Advantages and disadvantages of washing powder

No wash is complete without some kind of detergent. Some housewives prefer machine-wash tablets, others use washing powder, and still others use regular soap. However, few consider the advantages and disadvantages of these solutions.

Most people choose dry granules – they're cheaper and more familiar to most people. Let's discuss the pros and cons of laundry detergent. We'll explain the impact detergent has on people and the environment. We'll also explore the ingredients found in the most popular detergents.

What is good and what is bad about this product?

Among the advantages of washing powders is their high cleaning power. They do not require edible fats, and the granules do not form insoluble potassium and magnesium salts in water. They work well even in acidic environments.

When dissolved in water, washing powders do not create a highly alkaline environment, so they do not damage the fiber structure of fabrics, do not weaken the strength of items, and preserve their color. Granules can be used for washing cotton, linen, synthetics, silk, and wool.

Modern washing powders are suitable for caring for various types of fabrics, including delicate ones.

One of the disadvantages is their poor bioavailability in the environment. Most laundry detergents contain aggressive ingredients that are effectively toxic to microorganisms living in water bodies. Consequently, the wastewater into which the detergent ends up heavily pollutes rivers and lakes.

Powders also cause dry skin. This is due to their high surface activity and the strong solubilizing properties of the granules. Therefore, it is best to use gloves when hand washing.

Today, many manufacturers are trying to improve the composition of detergents. The companies' activities are aimed at creating and producing non-toxic washing powders that are absolutely safe for both humans and the environment. This is how products based on directly bonded alkyl sulfates are developed – they are completely degradable in wastewater and have a gentle effect on the skin.

Positive and negative features of well-known powders

If you believe the advertising, every detergent has nothing but advantages. Commercials show how these powders tackle any stain, are completely safe, hypoallergenic, economical to use, and rinse completely out of fabrics. Is it really that good? What are the downsides of well-known household chemicals?

Roskachestvo periodically tests washing powders, pointing out the shortcomings of detergents.

When choosing a detergent, don't blindly trust advertising. Always research additional information. Look at the ingredients—they're listed on the packaging. Read reviews from homeowners online. Avoid purchasing household chemicals that contain harsh ingredients. We'll discuss the pros and cons of the most commonly purchased laundry detergents in our country.

Tide laundry detergent is incredibly popular. The advertising slogan, "Still boiling? Then we'll come to you," has become ingrained in the minds of several generations. So, when people see this familiar product in the store, they automatically buy it.

Some of the advantages of Tide include:

• relatively safe composition;
• the presence of components that soften tap water;
• the powder is easily washed out of the fabric fibers;
• produces minimal foam volume;
• does not damage the structure of the fabric, maintaining its strength;
• preserves color – items do not turn yellow or gray;
• does not cause pilling on clothes;
• does not leave streaks;
• The residual mineral salts on the fabric after rinsing comply with Roskachestvo standards.

Speaking about the disadvantages identified during the inspection:

• Tide does not completely remove pigment and oil stains;
• contains fragrance, which may be unacceptable for allergy sufferers.

Tide laundry detergent cleans clothes perfectly without leaving white streaks. The granules dissolve instantly in water of any temperature and get to work right away. The product removes 90% of stains, easily removing dirt even from difficult areas such as cuffs, collars, and underarms.

Tide laundry detergent contains:

• 5-15% anionic surfactants;
• up to 5% nonionic surfactants and cationic surfactants;
• polycarboxylates;
• plant enzymes;
• flavoring agent;
• zeolites.

Tide Color washing powder does not contain environmentally harmful phosphates and phosphonates.

This product is suitable for all types of fabric. The granules provide an antibacterial effect. The optimal dosage is indicated on the packaging and depends on the hardness of your tap water, the amount of clothing, and the severity of the stain.

Tide laundry detergent is available in various packages, ranging from 0.45 to 12 kg. The smallest package lasts for 3-4 washes, while the largest lasts for up to 80 cycles. The largest package costs just $14, making it quite affordable.

Another favorite is Persil laundry detergent. It's inexpensive yet quite powerful. Its benefits include:

• safe for humans and nature;
• softens water;
• completely washed out of fabric fibers;
• not prone to excessive foaming;
• does not cause fabric pilling;
• does not give yellowness and grayness to things, preserving their original color;
• Complies with the advanced Roskachestvo standard for the amount of mineral substances remaining on the fabric.

Cons:

• reduces tissue strength;
• does not cope well with oil stains;
• Powder is not able to remove pigment spots.

