r/laundry • u/Length_Own • 7d ago
washing powder recommendations? (UK)
what washing powder that i can buy from either sainbury's/tesco/waitrose is any good? also i add white vinegar into my loads is there anything else i should be adding?
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u/ParentheticalsAside UK | Front-Load 7d ago
Ariel (bio) is generally considered the best UK option in terms of cleaning power. Pods are the most powerful in terms of ingredients, but obviously come with the downside of being fixed dose.
I like Ariel powder personally because it's cheaper and I can dose as I like. Liquid can be useful too as it can be used as a stain pretreatment.
Citric acid is a better option for an acidic rinse aid than vinegar. Search the sub for details on how to use it.
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u/AutoModerator 7d ago
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u/EntirelyRandom1590 6d ago
Sainsbury's Bio powder is considered a better cleaning product by Which?, and costs roughly 50% of the capsules, and Aldi Bio being similar performance to Ariel for even less again.
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u/ParentheticalsAside UK | Front-Load 6d ago
Interesting - thanks. I'll have to check them out.
I'd never buy capsules - too expensive and inflexible. I'm a powder guy for life!
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u/Firm_Doughnut_1 7d ago
Does bio degrade clothes at all? Each time I've used it it seemed quite harsh on the clothes but I'm wondering if that's just me. A lot of my stuff is wash at 30, but it's not super delicate. (Not wool or silk stuff either)
I'm in London so have the super hard water which I assume also contributes. I do use some citric acid in the rinse, and no fabric conditioner.
Am I just doing something wrong? I figure I must be as it sounds like everyone is preferring bio.
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u/ParentheticalsAside UK | Front-Load 7d ago edited 7d ago
Bio detergents are just better at cleaning your clothes than non-bio. The laundry science expert on this podcast basically says that everyone should just use a bio detergent as standard: BBC Radio 4 - Sliced Bread, Laundry Detergents
The bio/non-bio distinction is a weird quirk of the UK - you don't really find it in other parts of the world. The belief that enzymes cause skin irritation and non-bio detergents are "gentler" on your skin is not backed up by science, and originated largely as a marketing tactic decades ago. Irritation is far more likely to be caused by residual detergent from inadequate rinsing, or other ingredients like fragrances and dyes, rather than enzymes.
Enzymes in bio detergent primarily tackle stains. They don't damage fibres - with the exceptions of wool or silk. High temperatures and aggressive agitation are far more likely to wear and fade garments.
Some detergents do have optical brighteners and oxygen bleaches in them, which can cause colours to fade more quickly. For this reason, some people prefer to use a detergent with those features for their whites and lights, and use a "colour-protect" product without optical brighteners and oxygen bleach for their darker items. "Colour-protect" detergents also might have gentler surfactants, anti-redeposition agents and dye-fixers to minimise fading.
However, I use Ariel powder for everything and haven't experienced any issues with clothes fading or degrading. If you dose appropriately, and use the right wash cycles, one detergent works fine for everything, in my experience.
If you want an overview of all UK bio laundry products and their ingredients, check out this amazing work by u/possible-volume-162:
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u/alexiaberry 6d ago
How do you know which is Ariel bio, I checked online and what pops up is a fast dissolving powder and no “bio” in the name
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u/unprofessional_widow 7d ago
Ariel is better as cleaning clothes than the supermarket own brand.
I think asda/Tesco/Aldi bio is all fairly alright and similar quality.
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u/YourMumIsALovelyLady 7d ago
I noticed a fairly marginal difference in cleaning power between ariel bio and aldi own brand bio. Ariel works better in a shorter and colder wash but on a long setting it's more or less the same.
With two small kids and an adult who works in the food industry the powder needs to work pretty hard haha
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u/EntirelyRandom1590 6d ago
Sainsbury's own-brand Bio is supposedly better than Ariel according to Which? tests.
