The modern market is oversaturated with detergents and cleaning products, among which it is difficult to choose a high-quality and safe powder. It is important that it effectively removes dirt and stains without spoiling things or causing an allergic reaction, which is especially common among young children. Let's look at how to choose washing powder for a machine or for hand washing.
Rules for choosing and using powder
Select products based on the type of laundry and type of soiling. For moderate stains, use standard washing powders; to remove difficult stains and whiten, use products containing special ingredients.
In addition, you can find universal products. However, it is better to purchase different products for different types of fabric and types of washing, then you will achieve the desired result and preserve things for a long time.
Before using any product, be sure to look at the label on the clothing or other items you are going to wash. Perhaps the item cannot be washed by hand or machine, or only needs to be used on a specific washing cycle.
In addition, some fabrics cannot be washed with products containing bleach or chlorine. You will find the explanation of the symbols on the label in the article on caring for bed linen.
Regardless of the type of powder, pour as much product as indicated on the package. An increased dosage will lead to excess foam in the machine. When washing in cold or cool water, add less powder, as it dissolves less easily at low temperatures. Before buying a product, be sure to study the composition.
What you need to know about concentrates?
Concentrated powders (hereinafter referred to as CP) are a type of detergents, powdered or granular, with a high concentration of active substances.
What are the differences from regular detergents?
The main differences between concentrates and conventional powders:
- The content of active components is several times higher, and the amount of sodium sulfate (filler) is minimal. Therefore, CP is consumed much more economically - 1.52 times less.
- They have a high bulk weight. If you pour KP and a regular analogue into equal glasses, then the first one will weigh more by the corresponding number of times.
- They cost more, but have greater efficiency per unit cost. If the product is dosed correctly, then the cost of washing in monetary terms does not exceed the cost of washing with non-concentrated analogues.
- They are usually produced for automatic washing machines, but there are also universal products - they can be used both in machines and when washing by hand.
Powder composition
Almost every washing powder contains surfactants or surfactants and phosphates, which wash away dirt from things and reduce water hardness. Please note that ecological (biopowders) and children's products contain a minimal amount of surfactants and phosphates or do not include these substances at all.
The powders also contain various additives, flavors and dyes, fragrances and other additional components, including:
- Enzymes eliminate biological contaminants, including stains from sauce, grass, blood, etc. Products containing these substances are not suitable for washing children's clothes and for use in hot water, since at high temperatures they disintegrate and cease to work;
- Polymers protect the fabric from dirt settling on the surface;
- Fragrances eliminate unpleasant odors and give things a fresh, light aroma;
- Lanolin and other softeners are used to wash delicate fabrics to maintain the shape of the items. This composition is used for lace, knitwear and mixed fabrics;
- Defoamers are added to machine washable laundry detergents;
- Chlorides and fluorides are added for disinfection. This is a very aggressive composition, when using which you must wear rubber gloves.
Not only efficiency and respect for the fabric are of great importance, but also the safety of the powder. The composition should not release toxic elements or cause irritation or an allergic reaction. The product must have a safety certificate and contain a corresponding sign on the packaging.
Be careful, this sign may also appear on a counterfeit product. But unlike the fake, real good washing powder is packaged in cardboard boxes, while the first option is placed in plastic bags. This packaging method is cheaper.
Types of powders
- White clothing products contain optical, chemical or oxygen brighteners. The latter option is used for delicate fabrics. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin and prone to allergic reactions. Such powders contain the mark “Active oxygen” on the packaging;
- Products for wool and silk materials should have a delicate, gentle composition and have a gentle effect. Silk and wool are easily deformed and damaged, so care for woolen clothes and silk products must be careful. A suitable option in this case would be liquid washing gels;
- Products for colored clothing contain a large number of enzymes, surfactants and polymers. This composition effectively removes stains, while maintaining and protecting the color of clothing for a long time;
- Powders and liquid gels for washing dark clothes do not leave soapy streaks on dark and black clothes, like other products;
- Aggressive powders and chlorinated bleaches are used for washing heavily soiled work clothes. By the way, repeated rinsing will reduce the harmful effects of such products. After the procedure, leave the clothes to sit for several days and only then put them on.
How to choose powder for machine and hand washing
It is not recommended to use the same powders for both types of washing. Many people are interested in how these funds differ. The hand wash product foams strongly when interacting with water, which helps remove dirt and stains. But the foam will damage the washing drum, so this product cannot be used for machine washing, as the foam will damage the washing drum.
