Test results from the Fabric Care Research Association show that placing an Aquavator into the drum of a washing machine among the laundry will achieve effective cleaning results with 49% less detergent than the the usual level recommended by manufacturers.

The Aquavator is a simple device: it is a specially moulded disc which works on the principle of agitation. Not only does it make the detergent lather up more effectively, it also rubs against the soiled garments to remove more dirt, without either damaging the clothes or reducing the machine’s performance.

The manufacturer claims the economics of using the disc are impressive.

Aquavator retails at £4.99 and has a 13-month life-cycle. As the average wash uses detergent costing 26p, a 13p saving per wash equals a fast payback, says Aquavator Ltd of Addlestone, Surrey.