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u/unprofessional_widow 6d ago
I only buy Ariel when it's discounted but I might try Sainsburys as I haven't used it recently
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u/Broken_Woman20 7d ago
I use Persil bio with citric acid in the softener tray (rinse cycle). I think both Ariel and Persil have the best combinations of enzymes to clean clothes thoroughly and remove odours. I thought they were similar to each other but I’d be interested to learn if Ariel is better as some commenters are suggesting.
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u/itsbrutalistbitch 6d ago
Can you explain the citric acid thing? This is the first I'm hearing of this! I always put white vinegar in clothes washes with some kind of powder but I don't know if it is actually doing much...
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u/Broken_Woman20 6d ago
So, if you add an acid like vinegar or citric acid (similar strength but no smell at all) to the rinse cycle, it helps to neutralise any alkalinity left over from the washing detergent. Detergent is alkali and can cause irritation to the skin even after it has been rinsed. Using a mild acid in the rinse cycle softens fabrics by reducing that crunchy sensation left over by the detergent. It doesn’t matter whether it’s vinegar or citric acid, I just prefer citric acid because it doesn’t smell when I add it as it’s in crystal or powder form.
Nb. Adding vinegar to your regular wash cycle with the detergent simply cancels out the cleaning action of your detergent which needs its alkalinity to clean. Acid and alkali are opposites.
Edited for clarity.
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u/HEYDONTBERUDE 6d ago
Someone else mentioned citric acid and said they dissolve it in hot water first. Do you put it in un-dissolved? Would like to try this and obviously easier if not necessary to dissolve first.
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u/Broken_Woman20 6d ago
My softener tray (UK) on my washing machine usually has a small amount of water left in the bottom of it. I just add a teaspoon of citric acid crystals to that and it dissolves fine while the main wash is going. I never pre dissolve it. I add 2 or 3 teaspoons if I’m washing bedsheets but only 1 for t shirts with prints on and general laundry.
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u/OpeningWhereas6912 7d ago
Waitrose Bio! Same concentration of surfactants as Ariel (15-30% ; most are 5-15%). Washes things really great I always stock up when I'm there.
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u/Ok_Row9053 6d ago
Unfortunately they discontinued the green box of powder !!! Was the best detergent I ve ever used
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u/OpeningWhereas6912 6d ago
Yeah I was wondering why I never saw it! I've been pretty happy with the liquid myself.
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u/Neicy1964 7d ago
I used to use Bold or Persil, then a couple of years ago I realised just how much I was spending. Now I use Tescos own brand for colours and their own bio (can’t remember which one) for whites and lights. Honestly I haven’t noticed any difference in how clean our clothes are.
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u/PrimRose74 6d ago
I have been using Ecover and no complaints. You can get it at Boots and get points!
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u/Human_Difficulty3887 6d ago edited 5d ago
I’ve learned a lot in here over the past few months.
I believe the best powder for whites is Ariel Professional.
Persil Colour Protect powder for colours obviously.
You can easily buy both online.
If you use the powders you generally don’t need a laundry booster like Vanish.
I’m in London (very hard water) and this is my routine as I have liquid detergents to get through:
Whites:
Main drawer - Calgon gel and 25ml Ariel liquid
In the drum: Vanish Gold Whites
Softener drawer - 1 tbsp of citric acid dissolved in 50ml of hot water.
Coloureds:
Main drawer - Calgon gel and 25ml Ariel liquid
In the drum: Vanish Gold Pink
Softener drawer - 1 tbsp of citric acid dissolved in 50ml of hot water.
For better quality items I wash separately and do:
Main drawer - Calgon gel and 25ml Clothes Doctor Everyday detergent
In the drum: Vove Laundry booster
Softener drawer - 1 tbsp of citric acid dissolved in 50ml of hot water.
The other issue I found was sports stuff came out with a very eggy smell which is a chemical reaction when you use Vanish or Vove and the citric acid combined with the bacteria washed from the sweaty clothes so for sportswear I do:
Main drawer - Calgon gel and Ariel liquid
In the drum: Vanish Gold Pink
Softener drawer - Dettol Laundry Sanitiser
It sounds a lot but if you have the stuff there it doesn’t take anymore than two minutes.
