Washing Powder

[dee5]

Just wondering how much washing powder other people use? I live with my boyfriend and for every wash i do i only use 1 washing tablet as the plumber who installed our washing machine said that two tablets is just a waste as most clothese these days arent very dirty and the excess powder just clogs up the pipes. My washing always comes out clean and smells like washing powder so why do they recommend that you need to use two tablets? Do they just want your money?

[Tweed]

Yes they want your money. Most people use excessive amounts of cleaning products in the belief that it will be more effective.

[CheekyChops]

I've had this discussion with my mum. She always uses one tablet and says that her washing always comes out clean and smelling fresh. I always use two, for no other reason than it says you should on the box!

I keep meaning to try just one and see what happens but never remember until the wash is mid-cycle.

I too would be interested to see what others had to say on the matter!

[veritymoon]

i use one and it always nice and clean

[rhona_j]

I've had this discussion with my other half too. He saw me putting in the powder one day and claimed I wasn't using enough (though had never complained of dirty clothes pre that!). When he does the wash I think he uses far to much (you know that way when you bring the clothes out you can just tell?), but then what do I do, if I complain he probably won't ever do it again, catch-22! So, I went and bought the tablets, that way he can't put in too much (unless he puts in a third!), and I can just put in the one when I do a reasonably clean wash.

[shaneystar2]

A few years ago I had a washing machine die on me and when the service engineer came the fault turned out to be a blockage in the hose caused by scum from the washing powder. His words to me were "You ladies use far too much washing powder". He did say it also depends on the hardness/ softness of the water too,and that by using Calgon or the cheaper option, old fashioned soda, you can cut your powder consumption by half. He reckoned that the amounts recommended by the manufactureres were way over the top and that it is just a marketing ploy. Since then I have never used what they say on the packet .I use half the amount and add soda for extra dirty stuff and I always get a clean wash.

[khana]

I used to have one of those eco washing machines that only uses a small amount of water and as such it was recommended to use only 1 tablet rather then the usual 2. The machine has long since died and gone to washing machine heaven but i'm so used to just using 1 tablet that its habit now.

Never had any problems at all and the washing always comes out just fine.

On a side note, has anyone tried the new jojoba oil fabric conditioner thats come on sale, its expensive and i'm wondering if its any better for the money ?

[Plocket]

I always use half what it says on the packet - our clothes are never particularly dirty, but if I'm washing my gardening clothes I tend to rinse them first.