Thread Number: 85264  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Miele CapDosing
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 1097920   11/22/2020 at 03:32 (1,223 days old) by Wsg663miele (Edgware)        

Miele owners-really curious what t your experiences are using the caps? Have you tried them at all? Which ones do you reckon are best?

I bought a huge selection when I got my new machine and I'm slowly working my way through them.

In general they're pretty pricey for what they are...





Post# 1097926 , Reply# 1   11/22/2020 at 06:39 (1,223 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK)        
@Wsg663miele

ozzie908's profile picture
Still have the ones that came free with the washer as decided they were an expensive way to buy detergent.

Austin


Post# 1097941 , Reply# 2   11/22/2020 at 09:41 (1,222 days old) by chrisbsuk (Bristol, uk)        

chrisbsuk's profile picture
like you, when I got the machine I bought a load of caps to try, but as time has gone on, the only ones I continue to use regularly are the ones for "Wool" and "Ultra Dark" - I find they are pretty good, but I do agree are quite an expensive option - but I keep buying them! Its the wool ones that are used most frequently for jumpers etc, and Ultra Dark I only would use for Jeans, matched with the Denim cycle.

I have just finished the booster caps too - I won't buy those again though, because whilst they're excellent, I can just add Vanish powder to the machine when I am washing tea towels, etc for about 1/4 of the price. Interestingly, the machine dispensed this about 1/2 way through the main wash rather than at the start. Guess thats why with these you ned to select additive rather than detergent on the Cap menu

I have got the Outdoor Caps which I have used once for our outdoor jackets, to make the most of the Proofing Cycle. These are absolutely excellent but as I mentioned, only used them the once so far, because you don't need to wash your jackets very often....

I had the fabric softener capsules and they were absolutely dreadful - the scents weren't very nice (in my opinion, anyway) and it felt like they needed to be more concentrated to be honest. Full loads of towels, bedding for example wouldn't be soft like they'd be with a normal style softener - the drier didn't help too much. So, needless to say I won't buy those again

On the subject of fabric softener, I found it frustrating that once you stick a cap in (say, for example, Ultra Dark) then by default you can't use softener too. To get around this, I wait for the initial fill then take the capsule out, and fill the compartment as normal with softener and the machine dispenses as normal in the final rinse.

I also continue to use the Miele Twin Dos cartridges, and I've noticed they've started to roll out different formulations for these - going to order some of the "Refresh Elixr" to give them a go - just one of each rather than a case, just in case I am stuck with a set of 6 that I dont like! Stuck a link in for those interested.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO chrisbsuk's LINK


Post# 1097947 , Reply# 3   11/22/2020 at 10:33 (1,222 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

I have some laying around and I use them for those once in a while loads - mostly outdoor and proofing.

I bought some Cotton Repair ones and they are nice too.


Post# 1097952 , Reply# 4   11/22/2020 at 11:11 (1,222 days old) by Wsg663miele (Edgware)        

I quite like the softener caps, I use them on occasion for my bedding

Yes the wool ones are also good, I haven't tried ultradark yet! Agree with the booster one, don't think it does any better job than some vanish. If it dispenses later in the cycle, there would be no point doing a soak with a booster cap would there?

I have one cotton repair cap but can't decide what to use it on! Henene4, did you think they made a big difference to your load?

I still really like twindos, only used original so far but might get the refresh one on my next order


Post# 1097953 , Reply# 5   11/22/2020 at 11:27 (1,222 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
Cotton Repair

Ran mine on a sweat jacket and some pants.
Made a difference for sure.

Just run the load through the dryer afterwards.



Gonna run some T-Shirts in the near future.


Post# 1097960 , Reply# 6   11/22/2020 at 12:32 (1,222 days old) by chachp (North Little Rock, AR)        
I did too!

chachp's profile picture

 

This is a timely thread.  Just this morning I cleaned out my laundry products cabinet (I need an intervention) and was surprised what all I had up there.  I also bought a bunch of caps when I bought the machine.  I filled the drawer in-between the washer and dryer.  What I didn't think about was the fact that I have soft water and the dosage is too much for one load.  I have been poking one open and using about half on each load so I have stopped buying them.  Instead I have been buying the formulations in bottles.  Then I discovered Laundress products.

 

Any Laundress products fans here?  I have a problem.  I love the scent of their products.  I must stop.


Post# 1097964 , Reply# 7   11/22/2020 at 12:41 (1,222 days old) by Wsg663miele (Edgware)        

Ooh I'd never heard of laundress until just now. Looks lovely. Anything you'd especially recommend?

