Washing powder

[Mikkanjazza]

Could some kind person explain to a mere man what the advantages/disadvantages are to using biological or non-biological washing powder?

[redman41]

Biological Washing Powder contains Enzymes for breaking down the dirt in your clothes but non-Biological does not. If you have sensitive skin, Biological Powder may cause a skin Allergy. Try both and see which you prefer.
I'm using Surf Biological at present and it does the job for me.

[Mikkanjazza]

Many thanks redman - I've used both and not noticed any difference, which is why I asked the question. As my skin does not seem to be affected, I assume it doesn't matter which I use - or is one better at getting dirt and stains out than the other? Can't say I've noticed.

[barry1010]

Biological washing powder will also kill bacteria that loves to live in warm, damp places, your washing machine.
If you do not use biological powder for your laundry, nor do a hot wash regularly, you should do a maintenance wash to prevent black mould and unseen nasties.
http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/usage_2.html

[rov1200]

Biological Washing powder is probably the reason why there has been a steep upsurge in cases of Asthma and related diseases.

[Mikkanjazza]

Hmmm... there's more to this washing lark than meets the eye, isn't there? Thanks again

[ACtheTROLL]

you need a large stone ... and a river ... bang head against stone ... then when you wake up your clothes will be clean

other methods:

after about two weeks your shreddies will have digested themselves ... and then the bugs then die - shake and wear

buy new shreddies every week

buy american army shreddies - they are supposed to be self cleaning

call in Mr Spock and Capt Kirk - they both kill klingons

[Mikkanjazza]

I'm a muesli man myself.

[wilkesneil]

thank you redman, now i know why i must use non-bio as i have an allergy to bio wash powder. I knew there was something in it but i weren't to sure what it was. Now i know why i go itchy and come out in a rash...

[rabbitygirl]

Bio wash products causing rashes was debunked long ago.

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2008/05May/Pages/Biowas hingpowderrashesamyth.aspx

[pingu748]

enzymes only deal with naturally occuring stains .. blood, sweat, egg, grass etc

so if you are not prone to getting these type of stains in / on your clothes then bio isnt necessary ... as for allergies / reactions the perfume in detergent is more of a reactionary than any quantity of enzymes .. this is one of the reasons that manufacturers are now producing alternative fragranced detergents .. so that if you have a reaction to one you can use / try another and hopefully not suffer any reaction .. thus they keep you as a customer !

As for the bacteria that remain in your machine due to our love of ever reducing the temperature of our washes .. these are left behind more and more owing to our love affair with liquid detergents and their lack of bleach ( NO liquid or capsule detergent contains bleach ) .. low temp washes combined with no bleach in a majority of washes ( if not 100% ) equals bacteria left behind which accumulates and over time breeds & starts to smell ..

happy wash day !

[Ice.Maiden]

Ahh..wash your underpants in biological stuff. They'll come out looking cleaner, and your wife or the ladies'll be all over you like a rash!