Bio or Non-bio

[jazzactivist]

Hi all. This may seem a late time to ask, but what is the difference between Biological and Non-Biological clothes wash liquid? I have bought Ecover for years and never looked on the bottle. However, on a TV show last night it was suggested not to use Biological washing liquid for underwear. I looked on the Ecover one that I have and it says Non-Biological, and I realised that I have no idea what the diference is. Does it refer to the ingredients, or to the type of material that your clothes are made of, or what? Thanks!

[Shelli]

My understanding was that biological washing powder contains enzymes that act on the dirt in the fabric - but these enzymes can also break down things like rubber and fine natural fibres - hence warning not to use on flimsies

Non bio doesnt have these enzymes - so okay for flimsies but not as good at getting out things like blood sweat grass etc.

Shelli X

[Sarahc]

We are all allergic to biological washing powder. OH accidentally bought some and it took months for various skins conditions to settle down again. Perhaps bio not recommended for underwear as it is in contact with a particularly sensitive area of the body and could upset the natural balance of micro organisms that reside there?

[keepersdaughter]

Years ago I remember when Ariel came on the market as a biological enzyme washing powder, it really did work well at bring out tough stains, but was not so good on delicates as it tended to cause rashes, dermatitis, etc. The word biological seems to be the problem, with detergents its a whitening agent, but it easy to associate the word with life or healthy, etc. I've been seeing a lot of articles on oxegenated detergants and they are promoted as being green. I haven't yet been able to work out exactly what they are. I do wish they would explain things a little better rather than just put them out there for consumers to investigate.

[franbee]

Have another look at the thread on ecoballs, rustic has kindly done us a summary. They are strictly non-bio.

[eleanor2]

just noticed this thread.i can remember when i was at school.many moons ago. our cookery teacher advised us not to buy biological powder.it was only just coming out hen.she said it was difficult to get out of the water cleansing system at the sewerage works and so a lot stayed in the recycled water.well imagine how many people use biological nowadays.......do we know what it is doing to our skin and our recycled water.

[jazzactivist]

Thanks for clearing (cleaning?) up that little mystery! I have just bought some eco-balls to use instead of liquid. I did use some once before but they didn't seem as effective as laundry liquid, but I'll persevere this time. For the first time ever this house that we live in has a dishwasher. We have never bothered with one before as there are only two of us, plus occasional dinner guests. I am enjoying using it, and it does seem to get the dishes and cutlery really sparkling, plus there is an eco cycle. However, the tablets that we have been left are not eco ones and I couldn't find any Ecover or other suitable ones in the health shop yesterday. What type do other rural musers use?

[franbee]

Can't help with dishwasher as we don't have one, but with my experience of using the balls for the washer, I would suggest using 1 ball and 1 half dose of washing powder, which at least cuts your consumption in half. The balls alone don't always give a clean result, so you either end up using a hotter wash or pre washing with some sort of stain remover.

[Ivy]

Ecover do dishwasher tablets but you need to buy rinsing agent at the same time. Most others come as a combination of both. Maybe you can get the Health food shop to order it for you. I have noticed that most supermarkets here do Ecover now as well as Chemists, maybe you try Boots or so?
Before ordering a large quantity first try out if the dishwasher tablets work with your water. They work perfectly for us, but mum, who has a spring on her ground and uses spring water, can't use ecover at all she gets white marks all over.