Laundry is one of life's unavoidable tasks and a constant source of frustration between roommates, friends, and family. Even though we've only had access to an automatic washing machine since the 1850s, since ancient times people have done their laundry by beating it over stones and scrubbing it with sand. Today everything is much simpler. We simply throw our laundry into the washing machine and we're ready to go. And the innovations never end. Liquid detergent, powder or pods: discover here which is better for your laundry and washing machine!
Regardless of whether you choose liquid detergent, capsules or powder, keep in mind that price is not always the best indicator of how well a detergent will clean your laundry. The most important thing is the list of ingredients on the product label. The more active ingredients listed in the formula - such as enzymes,break down the stains, and surfactants, which loosen the dirt from the fabric and suspend it in the water - the better the performance of the detergent.
Powder detergent – advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
The powder:
- is less dirty than liquid detergent.
- tends to be cheaper per load than liquid detergent or pods.
- generally has a longer shelf life than liquid detergent or capsules.
- has more environmentally friendly packaging.
- weighs less than liquid detergent.
- Works well on heavily soiled clothing, such as sportswear.
The amount of powder used per load is also customizable.
Disadvantages
- Some powder detergents have difficulty dissolving in colder water, which can leave a residue on clothing.
- The powder can be used to pre-treat clothing, but you must first make a paste or dissolve the powder, which means an extra step in your laundry routine.
- This detergent must be kept dry.
Powdered detergent is a smart choice for particularly dirty laundry. It usually has a higher pH value, which can optimize the cleaning of heavily soiled work and sports clothing. These detergents are also best for consumers looking for more environmentally friendly packaging. It is also a cheaper option for people.
Expert tips for using powder detergent
Use warm or hot water:When using powder, it is important to know at what temperature the laundry should be washed. Avoid using very cold water unless the powder detergent says to dissolve in cold water. This is because some powders are difficult to dissolve in cold water. If you prefer a powder over a liquid detergent and also want to wash in cold water, dissolve the powder in a little warm water before putting it in the washing machine.
Measure carefully:If you choose a powder detergent or a liquid detergent, you should rely on the information on the packaging.
Liquid detergent, powder or pods – advantages and disadvantages of liquid detergents
Advantages
- The detergent is already dissolved so there can be no residue.
- It dissolves better than powder in colder water.
- It can be used as a stain treatment for many stains, eliminating the need for additional product.
- The cap allows for easy measuring.
- This detergent can be used for hand washing clothes.
- It works well on oil and grease stains.
Disadvantages
- The liquid detergent can be very messy.
- It causes more plastic waste to the environment.
- It pours quickly, which increases the risk of overdosing the product.
Do you wash a lot of laundry in cold water? Then this detergent is just right for you. It dissolves well regardless of the water temperature. This type of detergent is also good for oil and grease stainsto remove. Consumers who are more prone to these types of stains will find good results with liquid detergents.
Expert tips for using liquid detergent
Measure carefully:When using liquid detergent, measure carefully. Over time, too much detergent can cause buildup in the washing machine, which can then cause odors. You can easily determine how much detergent to use using the dosing cap.
Use it to treat stains:To pre-treat, rinse the stain with cold water to remove excess water, then apply enough detergent to the garment to cover the stain. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to distribute the detergent throughout the fibers of the garment, or gently rub the fabric together and then wash as usual.
Liquid detergent, powder or pods – pros and cons for detergent pods
Advantages
- You don't have to measure detergent.
- The lightest option – no heavy bottles or boxes to transport.
- No mess.
- Easy to use.
- The pods includedconcentrated cleaning agents.
Disadvantages
- This is the most expensive detergent option.
- The pods may contain too much detergent for smaller loads and cannot be halved.
- Risk of poisoning as the colorful packages can look like candy to small children.
- The detergent pods cannot be used to pre-treat clothing.
- They contain a lot of plastic packaging, which increases the environmental impact.
The pods are best suited for people who always wash the same size of laundry and whose laundry is not very dirty. They are also the least messy and easiest to transport, making them good for people who use shared washrooms.
Expert tips for using detergent pods
Keep them safe:If the capsules are swallowed there is a risk of poisoning and if the detergent comes into contact with the eyes there is a risk of chemical burns. Therefore, you should always store them in a childproof container out of the reach of small children. The detergent capsules must be kept in their original packaging - this is because the packaging not only contains all the important safety information, but is also opaque so you cannot see the capsules and is therefore not attractive to children.
Put the capsule in first:Throw your detergent capsule into the washing machine first and then add your laundry.
Use the correct number of capsules for your machine:Some of the best washers and dryers are larger than others, allowing you to do more laundry at once. But that can make it difficult to know exactly how much detergent to use.
Summary
- Overall, best and better for your washing machine: liquid detergent
- Best bang for the buck: powder
- The best for the environment: powder
- Best for Convenience: Detergent Pods
