Progress affected not only the technical side in the field of caring for things, but also the chemical side. The range of substances for cleaning clothes has expanded significantly in recent years. The products are becoming more effective and complex in composition, but easier to use. One of these new products is laundry capsules, which act as a worthy alternative to powder.
Laundry capsules or powder: which is better?
The most “lazy” means of cleaning fabric from dirt and stains are capsules. After all, there is nothing easier than putting one of its pieces directly into the drum along with your things and starting the selected mode. There is no need to measure out the required amount of the substance or perform unnecessary manipulations of pouring it or pouring it into the dispenser of the unit. The possibility of chemical contact with the skin disappears, which is very important for allergy sufferers.
Gel in capsules is suitable for all types of fabric, does not damage the structure of textiles and leaves a fresh aroma. After washing, things feel pleasant to the touch even without the use of conditioners.
The old and familiar powder is still at the peak of popularity, but in many ways it is inferior to more gentle cleaning products. Just by giving preference to gel capsules, you should not completely abandon the classic granules. Bulk substances are more aggressive, but also easier to deal with stubborn or old stains. The universal “warrior” will easily emerge victorious from the most difficult situations when it comes to items made of synthetics, cotton, linen and mixed fibers. Expensive modified versions of the powder have special granules designed to combat wear and tear on textiles and add a pleasant smell to clothes.
Important: when using a large amount of powder, it is poorly washed out of the fabric structure, especially in cold water. The material becomes rougher and may cause skin irritation.
Pros of capsules
The benefits of any substance are determined after comparison with another. In this case, it would be appropriate to choose washing powder as a “rival”, since it is the progenitor of all cleaning products.
Obvious and invisible advantages of capsules:
- The properties of the active substances included in the composition are 2 times more effective.
- Complex options include air conditioning.
- The amount of liquid in the shell is designed for 1 wash, and there is no need to accurately measure the next dose each time.
- There are no streaks or white spots left on things, as often happens when using powder.
- Based on the number of “pads” in the package, you can easily determine how many washes the product will last for.
- There are no unnecessary losses and expenses due to the fact that the substance crumbles, becomes lumpy due to humidity, etc.
- The chemical composition of the shell allows it to dissolve even in lukewarm or cold water without leaving a trace.
- An allergy can only be caused by the contents of the capsule if it is opened before placing it in the washing machine. Sensitive people should avoid using the concentrate.
- The packages are sealed and compact. They take up very little space and do not allow moisture to pass through until they enter the aquatic environment.
Like any other product of the chemical industry, washing machine capsules also have disadvantages.
Minuses
Every medal has a reverse side:
- High price. A recently introduced market product is still expensive. If we compare the ratio of the volume of liquid substance in a special shell and a similar amount of washing powder, the latter clearly wins in terms of its cheapness. But the pace of development in the production of household chemicals gives hope that in the near future capsules will become more accessible.
- Based on the previous point, it is easy to conclude that using 1 capsule is too wasteful for a small amount of laundry. The use of the product is beneficial for caring for expensive items made from delicate fabrics that require a special approach. Simple daily washing with such a detergent will make a significant “hole” in the budget of the average family.
- The appearance of the capsule is very attractive and may cause a child to associate it with candy or a toy. Therefore, the product should be kept away from children.
- It is not possible to divide the dose into several applications.
- You cannot take the product with wet hands, otherwise the shell will melt and the liquid will spill out.
Important: it is not recommended to wash wool or silk items using gel capsules. An exception may be special sachets, the packaging of which indicates that they are intended for these fabrics.
Review of manufacturers
Housewives have a choice; capsules from several global brands are on sale. They differ in design, aroma, and composition.
Ariel Active Gel
The products of this company are popular among Russian housewives. You can purchase gel tablets for colored and white laundry. The gel has stain remover properties, which greatly increases the efficiency of washing.
Persil Duo-Caps
The product preserves the color of linen, restores cleanliness, and is suitable for products made from any fabric. The capsules are filled with gel and stain remover; there is no fabric softener. To remove stubborn stains, it is recommended to place 2 capsules in the drum.
Tide Alpine freshness
Tide capsules are used to wash white and colored laundry. They do not leave streaks and retain color. Washed items have a strong smell, so they should not be dried in an unventilated area. To remove the strong aroma, run an additional rinse mode.
