In one of its latest tests, the magazine Altroconsumo wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of two alternative and ecological solutions to traditional laundry detergents. The results, however, were not what those who care about the environment had hoped for.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himIn one of its latest tests, the magazine Altroconsumo wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of two alternative and ecological solutions to traditional laundry detergents. However, the results were not what those who care about the environment had hoped for.
Many people sensitive to environmental issues are approaching some ecological alternatives for cleaning the house and for the washing machine. But are they all reliable and do they really work?
Altroconsumo this time tested two products for the washing machine that promise to wash and sanitize without the contraindication of generating pollution.
Some time ago ecoballs were in fashion, which the magazine had already unmasked as a real scam (in some cases they even contained detergent), and we too had already talked to you back in 2009 about the Biowashball hoax, a sphere with natural ceramic, which was said to have the power to wash without the use of detergents.
Now under the viewfinder they are finished:
- Ozonizers: that is, those appliances that introduce ozone into the washing machine water. They are practically boxes that attach to the washing machine's loading tube and which, when connected to an electrical outlet, are able to produce ozone which is finally introduced into the washing water.
- Terrawash: bag containing magnesium balls to be placed in the washing machine drum at each wash.
The results
The Altroconsumo laboratories compared the degree of cleanliness of these products by testing them on 14 different types of stains, then repeated the experiment using only water and finally a universal liquid detergent.
They weren't satisfied with just one test, but they repeated the experiment 6 times!
The results? Bad! Contrary to what is advertised, these products do not guarantee good results at all. Both Terrawash and ozonators are absolutely unable to replace detergents: washing clothes using them is equivalent to washing with water, and sometimes, it is even worse.
Specifically, the ozonator (which we remember can cost from 200 up to 1000 euros) according to the test is practically useless. It is actually washed with just water.
With Terrawash, on the other hand, some stains have slightly discolored, the result obtained is not however comparable to that obtained with a detergent but, even in this case, to that with water only. But there is more, according to Altroconsumo, Terrawash against certain types of stains (such as tomato, herb, tea, and foundation) it would be even worse than just water!
It is not the first time that a test has unmasked some of these alternative products, already another test of Il Salvagente had placed the TerraWash magnesium bags but also the famous wash-up nuts at the bottom of its ranking.
Conclusion? Better to choose a good (ecological) detergent for the washing machine or make it yourself at home with natural ingredients.
Read also:
- TerraWash, the magnesium bag for green washes that comes from Japan. Does it really work?
- 5 do-it-yourself laundry detergents
- Powder detergents for laundry: effective but too polluting. The best and worst according to a German test
- How much does our laundry pollute? The BRANDS of the most harmful detergents for the sea
- Soap nuts: the whole truth. Do they really work?
- 10 truly eco-friendly detergents and products that aren't actually green