For washing in a washing machine, choose the right automatic powder, preferably with special additives to prevent scale and deposits in order to extend the life of the device. By the way, special water filters will protect you from scale and plaque. Read how to purify tap water here.
Automatic powder is not suitable for hand washing, as it contains substances that suppress the formation of foam. And without the required volume of foam, things simply cannot be washed.
Ten best washing powders
- Bimax 100 stains is a universal product that is suitable for most types of material, except silk and wool. Removes heavy stains, including stains from food, coffee and other drinks. It features economical and convenient packaging, but is difficult to dissolve and dilute in cold water;
- Ariel “Mountain Spring” and “Color” give results even in ice water, eliminating stains and unpleasant odors. But they can provoke an allergic reaction and are not suitable for delicate fabrics;
- Frosch Color is a hypoallergenic concentrated product with a mild composition without a strong odor. Contains aloe vera, is used sparingly and eliminates contaminants in cold water without damaging things. But it does not cope with old stains and has a high price;
- Sarma Active is suitable for most types of fabric, white and colored clothing. It is characterized by low cost and economical consumption. It effectively removes difficult stains and kills bacteria, without containing harmful chlorine. However, it does not give results in cold water, is difficult to rinse and has an aggressive composition;
- Tide “White Clouds” is great for washing white clothes and removes stubborn stains from cosmetics, food and drinks, including stains from chocolate and red wine. It is economically consumed, but has a strong specific odor;
- Ecover is an ultra-concentrated modern powder without phosphates, dyes, fragrances and optical brighteners. The environmentally friendly product does not cause irritation or other negative consequences, and easily washes things even in ice water. Suitable for allergy sufferers and children, not harmful to the environment, as it is completely destroyed;
- Losk 9 Total system is a universal product suitable for almost every type of fabric, except wool and silk. Gives a good washing result, but has a strong odor and can cause allergies;
- Nordland ECO is another environmentally friendly product without phosphates, dyes, flavors and other harmful elements. Effectively removes contaminants, is completely washed out and odorless, decomposes by 90%. It is used for both hand and machine washing and is highly expensive;
- Persil Expert Color is an effective stain remover for colored fabrics with softening ingredients. Dissolves in water in a few seconds, acts already at the first stage of washing and protects the color;
- Top House Super Effect is a universal concentrated product for washing white and colored items. Works well on stains. It is distinguished by economical consumption and high price.
conclusions
- It's a thankless task to read reviews about a scent. Consumers have extremely opposing opinions. Everyone must find out for themselves how suitable the product is for them in terms of aromatic characteristics. The same applies to the issue of skin irritation.
- Almost all of the brands reviewed fail to remove stubborn stains. But this is not required of ordinary powders. To remove difficult stains, there are all kinds of stain removers and enhancers.
- When buying any household chemicals, carefully read its composition. Safe products should not contain phosphates, and hypoallergenic products should not contain dyes or fragrances.
The main advantage of concentrates is their minimal volume. Otherwise, they are no different from ordinary washing powders. When choosing a concentrated product, it is important to consider its purpose and be interested in the composition.
Effect of phosphate-free powder
Washing powder without phosphates is distinguished by the fact that it is environmentally friendly and safe for humans. It does not cause an allergic reaction, skin irritation and does not reduce immunity. In addition, this powder can be washed in any water, since temperature does not affect the action of the product. It is suitable for washing delicate fabrics in cool or cold water and for everyday washing.
When using a phosphate-free product, you do not need to actively rub things; just soak the clothes for 6-8 hours and then rinse them in clean water. This powder is completely dissolved and does not contain lime, so the composition is easily washed off and does not remain on clothes.
Items do not need to be rinsed many times. In addition, this product has an unlimited shelf life due to the content of specific components.
Today, many housewives choose phosphate-free powder due to its effectiveness and safety. In addition, it is also harmless to the environment, since the components break down into organic substances. The only disadvantage of this product is its high cost.
Eco-friendly PURE WATER – safe concentrated product
If you are concerned about which washing powder is the best and most harmless, you can choose a product that is not environmentally hazardous. The concentrate with natural ingredients does not contain artificial bleaching agents, dyes, fragrances, harmful parabens, SLS, EDTA and NTA, phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum products. Can be used for machine and hand washing. Does not dry out, does not irritate the skin, does not smell. Economical: a kilogram is equivalent to six kilos of regular product.
PURE WATER is effective against stubborn dirt. Eliminates stains without destroying the fiber structure. Clothes remain presentable even after many washes. Decomposes within a day without harming the environment. The packaging is made from recycled materials.
