Liquid detergent is typically more effective than powder detergent at removing stains and dirt from clothes, no matter the water temperature. Powder detergent can sometimes struggle to dissolve in cold water, which means that it is not as effective at cleaning clothes in cold water.
Powder and liquid detergents have been commercially available since the mid-20th century. Both are suitable for use in all water temperatures and contain similar active ingredients, meaning either one will get your clothes clean. The decision between the two often comes down to price and preference.
Powder detergent is usually in a box with a measuring cup that can easily turn messy and wasteful. Pro — Liquid will leave less residue on your clothes. Because it dissolves easily in water, there's less chance of buildup leaving a chalky residue on clothing. Con — Liquid detergent is usually more costly.
Choosing a detergent
According to Lush, “it doesn't matter which washing powder or liquid detergent you use” because the difference between them is relatively superficial and often comes down to scent. She says you may as well buy “the cheapest detergent”.
Another general rule for liquid formula detergents is that they're suitable for nine months after the date of the first use. Dr. Scott Lockledge summarizes that it's difficult to generalize all the soaps, but the liquid ones degrade faster than solid detergents.
Powder detergent: Standard washers take a quarter cup. If you're dealing with some serious dirt, use a half cup. HE washers work best with two tablespoons. Liquid detergent: Use two tablespoons for a standard washer and two teaspoons for an HE washer.
It is actually possible for powdered detergent to clog the system or block a drain. Inexpensive detergents contain excessive amounts of fillers that can include ingredients such as clay, which can turn into more of a solid when in contact with the liquids of your septic system.
You can use powder detergent in a front-load washer, however, you will add it directly to the washer drum and not to the detergent dispenser. Pre-treating stains is possible with powder detergent, but requires a little extra effort. Wet the stain and then mix the powder detergent and water to make a paste.
Cold water temperatures need to be at least 60 degrees to properly dissolve most laundry powders and detergents. Anything below 60 degrees F will cause your laundry cleaners to not fully dissolve, resulting in less than great cleaning.
As mentioned above, powder detergents do not dissolve well in water, leading and that often leads to blockages or clogs in the septic system. These clogs interfere with the washer's ability to fully drain out the water as well.
The residues are also able to rub off on your skin. This can lead to skin inflammation, eczema, dermatitis, itching and more. Laundry detergent toxicity can also be linked to allergic reactions, headaches, dizziness and a host of medical issues.
Because liquid detergent contains water and is sold in heavier plastic bottles, it's more expensive to transport and for consumers to buy—$0.12 to $0.47 per load. While that may not sound like much, an average family that does 300 loads per year could annually save up to $70 by choosing powder over liquid detergent.
Our 2kg washing powder will give you 80 washes for a top loader and 160 for a front loader and costs only $19.99. That's 25 cents per load for a top loader or 12 centres per load for a front loader!
Recommended washes for top loader or front loader: 500g = 16 washes TL or 32 washes FL, 1kg = 32 washes TL or 64 washes FL, 2kg = 64 washes TL or 128 washes FL, 4.5kg = 144 washes TL or 288 washes FL.
Color towels can fade over time if washed in hot water. Add no more than two tablespoons of detergent for a full load of towels in a high-efficiency machine. Any more might cause a buildup that limits absorbency.
$ The major disadvantage of detergents is that they are non-biodegradable, which is really bad for the environment. $ 2. $ They cause soil and water pollution.
The Pros of Laundry Pods
When the pod hits the water, the film dissolves, releasing the cleaning ingredients into the wild world of soiled garments. Aside from this obvious convenience factor, many people consider laundry pods superior to liquid detergents because they come premeasured.
If you're using too much laundry detergent, your clothes will carry an odor and wear down the machine. The laundry detergent you use can affect your clothes in many ways. For instance, if too much is used it could stain or mark up the clothing which may have an effect on how they look and smell.
HTD Heavy Duty Detergent
Hotels need a laundry detergent that fights stains the first time through. That's why many hotels choose to use HTD Heavy Duty Detergent. This powedered formula, which contains phosphates, fights the toughest stains quickly and easily.
If you're looking for the best-smelling laundry detergent, then look no further than Gain + Aroma Boost Liquid Laundry Detergent in Apple Mango Tango scent. Featuring an unmistakable sweet and refreshing tropical aroma, it'll leave even your toughest stains smelling great.