If you own a washing machine in Kenya, then you might have noticed this: washing machine soap is not cheap. This, of course, might have escaped you if you have deep pockets or if you don’t own one.

For popular brands, a 2kg tub of washing machine powder retails between KSh 700 and KSh 1000 or more. For normal washing powder, the price ranges between KSh 200 and KSh 400.

For a long time, washing machines in Kenya were associated with the wealthy. However, with dozens of brands hitting the market, their costs have significantly reduced. Newer brands even retail models for as low as KSh 14,000 to KSh 25,000, while famous brands have front-load models costing from KSh 50,000 to KSh 200,000. The higher the cost, the more advanced the technology the machine comes with.

But here comes the problem! The cost of the appliance may be affordable to many, but the cost of its powder is prohibitive. In two years, if you wash frequently, you are likely to spend even KSh 30,000 on washing machine detergents.

So, what is the solution to this? As usual, Kenyans are ingenious. They have fixes for all manner of problems, and washing machines are not spared.

High cost of washing machine detergent pushing Kenyans to alternatives

Some have identified witty ways of using the normal “sabuni ya kipande” (bar soap) in washing machines. Others even do machine laundry with normal washing powder without introducing it into the soap/detergent tray.

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Since many understand that normal soap can clog washing machine pipes, they shred “kipande” soap and put it directly inside the drum. Others do the same with the powder, wrapping it inside a piece of clothing, like a t-shirt or socks. Once the water is introduced, the soap lathers inside the drum.

One TikTok user even suggested that washing machine detergent is unnecessary in Kenya’s tropical climate, claiming it was designed for countries with snow, where antifreeze agents are needed.

“They have antifreeze agents. We don’t need that in most African countries in the tropics that don’t snow. I have been using normal powder soaps, and my machines have never blocked,” she shared in a TikTok video, sparking mixed reactions.

But is this cost-saving hack truly safe? To get the expert perspective, Bizna Kenya reached out to Josephat Ochiel, a seasoned technician at Samsung Home Appliances, who didn’t mince his words.

“It’s a practice we see quite often,” Ochiel began, acknowledging the trend. “People are indeed trying to find alternatives, whether it’s shredding bar soap or using regular powder directly in the drum.”

He then posed a crucial question: “Does it work initially? Often, yes.”

However, he warned that that’s precisely how problems start. “You might not see the consequences immediately, but they are inevitable,” he continued.

Ochiel elaborated on the fundamental differences between regular soap and specialized detergents.

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“Think of it this way: normal powder creates excessive suds and particles that, over time, accumulate in the pipes. It might seem like your machine is running smoothly for a while, but those residues are building up. You’ll find yourself dealing with clogged pipes and costly repairs months or years later.”

He further highlighted the impact on clothing.

 “These residues don’t just stay in the pipes,” Ochiel added. “They can cling to your clothes, leaving visible marks and ruining their appearance.”

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But the issues don’t stop there.

“Excessive foam is another major concern. Normal soaps create far more foam than washing machine detergents. Modern washing machines, especially those with AI technology, are designed to detect this excess foam. When they do, they might shut down or display error messages to prevent damage.

While the cost of specialized detergents might seem high, they are designed for optimal performance. They ensure efficient water and energy use, and they prevent discoloration and residue buildup on your clothes. Using bar soap or regular powder can lead to heavy soap deposits and discoloration, which can even affect other items in the wash,” he concluded.

In essence, while the allure of saving money is strong, Ochiel’s expert advice paints a clear picture. The long-term costs of using regular soap in a washing machine far outweigh the short-term savings.