When keeping your clothes fresh and clean, the type of detergent to use is an important choice. This will ensure good hygiene and may even make your garments look new and well-maintained.
Before you pick out a brand, you’ll get to decide between liquid and powder detergent first. But which one is best for your washing machine? Let’s find out!
Powder laundry detergent:
Pros
- Can cost less per load
- Comes in recyclable paper packaging
- Better for mud, grass and blood stains
Cons
- May not dissolve as well as liquid detergent
- May not rinse as easily, leaving residue on clothes or washer
- Can clump and cake in the packaging
- Inconvenient to use for stain pre-treatment or handwashing
Liquid laundry detergent:
Pros
- Dissolves and rinses easily
- Better for grease and oil stains
- Doubles as stain pre-treatment and can be used for hand washing
Cons
- Can be slightly more expensive than powder detergent
- Can be easy to use the wrong amount
- Plastic packaging is bulky and may not be recyclable in all areas Source: Swash
Is liquid or powder detergent better for your washing machine?
Because liquid detergent uses water as the main filler ingredient, it dissolves easily regardless of water temperature. This leads to less likelihood of buildup on your washer or clothes. Just make sure to use proper dosing to help avoid oversudsing, residue or bad smells from forming. Powdered detergents can also leave behind residue if they don’t dissolve properly. This can cause white stains on your clothes or a buildup in your washing machine’s drain, especially when used with cold or hard water. Using an extra rinse option, if available on your model, can help ensure that the load is thoroughly rinsed. Source: Whirlpool
Tips for optimizing your cleaning
To find the perfect balance when using washing powder:
- Start with the recommended dosage
Begin by using the recommended amount of washing powder according to the packaging or machine instructions. This dosage is typically around 110ml for a single load of washing in a standard machine.
- Adjust for water hardness
If you have hard water in your area, consider increasing the washing powder dosage by 30-40% to ensure proper cleaning. In areas with moderately hard water, increase the amount by 10-20%.
- Assess the dirtiness of your laundry before washing
For lightly soiled clothes, use the standard dosage. Increase the amount for medium or heavily soiled garments. Incorporate stain pre-treatment techniques or utilize a pre-wash cycle when necessary.
- Take note of load size and machine type
Adjust the dosage based on the size of your laundry load and the type of washing machine you’re using. High-efficiency machines will usually require less washing powder compared to standard washing machines.
- Observe the results and fine-tune the dosage
After washing your clothes, inspect them for cleanliness and check for any washing powder residue. If you notice that your laundry is not clean, increase the dosage slightly during the next wash. If there is excessive residue, consider reducing the dosage. Source: STTP Group
Hopefully, this has helped you with your decision because doing so will allow your washing machine to be functional for many years to come. If you need more tips like this or want to talk to a professional, just get in touch with us and we’ll answer your queries as soon as we can!