Losk Duo-Caps Color
After washing, things are soft, fresh, smell nice, but not all stains come off. The washing concentrate contains enzymes and a stain remover, suitable for washing white and colored laundry made from natural fabrics and synthetics.
Operating principle
Small, clearly dosed “pads” can be solid or consist of several parts. The shell dissolves easily in water and leaves no traces behind.
When the capsule has several divisions, they are filled with various substances: detergent, conditioner, stain remover.
Filler composition:
- From 20 to 30% surfactants - surfactants, thanks to which the liquid performs its cleansing function.
- Optical brighteners.
- Phosphates soften hard water, which protects the unit from damage and makes washing more efficient.
- Enzymes - eliminate protein-based contaminants.
- Approximately 10% is soap for gentle cleaning.
Each manufacturer also adds its own “secret components”. Their composition is not disclosed, but it is thanks to these substances that the products of different companies differ in effectiveness and secondary properties: softness, aroma, removal of difficult stains, whiteness, etc.
This is interesting: sachets mainly contain liquid detergent, but some manufacturers dose washing powder this way or make complex capsule models.
The operating principle is that upon contact with water, the shell dissolves and the detergent begins to act. The dosage of active ingredients is designed for one wash, despite the fact that the “pads” differ in size, color, appearance and content. Basically, the capsules are universal and are suitable for all types of textiles and washing modes.
But there are also highly specialized ones for:
- colored things;
- white fabric;
- underwear;
- children's things;
- bleaching.
More recently, bio-capsules containing a minimum of harmful substances have appeared. This product is produced in China, Japan and Korea. Begins to actively spread in European countries. In Russia, available only through online ordering. This type of cleanser is recommended for people with sensitive skin and respiratory diseases.
Compound
This laundry detergent contains surfactants, soap, optical brighteners, phosphonates, fragrances and some other components, the name of which will tell the typical average person little.
The manufacturer indicated the composition on the label, which is glued to the plastic box. The letters are very small, so it may not be possible to make out the information immediately. As the manufacturer of this product indicates, it contains not only liquid powder, but also bleach and fabric softener. In the capsule you can see three liquids - blue, green and white. They are poured into different compartments and dissolve gradually at different stages of the washing machine’s operation.
If you wash with Ariel capsules, there is no need to use fabric softener, since this detergent already contains it. This allows you to save on rinse aids.
How to use laundry capsules: instructions and video
To get the expected result, even something as simple as a sachet of detergent must be used correctly. When purchasing a product for the first time, for example, Tide laundry capsules, it is not immediately clear how to use them. The packaging will come to the rescue, indicating a specific algorithm of actions. But most instructions boil down to the fact that the “pad” is placed in the drum - regardless of whether the laundry is loaded before or after. Then you just need to turn on the selected washing mode.
Important: This product is not intended for hand washing or soaking.
Ariel pods reviews
Users who use capsules to care for clothes note the high quality of washing and ease of use of the product. Many consider the high price of the product to be the main disadvantage .
Some users of the detergent find the aroma to be strong, in which case an additional rinse cycle is used.
But capsules with shea butter aroma are practically devoid of such complaints. In general, individual packaging is more economical than liquid gel and more practical than powder.
Reviews of Ariel Color can be found here, here and here. About the capsules Shea butter aroma - on this review, here and here. Reviews of Touch of Lenor Fresh gel pads can be found here, Mountain Spring - here.
You will find a lot of important and useful information about laundry capsules in this section.
Precautionary measures
Household chemicals should be used with caution. Even the safest-looking capsules can cause harm if not treated properly. In addition, the high cost of the product itself obliges you to follow the rules for storing and using sachets so that they do not spoil.
Recommendations for saving and using “pads”:
- Keep the capsule package away from children and closed.
- Do not handle the sachet with bare or wet hands. If it dissolves in the palm, the concentrate coming into contact with the skin will cause irritation. For the same reason, do not use for hand washing.
- Do not use for soaking - the fabric may be damaged.
Only a responsible attitude and compliance with the rules of use will help achieve maximum efficiency.
Existing disadvantages
Experts note that capsules for washing clothes also have a small number of disadvantages. It is not possible to divide the finished capsule into several parts. This is why it is advisable to load a full washing machine drum. The instructions for using the capsule say that you can put up to five kilograms of cotton, and up to four kilograms of synthetics.