Post# 1097968 , Reply# 8   11/22/2020 at 13:06 (1,222 days old) by chachp (North Little Rock, AR)        
Everything!!

chachp's profile picture

 

Just Kidding.  I really like their classic scent which most of the products come in.  I do like their Darks Detergent.  It cleans really well and I'm hoping it helps to keep colors from fading.  It is supposed to but I've only used it on a few loads.  

 

I am especially fond of the Alternative Bleach powder and Scented Vinegar.  This combination does some amazing things with stains.  For example, I have some favorite placements that are like a woven cotton.  I'm not sure what you would call it.  I stopped using them because they were starting to look dingy and had a few stains.  Yesterday, for the heck of it I soaked them for a couple of hours in one cap of the bleach alternative and one cap of the scented vinegar.  I was shocked.  The white parts are now pure white again and the stains are gone.  I've done some dish towels and had the same results.  I have two white Terry cloth robes.  I was going to throw them out because the collars were getting stained and I couldn't get them clean.  I soaked them in this solution for a couple of hours and the discoloration is gone and the rest of the robe white again.  Just really good stuff.  Their website has a stain guide and a How To search section.  You can search for your stain and it will tell you how they recommend you deal with it.

 

I like their products because they work and are plant based.  Tip: Sign up for their newsletter and you'll get coupons and codes for discounts.  The stuff is a little pricey so I buy it when I have a coupon and free shipping.


Post# 1097973 , Reply# 9   11/22/2020 at 13:43 (1,222 days old) by beehiveboy (Northamptonshire, England )        

beehiveboy's profile picture
Hi Guys, I wonder if any of you Miele experts can help me? So, I’ve had my twindos 2-3 years and about a year or so ago there was an extended period when the cartridges were on back order at Miele. Upshot being that I’d already run out and got the “run maintenance” message. I tried filling an empty cartridge with water, several times but it never worked properly. Obviously I should have brought this up with Miele at the time, no idea why I didn’t. Anyway, result being I now have to clear the “run maintenance “ message every time I start a cycle, which is annoying, and I’d love to go back to using the cartridges but I suspect I’ll need a super expensive maintenance call. Is there any way round this or is it the only option now? Cheers Guys

Post# 1097974 , Reply# 10   11/22/2020 at 13:47 (1,222 days old) by beehiveboy (Northamptonshire, England )        

beehiveboy's profile picture
Hi Guys, I wonder if any of you Miele experts can help me? So, I’ve had my twindos 2-3 years and about a year or so ago there was an extended period when the cartridges were on back order at Miele. Upshot being that I’d already run out and got the “run maintenance” message. I tried filling an empty cartridge with water, several times but it never worked properly. Obviously I should have brought this up with Miele at the time, no idea why I didn’t. Anyway, result being I now have to clear the “run maintenance “ message every time I start a cycle, which is annoying, and I’d love to go back to using the cartridges but I suspect I’ll need a super expensive maintenance call. Is there any way round this or is it the only option now? Cheers Guys

Post# 1097980 , Reply# 11   11/22/2020 at 14:36 (1,222 days old) by Jerrod_Six (Eastern Pennsylvania, USA)        

Twin D0S maintenance: I would buy a cleaning cartridge and try that a few times to see if that will clean the lines. If your detergent lines are clogged water won't do it.

Caps: I've used the down caps which worked very well. Haven't use the wool caps yet since I haven't had my wool out of storage for a while. I check on them but haven't worn them.

I have a bottle of Perwoll or maybe it is Persil for darks and I've been using that on what I consider to be my good dark items. Do you think the caps are better?

I do have some softener caps, as like the above poster mentioned they are nothing special as far as scent is concerned, and they are expensive for just softener. I am glad to hear that the cotton repair actually works well so I might buy a pack of them.

For other than special items I think the caps are an expensive way to dosing detergent and softener and so I don't use them regularly.

Laundress:

I have the softener and detergent, but that detergent is very foamy and I don't care for that. The founders of the company have sold the company to - I think- Unilever or a company like that so who knows what will become of it.

The last time I was on their website I was very annoyed by it because there was an advertisement or notice on the left side of the screen that kept moving as I scrolled the screen. It was blocking my view of the left side and I didn't need what it was advertising, so I have decided never to return to the site.


Post# 1097982 , Reply# 12   11/22/2020 at 14:58 (1,222 days old) by chachp (North Little Rock, AR)        

chachp's profile picture

 

I was getting the same message and I ran the cleaning cartridge through it and it cleared up the message.

 

Is this the site you are talking about?  I don't get any scrolling ads or anything like that.  I don't have a foaming issue at all.  The bottle says to use 2 caps in a HE machine and I use 1 because I have soft water.  No issues at all with foaming.  I had no idea they sold the company.  

