Washing Powder Or Capsules?

noman

Since I got my own place I have been using capsules but I find that stains on some items like pot towels that should wash out aren't doing.

I am thinking of trying powder as I have been reading that it does a better job on stains and washing overall?

What do you use and why?

Doglover2

Capsules

I find powder not as good tbh,you tend to add a bit too much, it makes towels too hard, where as capsules have softener in them usually. And you don't have to add it. Just my opinion.

Sandy_123

I use liquid

Kimi87

I use smol gel pods.

Hopeless

I use powder - it’s the only thing that washes gym clothes properly so they don’t smell

JessieJ

I use liquid, a cheap one from Savers. As, I've tried the named brand powders, capsules & liquids at the rip off prices, none take the simplest of stains out without using other products. The cheap liquid does the same job & I use Vanish gel on any stains I don't think will come out for a fraction of the price.

OverlyAnxious

I moved from powder to capsules a while ago. Didn't notice any difference in cleaning power between the two. Capsules were much more convenient though, and lighter to carry upstairs from the supermarket.

Some stains wash out better in warmer water if you're only using cold. Things like grease get broken down better by heat than detergent alone.

Rosie_Scope

Powder

I use non bio powder personally, just because we bought a big bulk pack of it and we're still getting through it. One of my previous jobs involved laundry on a commercial level and we always used powder for our washing, but it might just be that it was cheaper to buy in bulk.

I find powder reasonably effective and you can customise the dose depending on how big your load is or what you're washing. Biological washing products can be slightly better for stain removal if your skin isn't too sensitive.

I've used gel before and capsules but I found our slightly dodgy washing machine didn't get on so well with the capsules.

Ranald

Powder

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1013213#Comment_1013213

Fabric softener makes fabric water resistant. Not much use that, a water resistant towel!

Ranald

Powder

The main reason I prefer powder, is you can alter the amount used, as per the washing load.

I use a colour kind power mostly, and a biological powder for whites. I also use liquid soap flakes for waterproofs and woolens.

Yes, the clothes can dry out fairly stiff, but I find 10 minutes in the tumble dryer, set to 'refresh' sorts that.

Rosie_Scope

Powder

I've been testing putting a bit of vinegar in with my towels, it's supposed to help with them going hard as it cuts out any build up from the detergent. Not sure if I'm seeing too much difference yet but it's early days! They don't smell of vinegar to me, the smell washes away.

Bubbles70

I used powder for years, then I started to notice a lot of clogging in the dispenser after the cycle had finished. So I decided to try the laundry liquid, just filled the cap and put that into my washer, voila I am a happy bunny.

Ranald

Powder

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1013442#Comment_1013442

I imagine you would laugh at this, but I remove the drawer and dry it, including the hole from whence it came, each time I use my machine. It's not as if I have much else to do!

Girl_No1

Capsules

I use non-bio capsules.

For stained items I use an Oxy Stain remover on the stains before chucking the item into the machine.

I was also told to put the capsule in before the washing load, not the way they show on adverts, and it works a treat.

Genuinely can't remember when I last used powder!

Doglover2

Capsules

@Ranald what? It's never made my towels "Water resistant ". Ever! So I dunno what you mean.

Washing powder.... towels like bricks... wash tabs with built in softener... SOFT!

It only makes them Mildly less absorbent. Never had a problem. They still do the job they were intended.

The question was "What do you use and why".

That's what I use and why I do so.

noman

Thanks for your thoughts guys, now my head really is spinning😁

Bubbles70

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1013512#Comment_1013512

Nope I am not laughing Ranald, as I did that a couple of times, but my word it took me an age to get the dispenser thingy back into the slot. 🙄 At least now with the liquid inside the washer I get away from struggling.

Ranald

Powder

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1013549#Comment_1013549

My comment wasn't meant as a slight. I probably should start using emoticons.

Doglover2

Capsules

@Ranald never took it as one tbh.

My father worked in the chemical industry for 30 years, making all kinds of cleaning products for home and hospitals. He'd all the "Recipes " in his head, never wrote anything down, he can still tell me what goes into bleach, washing up liquid, soap powder etc to this day and he's 82 now.

So I get your point about the towels, I've Just never found a problem.