It is also recommended to be extremely careful when storing the gel capsule or tablet. Under no circumstances should the presented product be given to a child to play with. It has already been proven that the bright colors of the capsules attract small children, who can put them in their mouths and even swallow them. Therefore, all precautions must be taken into account while using the gel capsule.
Criterias of choice
When making their first purchase, users are more inclined to choose well-known and proven manufacturers who actively advertise their products. It does not take into account that the composition of the sachets is almost the same, and the difference between them is not so significant as to overpay a lot.
The main differences, besides the price, are available:
- components that impart softness;
- active substances that remove pollution;
- whitening functions;
- odor that remains on the fabric.
All this is written on the packaging, which should not be ignored when choosing a product, referring only to the popularity of the brand. The only undoubtedly important criterion that should be taken into account when purchasing gel capsules is the purpose for which the product is purchased.
Important: at high temperatures, enzymes break down, so washing with hot water above 40°C will be less effective. In this case, it is better to give preference to powder.
For white
The composition should include bleaching agents that not only remove stains, but also maintain the whiteness of the material. The most concentrated liquid perfectly replaces delicate bleach and stain remover. Not suitable for wool, silk and black items.
For color
The components of the product work effectively at low water temperatures, are gentle on textiles and preserve the brightness of colors.
For children
The formula of this product is devoid of aggressive substances, flavors and fragrances that can cause allergies or irritation to the baby’s skin.
For underwear and delicate materials
Gently removes stains without damaging delicate fabrics such as silk, linen and suede. Does not have a detrimental effect on embroidery, ruffles, etc. Allows you to wash expensive and high-quality products in an automatic machine.
Biocapsules with enzymes
The main difference between this type of encapsulated gel is that it contains enzymes that remove protein and fat stains in water at a temperature of 30 to 50 ° C (vegetables, fruits, other foods, grass).
Even after a large number of washes, the fabric will not deteriorate and will not lose its attractive appearance. But biocapsules are not suitable for children's underwear, since the concentrate can cause irritation and allergies.
Important: do not confuse tablets and capsules, as they act differently and consist of different substances.
Can it be used for manual processing of things?
All capsules are intended for use directly in the washing machine and are not designed for hand washing.
If the laundry is very dirty and requires pre-washing and soaking, you should use the following recommendations:
- For soaking you need to use washing gel or powder.
- After soaking, things should be rinsed.
- In the washing machine, pre-treated items are placed on top of a capsule placed in the drum.
For high-quality washing, it is necessary to use capsules only in automatic washing machines.
Rating of Ariel, Tide and others
The most popular are capsules from the manufacturers Ariel, Tide and Persil. But besides them, there are a number of brands whose products are pleasantly pleased with the price/quality ratio.
| Brand | Average price/RUB | Production | Basic properties | Features of the composition | pros | Minuses |
| Ariel | 300 | France | Available for colored fabrics and separately for white ones. Capsule with 3 components. | Bleach, stain remover, enzymes. | The capsule dissolves well and leaves no traces on the laundry. The child will not be able to open the box. Effectively removes stains, even old ones. | A pungent odor remains. May cause allergies in a child. Light stains may remain on dark items. More than 1 rinse is needed. |
| Tide | 350 | France | For light and white fabrics, synthetics, cotton. Separately for colored products. | Bleach, enzymes, conditioner. | It washes white and light-colored items well. Copes even with stubborn stains. The option for colored fabric preserves the brightness and richness of the pattern. | Not recommended for allergy sufferers and children. Silk and wool cannot be washed. |
| Lotta | 500 | Italy | There are universal capsules or for washing colored laundry. Suitable for synthetics and cotton. | Enzymes. | Works great for washing everyday items in hard water. Unobtrusive aroma. | May cause skin irritation in children. Not suitable for delicate fabrics. |
| BabyLine | 600 | Germany | For white and light fabrics, children's underwear, colored textiles, wool and silk. Environmentally friendly substance. Deals with organic stains. | Delicate concentrate. | Pleasant aroma, softness, hypoallergenic. | The shell does not always completely dissolve. If you wash with 1 rinse, the smell is strong at first. |
