Show me your Semis

[vacbear58]

Zanussi

I am glad you mentioned that Louis as I thought some later machines that I saw on YouTube had a strong resemblance to Zanussi both in looks and sound.

I thought the wash action of the Castor interesting, reminding me somewhat of many more modern machines

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

I wonder if those bio detergents still exist

Castor machine: Wow I always wondered if there was a machine like that, that’s pretty awesome

 

[foraloysius]

There are almost no more dedicated pre-wash detergents anymore, but overhere in the Netherlands Biotex is still available. Ariel began as a pre-wash detergent IIRC. Because most detergents are now biological (with enzymes), a separate detergent isn't needed. I still have a package of Biotex for nostalgic reasons. My mother used it now and then on whites in combination with Dixan for the main wash.

The wash action of the Castor reminds me of another machine, I think some kind of South American one.

I hadn't known that Castor was part of Zanussi if it wasn't for a Castor on a camping site in Punta Sabbioni near Venice. It was typically a BOL Zanussi. Castor was sold in the NL in the early 60's as one of the first affordable automatics.

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

Oh that’s awesome I didn’t, Oh that’s awesome I didn’t think

That they were still made

 

[launderess]

European detergents built with oxygen bleach used sodium perborate at first. That substance doesn't really get going until temps reach 140 F or above. Hence pre soaking or washing at cool to warm temperature so "bio" action could take place, this before things went to boil wash temps.

Once bleach activators came along (TAED or NOBS) which offered promise of boil wash results at 140F or even 120F. The former is a bit too high for enzyme activity while even latter can be iffy. Thus you have various "stain" options that will delay heating or hold things at range where enzyme activity will do its best work, then carry on to whatever higher temperature (if chosen).

On this side of the pond Biz, Axion, and others all began as enzyme pre soaks.

P&G shook things up in 1968 when they launched Tide XK, first enzyme detergent for that top shelf brand. Now you didn't need a presoak or whatever separate enzyme product.



OTOH many did and still do swear by Biz. That product began as a bio enzyme soak, but later morphed into an oxygen bleach booster as well.