Detergent: Consumer Centre warns against XXL cheating packs

XXL large packs look like a bargain, especially with washing powder. But according to consumer advocates, up to 30 percent fillers can be used to stretch the powder. A burden on the environment with no real benefit. Especially those who have to look closely at the money when shopping, sometimes like to use the supposedly cheap bulk pack in the special offer.

However, this is sometimes not a good idea, because according to consumer advocates, the jumbo packs often contain up to 30 percent fillers. These are mostly salts, especially sodium sulfate, according to Theresia Weimar-Ehl from the Saarland Consumer Centre. These salts ensure that the washing powder is free-flowing and dissolves - and that there is more powder in the package with less washing performance. The powder must be dosed higher.

So if you need more powder per wash, you won't save anything in the end. Pay attention to the number of washing charges. In addition, these fillers get into the wastewater and provide a so-called salting up, i.e. an increased salt concentration that is not biodegradable. According to Weimar-Ehl, ten to 15 percent of the salt content in the water is due to detergents. And sodium sulfate leads to species depletion, according to the Federal Environment Agency.

The consumer center advises not to compare the price per kilogram, but to pay attention to the number of washes on the package. This allows them to calculate the price per wash load and compare it with compact detergents and find out whether the bulk pack is a bargain or not. SR info news also reported on this topic on the radio on 19.09.2026. Other consumer issues More and more households in the Saarland are turning to the electricity helpers at the consumer centre, as they are to be cut off from electricity or gas due to payment arrears.

A court ruling has just once again strengthened the rights of consumers in the event of impending power cuts. The first heat wave with record temperatures of over 40 degrees was last week. But even with summer temperatures of "only" 30 degrees, it is important to drink a lot, at best two to three litres a day. But what to do if the lukewarm tap water is too "boring"?

Better no lemonade, say consumer and nutrition experts - and give tips on how to better combat the drought. Grandson trick, phishing or deceptively real emails from the bank: the number of fraud attempts is increasing. Caroline Kron-Arthur from the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) explains why no one is immune from such scams and how consumers can identify fraud attempts. First published: 19.09.2026 | 21:08