At last I'm using the washing powder Zanussi recommended (Ariel Powder)

Member Name: eiley123

Product:	Ariel Powder
Date:	25/12/06 (1115 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fresh smell,better for my machine,goes a long way,washing clean,good at lower temperatures

Disadvantages: More expensive than others , may be harsh on some fabrics

************************** BACKGROUND *************************

Over nearly 34 years of married life I have used loads of different washing powders . Initially I had a twin - tub machine. At the time these were the bees knees and everybody used them . Looking back god were they a pain .

We moved on like everyone else to an automatic machine and felt the shackles loosen a bit . Dramatic eh but sort of true.

I have always swapped about with washing powders usually buying one from a reputable brand , but that was on the best pricing offer .

Over the last few years I have found I cannot always use the cheapest . I don't know what they have added but lots of them make me itch . Particularly Surf or Daz .

I had settled for Bold as I liked the smell . not a bad wash , good price and no itchiness .

A few months ago my Zanussi machine which I have had for 6 years , with no problems, started playing up . A visit from the engineer , all the smelly blockage sorted and we're up and running again . We live in a really bad lime scale area and even though we have a descaler fitted it's still a problem .

So he asks which powder I am using and proceeds to tut tut when I tell him. According to him ,although Bold is a good price , it's not right for the job . He recommends Ariel , as does the manufacturer , although he does comment it's a tad more expensive . A tad !

************************* ARIEL BIOLOGICAL***********************

So , as I was nearly out of my regular powder , I pops down to my local Netto to price a box up . As my Netto is just round the corner from me , and cheap , I thought I could carry a large box if they had some . At the time they only had Ariel Biological in stock .


********************* THE PACKAGING ***************************

Apart from the small normal box size all they had was a 4.75kg of the Ariel Biological ,biological not being something I would usually consider on purchasing .

It's a large box 121/2 inches high by 10 inches wide and 41/2 inches deep . It had a tough plastic handle on the top for easy carrying . It was reasonably heavy to carry with a little shopping , but not too bad .

The box is a nice dark green colour with the ariel logo on the front and " Turn to 30 degrees "in large letters . It states " proud supporter of the energy saving trust" and "energy saving and brilliant cleaning". It has 50 standard washes and there is a web site - www.sustainable-cleaning.com. mentioned .

The box I bought had a free competition on the back by going to - www.ariel.co.uk-by the 30.11.06-so too late for me now.

There was also the claim you can save over a third of the energy used in each load by turning to 30 degrees . Additionally there was a statement about visiting - www.est.org.uk / 20percent - the energy saving trust's campaign to get everyone to save 20% of your daily energy consumption to ease climate change . It stresses that turning to 30 degrees is one way you can help .

The sides of the box have , on one side fabric care and safety in the home , more web sites and a freephone number for any problems 0800 0852 592 . There is also the makers name - Proctor and Gamble UK . The other side had various tips on getting the best wash and recommended amounts to use . There is even a map of Great Bbritain showing the areas with soft , medium , and hard water .

******************* THE ARIEL ITSELF ***************************

The box opens with the uual pull round at the top . Inside there is a large , blue , scoop with handle for measuring out the correct amounts.

The first thing I noticed was the smell . It was a really fresh smell - not perfumey at all . It just sort of has a very clean smell to it.

The powder is white with blue flecks in it . It is made up of:-
EC648/2004 ( www.info-pg.com) :5-15% Aninoic surfactants , Oxygen based bleaching agents , Zeolites; < Cationic surfactants , Non-ionic surfactants , Phosphonates , Polycarboxylates , Soap : Enzymes , Optical brighteners , Perfumes , Coumarin , Butylphenyl Methylpropional , Limonene.
( I am a bit concerned about the bleaching agents-this probably isn't good for the washing or the enviroment ! )

***************** THE RESULTS ***********************************

Now , to date , I have carried on using this product. . I must have been using it a good 5 or 6 weeks and I am about threequartes way down the box .

I have found it is very good for not leaving lots of scum in the machine , therefore causing blockages . I do have to buy a fabric conditioner , but then I still used one when using Bold.

I have tried on lots of my washing cycles to reduce to 30 degrees and have found for the most part it still cleans really well . However on anything such as a tea towel with a tea stain it has not removed it . I have still had to increase the heat or treat with a spot cleaner first .

Neither myself or my husband have found any skin irritation from the powder . The powder does feel though as if it would irritate sensitive skin . If you feel a small amount it leaves a strong scent on your hands.

Looking at the list of ingredients and having sampled the wash I don't think this powder would be any good on delicate fabrics or strong colours in the long run . I have not had any initial problems . I am sure it would have a fading effect long term .

************************* CONCLUSION ****************************

I have been impressed overall with the cleaning of this product on my washing and the effect on my machine . I will carry on buying Ariel but I think I will buy Ariel's colour care product for my more delicate washing .

It is not a cheap alternative . The 4.75kg box, even at Netto , cost £8.50 , but has lasted well . You do only need the rcommended amounts . Next time I will try and get the extremely large box which will work out better value in the end.

It has left my washing with a lovely fresh aroma which freshens the cupboards where my clean washing is stored . I love the feel and smell of the clean bedding from it and I am glad the engineer persuaded me to buy it evemtually.

Thanks for reading
Also posted on ciao at grafter123 (copyright eiley)

Summary: An excellent, fresh wash at lower temperatures without clogging my washing machine