Read Mumsnetters feedback on Ecover Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent NOW CLOSED

[AmeliaMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 250 Mumsnetters who are testing Ecover Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent.

Here’s what Ecover has to say: “Natural born innovators since 1979, here at Ecover, we unlock the power of plant-based biodegradable ingredients to bring you a greener, cleaner clean that’s not only effective, but lessens the burden on our planets resources. Packed full of Smart Green Science with naturally derived active ingredients, our new concentrated laundry detergents leave your washing spotless and smelling sublime. Derived from soybean, our plant-based formulation smooths and protects laundry fibres making them luxuriously soft and kind next to skin – an expert formulation that’s kind to the environment, your home and your family. Expertly blended with naturally inspired, dual-note fragrances, leaving your laundry beautifully scented and full of natural freshness. Tough on stains and safe for even sensitive skin, choose Ecover for a greener, cleaner laundry experience.”

Testers, please give your feedback by answering the below questions as well as completing the feedback survey we’ll soon be emailing you. All who complete the required feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher.

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio -
• Concentrated Laundry Detergent?
• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?
• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?
The smell of the washing when I got it out of the machine.

What surprised you the most about Ecover Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?
That it actually cleaned things! I am very sceptical of non bios, especially those with very green credentials but in terms of cleaning power I couldn't tell the difference from my standard bio

Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?
I could be easily apart from the price. I've had a fairly light week washing wise and I've still used half the bottle already. I would really recommend this to friends though

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio -
• Concentrated Laundry Detergent? I loved how fresh it smelt & that some tough mud stains on my son's trousers came right out first time.
• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? The appearance of the gel itself - it was clearer & more watery than I expected.
• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? Yes, it seems to go a long way & get out tough stains. I think it would depend on the price as I tend to buy own-brand tablets which are cheap.

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio - Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

The smell is amazing I really loved the scent of this detergent. It also left everything very soft. I also used it to wash my dog beds, my dog has bad allergies so I am always looking for detergent that won't irritate his skin and so far so good!

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

I was sceptical that 'eco' detergent wouldn't do as good a job as my normal detergent but I was really pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness and the scent.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Based on the price quoted on the survey I think it's going to be too expensive but I would definitely buy if it was on offer at around £4.

What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio - Concentrated Laundry Detergent?
Eco friendly credentials

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

The scent was much stronger than I expected. I liked it for my things but not sure about it for my children, it was quite perfumed. It did get a raspberry stain out from DD's top which was good as I had started using bio powder for better performance.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

No, as I want something I can use on everything and I didn't like it for the children, but I will be looking for other Ecover laundry products.

What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio -

• Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

The fragrance was lovely. I like to be able to smell the laundry so I was really happy with it however I can see how it can be overpowering to some as it is strong. It's a nicer smell than other detergents. Had a smell more like a fabric softener might rather than the detergent and definitely no need for any other extra products to improve the smell.
I did add some conditioner into some of my washes. Such as shirts and school uniform washes.

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

That I would like it this much! I also like the fact it's clear. It didn't cover my machine drawer with a sticky coloured residue. Usually I would add liquid to the drum but I didn't with this. No mess and worked well. It removed really messy dinner stains from a messy toddlers cream top washed on an Eco 30 wash. That did impress me.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Absolutely. I will buy this again and I probably wouldn't have had I not tried it first. I always buy non bio. My eczema prone child Hasn't had any improvement in his skin but it's no worse so I am happy with that.
( I also bought some ecover dishwasher tablets today too so it looks like I may be converted!)

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio? The smell! It was lovely, clean & refreshing!

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? I'm always a bit sceptical about 'green' 'ethical' products as I don't expect them to perform as well. However I was pleasantly surprised that my washing came out clean, soft & smelling nice!

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? Possibly - if the price is right / It's on offer.

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio -
• Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

The washing smelt lovely when it came out of the machine, but unfortunately once warmed up on the wearer it became evident the grubby smells, e.g. Wee on baby clothes or sweat on husband's work clothes, hadn't been removed even by a 60 degree wash. It was a bit like Eco febreze, just masking rather than cleaning.

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

It left the washing very soft even without fabric conditioner.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

I really wanted to be converted, but no, sorry, it just doesn't get the washing clean enough.

hat was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio -

• Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

I love that it is plant based and better for the environment - I try to be as 'green' as possible.

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

It cleaned well, even in a 30 degree wash which included DD 7month's grubby bib!

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

I am going to try a different scent - I wasn't keen on the sandalwood. The washing smelt better once it was dry, but the initial just out of the machine smell wasn't my favourite.

Thank you!

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio -
• Concentrated Laundry Detergent? it washed the clothes well, removed stains
• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? The small quantity needed
• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? I didn't like the fragrance. I think it would be nicer with just lavender on its own. Would a powdered product save transport costs therefore reduce pollution to produce powder only?

What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio - Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

I liked that it was an eco product and only a small amount needed.

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

I really liked the smell of the washed clothes and I usually hate lavender! They had a fresh but subtle smell.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Not sure. I use cloth nappies so need powder detergent for those and not keen to have 2 types. Otherwise I would be tempted

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio -
• Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Definitely the smell - out of the bottle it reminded me of a really good G&T in that it smelt very botanical and fresh.

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

How well it cleaned - I have always discounted eco friendly cleaning stuff as being a nice thing to gave but assumed I'd need something more heavy duty for real stains but I used this on the toddlers stuff and it came out as clean as I'd expect with my normal powder. Also, I find nice smelling washing stuff smells clean after a wash but this was another level - it smelt amazing when it was on the line. DH commented on how amazing stuff smelt when he was hanging it out and also when he went to wear something.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

100%. Normally I'd be put off by the price of a liquid - I have used a well known brand liquid befor and didn't buy again because it was too expensive despite liking it generally. I will definitely buy this, because I love the smell and I like the eco friendly aspect. I will probably still buy a powder a) because I think it's better for my machine and b) because it's cheaper but will use this on bedding, jumpers, etc. where th smell will be appreciated the most!