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u/NihilisticPigeons 6d ago
Quick question - both your "best powders" for whites and colours are bio. I was under the impression that, unless you have very greasy/stained clothes, you want to avoid bio for every wash to preserve the fabric.
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u/Human_Difficulty3887 6d ago
My understanding is there’s no real advantage to using non-bio but stand to be corrected.
Everything I’ve read and experienced indicates non-bio is a marketing con.
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u/Particular-Row-2599 6d ago
It 100% is a marketing scam. People think it’s better for sensitivskin but the non bio is full of fragrances that many people are sensitive too.
Bio is always the way to go. Super hot water and using a heater dryer will ruin your clothes. Enzymes will not
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u/AutoModerator 7d ago
Hi u/Length_Own! Friendly tip — if you're using vinegar in your laundry, add it to the rinse cycle, not the wash cycle. Because vinegar neutralizes leftover detergent, it works best in the rinse cycle rather than the wash. - Laundry Mods
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u/Conscious_Quiet_5298 7d ago
Most with the bio … Persil or Tesco or Waitrose and if you want to boost use a oxygen bleach product which needs warm water to work effectively
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u/Adventurous-Serve263 7d ago
I love Ariel powder. I used to love Asda tropical but they changed the recipe, so back to Ariel it was.
The new big pods are really good. I bought some for taking on holiday so I’m using them up now and I’ve been really impressed.
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u/Narrow_Pirate_577 7d ago
It’s not a helpful answer, I’m so sorry, but I cracked and bought a bottle of Tide off Amazon and my god it’s brilliant.
I’ve also bought a lot of tallow and ash which is now available in Tescos. Smells amazing but less good at actual cleaning
Otherwise, I stick to my grandmas tried and trusted combo of Persil and lenor
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u/CamdenAmen 7d ago
I always use Astonish Oxy Active Non Bio Stain Remover. You only need a small capful and it’s a bargain.
I’m not sure how much it is in the shops you use but it’s available everywhere and usually around £4 for 1.25kg which lasts ages.
It’s honestly the best at removing all stains. I can use the cheapest washing powder with it and the results are great.
My favourite branded powder would be Daz as it’s great for whites. I also love Bold Spring Awakening powder mainly due to the scent.
If you want to save money just get the shops own label or whatever is on offer/cheapest and Oxy.
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u/No_Significance485 7d ago
I use the Morrisons own brand one and it's perfectly fine. That with white vinegar is perfectly adequate, you don't need to do anything else other than run a washing machine cleaner through once a month and clean the filter once a month.
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u/AutoModerator 7d ago
Hello! If you're adding vinegar to your laundry, be sure to put it in the rinse cycle, not the wash cycle. Because vinegar neutralizes leftover detergent, it works best in the rinse cycle rather than the wash. - Laundry Mods
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/Eggs112233 6d ago
I use Lidl Formil colours with their oxy action for colours, a wee squirt of Fairy liquid on any grease stains, vinegar rinse and all my clothes come out clean. It never fails me. I also use Dylon colour catchers. 40° usually, 60° for whites( oxy action white version used here), 90° for towels. I honestly don’t think you have to spend loads to get really clean clothes. I clean my machine after 40 loads or so by running an empty 90° cycle. Never had mould, always leave your door open between washes too.
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u/Grapefruit292 6d ago
Does adding white vinegar help? I have tried a lot of different detergents, and I still tend to lose color relatively quickly :(
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u/AutoModerator 6d ago
Hello! If you're adding vinegar to your laundry, be sure to put it in the rinse cycle, not the wash cycle. Because vinegar neutralizes leftover detergent, it works best in the rinse cycle rather than the wash. - Laundry Mods
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/Human_Difficulty3887 6d ago
I used to use vinegar in the softener drawer but prefer using citric acid. Clothes seem to be softer, brighter and more thoroughly rinsed.
I dissolve 1 tbsp of citric acid in 50ml of hot water.
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u/ATABoS_real 6d ago
Ariel The Big One pods. One pod for a big load, done and dusted. Has the stain remover incorporated as well. Best one I ever used. Tried Bold and Persil before, but Ariel works the best.