| Fairy non bio | 600 | Italy | Designed for children's things. | Enzymes, bleach, stain remover, conditioner. No phosphates. | Soft fabric, cleans well. | Difficult to rinse out. In a short cycle it does not remove strong stains. Strong aroma, like for a product that is used on children's things. |
| Domol | 500 | Germany | A universal product for fabric of any color. Suitable for delicate materials. | Stain remover. | Suitable for washing everyday clothes. | Unpleasant smell. Doesn't remove old stains. May cause allergies or skin irritation. |
| Losk | 350 | Hungary | Suitable for colored fabrics. | Stain remover. | Retains color. Has a slight smell. It's inexpensive. The best ratio of price and quality. | It cannot handle most household stains. |
| Perlux | 450 | Poland | Produced separately for children's, white and colored linen. | Bleach, conditioner, stain remover, enzymes - depends on the type of capsules chosen. | Saves color. Softens hard water. Hypoallergenic substance. Works well on stains. | Rinsing alone is not enough to clean it. Cannot be used on woolen or delicate fabrics. |
| Lavel | 300 | Israel | A universal remedy. | A little bleach and enzymes. Does not contain chlorine and phosphates. | Eliminates complex stains, the smell of sweat and urine from things. Leaves a light scent on clothes. Disinfects. | The capsule may not dissolve completely. |
| Corat Color | 300 | Israel | A universal drug. | Stain remover, conditioner, bleach and a product that makes water softer, protecting the machine from scale formation. No chlorine or phosphates. | It's inexpensive. Makes things soft without silicone. Removes complex and old stains. No pungent odor. It has antibacterial properties and is useful for washing. | Cannot be used on delicate fabrics. |
| Lakma | 450 | Poland | For colored fabrics. | Washing powder with soft granules and enzymes. | Unique Anticalg molecules that clean things and preserve the intensity of colors. | Not recommended for quick washing at a low temperature of less than 40°C. Otherwise, the capsule will not dissolve. No child protection on the packaging. Not suitable for wool. |
| Persil | 300 | Hungary | For fabrics of any color, synthetics and cotton. | Stain remover, enzymes. | Convenient and durable packaging. | Stains are difficult to remove. Traces of the shell remain. Strong chemical odor inside the machine and on things. |
Ariel
Highly concentrated product. It has a deep effect on the fabric without disturbing its structure and removing impurities. Gives brightness to colored items and restores whiteness to light items.
If for some reason the packaging with instructions is not available, then the question may arise as to how to wash Ariel capsules in the washing machine. It should be remembered that the main advantage of sachets is their ease of use. It is enough to put one “pad” in the tank along with the laundry each time you wash it.
An impeccable result is guaranteed at any water temperature, regardless of the drum volume and the amount of laundry.
Important: a separate series is produced for white clothes. You should pay special attention to this, as these bags contain bleach.
Tide
The capsule consists of three sections filled with stain remover, concentrate and bleach. High efficiency is the main advantage of the product. But even if you purchase Tide capsules individually, you can immediately understand how to use them. It is enough to place the “pad” in the centrifuge with the laundry and set the required washing mode. The main thing is not to use it on delicate fabrics. After cleaning, a light pleasant aroma remains on the clothes.
A package of 12 capsules will replace 1.8 kg of washing powder.
Lotta
Will cope with any stains at low washing temperatures. The best choice for caring for colored everyday items. Contains active oxygen, an enzyme complex and an agent that prevents the formation of scale in the washing machine system. Additional substances make ironing easier. It is produced without fragrances, so only the smell of freshness remains on the material.
Important: It is recommended to store this product in a cool place.
BabyLine
The best detergent for washing children's clothes and baby clothes. The soft gel has hypoallergenic properties and makes the fabric more delicate. The peculiarity of use is that the capsule is placed at the bottom of the drum, and then things are loaded. Recommended for use from the first days of a child's life.
Economical product. Available in packs of 22 pcs. Each sachet is designed for 4-4.5 kg of laundry.
Fairy non bio
The shell is divided into three sections: for stain remover, conditioner concentrate and bleach. Available in packs of 30, 38 and 60 pcs.
This product can also be used to wash baby clothes, but only if you rinse twice.
Domol
The best option for those who cannot tolerate the strong smell of fragrances. The product literally renews the fabric, refreshing and making colors more vibrant. Can be used at any temperature. Even with numerous washes, the textiles will not turn gray.
The packaging is equipped with a strong clasp and is safe if the baby suddenly gets to it. The absence of phosphates in the concentrate allows you to clean children's clothes with this gel.
Losk
The sachet, consisting of two components, contains a stain remover and a concentrate. The substances cope with stains from ink, coffee, felt-tip pens and cosmetics.
