washing powder

[sindy]

ello all, hope you have all had a good weekend, i have a question, whats the difference between bio washing powder and no bio, ive never worked this one out

[Digger-07]

Good question sindy, I hope you get an answer cos' I'd like to know too.

[Hazel at the Hill]

As I understand it, cleaning with non bio uses soap, and bio contains enzymes which 'digest' the dirt. This means that you can wash at a lower temp with bio - and in fact if you wash at over 40 degrees with a bio, you'll kill the enzymes, which do the cleaning!

So if you are going to boil the hankies, don't bother using bio!

[MrsC]

no idea, let me know

[rustylady]

Yep. bio has enzymes. It also does a really good job on cleaning burnt saucepans (if you ever burn anything). I always use it, but it isn't too good for sensitive skin (or so they say).

[Two_Sheds]

Bio is enzymes, as stated above. Don't use if you have sensitive skin though, and don't use at high temperatures.

BTW, does anyone still use fabric conditioner? You know its only for use on synthetic fabrics don't you, to reduce static cling. Or to make the wash smell nice. You must not use it on bath towels, it affects absorption.

[Hazel at the Hill]

You must not use it on bath towels, it affects absorption.

Well, well - you learn something on the Vine every day!

[Rowan]

I don't use it - it makes your washing stink of chemicals! Anyone else seen the TV ad for some air "freshener" or other that cycles between 3 different smells - one of which is "Open Window"! The mind boggles!

[Alison]

Don't use chemical air fresheners either, they make the back of my throat really dry and don't see what's wrong with opening a window or some dried petals.

[moggssue]

I didnt know that about conditioner and towels - amazing what you pick up on here isnt it!! And I love open windows, hate air freshners, dont see the point (just for the record!!) though I do sometimes burn 'smelly' candles.

[Winged one]

On another board I am on, where there is talk about lots of stuff but including cloth nappies, we are always talking about using vinegar instead of fabric softener. Cos, same as the towels, can't use FC on cloth nappies (lack of absorbtion could be a problem there...), so instead a few dashes of ordinary malt vinegar into the FC compartment does the job. I use it for lots of things now instead of FC.

I never knew about not using bio above 40 though, handy to know (although I mostly wash at 40, but there are times when a good thorough boil is needed). I have also stopped using bio on my jeans as I felt it "ate" them a bit too fast, and never use it on silks or linens or other delicate, natural fabrics.

[Two_Sheds]

It's amazing what they can sell us, and we never question what it is, what it is for, what it does, what the consequences are ....

I reiterate, fabric conditioner is only useful on synthetics, to reduce static cling. It is a total waste of money to use it on cottons

[smallblueplanet]

On another board I am on, where there is talk about lots of stuff but including cloth nappies, we are always talking about using vinegar instead of fabric softener. Cos, same as the towels, can't use FC on cloth nappies (lack of absorbtion could be a problem there...), so instead a few dashes of ordinary malt vinegar into the FC compartment does the job. I use it for lots of things now instead of FC....

I'm with you winged_one I use white vinegar instead of fabric conditioner. I always assumed fabric condition was used as a rinse aid.

[Madasafish]

Vinegar plus water makes car washing and winodw washing much easier. and shinier ...