NOW CLOSED: Tesco’s Naturally Powered (antibacterial spray or non-bio washing powder) product testers review thread

[AnnMumsnet]

This thread is for the 1000 Mumsnetters who are trying out the Naturally Powered range of cleaning products by Tesco.

If you don't know about these products, here's what Tesco has to say:

"In the past, green cleaning products have been let down by their performance. Working closely with a team of chemists, scientists and environmental experts, we have created the Naturally Powered range of eco cleaning products - specially formulated to have a reduced impact on the environment than other leading products and with the cleaning performance you'd expect."

Mumsnetters have been testing either the antibacterial spray or the non-bio washing powder. In addition, all testers received a trial-sized sachet of washing up liquid.

If you are a tester, please state which product you were testing and answer the questions below - feel free to also add any other comments you may have.

Everyone who adds their comments to this thread will be entered into a prize draw, where one person will win £200 of Tesco vouchers.

Questions:

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!
MNHQ

I tested the washing powder:

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
I hadn't noticed them previously.

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?
Overall I was happy, nothing earth shattering about it - it did the job.

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?
Worked as well as my usual product - no discernable difference.

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?
Important but also need to be competitively priced.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?
I will probably use this in future.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?
Easier pourage - the scoop is ok when the box is full but it's a bit of a faff with the plastic bag inside.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
I can't imagine discussing the merits of washing powder with my friends! But I wouldn't not recommend it, IYKWIM.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them? I had none, I am not a regular Tesco shopper and had not of heard of them.

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products? The powder didnt all come out of the drawer but on general washes was quite effective; however on whites even at a higher temperature it wasnt doing anything to combat toddler residues!

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use? I really want to say it was great as I need something effective that is greener because of where we live but being honest, I'm not going to change, it just wasnt up to our washes

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not? this is hugely important as we are not on mains drainage and have a reed bed supported soak away system for household water. I really need good cleaning products that arent going to damage where I live

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not? sorry, not doing a good enough job, I want green, but I would also like stain free, non grey washing

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing? dont bag the powder in the box, two layers of packaging isnt very green. Its performance could be improved, so also could how easily it dissolves in the drawer as not all was taken into the drum in each wash. I did persevere and did 6 washes with naturally powered so far

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

no, not the powder sorry. the washing up liquid sample smelled lovely, did a great job but was harsh on the hands so I will need gloves the next time I try it...

I hadn't noticed the naturally powered range to be honest as I have only recently started to do my weekly shop with Tesco,I like the antibacterial spray as there is no strong after smell, it cleans as well as the chemical full versions, so therefore I will be using it from now on as we have a new grandaughter who is at the feed herself and crawling stage,needless to say I feel happier using something that is ecologically more friendly.Pricewise it comes in about 50p cheaper than my usual cleaning spray which is a bonus, I will definately continue to use this product and will also try the washing powder, I will certainely recommend the range to my friends and family.

Tested the non-bio washing powder. Like many of the other posters, I had not heard of or seen the new range of Naturally powered products, despite shopping regularly in Tesco.

I don't usually use washing powder, tend to prefer liquid for washing machines. So i was amazed that the small box could do so many washes and only a small amount needed in each wash. I think the disposable dispensing cup is a great idea as it can be recylced as I have many different plastic cups from many brands.

Clothes smelt lovely and clean and fresh and the few stains on the clothes were easily removed, very impressed!

Would consider switching to this brand, price dependant, as it is better for the environment which is an added bonus, when it performs so well.

Will now definatley look out for this product and the rest of the range next time I visit Tesco.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?

No knowledge of them

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?

First noticed the smell, I use Ecover and it does not have any smell. This is too smelly, 2 days after hanging washing up I could still smell it as I passed.

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?

Childrens trousers still dirty with grass stains

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?

Green credentials are the most important thing for me

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?

No, too smelly

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?

Take away the scent

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, too smelly and other good products out there without the smell.

We got the spray
Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
None really although i think i have tried a bright yellow one of the range which i found a bit full on.

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?
I liked it. cleaned up the left over breakfast from high chair well. It's smell is quite nice. not powdery like ecover.

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?
Just as well.

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I try to by green products where possible .

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?

Yes i would. just depends which supermarket I'm in really.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?

I thought it was goof overall.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
Unlikely to come up but yeah i would I think it's a bit cheaper then other similar products but works just as well

Q1. Hadn't seen them before anywhere.
Q2. Seems to do a good job. Washing smells nice and is clean. Not keen on getting my hands into the powdery bag, though!
Q3. About the same.
Q4. Quite important, after price I'm afraid.
Q5. If its priced similarly, yes.
Q6. Make it easier to get the powder out. A handle on the cup, perhaps?
Q7. Yes, it does what it says on the tin (IYSWIM), so as long as it's not extortionately priced, why not go green?!