The laundry is soft and smells nice after washing. The unique formula of the components is aimed at effective cleaning of the material, but provokes too much foam. Therefore, you need to use capsules in double or triple rinse mode.
Perlux
In one pad, powder and gel concentrate are separated by a thin shell, which significantly increases the washing efficiency. Removes even the most difficult stains and is used at any temperature. The container is equipped with special protection against children.
Lavel
A budget option, but no less effective than a product from a well-known brand. Ideally cleans both colored and white items. One capsule of concentrate is designed for 5 kg. Active substances remove impurities and eliminate unpleasant odors. The composition is free of phosphates, which means that LAVEL POWER GEL capsules can be used to wash children's clothes.
Corat Color
This product guarantees high-quality washing with antibacterial treatment even at low water temperatures. Unique active substances remove stains and prevent the deposition of insoluble salts on the heating element of the unit.
The composition does not include alcohols, phosphates and chlorine, therefore the substance is hypoallergenic and safe - suitable for washing children's clothes.
Lakma
Super concentrate for colored fabrics. The capsule contains powder and gel, which are enough to wash 5.5 kg of clothes.
The composition includes 6 active components, the action of which is aimed at removing stains, maintaining the brightness of the color of the material and ensuring freshness for a long time after cleaning.
Persil
The two-chamber capsule contains stain remover and concentrate. One piece is enough for 4 kg of clothes. The shell dissolves completely a minute after contact with water.
The product does not clog the washing machine system.
Advantages
Washing powder is inferior to capsules in several important parameters that affect the final washing result.
Conditioner included
When using the newest product, you do not need to buy fabric softener and add it to the tray. It is already inside the capsule. This explains why laundry is always soft after washing.
Exact dosage
When using capsules, it is impossible to violate the dosage. The instructions for the product provide precise recommendations for how much dry laundry 1 unit of product is designed for. Therefore, things are always rinsed well. After washing, no detergent particles remain in the fibers. White streaks do not appear on the fabric.
Effective consumption of product volume
Almost all housewives pour powder, pour washing liquid “by eye”, exceed the recommended amount, increasing consumption several times. One rinse is not enough to remove detergent particles; you have to waste a large amount of water. When using capsules, excessive consumption of detergent is excluded due to the precise dosage and for other reasons:
- they cannot be scattered like powder;
- spill like gel.
Complete dissolution at low water temperatures
In programs with low water temperatures, the shell and contents of the capsules are completely dissolved. The detergent does not settle on the walls of the drum and does not remain in the fibers of the fabric, so there are no whitish streaks on the laundry after washing.
Environmental friendliness
The capsules are sealed, the smallest particles of powder do not enter the respiratory tract or onto the skin of the hands, so the risk of allergies is minimal. There is no harm to health.
Package size
The packaging is sealed, plastic, compact. This is usually a small colored or transparent container with a tight-fitting lid.
Washing quality
The capsule contains all the substances necessary for high-quality washing. The manufacturing technology is modern, the formulas of detergents are unique. They guarantee the preservation of the color and structure of the material during frequent washing.
No need to soak laundry
Special additives (bleaches, stain removers) successfully remove stains without additional soaking. This saves the housewife’s time and energy and significantly reduces water consumption for washing.
Housewives' opinions
Evgeniya, 35 years old
Having started using capsules, I return to the powder periodically and reluctantly. It has become unusual to try to determine how much detergent to pour into the container every time. It is much more convenient to throw 1 “pad” into the drum, and not think about the fact that you will also have to pour conditioner and stain remover.
Yulia, 29 years old
I have been using Ariel products for a long time, and I was interested in the new product. At first the cost of the capsules put me off, but after trying it once, I no longer want to go back to regular gel. The pleasant smell remains for a longer time.
Tips for a good purchase: price and location
All capsules are packaged by the manufacturer in compact and practical plastic containers. Each of them is in a separate package.
One such package may contain a different number of capsules. Depending on this, the price of the product is determined. Approximate price for the product: from 400 rubles for 13 pieces per package when purchased without discounts.
For a large family, it is beneficial to purchase a larger package , including a larger number of capsules. The purchase can be made at almost any store that sells household chemicals, since Ariel products are very popular, or you can order capsules from an online store.
You should pay attention to promotional offers for these products. This will allow you to make an even better purchase.
