

It's not looking good. That smell is still there, I fear...

i use non-biological and things get mostly clean 1t 40 apart from tomato stains which i sloosh a little biologcal on to the stain area

I am trying washing at 30 - but i still see stains

I wash at 30 with non bio.

Most things seem ok.

Maybe I should do white things on a 40.

I want to try the vinegar, 90 wash idea but it seems such a waste of a wash!!

Also does the next load of washing smell of vinegar??

Can anyone recommend something to remove biro from shirts. School shirts, work shirts all covered in biro in the pocket marks. Tried everything I think. Even vinegar, toothpaste, all the usual stain removers. I've told my husband and two teenage sons to act like they've just made the marks not that they've been there for months. I don't do miracles.

Most of my washes (two teenage boys, two dogs, husband) are 40 degrees. Towels 60 degrees. I don't like the idea of cool washes especially when washing boys' underwear and socks. I'm 48 and because of family circs have been washing for males since I was 14. You have to think about killing germs as well as getting stuff clean. I've read that dustmites in bedding aren't killed if you wash under 50 degrees.

I find rubbing a little washing-up liquid on stains before throwing into the washing machine usually does the trick on most stains. I've never bought a stain remover.

scaredofthegarden - I wash most of our washing at 30 or 40 degrees. I find using the tablets easier as you can't go overboard. Just put two in the drawer and you're away! Also, make sure that there is enough room in your washing machine to fit your hand in on top of the washing and move it up and down. If you can't do that, it's overfull and won't wash properly.

aahhhh I love a good washing thread!!!

Yes it's funny isn't it. Washing is very satisfying. Don't know why. Ironing isn't but bought a fab new iron lately (Phillips Azure) and can't believe how hard ironing was before. Love to peg washing on the line and the smell of clean clothes.

Thanks for the vinegar tip. My washing machine is gross keep trying to wipe it down but if i forget my clothes get dirty as im taking them out!
Also a washing machine engineer told me once if your in a hard water area dont buy calgon as it doesnt dont work (-even thought his company promote it) he said just us soda crystals meant to work much better and cheaper- im yet to try it though! Anyone else tried them?

I've always just done a hot wash with detergent every now and again - sometimes I throw in a couple of old sheets/towels too. MIght try the vinegar as haven't done even the hot wash thing for ages [although it's not too bad that I can see- I suspect my cleaner uses a hot wash for towels and sheets while we use 30 for most of our clothes]

Just put some old tea towels in on a 95 hot wash. Never used that temp before.

I threw in what vinegar we had left. Used Sarsons Malt!

I'll let you know how it turns out..