Four tips to make your washing powder go further — and keep the cost of cleaning your clothes in check
CONSTANTLY buying washing powder can feel painfully pricey – and pushes up the cost of running your home.
Make your detergent go further — and keep the cost of cleaning your clothes in check — with these handy tips . . .
LESS IS MORE: Many of us use more detergent than we actually need for each wash.
Don’t free-pour powder or liquid as you’re likely to overdo it. Instead, use a measuring cup if one comes with the pack.
Or, as a general rule, a tablespoon is often as much as you need. You should also adjust measurements to the wash.
Clothes that aren’t very dirty or need just a quick refresh call for less detergent than a muddy or bigger load.
SUPER SODA: Soda crystals are an effective stain remover so can help clean your clothes.
This hero product also costs a fraction of the price of detergent, with a 1kg pack coming £2 at Sainsbury’s, compared to £6.50 for a 1.75kg box of Ariel washing powder.
You can use around a tablespoon of soda crystals in a wash to cut back on the amount of more expensive detergent you use.
This is especially true in a hard water area as soda crystals also help to soften water. As a bonus, your towels should come out fluffier, too.
DIY DETERGENT: You can also use soda crystals as the basis for a homemade detergent with this recipe from Homes & Gardens.
Mix 250g of soda crystals with 250g of bicarbonate of soda (a 500g box costs around £2).
Then add the same amount of liquid soap flakes (a 750ml pack costs £2.75 from onlinepoundstore.co.uk).
Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to give the detergent a scent you like.
OFFER PRICES: If you have a favourite detergent, it’s usually worth buying the biggest possible pack to get the best value.
Keep a note of the best price and stock up when on offer, rather than waiting to buy when you run out.
- All prices on the page are correct at the time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
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