Powder

Powder, a timeless classic used by generations, comes in various types on store shelves—budget, children's, and specialized. The main distinction lies in hand and machine wash powders. Contrary to the belief that the difference is a marketing tactic, there's a real distinction. Hand wash powders have a gentler formula, suitable for hands, and produce better foam. In contrast, machine wash powders contain defoamers and prevent plaque formation on parts, safeguarding the washing machine's longevity.

In any case, the powder contains surfactants, soda, enzymes, bleaches, flavors and other rather aggressive substances that soften water, effectively remove stains from clothes, eliminate unpleasant odors and fight bacteria. However, they are better in hot water – the powder can even wash clothes at a temperature of 80 – 90 degrees (of course, if the material is suitable for this). But in cold water, the granules may simply not dissolve and do not work. In this case, white streaks will remain on the clothes, and undissolved particles will settle on the drum and other parts of the equipment. It will be necessary to run an additional rinse mode, and this is an unnecessary waste of time, water and electricity. Also, powder residues gradually accumulate in the compartments of the washing machine, so do not forget to clean them periodically.

Powder is a classic among laundry detergents.

Often, powders are suitable for all types of fabric, although the abrasive and most aggressive substances in the composition can adversely affect the condition of delicate materials. For the same reason, people suffering from allergies should be careful in contact with the powder: it is more difficult to wash off the skin of the hands than gels, and when poured, the pungent odor and dust from the smallest particles can irritate the mucous membrane.

Powders have some less significant drawbacks, such as inconvenient storage and dosage. While they generally have the longest shelf life, proper storage is crucial to prevent moisture absorption and clumping. Unlike gels with precise caps for dosage, powders are often poured "by eye", risking overdosing, which can lead to stains on clothes and sediment in the washing machine.

To summarize, it is better not to use the powder for washing in cold water, but to choose softer formulations for delicate items. But the powder has no equal in removing complex, difficult-to-remove stains and dried stains — unless, of course, you are trying to wash stains from grass, oil or wine in cold water.

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Gel

Gel, a liquid laundry detergent with various scents, is often pricier than powders but is widely favored for its convenience. Packaged in bottles with user-friendly dispenser caps, one cap of gel typically equals one washing machine load. Gels are convenient for pre-treating stains, making them a popular choice. They are suitable for both hand and machine washing, with the packaging usually providing recommendations for use.

Liquid detergents have a gentler composition and are therefore harmless for delicate materials such as silk and wool. They dissolve quickly in water, rinse off easily and do not leave behind streaks and white stains. Thanks to this, gels are considered the best option for daily washing - to refresh things and clean them from the effects of everyday use. But they are not as effective as powders in dealing with complex stains.

Laundry gel dissolves quickly, leaves no streaks and works effectively even at low temperatures.

The undeniable benefit of gel is its effective dissolution in warm water, typically between 30 to 40 degrees. This makes it an excellent choice for fabrics that can't tolerate hot water and is convenient for daily quick washes. Additionally, gels' high solubility prevents sediment buildup in washing machine compartments, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning.

While gels are typically pricier than powders, they prove to be more cost-effective. Their composition lacks aggressive substances, allowing them to function effectively in cold water with superior solubility. This eliminates the need for additional purchases such as rinses and fabric softeners. Gels often come with a gentler aroma, though some manufacturers may use strong fragrances. Consequently, using additional fabric softeners becomes even more undesirable, as it can result in an unpleasant mix of odors.

Pods

Pods are perhaps the most modern, convenient, but expensive method of washing. The pod is a concentrated detergent placed in a water-soluble shell. Essentially, it is the same laundry gel, only not diluted, and therefore not in a voluminous bottle, but in a compact pouch. The pod quickly dissolves in water, after which the detergent takes up the work. Its advantages are the same as those of the gel: effectiveness in both hot and cold water (usually from 30 degrees), good solubility, prevention of soapy stains on clothes. However, they are not as effective as powder in removing stubborn stains.

The primary advantage of laundry pods lies in their convenient format. One pod is intended for a single wash, but in areas with hard water or for heavily soiled laundry, using two or three pods is recommended. However, dosage reduction is not possible, so for small loads, using a whole pod may not be economical. The pod is placed directly into the washing machine drum with the dirty clothes, eliminating the need to empty the detergent compartment. Although there are instances of pods getting stuck in the washing machine door and not dissolving properly, some machines with a special hatch for reloading laundry can be paused to open the door and release the pod.

Laundry pods are more convenient to use — just put it with laundry in the washing machine drum.

The pods are more convenient to store: they won't crumble like powder and they won't spill like gel in a bottle. The main thing is to keep them away from children, as multicolored pouches look attractive and look like candy. Thankfully, manufacturers have taken this point into account and make packaging with special locks, which sometimes even adults can't cope with, not to mention children.

Today, there are many capsules available, which differ not only in flavor and purpose, but also in composition. More precisely — the presence of additives such as fabric softener and stain remover. This is evidenced by the prefixes "3-in-1" or even "4-in-1" and the division of the pod into several separate cells. Although sometimes it is nothing more than a marketing move, and the cells are simply added detergent of different colors.

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Other laundry detergents

There are also other forms of laundry detergent: tablets, granules, briquettes, plates, etc., but in most cases it is pressed powder, sometimes with supplements. In addition, there are auxiliary detergent products that act as a supplement to the main product:

  • bleach — to keep clothes white;
  • stain remover — to combat stains and dirt;
  • fabric softener — softens the fabric, makes it easier to iron, adds freshness and a pleasant flavor;
  • rinser — washes out aggressive components of washing powders, prevents the formation of stains;
  • antistatic agents — special detergents that reduce electrification of fibers;
  • water softeners — make hard water softer, which helps to better dissolve the detergent and remove stains. This also has a beneficial effect on the operation of the washing machine, preventing the formation of scale and extending the service life of the equipment.

There are also specialized detergents for specific tasks: for black, white, color clothes, which help to preserve the original color of the item. All this information is indicated on the package. Separate attention deserves detergents for washing children's laundry, because the delicate skin of babies requires a special attitude: a minimum amount of aggressive chemical components, hypoallergenic composition and neutral odor, without a large number of fragrances. But at the same time, the detergent must cope well with dirt, because there are a lot of stains on children's clothes and it is not easy to remove them. Therefore, the most popular among parents are powders for children — organic and phosphate-free detergents based on natural ingredients that soften the fabric and do not have an odor. When choosing carefully read the composition and give preference to hypoallergenic detergents that do not contain phosphates and their derivatives, chlorine, non-oxygen bleaches, chemical dyes and artificial fragrances.

To wash children's clothes, choose special hypoallergenic detergents without aggressive chemical components.

So which one to choose?

Each laundry detergent serves a specific purpose with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Use powders for tough stains, gels for everyday lightly soiled items, and consider pods for convenient dosing and washing machine maintenance, provided it fits your budget. While there are no strict rules for different fabrics, opt for gentler gels or pods with fabric softener and rinser for delicate materials. Before washing, carefully read clothing manufacturer recommendations and the chemical packaging descriptions, detailing usage instructions, temperature, and quantities. It's advisable to keep multiple options on hand and mix detergents based on your specific laundry needs.

In addition, do not forget about the condition of the washing machine, because it also requires attention. After each wash, remove any remaining foam, water and detergent. Keep the compartments clean. Periodically self-clean the drum — many modern models have such a programme. Special products for washing machines are also available in stores: descalers, odor neutralizers, antibacterial agents, etc.