Want clothes cleaner than ever?
And a washing machine that doesn't get dirty?
So, use liquid detergent.
In terms of washing efficiency, there is not that much difference between powder detergent and liquid detergent.
Liquid detergent is more effective at removing grease stains, while powder detergent is better at removing mud stains.
So which one to choose to have clean clothes and a washing machine that doesn't get dirty?
Powder or liquid detergent:which is better? Watch:
Click here to easily print this guide in PDF.
The first factor to take into account is the washing temperature.
The liquid detergent dissolves perfectly in the washing water, whether cold, hot or lukewarm.
On the other hand, washing powder dissolves more difficultly at low temperatures.
And it dissolves even less well if you use a modern washing machine with reduced consumption.
Thus, the washing temperature is a considerable disadvantage for powder detergent.
Indeed, as you know, the majority of clothes should be washed cold.
This is what keeps the colors and prevents the clothes from shrinking.
However, low temperatures (less than 20°C) promote powder deposits on the laundry.
How to remove these traces of powder?
You have to do a second spin cycle!
And that means more wear and tear not only on your washing machine, but also on your clothes.
Powder detergent leaves deposits on your clothes, but also inside your washing machine.
And as you can imagine, powder deposits clog up your washing machine , and disrupt its proper functioning.
This is particularly the case with the drain system.
Over time, deposits accumulate in the drain pipes.
And quickly, clogs can form, like those found in drains.
My husband and I had to call a repairman several times because of our washing machine draining problems.
In the end, our repairman brought us up to speed...
The real problem is that we used washing powder!
The choice of your detergent can also play an important role on your septic tank, if you have one.
If you have a ventilated pit , it is better to use a powder detergent that is low in surfactants
This is because these can reduce the tension on the surface of liquids.
Thus, the bubbles that form naturally do not risk clogging the ventilation system of your septic tank.
If you have a gravity operated septic tank (without electricity), so use liquid detergent instead.
Regardless of the type of installation, only use a detergent certified to be compatible with septic tanks.
So be sure to look carefully at the label before making your purchase!
Whether it's colored, organic or non-organic detergent, each type of detergent has its advantages and disadvantages.
Here's how to choose the best detergent for washing your laundry.
Advantages:
- often the cheapest option
- dissolves easily, so works quickly
Disadvantages:
- risk of dosage error
- dissolves with difficulty at low temperatures
- inconvenient to use
- risk of residues in the detergent drawer
Advantages:
- easy to dose correctly
- dissolves more slowly than liquid detergent, so less waste
Disadvantages:
- dissolves even more slowly than powder, especially at low temperatures
Advantages:
- dissolves faster than other detergents
- ideal for colors, because without bleaching agents
- does not leave deposits or white marks
Disadvantages:
- high risk of overdose
- some is wasted before the wash cycle begins
- the lack of bleaching agents also means that bad odors can appear in your washing machine
Advantages:
- perfect dosage every time
- easier to use than liquid detergent
- without bleaching agents, therefore ideal for colours
Disadvantages:
- as with liquid detergent, risk of bad odors and soiling of the washing machine, because without bleaching agents
