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

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
No real opinion - I hadn't heard of them other than what I knew from signing up for this on MN; ie that they were natural cleaning products, I assumed some sort of Tesco Own label equivalent to Ecover/Method-type products

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 antibacterial spray. It seemed to work OK - although I don't have one of those CSI/Trading Standards whizzy bits of kit to peer through and magically see any bacteria left behind glowing red!

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?
Seemed to work just as effectively as the spray I'd been using previously. I liked the fact the spray was nice and fine and there didn't seem to be any drips that accumulated in the spray.

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's nice to see the green credentials, but then you turn over the bottle and look at the label and there are a whole load of very not-very-natural sounding ingredients, which makes me wonder... is it that it is normal cleaning stuff with natural stuff added or how natural are those ingredients?

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?
Certainly wouldn't be averse to buying them again in the future. Depends on price, special offers on them/other products at the time.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?
I didn't like the fact it was a tesco product and yet you had to really hunt to find the tesco branding. Seemed either that Tesco was ashamed of it or was trying to hide the fact and trick people into thinking it was a 'real' product rather than a supermarket own brand. Both of these are negative things. There's nothing wrong with supermarket own branded stuff - why try to hide the fact?
I would put better instructions on for using the spray - how long does the product have to be on the surface before being wiped off to be effective? how long does the surface remain clean after being wiped (assuming nothing is dropped on it) and if something is dropped on it - then would it be able to neutralise any germs say an hour after the surface had been cleaned? And if you use it to clean a food surface (wipe down surfaces or table top for example) then how long should you wait until using it for food prep again - can it contaminate food (say a slice of bread falls off the breadboard just after you have wiped the surface near it)

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
I'd say they were worth a go - if on offer - to try the antibacterial spray at least.

Questions:

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them? I'd never seen or heard of them before.

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?
Yes, I liked the smell a lot, however the draw of the washer often had left over powder.

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 what I usually use wrt a nice smelling clothes and cleaning a boys school uniform

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 to buy green where I can, if they prove good value and effective.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?
If the price is right. I loved the smell.

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

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes! I'm impressed that a green product could do better than my usual.

I am testing the washing powder

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

had never heard of them before

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?

yes the product was great. Very overpowering smell when I collected the box which I was initially worried about as it doesn't seem very green but I was also concerned it would irritate DC skin but it doesn't appear to have.

There were no powder marks on the clothes after washing and the clothes smelt fresh but not too overpowering when washed (I don't use fabric softener).

I prefer to use powder than liquid so it doesn't clog the machine. it was good to only have to use a little amount, as it means the box won't be too heavy when purchasing, without comprimising on performance.I was also pleased that everything was recyclable (although I do realise this may have just been a tester box)

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 if not better-cleaned as food as my usual liquid but smelt better

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 quite important but nOt always my top priority-price is a big factor too

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

yes but again price is an important factor when deciding-I usually buy the cheapest of the brands that I'm happy to use so if another brand that I like was on offer I would probably buy that I'm afraid!

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

i do realise this may be just a tester box but if it isnt, it was quite difficult to pour the powder from the plastic bag

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

I also used the washing up liquid tester. It wasn't great I'm afraid-no bubbles and didn't really cut through grease but this is quite normal for green washing up liquids unfortunately

Can I add a suggestion for tesco??

I am currently on the website ordering my weekly grocery shop and the Naturally Powered products are in a totally different section, I think they should be in the with the rest of the products like them and the anti bac spray isnt even on the website!

Did I mention bigger boxes of it too? The packet was for about 13 washes, did about 10 when you factor in grubby, muddy boys kit, which barely lasts me 5 days. Will there be bigger boxes?

I'm back, the Naturally Powered fabric softner is in with the normal fabric softners not the eco products section of the website, you need some consistancy!

Presumably that is just a testing-sized box (not been to telco to check) - if that is its real for-sale size then it is hope,ess: the cup hardly fits in once you get further down to the bottom! Amending my earlier comments to say that the smell, which I didn't like, doesn't linger too badly so I have forgiven it :)

BBB - you posting on an iphone? Mine keeps changing Tesco to telco as well.

Whoever telco are...

LOL wtf is telco? Yup, that was my iPad. Am on my PC now so can say TESCO TESCO TESCO. Ha.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them? I do not shop regularly at tescos so had not noticed 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? I had the washing powder, it washed ok but I found it did not dissolve very well in the draw - a lot was left behind and I was put off by the strong smell.

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 did not notice a difference in how clean stuff was.

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 they are important to me and are the criteria on which I usually choose washing powder.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not? No, I shop at sainsbos. I might buy them if I had run out and it was more convenient.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing? Less smell, it was really ofputtingly strong. I want my clothes to smell clean, not of washing powder.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not? No.