 

I just searched and found the article about the sale.  Well that's a bit of a buzz kill.  I guess we'll see what happens to the products.  The article says it won't change but who knows.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO chachp's LINK

Post# 1097994 , Reply# 13   11/22/2020 at 16:16 (1,222 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
Booster Cap Dosing later in wash cycle......

Is for same reasons Miele UltraPhase 2 liquid bleach (oxygen) and most washers with "Stain" options for wash cycles dispense oxygen bleach later in wash....

While modern enzyme laden detergents work pretty well with oxygen bleach from the start, results are slightly better if the former are allowed to do their thing first for a bit.

Liquid detergent or booster products that contain enzymes cannot have oxygen or any other bleach because it would kill off enzymes. In powdered products either powdered bleach and or enzymes are coated or otherwise protected to keep one from bothering the other while dry.

Liquid oxygen bleach (hydrogen peroxide) tends to get a bad rap in domestic use because it is more difficult to dose in dispensers. Commercial laundries have long loved the stuff because when properly formulated (30% to 50% hydrogen peroxide) and used correctly gives very good results. But those machines have pump dosing devices much like Miele devised for Ultraphase.


Post# 1098085 , Reply# 14   11/23/2020 at 10:22 (1,221 days old) by Logixx (Germany)        

logixx's profile picture
The Booster Caps are mostly enzymes.

  View Full Size
Post# 1098112 , Reply# 15   11/23/2020 at 15:49 (1,221 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
Well that makes absolutely no sense, none at all.

Miele is charging not a small amount of money for something that is already included in most top or even middle shelf detergents. This includes not just Persil or Ariel, but Miele's own offerings.

No wonder see so much of those cap dose things being flogged on fleaPay and elsewhere.


Post# 1098120 , Reply# 16   11/23/2020 at 17:22 (1,221 days old) by chachp (North Little Rock, AR)        
Miele support recommends the full size bottles

chachp's profile picture

 

When I got the washer I was reading about the liquid fabric softener and the fabric softener in the capsules.  The descriptions were not exactly the same so I called Miele support to ask what the difference was.  She said, honestly, the product is the same and buying the bottle is so much more cost effective than the capsules.  I suppose if someone really didn't want to measure the caps are nice but they are pricey.  Plus in my case, I still have to split them open because they are dosed too high for use with my soft water.

 

I did buy the booster capsules and I used one but didn't pay attention to when the product was dispensed into the washer.  Based on this conversation I would expect that to happen later in the wash cycle so I may try one again to see what happens.

 

 


Post# 1098419 , Reply# 17   11/26/2020 at 19:57 (1,218 days old) by moon1234 (Wisconsin)        

Always thought the CAPs were expensive. We buy the wool and downs in the bottles. 2L for wool and the 8oz for the downs. We have a lot more wool items than down (which is usually just bedding and some coats.)

Post# 1099054 , Reply# 18   12/2/2020 at 14:13 (1,212 days old) by Sgt10 (California )        
Caps expensive AND can’t adjust dose

Given the amount of fiddling around many of us have had to do get the optimal amount of TwinDos amount of detergent dispensed (one needs to at the very least adjust to water hardness levels, and many have found that they need to take substantial haircut off the Miele recommended dosage), why would the Cap approach be any more accurate? While certainly easy and less messy, I find it difficult to believe that they provide an accurate dose that is good for all washing circumstances.

Post# 1099135 , Reply# 19   12/3/2020 at 05:29 (1,212 days old) by Wsg663miele (Edgware)        

Are there any caps that don't exist that you'd like too see? I'd love an ultrawhite cap for sparkling whites and also a starch one! That would be amazing

Post# 1099138 , Reply# 20   12/3/2020 at 06:37 (1,212 days old) by iej (.... )        

I used the pack that came with the machine and never bought any further caps.

They seemed like a total gimmick and I was frankly shocked that Miele would produce something so environmentally unfriendly. The machine is all about eco everything, yet they’re selling over priced detergent in plastic contraptions that even contains a syphon and that are covered in foil.

I find Miele’s wool detergent good and I only ever buy it in normal liquid format.

I’d rather that they had invested their time in providing a proper liquid dispenser in the drawer than producing this gimmick. Is very un-Miele. They’re a brand that I associate with absolutely practicality and sensible features, not gimmicks like this.

It looks like they got a bit carried away one day after a few Nespressos!

To me it just seems like a terrible waste of plastic.

On the plus side, it doesn’t take away from any of the features on the machine and can be completely forgotten about!




This post was last edited 12/03/2020 at 10:11
Post# 1192329 , Reply# 21   10/21/2023 at 12:35 by labboy (SD, CA)        
CottonRepair Caps

labboy's profile picture
I decided to try these Caps. What cycle / temperature are they best used in?

