If it aint broke... (Dri-pak Soap Flakes)

Member Name: RU5H1NG

Product:	Dri-pak Soap Flakes
Date:	03/11/09 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, soft, gentle on skin, economical, good for handwashing

Disadvantages: No nice fragrance, can clog up your machine

I always keep a pack of soap flakes handy in the kitchen cupboard for all my delicates such as woollens, silk items and specially treated outdoor clothing such as gaters and raincoats. I sometimes use them for towels and my son's bibs too as they can help prevent a build-up from all the more artificial conditioners and improve their absorbency.

My raincoat has been washed in soap flakes a few times since I first bought it and is still just as water-repellant and breathable as when it was new - they are just as effective as the washing solutions that you can buy from camping shops and far, far cheaper.

Another benefit to using soap flakes is that they are safe to use on clothing even for really sensitive skin - they are hypoallergenic and perfume-free. When I was pregnant, my eczema flared up; my doctor recommended using soap flakes on my clothing - this was particularly helpful when the skin was broken as it did not irritate it further. This also makes them ideal for handwashing although I would still say it is best to wear gloves and/or use a hand cream afterwards.

There are a few minor problems with this product. They can cause residue and scum to build up in your washing machine, it is a good idea to run a hot wash without any clothes or detergents to occasionally flush this out. Also, for the same reasons it is best to put the flakes directly into the drum and not the drawer. Lastly, if they do not rinse properly, they can leave quite an overpowering soapy smell to your clothes; I would recommend adding an extra rinse cycle to your wash and adding some conditioner if this happens.

Price-wise, they are cheaper than anything else on the shelf in the supermarket (around £1.50 per box) and fairly longlasting. For information on other products by Dri-pak that can be used in conjunction with the soap flakes, visit http://www.dri-pak.co.uk/ .

Summary: A great product that has worked well for generations