What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?
Lovely clean smelling clothes and bedding, and no harsh reactions on our skin.

What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?
It smelt really good. I normally use Bio D, which is environmentally friendly, cruelty-free, etc but has an unpleasant smell. I think I unfairly assumed all ethical brands would be a bit lacking in this area, as well as being less effective at tackling tough stains. Ecover performed well.

Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?
Yes, it ticks a lot of boxes for me. Environmentally friendly, cruelty-free, and good for sensitive skin. The latter is something that affects 3 quarters of my household so is a huge priority and has probably been the thing that swung it for me.

What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? I'm already brand loyal to Ecover, but previously hadn't found the laundry detergent very effective - also both DH and I like a highly scented clean laundry basket! Loved the smell of this and was pleased to be using an environmentally friendly product.

What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? How sparkly it got my whites. I started off with a wool wash and it was gentle enough for that too. Great to be able to just use one product for everything!

Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?
I will certainly buy this again, though I can't say for sure that I'll always be loyal - rather depends on offers, etc. But I'm generally well disposed towards Ecover and had a great experience with this particular product, so thumbs up here.

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio -
• Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Tough on stains and left a fresh smell which was quite pleasant.

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

The stain removal power.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Always used powder detergent so not sure unless it was signifucantly cheaper and better value for money

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio - Concentrated Laundry Detergent? THE SMELL!!! I did not get sick hooray!!

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

I really wasn't expecting such a great result on cleaning.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Definitely yes!

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio It is very effective and smells nice

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? i wasn't expecting non-bio to perform so well
• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? yes

My favourite things were the lovely smell and the nod to eco-friendliness. When I first opened it I thought it only had a very faint smell, which wouldn't normally appeal to me, but actually when I washed my clothes with it, the smell was stronger on them. Not overpowering, just very pretty. It also gave me a little bit of a good feeling, like I was doing my part for the environment

I was most surprised at how well it works. I must admit to previously thinking that eco friendly things may not always do as good a job as their world-destroying counterparts but I was pleasantly surprised. I tested it on adult clothes, baby clothes and the cat bedding. It took tomato stains and grubby little paw marks right out, which is perfect in my book. I also accidentally put it in a wool wash which it says not to do, but they came out perfectly anyway.

I'd say yes, I'm definitely a convert in terms of the product itself, but having answered the survey first,
I think the price is a little bit steep for me. I've clicked on there that I'd probably buy it, but I think I'd be most likely to buy it if it was on offer. I'm going to go on maternity leave early next year and so something like price is very important to me. If it was closer to the £5 mark I'd probably be happier.

All in all, I loved the product. If the price was right, I'd definitely buy it again and again.

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio -Concentrated Laundry Detergent? The lovely smell
• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? How clean it got my laundry, I used it on a white load and it removed toddler and baby food stains, was not expecting it to as its non-bio
• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? I have used non bio before so not new convert but would certainly use this one again if going for a non bio

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

The smell coming off the laundry- both out of the machine and coming in off the line was amazing. Much nicer than my normal brand.

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

The quality of the wash and the small amount needed each wash. I previously assumed that eco-friendly was somehow not as thorough when it came to stains.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

If the price is right. I will definitely look out for the offers (previously not even considered Ecover).

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio - Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

I loved the way the laundry came out clean and fresh with a smell to match.

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

I thought the fact that it's eco-friendly would impact on performance, this wasn't the case at all.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Yes, previously I have only ever used powder but this is much less messy and bulky.

Thank you!!

-What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?
I like the fact it is a Eco-Friendly product.Much better for the Environment.

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? Lovely smell to clothing.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

I am afraid not.I can buy just as good Eco products for a fraction of the price of what this costs.

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

I liked that it's concentrated so only requires a small amount for the laundry.

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Although the scent is lovely in the bottle, I was suprise that my laundry did not have retain that lovely fragrance on removing the clothes from the washing machine. In fact it didn't have any scent or hint of it at all. Was really disappointed about that.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent? Not really. I like my laundry to have a strong,fresh, clean frangrance after a wash which, unfortunately, I did not get with this detergent. Which is a real shame as I love the green, natural concept of it.

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio -Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

The smell was really nice and lasted well.

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

How rich/glossy it felt. Everything felt a bit nicer.

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Yes but only if on offer!

• What was your favourite thing about using Ecover Non-Bio -
• Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

The fact that it did the job (just like my usual product) but is kinder to the environment

• What surprised you the most about Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

That it was just as effective as my usual detergent despite being "green"

• Are you a new convert to Non-Bio Concentrated Laundry Detergent?

Yes, although price will still play a part for me as we do so many loads of washing per week

As PP have said, the Ecover brand has a strong environmental ethos which I am pleased to see, seems to be upheld in their new product. It is environmentally friendly, yet also effective at cleaning my washing - of which we have quite at bit of at the moment with a toddler potty training and a 2 month old.
I was surprised that despite the strong scent it didn't seem to irritate my son's eczema, or my baby's skin - so I trust the claim that it is suitable for sensitive skin. I was also impressed by how little I needed to use to clean a load of washing.
As for purchasing again; the scent was far too overpowering for me, but I am interested in trying the other "flavours" to see if they are more subtle (the baby always smelled like she was wearing perfume!). I have used Ecover powder detergent for the past few years and am unlikely to switch entirely from powder as I prefer the subtle lemon scent, but if it's on special I would probably buy to use for washing bedding and towels.