I am a regular Tesco shopper online and hadn't come across the range previously.

Tested the anti bac spray and thought it excellent. Nice clean scent and I thought as good as dettox spray.

Would definitely buy again and would recommend to friends :)

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them? I was unaware of these products before taking part in this trial

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products? the powder got through all the usual stains on my toddlers clothes nicely

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use? worked just as well and not as sickly smelling as the last product I used

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not? I think it's important to use more natural substances both for the environment and ourselves

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not? I will buy the powder and think about trying the rest of the range

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing? none

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not? yes I would, the powder works and I like its green credentials

Just an addition which disagrees with a lot of other posters: I prefer my washing to be scented. I am obviously a sucker for consumerism and advertising. I would prefer this washing powder to smell stronger, but after reading the comments, I realise that this isn't normal for an eco product.

I had the washing powder.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
No experience of them.

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?
Seemed to wash ok, but I wasnt overwhelmed by the smell which was a bit too flowery for me. I tried the temp on various settings and didnt seem to make much difference to quality of wash.

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?
Worked the same on normal soil level, but tougher stains were more difficult to shift.

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?
Very important. I always buy eco products, and tend to use less and supplement with washing soda and white vinegar etc. Price is a big factor also.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?
Probably not, but Tesco is not the usual supermarket I shop in and is further away - not sure I would make a special journey just for this product.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?
Didnt like the "plastic bag in a box" and found it quite fiddly to decant the powder into the cup ( as did DH judging by the mess!

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
If I knew they were a tesco shopper I would tell them that I had taken part in the trial and suggest they give the products a try to see what they think.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
I had never heard of them

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?

The washing powder seemed fine - most things came out clean. A couple didn't - a dried blood stain and a poo stain, but that was at 40. I chucked the stuff in with the 90 wash and it came out.

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?

Pretty much the same

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?

Kind of important - if everything else was the same I would go for the eco brand, and would pay slightly more if I was feeling rich that week.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?

Possibly, depending on price - I like to buy washing powder in bulk as then I don't have to remember to buy it too much.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?

Bigger packet, not to be measured out in something that looks like a drinks cup to small children.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Probably.

I tried the kitchen spray and the washing up liquid (sachet) - unfortunately, I added the washing up liquid to the bowl before realising that the water was stone cold (dodgy boiler playing up again) so didn't really get to try it!

Questions:

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?

I had never heard of them before seeing the thread on Mumsnet.

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?

I thought the spray cleaned well, certainly as well as the ones I usually use. I didn't like the smell too much - it was a bit too like antiseptic for my liking. The packaging was good and the spray function effective. I like being able to see how much product is left in the container.

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?

I thought it cleaned as well as what I currently use (standard supermarket own brand or Cif).

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?

I like the environmental aspect of the range as I am keen to try and reduce my use of chemicals in the home. It is a factor I would consider when buying cleaning products but price would be a factor too.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?

I don't live anywhere near a Tesco and don't like online supermarket shopping, so probably I won't, unless I happen to be near a Tesco and remember to pop in!

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?

Change the smell!

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

If it came up, yes, I would recommend it (but would probably comment that the smell wasn't to my liking!).

Thank you for the chance to try these products.

Questions:

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
A1. I had not paid them any attention as I assumed all "Natural" products to have a poor smell and to be average at best

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?

A2. I used the antibacterial cleaner and had a small sachet of the washing liquid. I felt that the washing liquid was too small to trial effectively but it did the job. The cleaner was good. The scent was nice and it appeared to clean effectively

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?

A3. Just as efficient as anything else I have used.

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?

A4. Not very important, but seen as an added bonus. Effectiveness comes first, then price, then scent, then greenness

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?
A5. If the price is comparable, probably.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?
A6. None

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
A7. Yes I would - to tell her that I had tried something that previously I had overlooked and found it effective and affordable

ps
also liked the use of the word "taint" on the antibacterial which made me giggle in a very childish manner.

I forgot to mention in my review upthread that I have had to do a maintenance wash at 90 on my machine to get rid of the powder residue - not really eco if after half a dozen washes you need to run a 90 wash, is it?

I also used the powder at my "normal" washing temperatures - 60 for whites, 40 for most other stuff - so it isn't because I washed at lower temperatures.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?

I hadn't noticed them before but I shop on-line so you tend to stick to favourites for speed.

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?

Very pleased, had a lovely subtle lemon smell not too overpowering.

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?

Better than some as the cleaner left no residue.

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?

Something I would consider as I suffer with asthma and some of the cleaners
are too strong.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?

Yes, I will definitely buy more.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?

