Washing & Dishwashing

Washing powder I use Bold.
Deals with very dirty heavy duty, as dirty as can get, man's work[if I am allowed to say that!].

Dishwasher powder - my machine cleans better using Fairy rather than Finish.
If a quick wash, any seem to do, eg lidl cheapest.

The man who fixed our dishwasher suggested alternating Fairy with any old other tablet.
We use Ecover washing liquid in the machine.

I don't have a dishwasher but I use soda crystals in the washing machine. Vinegar very occasionally as fabric conditioner but as most of our things are natural fibres this is rarely necessary.

If pots and pans need a soak, I sprinkle in some soda crystals and a squirt of Fairy then add hot water. Seems to deal with almost anything.

Aldi dishwasher tablets do the job for us! Commended highly by "Which" - in their tests the Aldi tablets come in second after the (notably more expensive) Fairy tablets.

I asked engineer about brand to use for washer, he said powder all day long as gels & pods clog & rot the mechanisms & pipes. I alternate between pods & powder, usually aerial.
Fairy, or finish for DW. I must say finish cleaner for DW, still smelled of lemons week later.

Baggs

I don't have a dishwasher but I use soda crystals in the washing machine. Vinegar very occasionally as fabric conditioner but as most of our things are natural fibres this is rarely necessary.

If pots and pans need a soak, I sprinkle in some soda crystals and a squirt of Fairy then add hot water. Seems to deal with almost anything.

I too have used soda crystals in my washer, does work- when I put towels in next wash there was black stuff on them, so put through on a 90

Fairy platinum - works well for the dishwasher and needs no salt or conditioner.

Persil colour something or another for the washer.

Have you tried putting a double dose in? I do this occasionally and seems to help.

i have a certain brand of dishwasher and washing machine,
And especially for the dishwasher, use their recommended powder or whatever it is, to do an empty cycle with it. About once a month. Else I do run into not quite clean dishes.

Just started using Dreft powder.
Usually use Aldi or Lidl.
They are v good and cheaper than others.
Only use one knife spoon occasional fork. One bowl. One mug. 2 plates.
So find it easier without a dishwasher. Else I'd have to buy more items to fill it.
But if I did have one I'd use Lidl or Aldi products.

There is such a lot to think about when choosing detergents.

What's the water like in your area? You do definitely need extra detergent in a hard-water area and the regular use of lime-scale prevention tablets.
And do you prefer non-bio for sensitive skin?
What about the scent they put in? Some detergents smell horrid.
Can you bear powder, probably the cheapest and easiest to vary the dose, or does it make you sneeze?
Is cost an issue? Does it make you happier to use a brand like Fairy?

Am I small-minded to think about all this?

I use Aldi bio washing powder as powder has different make-up to liquids. For the dishwasher I use an all in one tablet, again Aldi ot Lidl. I used to work for a repair company and the engineers always recommend to throw the dishwasher tablet in the bottom of the machine, you get better results.

Lidl or M&S disheasher tablets.
The Lab Co washing sheets for the washing machine - I use the unscented ones but they also sell a lavender scented version.

I use Lidl's own for both and do not use conditioner . We live in a soft water area by the way .

If I use the dishwasher I use Aldi dishwasher pouches.
Always use Sainsbury's Sensitive liquid for delicates and woollens, in the washing machine. For white cotton sheets etc I also add soda crystals and do a hot wash. The soda crystals are great and keep the machine clean and sweet smelling.