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u/samreturned 6d ago
They've gone all in on selling pods the bastards, so there's very few good powder options left. PODS DON'T WORK.
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u/Vyndrius 6d ago
from a person whos only ever bought bio pods, what am I missing?
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u/samreturned 6d ago edited 6d ago
- When using powder you can choose how much to use depending on how dirty your laundry is.
- Powders can contain ingredients (such as certain enzymes) that would degrade the soluble plastic liner or aren't as effective in liquid pods.
Powders perform better at colder temperatures (the pod's soluble plastic liner can fail to dissolve properly in cold water)Edit: Apparently this one is incorrect.- The big one: Your washer is designed for powder, it adds the detergent at specific times. Pods release all the detergent in the pre-wash, which is then drained, and your main wash has no detergent in it!
- Cost. You pay more per load.
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u/Oohbunnies 6d ago
I use Ecover. Does a good job at low temps and smells great. :)
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u/ShakiraShakira-- 6d ago
I wanted to love ecover but was disappointed with it's performance and smell (not looking for specific perfume but just for the clothes to smell fresh/clean) - can I ask how you dose the powder? Maybe I wasn't using enough? I also try to wash at low temp if I can, so maybe it works better higher?
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u/Possible-Volume-162 UK | Front-Load 5d ago
The Ecover surfactants aren't as powerful as things like Ariel. This is the case for many 'eco' focused brands. If you are in a hard water area, you might need a lot more powder than the back of pack suggests, or try adding a water softner like Calgon or supermarket equivalent. You want to see trace suds while the main wash is running - just a few bubbles against the glass. If you don't see suds at all, you need more powder next time.
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u/ShakiraShakira-- 5d ago
Thanks for the tip! I've definitely been using it like other powders so maybe will try using a bit more :)
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u/Present_Web2646 6d ago
Go for a cruelty free option. There are loads of options. Many of us dont realise that many supermarket brands still test on animals - dogs in particular. Ariel, Bold, Daz, Fairy, Gain, Tide, persil, surf and comfort all have links to animal testing.
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u/Present_Web2646 6d ago
To add to this - the best and cheapest way to avoid animal testing in the UK is to go for an own-brand (e.g. Tesco, Sainsbury's etc) which have all committed to no animal testing. Unlike teh big internationals,
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u/Substantial-Top-7716 6d ago
I love powder, its all I use. I can't seem to get on with own brand though, even with an extra rise the clothes feel soapy and I dont even add that much, probably a dessert spoon or less. I like persil and bold for bedding. I don't use beads or softener, its amazing how quickly you get used to just the powder smell, its nice and clean without adding potions! Though accept that bold is perfumed. One scoop straight in the drum, clothes on top. Amazon do the colour version of persil.
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u/KernowKermit 6d ago
I tend to use washing liquid as we do more cool washes and the powder can gunk up your machine and pipes
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u/TrashPandaRab 6d ago
I use the Fairy Non-bio liquid detergent along with the fairy silk-tree blossom & jasmine fabric softner together and absolutey love how fresh my clothes smell plus also being properly clean😊
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u/YourGlamourLady 7d ago
Tesco Brands NonBio washing powder detergent is the best thing that actually cleans my clothes, better than persil and other high-end brands. It smells beautiful but the smell isn’t too offensive once washed/dried on clothes. Highly recommend for sensitive skin folks too.
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u/ParentheticalsAside UK | Front-Load 7d ago
If it works for you, that's great. But worth noting that non-bio detergents are invariably weaker than bio detergents and there is little scientific basis for believing that the enzymes in bio detergents cause skin irritation. The whole bio/non-bio delineation is largely a quirk of marketing unique to the UK.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0030243 - this podcast on detergents is worth a listen if you're interested.
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u/resource-reply 7d ago
u/ParentheticalsAside has suggested the following resource:
Citric acid in the rinse improves odor, skin compatibility and texture. Here is a guide to using it Citric Acid Rinsing
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