Ask a Persil laundry expert anything: stains, smells and washing-machine mysteries (plus your chance to win a £200 VEX gift voucher)

[LibbyMumsnet]

A few weeks ago, we asked Mumsnetters whether some families had cracked laundry while the rest of us were making life unnecessarily difficult for ourselves.

More than 100 replies later, we learned that some of you are impressively organised while others just shove everything in the machine and hope for the best. The thread also produced plenty of questions. What actually works on stubborn stains? Why does a sports kit still smell like a wet dog after washing? Are very long wash cycles genuinely necessary? And why the washing machine has been saying “10 minutes remaining” for the past half-hour. (Yes, why do they lie?)

So we've invited an actual laundry expert to answer your questions.

Helen Lyon is Global R&D Lead for Laundry Capsules at Unilever and, in partnership with *Persil Ultimate Non-Bio Capsules, she'll be answering your questions about stains, fabrics, detergents, washing machines and the everyday realities of family laundry.

About Helen
Helen is the Global R&D Lead for Laundry Capsules at Unilever. She has spent 23 years developing innovative laundry products, leading teams that bring new detergent technologies from concept to market. She's passionate about creating products that deliver outstanding performance while supporting a more sustainable future. As a mum of two young children, she also knows first-hand that family laundry is rarely straightforward and is passionate about finding ways to make everyday life a little easier for families.

So, what would you like to ask a laundry expert?

Post your question on this thread by 31st August 2026 for your chance to win a £200 VEX gift voucher (T&Cs apply).

*Keep out of reach of children. LEARN MORE www.keepcapsfromkids.eu ©A.I.S.E.

Help! I really struggle with my sons white polo shirts that always come home from school with tomato based stains from school dinners and deep mud stains as he loves playing in the mid kitchen at school playtime! Whats best to get these stains out as I am having to buy mote polo shirts regularly to replace as can't get the stains out. Any advice needed please 🙏

why does the washing machine compartment for fabric conditioner get so filthy and why is it full of water after a run?

What’s the best way to get rid of stubborn smells from sportswear without damaging the fabric, especially when it still smells after a normal wash?

How do you get sweat stains out of the armpits of t-shirts? (I'm not sure t-shirts have armpits but hopefully you know what I mean!)

How do I get rid of slight discolouration on light towels from use over time? They are clean but no longer as pristine as when they were new, otherwise theres nothing wrong with them & my inner eco warrior makes me reluctant to get rid if theres a chance of being able to revive them! Is there a fix or do I need to bin & buy new now?

What’s the best washing powder to remove stains, without pre treating the stain or adding other products to the washing machine. Can’t seem to find one to do this, please help! 🙏

Which gives a better wash, adding liquid to the drum or the drawer?

Why are there so few brands that have skin kind washing products to help children with eczema? Fairy seems to be the only brand that's suitable, but it's so expensive and you need to use a bigger dose.

Are your products tested on animals?

Any tricks on how to clean the washing machine, especially round the door area?

the bedding labels say wash at 40C tops but then I read for bedding it should be at least 60C tops kill germs etc. Is there a way to wash at lower temperature and thus save costs but still achieve what is meant to be achieved at 60C+?

My water has a Hard Water measurement of approximately 197 mg/l (ppm) of calcium carbonate.
What is the best way to deal with Hard Water?

I read that you can use just 25% of the Powder that it says you need on the packet is that true?

I doubt an advisor working for Persil will agree with that @Dizzywizz 😀

Does laundry sheet clean as well as liquid/powder detergent?

My dermatologist ( eczema in the family ) told me to use 50% of recommend use .
I've been doing that for years and still get good results . Also don't use fabric conditioner .

Which products have the best eco credentials? Would powder be better, eco wise, than tablets/pods etc.?

Hi Helen,

I have a husky-cross dog.

What is the best way to manage dog fur in the washing machine when I need to wash her bedding? There is a LOT even after brushing it off before washing.

Do the sachets that claim to remove fur actually work?

For me it's always been blood, DS2 has nosebleeds, once the blood has tried into a pillowcase or an item of clothing, just impossible to get out - I've thrown so much away - any ideas to help me pls.

I really dislike the strong perfume in laundry detergents, it seems to be almost forced on us now, manufacturers advertising even longer lasting smell. Can we retain at least some products without perfumes? How can we wear our own perfumes without it clashing with cheap laundry perfume?

Where can we find Helen's replies?

@Muu9 If you scroll to the top of the thread and click 'see all questions and answers', you will be able to see the questions Helen has answered so far.

With detergent, is it ‘less is more’ or ‘more is more’? Does adding more improve effectiveness or is it damaging to clothes?

I hate that damp smell my clothes get if they sit in the machine for even 10 mins after the wash finishes. I clean it, the filter underneath and run clean cycles. I wash at 40. I use persil pods. I’d appreciate any advice.

what are your views on colour catchers for a small load of whites and colours ?

I can't use bio detergent due to sensitive skin but all the advice I read says it's the enzymes in the bio that do the work. Do I need to double wash tough stains, once with bio then once with non bio to get them out?