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Washing detergent

(42 Posts)
gammon Thu 01-Oct-15 15:18:15

Anyone actually use the exact amount of washing detergent as directed on the box? I always put in roughly half of what users say (plus a scoop - very scientific - of soda crystals) and my wash is absolutely fine and the box lasts me twice as long. Am beginning to wonder what other products I'm overusing due to the directions on the box. Obviously in their best interests for us to finish it off quicker and go buy more!

NotSpaghetti Sun 04-Oct-15 16:12:43

Hello,
I too use Eco Balls in every wash. If the load is really dirty I supplement with small quantity of regular detergent. I think I've had the balls for about 12 years now and have had to refill very occasionally. The rubbery rim has worn off mine so they are a bit noisy though.

narrowboatnan Sun 04-Oct-15 17:47:23

I used to just chuck one of those liquid wash tabs in the drum with the clothes and could buy whatever was on offer. Nowadays, living permanently on our narrow boat and with all our 'grey' water emptying straight into the canal I use Ecover in a twin tub (yes, you can still get them!). If I'm using a launderette though I go mad and use whatever I grab in the nearest shop. Ecover's ok, but doesn't get things as bright as the ones with all the phosphates in.

Lona Sun 04-Oct-15 18:02:12

I use Lidl liquid wash, diluted and then only half the recommended amount. Since I stopped using fabric conditioner, the powder drawer doesn't get that black gunge which I hate cleaning off.

vampirequeen Sun 04-Oct-15 18:18:16

I marked the measurement on a beaker and use that.

aggie Sun 04-Oct-15 18:20:58

My DD persuaded me to use the squidgy pouches for my wash , they smell disgusting ! I am back to the powder and use less than the box says . I use the plastic box for storing crayons etc for the DGC , but I would hate to have more than one

Ana Sun 04-Oct-15 18:32:17

The ones I use don't smell disgusting...hmm

Nannanoo Sun 04-Oct-15 20:39:30

That Lidl liquid is very good, isn't it? Very cheap, and my washing is lovely and white.

aggie Sun 04-Oct-15 21:49:20

Maybe "disgusting" is too strong a word , they are highly perfumed ? Fairy Non Bio

Marelli Sun 04-Oct-15 23:17:22

I prefer the smell of Lidl liquid wash (Formil) to the Aldi (Almat) one. I found the Aldi one to have rather a stale/fusty smell. hmm

brie Mon 05-Oct-15 12:30:45

We use EcoBalls. DD introduced us to them when she discovered DGS has an allergy to the standard Persil she use to use. We add Detol Laundry Cleanser (the recommended amount) to make sure it's all properly cleaned.

Elsie10 Mon 05-Oct-15 15:49:05

We have hard water (Thames Valley). I use less liquid detergent than the directions say - plus a couple of spoons of washing soda. clothes come up clean and sweet smelling. I too always dry outside - so I only do a wash when the BBC weather forecast is favourable.

Elsie10 Mon 05-Oct-15 15:50:17

By the way - I use Aldi detergent - brilliant and half the price of Named brands.

Katemlh123 Fri 13-Jul-18 15:03:20

Hi, my name is Kate and I’m a university student studying for a masters. For my dissertation project I’m conducting research into laundry habits in the over 55 age category. I would be extremely grateful if you could spare a minute to fill in my survey. It would help me a lot and be greatly appreciated.

This is the link:
nbsnu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5BZv1EMrcnLTpit

I’m not familiar with the policy for posting on this site so if this breaks any rules feel free to delete it.

Thank you for any help ?

kathsue Sat 14-Jul-18 14:36:51

I think the washing soda soda softens the water so the powder/liquid works better.
My new washing machine takes in the right amount of water according to the amount of washing in the drum. So I have to adjust the amount of liquid I put in. Usually use less than recommended on the container.

gmelon Mon 16-Jul-18 22:33:41

Kathsue I have one of those machines that measure the water in relation to the load. You have a good point that less detergent might be needed.

I use Ariel pods and Comfort pure.

I try to keep the washing smelling the same year after year, I think it's one of the comforting smells of home.

M0nica Tue 17-Jul-18 21:28:18

I use liquid, more in England than in France because our water here is really hard where as in Normandy it is soft. The detergent is soap based and the manufacturer sells refilsl in plastic bags.