Persil contains 15-30% oxygen-based bleach, making it effective against virtually all types of stains. Suitable for both light-colored and colored items made of cotton, synthetics, wool, blended fabrics, linen, and silk.

This laundry detergent can be used for both hand and machine washing. It works equally well in cold and hot water of varying hardness. Ingredients:

• 15-30% active oxygen based bleach;
• from 5 to 15% anionic surfactants;
• up to 5% nonionic surfactants;
• soap;
• phosphonates;
• polycarboxylates;
• plant enzymes;
• fragrance.

Persil easily removes unpleasant odors, imparting a floral scent to your laundry. The powder is hypoallergenic and non-irritating. It contains ingredients that prevent scale and deposits from forming inside your washing machine. A 6 kg package costs approximately $9.50.

Next in line is Myth 3 in 1 detergent. It's suitable for all types of washing machines. The granules can also be used for hand washing. This is a versatile product for clothing care for the whole family.

What are the advantages of the powder:

• safe composition without phosphates, phosphonates, chlorine, petroleum products;
• versatility;
• perfectly softens hard water;
• completely washed out during rinsing;
• does not leave streaks on fabric;
• does not reduce the strength of the fibers;
• does not cause pilling on clothes;
• preserves the original color of things;
• complies with Roskachestvo standards.

One downside is that the detergent produces a lot of foam, which isn't good for your washing machine. Therefore, it's important to strictly adhere to the manufacturer's recommended dosage.

The Myth 3 in 1 powder contains:

• 5-15% anionic surfactants;
• up to 5% nonionic surfactants;
• enzymes;
• flavorings;
• polycarboxylates;
• hexylcinnamaldehyde;
• limonene;
• benzyl salicylate;
• linalool.

Myth is phosphate- and chlorine-free. The granules dissolve quickly in water, penetrate the fibers, and begin working immediately. After washing, clothes will smell crisp and fresh.

The detergent comes in a variety of packaging sizes, allowing you to choose the most convenient format for your needs. Available in a range of sizes, from 400-gram packs to 9-kilogram bags. The approximate cost is $14 for 60 washes.

Many customers choose Biolan washing powder. Thanks to its highly effective formula, the product removes even the most difficult stains, effectively dealing with stains from coffee, blood, cosmetics, chocolate, etc. Suitable for washing cotton, linen, and synthetics, but it is better not to use granules for wool and silk items.

Among the advantages of the powder:

• safety;
• minimal amount of foam;
• high cleaning power;
• the product softens hard water, improving the quality of washing and preventing the formation of scale inside the washing machine;
• maintains tissue strength.

Cons:

• after a certain number of washes, light-colored items become grayish;
• The amount of mineral particles remaining on clothing does not meet Roskachestvo standards.

Biolan preserves the vibrancy of colored laundry. This laundry detergent contains:

• 5-15% anionic surfactants;
• less than 5% nonionic surfactants;
• fatty acid salts;
• whitening particles based on active oxygen;
• enzymes;
• phosphonates;
• polycarboxylates;
• optical brightener;
• fragrance.

Biolan washing powder has an antibacterial and antistatic effect.

The granules can be used for both machine and hand washing. The recommended dosage is indicated on the package. Packages range in size from 0.35 to 9 kg. The largest package costs approximately $15.

Another popular product is Ariel Automat. Its granules dissolve immediately upon contact with water and are instantly activated. The powder removes stubborn stains, penetrating deep into the fabric fibers.

Ariel easily removes sweat and blood stains, cosmetics, and food stains. The powder imparts a delicate scent. The granules work in water from 30 to 90 degrees Celsius.

The advantages of this product include:

• relatively safe composition;
• water softening ability;
• high cleaning ability;
• The powder ensures that clothes retain their color (the clothes do not turn yellow or gray after repeated washing).

The disadvantages of this powder:

• produces a lot of foam;
• reduces the durability of things;
• does not completely remove pigment-oil stains;
• does not meet Roskachestvo standards for mineral residues on clothing.

The powder contains:

• 5-15% anionic surfactants;
• up to 5% nonionic surfactants;
• phosphates;
• enzymes;
• fragrance;
• zeolites;
• polycarboxylates.

In terms of dosage form, the detergent is available in small 450-gram packages and larger 6, 9, and 12 kg packages. The detergent is considered a budget-friendly option. The average 6 kg package costs around $8.

So, when buying laundry detergent, always check its ingredients. It's best to choose granules free of phosphates, chlorine, and other harsh ingredients. And if you read user reviews, you'll get a better idea of ​​how well a particular product handles stains.

   

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