How to get clothes completely clean without ruining them?

[Littlemiss74]

I’ve recently bought a couple of hoodies & tshirts from Jack Wills. Really pleased as they fit me well & are comfy. When I’ve washed the grey one at 40 degree wash as it says, I find it doesn’t get it fully clean. Cuffs can get a bit dirty & sometimes a bit of make up around neck, doesn’t fully come out. Come to think of it it’s probably the same with alot of my lighter clothes but never been that bothered before.

I’m trying to buy less clothes now but better quality & I want them to stay looking nice. What’s the best way to get things really properly clean? I’m worried about increasing the temperature in case they shrink.
I use Persil liquid non-bio - is there something better I could try? Thanks

I treat stains directly, usually with a smear of detergent and a sprinkle of vanish powder. And I check when after the wash, before drying if the stain has come out.

Some stains are better removed in a cold wash (eg blood, chocolate) and sweat stains might need a bio-detergent.

Don’t tumble dry a tough stain. Sunlight is excellent for breaking down some stains, eg tomato sauce, so line dry if you have any doubts.

You need a bio detergent for that.

Use bio powder maybe as it cleans better than liquids. Or even non bio powder would probably do a better job

I am a filthy creature.

I have only recently figured out how to do this and I consider it pro-adulting!

I use bio liquid (fill the whole plastic thing) - anything with 'non' in it makes me think its worse (probably untrue).
I use either white or coloured vanish oxiaction. A full scoop distributed between prewash and wash.
In the fabric conditioner drawer I either put fabric conditioner (either Lenor or Comfort) - or Zoflora Lemon if I am doing the towels, or Zoflora Linen Fresh if I am doing the bedding.

Have you got a longer wash cycle? The temp is fine, but if it's a short cycle, try a longer one.
Non bio liquid here, 40C washes, and hung outside to try seems to get most stuff clean - but I dont wear makeup, so never tested that.

Thank you I did think that using bio would help but I think we’ve always used non-bio as we have sensitive skin so isn’t it meant to better for that? I wonder if we’d be ok with bio or would it make us itch! Only one way to find out I suppose..

In my rigmarole of washing products I am convinced the Vanish oxiaction makes the most difference.

If you have a greasy stain then you can also use it in a paste and rub it in with the back of the scoop before wash.

I would try that before moving to bio

@DancesWithDaffodils usually lasts just over an hour

I have sensitive skin, but have never had any issues with persil bio.

Do you live in a hard water area? I do, and I find that using a water softener in the wash really helps get things clean.

Does vanish bleach the clothes or can it be used on colours?

@BreakfastOfWaffles yes definitely a hard water area which I think is partly what drys out our skin & makes it itchy. I didn’t know you could use a water softener in the wash - what is this & where do you get it from please? I would love to have a water softener installed in the house but it looks very expensive!

Littlemiss74
Water softeners are not really expensive just the initial set up cost that pays for itself .
Salts are 2pound a pack.
Its so worth getting one

Def need a longer wash - that's all! An hour wash is for lightly soiled things, not stained things. The temp is fine so is using non bio. A bit of vanish for stubborn stains but honestly a longer wash will likely do it!

[quote Littlemiss74]@BreakfastOfWaffles yes definitely a hard water area which I think is partly what drys out our skin & makes it itchy. I didn’t know you could use a water softener in the wash - what is this & where do you get it from please? I would love to have a water softener installed in the house but it looks very expensive![/quote]
I buy either the tablets from Waitrose that you put at the back of the drum each wash, or the gel from M&S that you can either pour directly into the drum or mix it with your usual washing liquid in the drawer.

Soda crystals can also be used in the wash to soften the water

I read this article about laundry on Saturday: according to this bloke, most stuff we do is wrong: www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-to-love-your-laundry-and-save-the-environment-wmxt2sfd3?shareToken=adf357c1edf81587704f3d1906eff465

I find fairy liquid or any washing up liquid is good as a pre treatment on any greasy spots or dirt. Just rub it on the clothes where they are specifically dirty. Then wash with non bio powder if your skin is sensitive. I actually use bio Persil for most things. Also generally wash at 40 degrees. I don’t think 30 is hot enough to remove make up.

Sensitive skin: Ecover bio powder. No fabric softener, ever.

Ecover zero for wool and silk. (Plus a splash of vinegar in the wool rinse if I remember.)

This works for me and my very sensitive skin. But I also only use soap, never shower gel, and am extremely careful about what sort of moisturiser I use on my body.

I recently discovered the pre wash button on my machine. Game changer! All the muddy football gear now comes out clean and no need for extra pre wash sprays etc

Soap nuts are eco friendly and act as a water softener.

I would get a water softener though, revolutionised cleaning, dry skin the works.

@LemonSwan

In my rigmarole of washing products I am convinced the Vanish oxiaction makes the most difference.

If you have a greasy stain then you can also use it in a paste and rub it in with the back of the scoop before wash.

I would try that before moving to bio

Do you know that we are just about the only country that has bio and non bio washing powder?

Thanks for all the suggestions. Anyone who has installed a water softener please could you give me a rough idea of cost & would you say it’s definitely worth it & has made a difference? When we go on holiday I often notice how much nicer my hair & skin feel after washing.

I recommend you empty the distilled water from the tumble dryer into the machine as you start it -as this will soften the water and allows the detergent to work better.

We had this one fitted as it's the only one the local trade merchant recommend

www.atlantis-uk.com/copy-of-at210-technical-specificati-1

About £600 including fitting, takes up half a standard kitchen cupboard.