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Original poster

Can't believe I'm asking this - such a boring question! But do you think expensive washing powder is worth it?

80 replies

WideWebWitch · 13/02/2004 15:31

sorry, I know it's boring but I'm very tight about certain things and am interesting in your views. I don't mind buying organic meat and decent brand names sometimes if I think they're worth it but I usually buy own brand cheapie washing powder as I resent the cost of the others. However, I'm not convinced it always gets things as clean as a brand name would. So, is expensive washing powder/tablets/liquid worth it? Does it really make a difference? And have you proved it? I won't be surprised or offended if no-one answers this!

OP posts:

katierocket · 13/02/2004 15:33

www, I'm sorry but you need to get out more

lydialemon · 13/02/2004 15:35

I tried Tescos on brand once and I didn't think it worked that well, didn't smell that fresh and everything felt a bit yuck. I'm not fussy which brand I use (currently Persil Non-bio tablets) but I feel better with a big name one - sucked in by advertising I suppose!

auntymabel · 13/02/2004 15:36

I have bought cheap in the past when I couldn't afford the dearer ones and I can't say I noticed that they didn't perform as well. Then again, I have gone back to the popular brands. Interestingly though, when I had a problem with my washer and I phoned the Hotpoint helpline, he pointed out that I could get away with just using one tablet instead of two and it would do the same job. So that's what I do now, which has cut the cost in half! I suppose this depends on whether you have hard or soft water - the water here is fairly soft so doesn't need a lot of detergent. HTH

bossykate · 13/02/2004 15:37

all i can say is that waitrose own brand is pants and that ariel is definitely better. ecover is rubbish, too. sainsburys own brand seems fine to me.

err, does that help?

Festivefly · 13/02/2004 15:37

Yes, when i have been really desperate i have purchased no frills washing powder for 80p, it does the job as long as there are no splodges on the clothes. My clothes were fine put the kids still had marks. I like the smell of brand washing powder better the smell makes you think it is clean and lovely. If i was to buy cheap stuff again i would deinetly buy conditioner or bounce.

pamina3 · 13/02/2004 15:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

zebra · 13/02/2004 15:44

I can't tell the difference; we alternate between brands & shop's own cheapos.

SenoraPostrophe · 13/02/2004 15:50

Most supermarket own brands are in fact the more expensive brands in another pack. If you look at the ingredients closely you can usually work out which is which (how sad am I? ). I buy cheap liquid usually, or when I'm in a green mood I use soap flakes. The liquid cleans better than the soap, but I've noticed no other differences in brands etc.

squirmyworm · 13/02/2004 15:54

I love boring questions www! I use waitrose own brand - it's lovely - huge boxes (I think the tablets etc are a bit of a rip off). can't tell the difference between it and the major brands

SenoraPostrophe · 13/02/2004 15:55

bk - ecover is only rubbish because it doesn't have nasty levels of phosphates. If you really want clean, look for the most phosphates...

Original poster

WideWebWitch · 13/02/2004 15:56

Now, that's interesting Senora! (ok katierocket, you're right, it's not and I do need to get out more!) So if I buy the own brand I may well be buying Persil repackaged? Hmm. BTW, I'm not "interesting in your views," as I typed first time, I am "interestED in your views." Well, up to a point obviously. And I'm clearly not interesting, asking questions like this

OP posts:

Enid · 13/02/2004 16:02

Tbh, I think if you use non-bio there's not that much difference between them. When I used to use bio powder I thought Ariel and Persil were head and shoulders above supermarket own brands.

I use Fairy because I like the smell.

Own brand rinse aid IS crap compared to Finish though.

bossykate · 13/02/2004 16:02

hi, sa. i try to be quite green, but i must draw the line at laundry products, i'm afraid. i don't have time for soaking and repeat washing. i use only one tab, so that is half the phosphates, which is the best i can do on this atm.

Enid · 13/02/2004 16:29

And you only need half the amount they specify, if that. I use a tiny amount of fairy (less than a 'tabs' worth) and it works well.

GeorginaA · 13/02/2004 16:36

I went for the cheap ones when we needed to cut back a bit on our weekly shop, but found that both my and ds' skin got ultra sensitive. Went back to using the more expensive stuff, but have found that our sensitive skin has remained somewhat (convinced that the cheaper own brand washing powder was the trigger though - it was the only thing that changed at the time).

Settled on Persil Aloe Vera (liquid so it rinses better apparently) and Comfort Pure fabric conditioner and that seems to be okay. The "official" good for eczema/sensitive skin brands aren't available in large enough packs for them to be practical really.

scoobysnax · 13/02/2004 16:37

WWW what aspects of your washing are not as good as they might be? There are different solutions to different problems.

Eg colours not staying bright and true: use a powder designed for colours not whites and do not line-dry, wash at low temperatures, do not buy cheap stuff wher the colours run, wash items alone the first time you wash them, also in with your wash put a "colour catcher". If you are obsessive like me you can get better results but this is not necessarily worth the expense or bother!!!

Crunchie · 13/02/2004 17:03

I use ASDA smart price, the cheapest stuff I have found, both for washing and for fabric conditioner (£1.80 for the powder 35p the conditioner) and TBH I don't notice the difference. I am sure if I used posh stuff the kids clothes would get cleaner, but as they continually spill stuff down themselves I can't be bothered.

squirmyworm · 13/02/2004 17:18

do those colour catchers work then ss? they look intriguing. also has anyone tried that lakeland thing where you are supposed to put some strange object in with your wash instead of washing powder? looked a bit weird to me - anyone know if it works?

Demented · 13/02/2004 17:24

I used to use either Ariel or Daz but changed to Aldi's Almat, I don't notice any difference to tell you the truth.

Coddy · 13/02/2004 17:31

finbars best mate is head of r ad d I htink at proctor and gamble

I will ring f and get her on

hmb · 13/02/2004 17:41

We have to use Persil non-bio or everyone ends up with itchy rashes. But i only use 1 tablet, it works fine and then I save some dosh.

suedonim · 13/02/2004 18:19

I alternate between Persil non-bio and shop's own, depending on which is cheapest. One of the shops brands (Safeway??) smells awful so I don't buy that. I only use one tablet as we have very soft water. I assume 'they' brought out those sachet things when they twigged people were only using one tablet instead of two.

I always buy Fairy washing up liquid, though. Anything else just doesn't cut it.

scoobysnax · 13/02/2004 19:06

SW - yes, colour catchers are great - even to use in the whites wash - keeps them brighter - I think you can send the packet back for a refund if you are not happy with them - go on, try it!

kiwisbird · 13/02/2004 19:08

I buy own brand non bio and find no difference infact the Waitrose one is fabulous
I only use Surcare for nappies though... it is worth it!

emkaren · 13/02/2004 19:20

Can somebody explain to me what the difference is between bio and non-bio?

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