(Testing the anti-bac spray)

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

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 spray seemed good - i liked the fact the bottle can mist or spray. I really liked the smell, its much less chemical than Ecover and i would definitely consider switching on the basis of the smell along. Even my MIL commented how nice it was (!).

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?

Seemed to work as well as the stuff i normally buy (co-op own brand, or Ecover)

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?

Fairly important - i will usually pay more for an "eco" product though I ahve to admit to taking the green credentials stated on the bottle on trust a lot of the time.

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

Depending on the cost i'd buy the spray again, and i'd probably try some other products too.

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

The bottle leaked in the post and can leak if its squeezed.

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

Yes i probably would.

Sorry to be so slow posting, kept forgetting! i had the washing powder.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?Not seen or heard of them before, usually shop online or at Aldi, only pop in to Tesco for topups.

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?
Products worked just as well as any other (I am a bit of a special offer fan so often change what i use). Loved the smell - even dd commented on how nice it was! very fresh but not overpowering. I had no problems with residue in drawer, all dissolved fine.

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?
See above - just as good and lovely smell.

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 to buy green products but will only pay extra if I really love the smell and performance eg Method range

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?
Maybe, the smell was lovely. Would like to try the spray.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?
Plastic bag in box was a bit annoying and fiddly - would prefer not to have it.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes although dont often chat about cleaning products!

LostinWales the boxes of powder that I saw in Tesco were about the size of the box we were sent (and were about 4 quid I think)

I had the washing powder

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
Had not heard of them, or noticed 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?

Yes liked the smell and they cleaned very well.

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?

Possibly slightly better and didn't need as much

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 prefer green products but am mostly swayed by performance.

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

Yes if it is reasonably priced or on special offer.

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

I didn't see the level mark the first time I used it and just filled to the top so the level marker needs to go all the way round. I hated the plastic bag in the box and after a couple of goes poured all the powder into a box I already had. If it came packaged as it did I wouldn't buy again.

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 as they smell was good and the product effective.

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

None, as I hadn't come across them before

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?

They worked well, but no different to my favorite brand of washing powder. I didn't like the smell, as I felt it smelt too fake and synthetic and too similar to mainstream products. It also left some residue in the drawer of the washing machine.

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? Seemed to work just as well, however I would say that they left my towels rock hard compared to my usual.

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 need natural products as my sons skin cannot tolerate synthetic chemical washing powders. They make his eczema worse.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not? No.Synthetic fragrance, residue in drawer, hard towels.

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

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
No I would recommend my usual brand.

I just wanted to add that I've been using this for all my washing and I am very happy with the washing powder. It has removed most stains (although my children aren't small so not as many stains as with babies and toddlers), the only one it struggled with is cola on a pair of white leggings that my daughter borrowed from a friend - it's however quite possible the stain was older, i don't know.

I really like the smell of the washing powder and will be buying it again. Agree with comments above that it should be available in bigger boxes.

I do agree with comments above regarding residue in the soap drawer but don't find this a huge problem as I just rinse it out with some warm water.

It hasn't irritated our sensitive skin (both my daughter and I have skin problems and we react to stronger fragranced products, but this has been fine, no reaction at all).

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them? I hadn't 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? I tested the washing powder. I loved the smell and the clothes came out looking very bright. However, unfortunately on both a 40 and 60 wash pants did not come out that clean where it matters.

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'm sad to report that my usual powder is better.

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 was glad to see another 'green' product on the market. I always try new friendlier products in the hope they will be effective.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not? I won't buy the washing powder as it wasn't powerful enough however I will try out the surface spray and washing up liquid which created a pretty good lather when I tried the sample.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing? I just wish it had really cleaned underwear.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not? I'll have to wait and see once I've tried the other products.

I tested the washing powder.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
I hadn't heard of them so I assumed it was a new range that's not in the shops yet.

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 think it was very effective and was impressed at how little was needed for a wash. I used it on my real nappies (tough test!) and my children's clothes. It did a great job of removing poo stains. I didn't notice the smell but I don't like strong perfumes so this is good in that it can't have been too strong. A strong perfume would probably have stopped me from finishing the box.

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?
Probably better then my normal powder (ecover non-bio).

