Crystals are a girl's best friend! (Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White)

Member Name: cyberem78

Product:	Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White
Date:	07/04/09 (500 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Whitens and brightens white clothes.

Disadvantages: Has a very powerful bleaching effect.

I started using Vanish products during last year when the rainy weather meant I was up to my eyeballs in mud everyday! I began by using the pump action spray then bought the regular Oxi-action powder which I though gave even better results. After being impressed by the Vanish powder I though I'd try this 'Oxi Action Crystal White; powder which is especially for removing stains from white clothes.

The product is available in large plastic tubs sized 500g, 1kg and 1.5kg. The price decreases slightly as the tubs increase in size so a 1.5kg is the best value overall. Expect to pay at least five pounds for the smallest size tub though. These tubs are not cheap but this is a specialist cleaning product and you should expect to pay a lot more than you would for a conventional washing powder. Indeed, this is not a replacement for a laundry detergent and should be used as well as and not in place of your normal laundry detergent. The products are usually found in a seperate compartment beside the laundry liquids and powders in the supermarket aisle.

I have the 1.5kg tub which is an 8 inch tall white tub marked with the bright pink and blue 'Vanish' logo. The 'Crystal White' is marked out with blue stars but you should examine the tubs carefully before purchasing as the packaging designs are quite similar. The label on the tub provides lots of information including how to use and safety advice.

The 'Crystal White' formula is for use on white clothes only. Do not make the mistake my mum made and use this powder on coloured loads! When her indigo jeans came out of the washing machine they were stone-bleached! Also, this powder is not for use on delicate materials such as wool, silk or leather as the powder is just too strong and will damage these materials. It also is not suitable for use with clothes that have metal fasteners. I did unfortunately forget this rule once and the metal zip on my top was left looking like it had been bleached by sea-air, it was streaked with white chalky lines. I can use this powder on my lingerie without any problems, although for very delicate lacey materials I have decided not to take the chance that they could be damaged! The powder also works brilliantly on pure white socks, net curtains, work shirts, towels, bedsheets and white trainers.

Although the powder does not contain bleach the brand's self-termed 'oxi-action' effect and the added ingredient of 'micro-crystals' definately have a bleaching effect. The crystals brighten and whiten the material and the 'oxi-action' works as a stain remover. The 'oxi' refers to an oxygen based agent which helps to naturally bleach the materials.

The product contains a handy measuring spoon so that dispensing into the washing machine is simple. One full scoop of powder is recommended for a full load or half if the stains are very light. I also find that the less clothes I put in the drum, the less powder I need. You can also soak clothes (handwashing). You should leave clothes to steep in the water for six hours and not more than twelve hours. The treated clothes should then be washed in the machine or hand rinsed.

I find that the results of using the powder are very impressive. Like a lot of women I suffer from deodorant and perspiration marks on my bras and white shirts and I find that this yellowing is easily removed by using this powder. It also brightens some clothes to the extent that they look new. The initial wash using this powder provides the most dramatic effect and after this you don't need to use the powder as often. I still have my 1.5kg tub after a few months and I expect it to last a lot longer. The powder does not have any strong fragrance on the actual clothes and will not leave clothes smelling pretty. In the tub though, the powder can begin to smell very chemical-based and you should avoid breathing in when you open the lid! It does not effect how your normal detergent will frgrance the clothes though.

I would definately recommend this to anyone who wants to clean up their whites or refresh their homeware materials (bed linen or net curtains). It works a treat! I would advise a lot of caution though when using this. Read the usage instructions carefully and don't ever use this on coloured materials!

Summary: A very effective stain remover for white clothes.