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(Image: W8 MEDIA)

The student scoffs a 500g tub of her favourite Surf each week.

The 19-year-old, who is thought to have the rare eating disorder pica, says her cravings started more than two years ago.

She has so far eaten more than 100 boxes – 50,000 grams of powder.

(Image: W8 MEDIA)

Nikki, 19, said: “It makes me feel relaxed and happy – a bit like being on a high.

“I know I shouldn’t eat it because it must be bad for my body with all those chemicals, but it makes me feel good.

“Plus I love the clean taste – I feel amazing after I’ve eaten it.”

Nikki’s addiction started when she was 17 and living at a boarding school in Tunbridge Wells.

The older girls had to wash their own clothes and from the start Nikki adored the smell of the washing powders she used.

She added: “It reminded me of being at home. We have a cleaning cupboard in my parents’ house and it smelled just like the washing powder. Then one day I started to play with it.

“It helped me to relax and focus on my studies. It sounds weird but it’s true.”

(Image: W8 MEDIA)

Not long after she tried to eat washing powder for the first time.

She said at first she hated the taste but soon began to crave it.

Now Nikki eats it while watching TV or doing her media studies at Coventry University.

She puts it in her hand and eats it in small doses all evening.

(Image: W8 MEDIA)

She said: “For me, it’s like eating crisps or nuts. It cheers me up, makes me feel good about myself and relaxes me.”

Nikki’s boyfriend Andy tries to hide the washing powder and has threatened to leave her unless she stops.

Her mum Janet has also tried to stop Nikki, but nothing helps.

She added: “I know it’s disgusting but I can’t and won’t stop.

“Washing powder has a hold over me – I can’t live without eating it.

“I’ve read about people suffering from the condition pica, where people eat all sorts of weird things like dirt, coal, baking powder and sponges and I think I have it.

“I need help. I’m addicted and it’s only getting worse.”