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 try to buy something that is kind to the environment and my children, especially when I'm using real nappies and doing 2-3 extra washes a week. I don't want all the extra waste water adding to chemical contamination in the environment. I equally don't want the sapping of "natural" limited resources (oil) in order to make it. The price would need to be competitive too though.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?
I will check the price versus my usual brand and decide based on the estimated cost per wash.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?
I liked the cup for measuring the powder but towards the bottom of the box, it became very fiddly to get the cup in the bag in the box and it was tricky to take the bag out and pour powder into the cup. I would like to eliminate the plastic bag although I realise the solution to this would probably increase the packaging cost. Or find a way to pour neatly from the bag into the cup.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
Probably. I think that my friends who are sitting on the fence regarding Eco products would be more likely to buy this than the other brands, because most of them trust the Tesco brand and shop there already. It's not such a big leap versus buying surcare/ecover/etc. Once they've made the jump then they may switch to other brands later on. Based on previous discussions, most of them don't want to try Eco brands because they perceive that "Eco" means compromising performance.

I'll be looking out for it in Tesco but it's not on their online store, although other naturally powered items are.

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?

I used the washing powder, the smell was stronger than I am used to, there is no diffeence in feel to the washing. It remains to be seen if is works well for us long term as my husband has sensitive skin and can react to wasking powders over time.

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?

It worked 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?

The green credentials are very important to me, if the product compares favourably with regard to value and performance then I would buy again.

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

I don?t usually shop in Tesco but if the product continues to perform and we have no sensitive skin issues then it is certainly a potential future purchase.

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

The packaging could be improved, bit fiddly to use.

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

Yes, I have no reason not to recommend the products.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
always interested to find out more about "green" products, so quite keen to try it out

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 worked. Happy with the performance. Not much of a smell.

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. No 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?
Very important, but not very convincing in this case. What exactly makes them green ? Plant-derived ingredients - which ones, what does it mean ? Recycled boxes is nothing new and supporting sustainable palm oil is important, but something I would expect.
Environmentally-friendliness is very important to me when I buy a product, but this product line does not convince me.

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?
Probably not. Not much difference to products I use already and green credentials not convincing.

Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?
More information about why they consider this being a green product ? What is it with these plant-derived ingredients ? How do they work and where do they come from ?

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would exactly tell my friends what I said above - its doing the job, but I am not sure how green it actually is.

I have the anti-bacterial spray and I really like it.

Q1 I had avoided eco products having been disappointed in the past. I have never heard of the Naturally Powered range.

Q2 The spray worked really well. It left the kitchen smelling nice.

Q3 I felt it worked as well as my usual cleaning product.

Q4 I'm happy to use green products as long as the give the results I want.

Q5 I may continue to buy the Naturally Powered range if it is only a penny or two more expensive. I don't know how green products are more expensive anyway. This smells as if the main ingredient is lemon and how expensive are they?

Q6 I found the product didn't need improving.

Q7 If the price was good I would certainly recommend it to others.

The smell is lemony and it works really well. I have always felt disappointed by other eco products but this one is as good as my normal spray and it's environmentally friendly. If it was only a penny or two more expensive than tesco own brand anti-bacterial spray I would buy this one.

I reviewed the anti bacterial spray.

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them? Never heard of the products before!

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 spray was good, cleaned well, not sure about the smell but not over keen on Cirtrus smells so it might just be me!

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? It worked just as well as the normal sprays that I 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? They should be more important to me I know! However, I`m an advertisers dream and fall for the colour and the more exotic smells, not good I know!

Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not? Yes I actually think I would now, its made me think that I should.

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

Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not? Not something I usually talk about, but yes if it came up in conversation I would recommend it.

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

I hadn't noticed them before

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?

We got the antibacterial spray and a sachet of washing up liquid. The spray was good - I was happy with it. No better than my normal brand in terms of performance, but the smell is nicer.

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 good.

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?

In theory I do prefer to use eco-friendly products but only if they work. I do like my detergents and things to smell nice and the spray (and washing up liquid did) so that's a bonus. 'Green' products don't tend to have the nice smell IMO.

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

I'd buy the spray yes, and the washing up liquid. Would have to try the washing powder first.

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

The labelling was a bit vague... not sure where it is safe to use the product. Very little clarification of green credentials too.

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

I don't discuss cleaning products with my friends.

Just thought I would add this...
Ds1 came home from school with a VERY dirty shirt, I'm talking dirt on collar and cuffs.
Stuck it in the washing machine on a 40 degree wash and the naturally powered washing powder....It came out fairly white!! This actually suprised me as I didnt think it would fair so well.
So there we go, it does work on dirt white school shirts :)

Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
-I was not aware 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 that I tested did not work well. Packaging was fine. Smell wasn't great.

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?

-It did not work as well, even though I used more.

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?

-If it worked I would consider buying it. Effectiveness is more of a priority to me, green credentials are important too, but not more important than the product working. Which it didn't

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

-No. It didn't clean clothes well.

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

-It doesn't dissolve well. It didn't clean well. It clogged up my machine. The quantity wasn't sufficient for someone living in a hard water area.

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

-No, because it didn't work. Clothes not very clean, smell and have stains! Sorry.