Fairy Washing Up Liquid Original

Many of you will know, and most likely will be similar in this, that I like a bargain. Yet, with some products I won't compromise. I'm happy to try new brands and stores own brands but as yet, I've not found a washing up liquid that compares to Fairy Original Liquid.

Fairy, so I hear, is fifty years old. NOT that old, as it's slightly younger than me! But I remember, as a few others of you will, watching Blue Peter and trying to get mum to part with the washing up liquid container so that I could make whatever was the latest idea on the programme. Was it Valerie Singleton that started my love of arts and craft. Children then were always after the bottles to use at home or take into school, along witht he empty toilet roll holders and match boxes.

In those days, Fairy was sold in a white thick plastic bottle with red and green lettering and a bright red squeeze top. I believe Fairy is being marketed in this way to mark it's big day. Now, Fairy is sold in a clear plastic shaped container showing the liquid held within.

Alas, to me the bottle and the adverts, seem as if they were only in use recently. I remember the adverts with the little girl blowing the Fairy bubbles from her gentle mother's hands while interrupting the washing up and giggling. And the song, 'Now hands that wash dishes can feel soft as your hands with mild green Fairy Liquid' easily comes to mind..

As to the claims...soft hands, well, I'm not sure about that one. I suffered greatly with dermatitis for many years and was forced to wear rubber gloves for any household task involving cleaning products. My hands were so sore that I couldn't put them into a bowl of hot soapy liquid, even Fairy. Nowadays, this rash only flares up occasionally and, so long as I don't overdo the cleaning (An excuse do I hear you say?) I can wash up using Fairy. I have found that Fairy is one of the best, probably THE best, that I've used in keeping my hands reaction free. But I should say that I have a dishwasher so don't wash up piles of crockery.

But, as to lasting power, I think Fairy liquid is the best. I haven't tried all brands but over the years have tried a fair few. I've not found a product to match Fairy for long lasting bubbles. I used to fill up my children's empty bubble containers with this and with great results and huge bubbles. We've enjoyed many a bubble blowing compettion thanks to Fairy liquid.

I also like the smell of Fairy original. It's a clean smell but not overpowering. I find some products, currently on the market, too strong in aroma.

I definitely find this washing up liquid to be the best in cutting through dirty, greasy plates. Anything particularly dirty should come clean without too much elbow grease if soaked for half an hour or so in a solution of Fairy. Although I use a dishwasher I still wash certain items by hand, such as glasses and baking trays. Fairy is the best for cleaning disgusting baking trays. I will be honest though and say that my husband often puts Fairy to the test whilst I have the job of loading the dishwasher! Well, not always!

Fairy liquid, by Procter and Gamble, is widely available with prices varying. Sainsburys are currently selling a 650 ml bottle for £1.40 but I often buy from a pound store or Savers paying either one pound or ninety nine pence. This is great value as a bottle seems to last forever as so little is needed with each batch of washing up. I know there are cheaper liquids on the market, especially stores own brands, but, in my opinion, these do not match up to Fairy and prove less economical in the long run. Most are not as thick and rich as Fairy liquid.

Here is a quote from the website: http://www.fairy-dish.co.uk/

' For over 50 years Fairy has given mums like you, the real unsung heroes of the home, the excellent quality and value that you deserve. And it's in times like these, when your knack for spotting true value is more important than ever, that you can count on Fairy. Did you know that one 650ml bottle Fairy Original provides you with up to an amazing 8 weeks of cleaning power?!'

Well, I think in this day and age maybe that sounds a bit sexist, but I would agree with their claims on it being long lasting. I wouldn't know how many weeks this lasts though, as I've never counted. Also whether you have a dishwasher or not would come into the equation as does how many people live in the household.
Summary: In my opinion, Fairy really is the best washing up liquid around.