So I succumbed to the temptation of the Samsung WW75H5400EW 7.5kg Front Load Washer for $457.04 in Ebays CLICK15 discount deal. thanks Holden93
ordinarily I use the elcheapo laundry liquid from Aldi.
but is this giving me value for money and cleaning my clothes sufficiently?
it seems to clean ok, but could I be doing better?
what do other ozbargainers use in their front loaders that maximise both factors of low cost and effective cleaning?
omo
whatever you choose, use the correct amount of it. front loaders are quite sensitive to that
too much = trouble, too little = not clean clothes
Depends on how soiled/dirty the clothes are. If relatively clean, anything will work. For more thorough cleans if required, OMO and Biozet are great. The powder form is also definitely better than liquid/gel/etc for cleaning efficiency.
We used to use Omo and have started using Aldi 'Trimat' I think it's called. Seems just as good to me. We use less than the recommended dosage (about half with both) and have no problems with dirty clothes.
Edit: With Omo you can usually get it half price if you wait a bit for a sale. Then stock up. At retail price it's pretty expensive.
I've been using Planet Ark Aware Eco Choice for sometime now in my Samsung front loader.
It is a little more expensive than other products (I buy a heap when it is on sale) but you only use 1 heaped teaspoon per wash = it lasts forever and probably actually works out cheaper per wash in the long run.
I also add half a cap full of nappy sand and fabric softner (an antibacterial one). I wash in cold water.
I've had great results so far although I must say, I don't wash really dirty/stained items. Works a treat on smelly gym gear though!
OMO Gold - when Coles and Woolworths have 1/2 price sales, price of one 2.5 litre bottle drops from $20 to $10 so I stock up. It will last very long, as with front loaders, you must use less than top loaders. BTW, this is liquid, convenient and clothes come out smelling super.
I use OMO as well. My understanding is the front loader needs lower suds. My towels tend to be scratchy
I think the scratchiness is the result of the high spin speed. I don't think it's reversible either. For new towels, try not to spin them so hard (the lower the better) and they should stay fluffy longer.
Yeah, some people say put them in a tumble dryer for a couple of minutes as well.
Yeah, I think that helps too… I don't have a drier though. :(
@Evil-Elmo: I do, but I hardly ever use it. We have a 2nd storey linkover we put airers out and dry most of our clothes over them and the banisters. The dryer is mainly to cover the hole next to the washing machine.
i believe choice rated the aldi powder to be quite good. only problem with the aldi powder is that it doesnt have any smell unlike some of the other brands like radiant etc.
I use Omo Gold on colours/things with stains and Omo sensitive for everything else. I also add fabric softener for things that need it and a cap of white or pink Napi San, if needed. I do spray with the Aldi stain remover and that is fantastic for getting stains out. A bargain under $2. Like the others, I wait for an Omo sale to stock up. I ran out of Omo Gold and there hasn't been a sale so I purchased the Aldi liquid with a blue lid and it's been just as good, if not better.
I'd like to add to this ALDI issue. Yesterday I purchased their ALMAT liquid detergent - it comes in 4 (or 6 maybe) heavenly scents. I used it for a full 9.5 kilo machine (top loader). Only 1.5 capfuls of detergent needed according to instructions and the cap is so teeny! I didn't think that would be enough so I used 2 capfuls. My wash load came out smelling divine and so clean - it was 'tropical rush' and a berry scent.I consider this to be as good as OMO gold and will now use either. Cost $7 for a 2 litre bottle which will go a long way. Never underestimate Aldi. With OMO, I would need to wait for the $10 sale before parting with my money.
Yes, I forgot to add in my post that the cap is sooo small compared to the Omo cap! And read the instructions on the side, you dont use a full cap on the one I purchased!
I use the Aldi powder in our front loader (LG). Works well.
Also interesting that OMO head office and also the company who sold me my machine said that although it's top loader, to use the detergent (liquid or powder) of a front loader, use less than top loader measurement, and the detergent goes a longer way. So I've always bought front loader detergents.
I've always found the biozet one cleaned best of all the big name ones, but after seeing a comment here a few weeks ago, when I was running out and it was too expensive at the time, decided to try the Earth Choice (around $3 per bottle) and so far so good, no complaints.