Label slightly bland.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I would.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?

I knew nothing about them!

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?

it was OK, the performance wasn't as good as Ecover and I couldn't smell anything at all (not necessarily a bad thing!)

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?

Worse I'm afraid - I use Ecover and the Sainsbury's own brand liquid eco friendly detergent, and both cleaned better than this - it left stains in (I have two small girls who play in the garden in order to cover themselves with mud and spend their time at school rubbing food into their uniform, or so it seems)

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?

It is important to me and it does affect my decision, I don't like to think that I'm hurting the planet, even in my own small way ;-)

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?
no, because it's not as good a product as the others I've mentioned
Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?
I would make them better at removing stains of the everyday variety
Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

no, for the reasons give above.

But thanks for including me in the test - I do love free stuff!

I tested the washing powder.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
I didn't have a strong opinion, but i was aware of the damage cleaning products are doing to the environment.

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?
Smell was very pleaseant, if a little strong.
Overall performance was good, but I had to re-wash a top which my son had spilt curry sauce on.

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?
Worked just as well as the usual Tesco non-bio powder we use.

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?
My main decision is based on value for money so although the green credentials aren't top of my list, I am slowly beginning to look for ways of buying greener cleaning products.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?
Yes, I am happy with the performance so I would continue to buy, provided the price is comparable to our usual washing powder. If there was a significant price difference I don't think I would buy this.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?
Slight reduction in the powerful smell and an ability to get all stains out first time.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
I already have! As part of a strange conversation with a friend - we were talking about a planned landfil site near us and environmental issues - we got onto the subject of wasjing powder.

I love the washing powder; it smells great but most of all it cleans. So thank you Tesco.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?

Yes I had bought the loo cleaner

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?

It seems to match up to other similar products, the smell is fragrant but disappears enough not to linger.

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?

The washing liquid better the spray about the same.

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?

I will not buy no green products due to allergies.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?

Yes, as long as the price is comparable

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?

I would make the spray adjustable on the anti bac spray little fragrance slightly.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
Washing Liquid yes Anti Bac in present state no loo cleaner yes.

I tested the Non bio Laundry powder. My review can be found here:
www.theminimesandme.com/2012/05/naturally-powered-review.html?m=1

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?

I liked the idea that they are dermotologically tested. Eco products appeal to me.

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?

The product did work in terms of cleaning the washing and I was pleased there wasn't residue of the powder still in the washing drawer or on the clothing. I liked the scent but it wasn't very strong.

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?

Bar needing a stronger scent for my personal preference the product worked equally as well.

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?

They are important to me, reducing our carbon footprint as a whole is, so having recyclable packaging was good also. I would choose this product over alternative laundry powder although generally I use liquid.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?

I will probably purchase the washing up liquid to try but I probably wouldn't purchase the powder again due to the lack of scent unless my usual liquid was unavailable.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?

stronger smell.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would to friends who commented on my laundry or if we were discussing Eco products.

I used the Antibacterial Spray.

Q1. I had not heard of them before Mumsnet trial but like to try Eco friendly products.

Q2. The product seemed to work well and packaging attractive. But the smell for me is overpowering. The first time I tried it I spilt some on my hands as the nozzle seems to leak a little and it took at least three washes to reduce the smell on my hands.

Q3. I use Dettol anti bac spray. I prefer Dettol because of the strong smell of the tesco product.

Q4. I like the green credentials but sorry the fragrance really puts me off. And what has palm oil to do with this product? I try to avoid products that use any palm oil because of the plight of the orangutans.

Q5. Sorry no because of the smell.

Q6. Reduce strength of fragrance. I know others have said they like it but I find it cloying and overpowering.

Q7. Would mention that you very kindly sent it for me to try but warn about strong smell.

Thank you Tesco for the opportunity to try the product and well done for making products more eco friendly...just tone down the fragrance (a lot).
Also there does seem to be a design fault with the nozzle as your rival dettol doesn't leak.

I tested the laundry powder.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?

I didn't know they existed plus I was a little sceptical as I didn?t think the powder would clean as well as my normal brand. I?ve tried eco products before and I?ve been disappointed.

Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?

I had the laundry powder and I am really happy with the performance ? much better than I was expecting. The smell was really nice too.

Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?

The laundry powder worked about the same as my usual products. However, the smell is nicer. And it is much better than a previous eco brand that I?ve used

Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?

They?re important and I?d give them some consideration. However, the one thing that would really affect my decision to buy is the price and how it compares to my usual products.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?

Definitely if the price is comparable with usual products.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?

I would have liked a line inside the measuring cup so that it would be clearer how much product to use. Also I didn't know what the point was of having a bag in the box.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Certainly. I?d say it?s a very effective product plus it?s eco-friendly.