How washing powder works

Despite the effectiveness of specialized gels, capsules, and tablets for washing, laundry detergent is the most popular detergent in Russia. It's the most common and affordable product, so almost every family actively uses this household chemical. However, not everyone can explain how laundry detergent works and why it's worth choosing, aside from cost and availability. We'll discuss this detergent today to clear up any questions you may have about it.

The operating principle of this tool

The operating principle of a detergent doesn't change depending on its brand, as all products operate according to the same algorithm, regardless of their composition. Therefore, it doesn't matter whether the formula contains synthetic surfactants or traditional soap-based surfactants.The action of detergents is influenced by surfactants, which dissolve in water and saturate the liquid with ions capable of binding water molecules with molecules of various contaminants.

The water-bound dirt then easily peels off the fabric fibers and enters the aqueous solution, which will be flushed down the drain after the cleaning cycle. Moreover, the fresher the stain, the faster and better the reaction, so it's easier to clean fresh stains than to tackle old and ingrained ones.

Regular bar soap works in the same way as washing powder, the only difference being in its effectiveness, as household cleaning products for washing machines contain synthetic, highly specialized surfactants that interact with various types of dirt.

That's why modern laundry detergents, thanks to their highly complex formulas, can both remove any stain and give clothes a snow-white appearance thanks to optical brighteners. Additionally, the powder may contain auxiliary components that maintain the integrity of the laundry detergent or provide bactericidal and antiviral effects.

What is washing powder made of?

We've covered the action of detergents, now it's time to study the composition of modern powders.Typically, household cleaning products for washing machines consist of a mixture of anionic and nonionic surfactants, soda, sodium silicate, which adds alkalinity to the powder and binds dust into granules, plus ballast salts as a diluent. The latter is usually sodium sulfate in an amount of approximately 40 percent of the composition of non-concentrated powder with a dosage of 150 grams per wash in household appliances, or sodium chloride, which makes up no more than 5-10 percent.

Washing powders often contain a number of other elements, such as cationic surfactants, chemical and optical brighteners, fragrances, calcium-magnesium binding agents such as sodium tripolyphosphate, zeolites, citrates, and Trilon B. In addition, washing powders may contain enzymes, soap, color additives, and components that prevent stains from settling on the surfaces of clothing and the washing machine drum. To maintain the pH of the washing powder solution within specified limits, special additives, such as citric acid, may be added.

Finally, phosphates are worth noting, as they help combat high tap water hardness and enhance the effectiveness of surfactants and the detergent itself. However, phosphates have been banned in many countries since 1983. Therefore, phosphate-free detergents have become the most popular laundry detergents, not only due to the restricted use of phosphates but also due to concerns about the environment and the planet. The final element present in automatic laundry detergents is anti-foaming agents, which prevent the electronics of these "home helpers" from malfunctioning.

Who makes these products?

Ultimately, the principle of how washing powders work can be understood even without a high-school chemistry course, but finding a high-quality detergent can be challenging. Recently, many foreign companies have left the Russian market, but their place has quickly been taken by domestic producers, which we will discuss today. The following list includes only large Russian companies that produce high-quality washing powders suitable for the whole family.

• Sunrise, a privately held company based in Naberezhnye Chelny, was founded in 2018. The company specializes in producing various household chemicals according to Halal standards, including a wide range of effective laundry detergents manufactured strictly in accordance with GOST standards. Under its own brand, Sunrise, the company produces four types of detergent, distributed in economical 3-kilogram packages and smaller 400-gram packs. The Baby, Color, Universal, and Automatic detergents are suitable for all occasions—whether you need an eco-friendly cleaning product for your baby's clothes from the first days of life, for washing brightly colored clothes, for hand-washing laundry, or for using an automatic washing machine. The company's products are available in virtually every major marketplace, from Yandex.Market and Ozon to SberMegaMarket.
• Novosibirsk Household Chemicals Plant LLC has been producing household chemicals since 1995, using the latest scientific technologies. They are known for their products under the brands "Teon," "Lotos Novy," "Biryusa," "Vesennaya Tenderness," "Belizna," and many others. The "Teon" brand deserves special attention, with its laundry detergents in the "Sensitive" series for people with sensitive skin, "Kids" for baby clothes, and "Color & White" for white and colored items. Also noteworthy are the budget-friendly laundry detergents "Magic Effect" and "Biryusa Universal," which are available in extra-large packs and even bottles. The plant's products are most easily purchased through major aggregators, such as Yandex.
• NEFIS Group is based in Kazan, where it has been producing household chemicals under a wide variety of brands familiar to almost every Russian citizen since 1855. This company is responsible for the release of products under the brands BiMax, Sorti, AOS, Ya Rodilsya, Biolan, and many others. Unlike the previous two organizations, NEFIS products are easily found not only in major marketplaces but also in brick-and-mortar stores, as well as through the company's online store. The most economical options are considered to be small 350-gram packs of Biolan detergent, which can be purchased for just $0.49 each, as well as FreeTime and Sorti detergents, which cost just over $0.50 per pack. The company also sells laundry detergents in extra-large 9-kilogram packs, such as "BiMax 100 Stains Automat," which features a smart formula for removing any stains. It's now available for purchase at the official NEFIS online store for just $12.51.
• Nevskaya Kosmetika OJSC, based in St. Petersburg, is one of Russia's oldest cosmetics manufacturers, celebrating its 180th anniversary in 2019. Its product range includes over 50 types of cosmetics, as well as a variety of household chemicals made from natural ingredients. The company's most well-known brands include "Ushasty Nyan," "Novy Zhemchug," "Panthenol," "Index," and many others. For laundry, the company creates the universal "Index Formula 5 in 1" laundry detergent, available in 400-, 800-gram, 2.4-, 4.5-, and 6-kilogram packages; "Vorsinka" laundry detergent for wool and delicate fabrics in 350-gram packs; the "Max" series of laundry detergents for hand and machine washing; the "Sarma" series of laundry detergents with antibacterial properties; and the affordable "Ordinary Laundry Detergent." It's also worth noting the special washing powder for children's clothes, "Ushasty Nyan," created for newborns and those with sensitive skin.
• Belaya Manufaktura LLC is located in Nizhny Novgorod, where for many years it has primarily produced children's cosmetics and household products made from natural ingredients. The company's most famous brand is Umka, but they are also known for GreenDay, LaChista, and other products. Among their products, notable are the safe Umka laundry detergent, designed for children's clothes and clothing for allergy sufferers, the similar Utya baby detergent, and the Uma laundry detergent series, designed for cleaning white and colored laundry. The LaChista laundry detergent series is also noteworthy, featuring an active formula against all stains, high protective properties that preserve household appliances, and unique fragrances that leave clothes pleasantly scented after each wash cycle.

As you can see, despite the departure of foreign companies, many reputable household chemical manufacturers remain in our market, whose products are just as good as their foreign counterparts. Almost all products can be found in regular supermarkets, and if they're not on store shelves, you can always order them online from major marketplaces.

   

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