We recommend it to those who are concerned not only about the quality of washing, but also about the impact of the products used on the environment.
Reviews
Users note that the product is harmless to health and the environment. At the same time, it copes with “medium gravity” pollution.
Pros:
- environmental friendliness;
- health safety;
- biodegradability;
- without smell.
Minuses:
- Doesn't foam very well.
How to choose baby washing powder
Pay special attention to choosing washing powder for a newborn or baby. At an early age, detergents most often cause rashes and redness on the body, as well as other allergic reactions. How an allergy to washing powder manifests itself, see the link.
Choose products specifically marked “powder for newborns” or “baby powder.” These are hypoallergenic soft gentle compositions. By the way, the age of the child for whom the product should be used is often indicated on the packaging. Also pay attention to this.
Before choosing baby laundry detergent and purchasing a product, carefully study the expiration date and composition. Children's products should include up to 10% phosphates and up to 4-5% surfactants. However, formulations without these elements are considered the safest. Such powders are made from natural plant and soap bases.
Children's detergents and cosmetics must have quality certificates, which you can request in the store. Let's determine which baby powder is better.
Ten best washing powders for children
- Eared nanny is an affordable and inexpensive Russian-made powder that is suitable for washing clothes for newborns and older children. It removes stubborn stains even in cold water, washes well and retains the presentable appearance of items after repeated washing. This is a fairly popular remedy in Russia, but many mothers note the appearance of an allergic reaction in their babies;
- Stork is a hypoallergenic Russian product that is suitable for newborns and small children. Contains aloe vera, has a mild soothing effect. Removes difficult stains already at 35 degrees and rinses well, which reduces the risk of allergies;
- World of Childhood is a natural hypoallergenic product that is perfect for newborn babies. It removes complex stains and disinfects things, has an antibacterial effect, does not dry or irritate the skin when washed by hand, and does not cause allergies. However, the powder is difficult to rinse out and has a high price;
- The children's myth is a synthetic composition based on natural soap containing optical brightener and fragrance. Harmful substances can trigger allergies, so the product is recommended for children over 1-2 years old and without a tendency to allergies. It washes white laundry well and protects the washing machine from plaque and scale;
- Tide for children is similar in action to Myth and is not safe for newborns, but has a softer and calming effect due to the content of aloe vera and chamomile extract. Effectively removes stains and protects the washing machine from scale and deposits;
- Snubs are another Russian-made powder that is fragrance-free and does not create powder dust, which reduces the risk of an allergic reaction. It protects the color and maintains the aesthetic appearance of clothes, but does not foam well and sometimes does not remove difficult stains;
- Our Mom is a concentrated product that includes string, chamomile extract and other natural ingredients. Used for newborn babies and older children, does not cause allergies, disinfects products and kills bacteria, does not dry out the skin when hand washed;
- Babyline is an oxygen stain remover from Germany based on natural soap, acts at low temperatures and contains elements that prevent the formation of scale;
- Garden kids has received a lot of positive feedback from parents. This is an environmentally friendly concentrated powder without fragrance, which contains silver ions. It is used for children from the first days of life and does not cause a negative reaction; it effectively removes complex stains. However, it is quite difficult to find and buy Garden kids even in an online store;
- Amway is an American expensive concentrated powder that easily removes the most difficult and stubborn stains, quickly dissolves, leaves no sediment or traces, kills bacteria and disinfects things. Does not provoke an allergic reaction and is suitable for babies over one year old.
Some mothers use laundry soap to wash children's clothes. But experts do not recommend using this product in this case, since due to the alkali content it can cause irritation on the skin. Choose special baby powders with a safe composition or dilute a mild soap solution using neutral liquid soap.
Tide 3 in 1 Pods Color capsules for colored items
Another capsule product on our list. It is most effective when washing colored laundry, but can also be used for white items. The capsule consists of three compartments, each of which is loaded with a special product: for eliminating stains, washing, and improving color. The components are very active, so they are suitable only for adult clothing.
Tide 3 in 1 Pods Color capsules are easy to dose and store. They are economical: one piece is enough for 5 kg of things. They dissolve quickly - almost immediately after immersion in the automatic machine. They rinse well and leave no streaks.
It is better to wash only adult clothes with capsules; they contain too active ingredients for children.
Reviews
According to users, it removes fresh stains perfectly without rubbing, but it does not cope well with old ones. You should buy capsules for an automatic machine; you cannot wash them manually.
Pros:
- no divorces;
- efficiency;
- removing difficult stains;
- maintaining brightness.
Minuses:
- only for automatic machines;
- not suitable for children's clothing.