I have quite sensitive skin and suffer from eczema. Sometimes when my skin flares up washing powders can exacerbate the problem. Surf doesn't at all. This, coupled with the fact that it's widely available, is why it is my preferred washing powder.

I usually buy the 2kg box for £4.50. This is supposed to do 25 washes, though I can usually squeeze a little more out of it and get closer to 30. The box stands out on the shelf, being a beautiful bright pink colour with a yellow butterfly and a scattering of flowers. I'm almost tempted not to tuck this pretty box away in my kitchen cupboard!

Surf Tropical Lily and Ylang Ylang (with essential oils) always cleans my clothes well. I try to keep my washing machine temperature below 40 and have never had problems with hardy stains remaining.

The smell of washed clothes hits me as soon as I take my clothes out of the machine, and fills the house when I can't hang my clothes outside to dry. It really is a beautiful, tropical smell, and I can still smell it on my clothes while wearing them. I find the scent quite strong. This is to be expected from a washing powder that uses essential oils, though it might be too strong for those that prefer a more subtle scent.

Surf keeps my clothes soft and clean, even without fabric conditioner. I really only use the fabric conditioner to further enhance the smell. Who needs scented candles when this enticing aroma can be wafting through the house?!

All in all I'm pretty pleased with this detergent, and won't be changing my brand any time soon.