Bob


Post# 1192334 , Reply# 22   10/21/2023 at 14:17 by Logixx (Germany)        

logixx's profile picture
Over here, Miele recommend the Cotton cycle at 104F. It needs to be a longer cycle for the enzymes to work. Maybe add a soak if the US Normal cycle is really quick.

Post# 1192339 , Reply# 23   10/21/2023 at 14:56 by Labboy (SD, CA)        

labboy's profile picture
Perfect. Thank you!

Bob


Post# 1192591 , Reply# 24   10/26/2023 at 17:35 by Novum (Ireland)        

It feels like Miele decide to attempt to do Nespresso for washing machines.
It’s a gimmick in my opinion and, if you did use it regularly, a colossal waste or plastic, for a company that often prides itself on being eco friendly.


Post# 1192616 , Reply# 25   10/27/2023 at 09:10 by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

It's actually ment very much for those "once a year" type of loads, and once was marketed that way.

For example, the Wool caps are quite handy for me, or the ImpraProtect.
Still have the Wool caps, even if I don't have the Miele anymore.
They added a tap to tear of the foil so it's easier to use even in not Miele machines.


Post# 1192618 , Reply# 26   10/27/2023 at 09:48 by Adam-aussie-vac (Canberra ACT)        
It does make me wonder, has anybody used the Miele

Ultra phase, 1 and two in their machines?(Non-Miele) since I’m curious for the hell of it, and when I stayed over in Perth, I picked up a old bottle of Miele ultra phase 1 and use that as a laundry detergent when I was washing everything at a laundromat

Post# 1192740 , Reply# 27   10/29/2023 at 17:59 by Novum (Ireland)        

It's a once a year type thing for the proofing caps, down care and some of the obscure ones, but they also do fabric softener, wool care, sports care etc - many of those are just regular cycles.

I'm just wondering, if you're not using fabric softener, if you just set cap dose, can you use the fabric softener compartment to dispense detergent instead?

I just assumed CAP dose sprays water thought the fabric softener compartment and then doesn't dispense softener at the end of the cycle at all.


Post# 1192763 , Reply# 28   10/30/2023 at 03:08 by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

I never tried it that way, but using the detergent cap setting that should work in principle.

Why they do softener as a cap I don't understand myself, but I for example have maybe 1 or 2 times a year I need wool detergent.


Post# 1192773 , Reply# 29   10/30/2023 at 09:35 by Labboy (SD, CA)        

labboy's profile picture
I tried the CottonRepair Caps. I used the Normal cycle at 40C set for heavy soil. They definitely helped to restore the smooth appearance of several cotton garments. The package does say to limit the load size to 2.0 kg. I’ll definitely get them again in the future.

For fun, I also tried some of the cocoon softener caps. Not impressed. Its very thick and curds remained in the top of the Cap when the cycle was finished. (I found on subsequent cycles that vigorously shaking the Cap before installation helps with that.). I won’t be buying them again. Scent was nothing interesting

I also tried some of the Aqua softener which I really liked. Lovely scent and things do come out very soft. I think that’s going to be my new go-to for sheets and towels

Bob


Post# 1192800 , Reply# 30   10/30/2023 at 17:01 by Lavamat_jon (UK)        

I keep an empty cap in the softener dispenser all the time (with the lid peeled off), and dispense softener into that so it keeps the actual dispenser clean - and it’s much easier to just rinse out the cap more often rather than having to clean the whole drawer.

I’ve also used the empty cap to dispense chlorine bleach into the main wash. If you select it in combination with the wash booster cap option it will flush the cap once the water has heated (and the enzymes have done their work). It’s very rare that I’ve had to use chlorine bleach on anything but the most persistent of stains but it is a great workaround should you need to use it. You would also technically be able to dispense liquid detergent manually this way too using the detergent cap option, though personally I think it would be easier just to use a wash ball in the drum. It will still flush the softener dispenser at the end too, so you could add softener once the cap has been flushed in.

I have tried the cotton repair caps when they first came out and wasn’t too enamoured - it doesn’t do anything more than a high quality colour detergent does to reduce bobbling. I particularly find Ecover liquid great for this, which has similar technology in it and over continual use has reduced bobbling on some particular items of clothing to virtually nil.

I have tried the softener and woollen caps and personally find they are a very expensive way of using softener and specialist detergent, and don’t offer any real difference apart from a much higher proportion of plastic waste and cost compared to even the more expensive branded softener and special care detergents. I bought my current 22 wash bottle of Ecover wool & delicate liquid for £4, whereas 9 WoolCare caps are around £8.



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy