When and why to use washing gel instead of powder

Author: Emilia Rabinovich

*Review of the best according to the editors of simplerule.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Washing gels are characterized by a high concentration of active substances that are dissolved and ready for effective cleaning: a liter bottle of liquid product can replace up to 3 kg. granular powder. Unlike powders, liquids do not generate dust, so they are the best option for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. SimpleRule experts found out which washing gels are the best, and also provided criteria for the right choice.

What is better for washing: liquid washing powder or dry?

It is difficult to answer the question of which is better - powder or gel. It all depends on the type of wash.

If you have to process heavily contaminated items at high temperatures, then it is better to give preference to the bulk form of release. In everyday washing, gels confidently hold the palm.

Their competitive advantage:

• 
  better dissolution - after washing there will be no white stains left on things;

• convenient dosing - each bottle is equipped with a measuring cap;
• convenient storage - the container is always tightly closed;
• absence of chemical dust when adding gel to a washing machine or basin;
• versatility of use - most compositions are suitable for both hand and machine wash;
• softer cleaning effect;
• Washing at low temperatures, which is excellent for caring for delicate and mixed fabrics.

Liquid concentrates contain less aggressive anionic surfactants and more cationic and nonionic surfactants. Therefore, it is easy to refresh clothes with gel. The optimal washing temperature is from 30 to 50 degrees.

Read more here.

The best gels for washing baby clothes

BioMio Bio-Sensitive Baby

Rating: 4.9

An eco-friendly gel for washing children's clothes with a conditioning effect is created on the basis of organic surfactants and does not contain SLS, SLES, artificial dyes and other aggressive substances. Available in 1 liter bottles.

The product contains a care complex specially created for sensitive children's skin. Lysates of propionic acid bacteria create on its surface an optimal environment for the reproduction of normal microflora. Silver citrate provides broad antibacterial protection and is effective against unwanted skin bacteria and pathogens.

BioMio Bio-Sensitive Baby gently removes dirt from fibers and helps preserve the shape and color of products. Cotton extract of natural origin makes linen soft, makes ironing easier, and also helps to moisturize and protect the skin of your hands when hand washed. The concentrated composition ensures economical consumption. Being an environmentally friendly product, the gel can be used in houses with independent sewerage.

In numerous reviews, parents share: BioMio Bio-Sensitive Baby gel does not cause negative reactions on the skin even in newborns, it washes off everyday dirt well, is completely rinsable, and has an unobtrusive odor that is almost imperceptible on things. At the same time, some were dissatisfied with the fact that the laundry was hard after washing.

Advantages

1. providing antibacterial protection;
2. hand skin care during hand washing;
3. unobtrusive light odor;
4. absence of aggressive substances;
5. careful cleaning of fibers, preserving the shape and color of products.

Flaws

1. laundry may be hard after washing;
2. Available in only one volume.

BabyLine Sensitive

Rating: 4.8

BabyLine Sensitive gel is made from organic ingredients and is safe for washing children’s clothes from birth. Sold in volumes of 1 and 1.5 liters. Suitable for all types of fabrics, hand and automatic wash.

The cleaning formula of the product is designed taking into account the characteristics of stains that often appear on children's things. The active ingredients penetrate deeply into the fabric fibers, remove dirt, while maintaining their structure and color. After washing with BabyLine Sensitive gel, products do not deform and do not lose their original appearance.

The composition is characterized by a reduced content of foaming agents, making the product easy to rinse both in the washing machine and during hand washing. The gel contains special components that make baby linen soft - the use of additional conditioners and rinses is not required.

According to reviews, BabyLine Sensitive gel does not cause allergies or irritation on the skin of babies, is easy to rinse, and things really remain soft after washing. The smell of the product is neutral, the consistency is thick, and the consumption is low. The gel removes stains, but not all.

Advantages

1. suitable for all types of fabrics;
2. neutral smell;
3. thick consistency;
4. hypoallergenic;
5. Easily and completely rinsed out.

Flaws

1. Doesn't remove all stains.

Organic People for all types of fabrics

Rating: 4.7

A safe product for all types of fabric, it consists of 99.8% natural ingredients and can be used for washing children's clothes. The products are manufactured under the control of the European Institute ICEA and are available in 1.5 liter plastic bottles.

The gel contains the Microsyn PHMB 20 complex. This is a fast-acting, broad-spectrum bactericidal component that destroys up to 99.9% of all known viruses and bacteria. Natural essential oils are used as fragrances: organic oils of lemon, orange, rosemary, ylang-ylang.

The product does not contain hazardous substances and does not have a harmful effect on the skin. The completely biodegradable formula does not harm the environment - the gel can be used for autonomous purification systems and septic tanks. The packaging is recyclable. The organic lotus extract present in the composition effectively softens all types of fabric, preserves the structure and brightness of color, facilitates ironing, and gives freshness.

The main criterion for buyers when choosing Organic People gel is good value for money. The product is ideal for washing baby clothes and does not cause allergic reactions or irritation on the delicate skin of babies. It washes light daily stains well, refreshes things, rinses completely, but is wasted - 4-5 kg ​​per load. 2 caps of gel are required. After washing, the laundry is soft even without using conditioner, there is almost no smell left - only a slight feeling of freshness.

Advantages

1. products have an environmental quality certificate;
2. destruction of bacteria and viruses;
3. biodegradable composition;
4. preservation of fiber structure and color brightness;
5. does not cause allergic reactions.

Flaws

1. is wasted;
2. Available in only one volume.

Meine Liebe Sport Kids

Rating: 4.7

A concentrated liquid product made in the Czech Republic is intended for washing sportswear for children over three years of age. The gel perfectly removes dirt from underwear and outerwear made of synthetics and mixed fabrics, and thermal underwear. Effective at temperatures below 40º. Sold in 0.8 liter bottles.

Meine Liebe Sport Kids retains the properties of membranes and water-repellent impregnations - can be used for washing clothes for active recreation: down jackets, jackets, ski suits, products made from padding polyester, as well as shoes. Removes sweat stains and neutralizes sweat odor. Does not contain phosphates and phosphanates, which ensures safety for skin, fabrics and the environment.

Parents choose Meine Liebe Sport Kids gel for its high efficiency and gentle handling of things. The product perfectly washes cotton and synthetic clothes; after washing, things are soft, do not electrify, and smell pleasant. Regarding cleaning outerwear, opinions are divided: some claim that the gel washes jackets and overalls perfectly, washes well and does not leave streaks, others claim that the product cannot cope even with surface stains. Experienced housewives attribute the low effectiveness of the product to the incorrect dosage of detergent, taking into account the hardness of the water.

Advantages

1. preservation of the properties of membranes and water-repellent impregnations;
2. use for washing shoes;
3. high efficiency at low temperatures;
4. does not require the use of air conditioning;
5. safe for fabrics and skin.

Flaws

1. careful selection of the dosage of the drug is necessary;
2. not suitable for children under 3 years of age;
3. Available only in 1 volume.

Synergetic for baby clothes

Rating: 4.7

Hypoallergenic gel is designed for washing children's clothes made of all types of fabrics. It does not contain dyes or fragrances, rinses well and does not remain on clothes, so the gel can be used from the first days of the baby. Available in plastic bottles of 0.75 and 1 l, and canisters of 2.75 and 5 l.

The gentle gel formula carefully cleanses baby clothes from common organic contaminants such as juices, purees, grass, etc. At the same time, the color and shape of the products are preserved, the linen is incredibly soft, easy to iron, and does not electrify.

To make it easier to pour the product into the washing machine compartment, the design of the canisters is equipped with a watering can neck - you need to pull the plastic ring and only then unscrew the lid. The manufacturer does not indicate this feature on the label, so many people find the packaging inconvenient.

Opinions are divided regarding the effectiveness of the product: some are satisfied with the results of washing with Synergetic gel, others do not see any effect. A clear advantage is the absence of fragrance; washed laundry does not smell at all. The product is completely washed out during the first rinse, clothes are soft after washing and are easy to iron.

Advantages

1. no fragrance;
2. safe composition;
3. gentle cleansing of organic contaminants;
4. completely rinsed;
5. the presence of a retractable watering can in canisters.

Flaws

1. not everyone is satisfied with the washing result;
2. lack of information on the design features of the neck on the packaging of the canisters.

Mepsi for baby clothes

Rating: 4.6

Mepsi baby laundry gel is suitable for all types of fabric - you can wash not only clothes, but also bed linen, toys, towels and much more. The product is available in 1 and 2 liter plastic bottles.

The concentrated formula promotes economical consumption: for washing clothes weighing 3-5 kg. 1 cap is enough. A two-liter bottle is enough for more than 50 washes. Mepsi gel is made on the basis of artesian water, according to the manufacturer it does not contain dyes, phosphates and other aggressive components - it does not cause allergic reactions or irritation on children's skin, and can be used from the first days of the baby's life. Fragrance is used as a flavoring additive, but the manufacturer does not provide information about its origin.

Many people use the gel for children from birth. No allergic reactions were observed on the skin of newborns. The gel has a fairly thick consistency; when used according to the instructions, the consumption is small. Parents like the subtle, pleasant aroma of the product, which is barely noticeable on children's washed clothes. The only negative: the gel does not cope with stubborn stains.

Advantages

1. hypoallergenic;
2. suitable for all types of fabric;
3. leaves a pleasant aroma that fades over time;
4. is used sparingly;
5. Great for everyday washing of children's clothes.

How to choose?

To choose a washing gel that will meet all the necessary requirements, you need to consider the following points:

1. Purpose. There are gels for caring for colored and white clothes, black and denim clothes.
2. Whose things can be washed? Gels for washing children's clothing represent a separate category.
3. Compound. The higher the asurfactant index, the better the product copes with complex stains, but the more aggressive its effect on fabrics. It is also necessary to pay attention to the presence of bleaches, stain removers and other components in the composition.
4. Smell. For lovers of rich aromas, products labeled “Aromatherapy” are suitable.
5. Consumption. This parameter can be assessed using the information provided on the label.

On sale you can find both expensive and fairly budget products. Although, as a rule, their cost is still higher than the price of regular powder.

Manufacturers

Almost all manufacturers of laundry detergents produce liquid concentrates, but German and Japanese gels are especially popular among consumers.

German formulations have a high safety profile . Their manufacturers have long abandoned the use of phosphates and other chemicals that negatively affect the environment and human health.

When producing laundry detergents, the Germans use exclusively advanced technologies. They take into account and put into practice all the scientific achievements of recent years. This has a positive effect on the quality of their products.

In Russia, the leading sales position is occupied by Henkel , which produces Persil and Losk gels.

Gels produced in Japan have a hypoallergenic composition. Most products are universal, that is, they can be used for both hand and machine washing. Japanese concentrates are famous for their pleasant aroma; most of the compositions are original and are not found in others or “Blue Flowers”.

For white laundry

When buying a gel for washing white and light-colored fabrics, you need to carefully study its composition. It must contain whitening components. They are represented by oxygen and optical brightener .

Oxygen bleach does not contain chlorine. It is used to remove stains from fabric, but without harming their color. Therefore, it is not surprising that it may be present in gels for washing colored laundry.

Optical brightener visually brightens yellowed fabrics. Essentially, they are luminescent dyes that, by absorbing ultraviolet light, create the effect that the item is whiter and brighter.

For black

For black clothes, specialized gels are produced that are activated at a temperature of +20 degrees. This allows them to be washed even in cold water.

It is no secret that it is the black pigment that is washed out the fastest , which is why clothes lose their attractive appearance and look worn.

Gels for washing black clothes can solve this problem. The only disadvantage of such compositions is their inflated price.

Read more here.

For color

For colored fabrics, you need to choose products marked “Color”. This indicates that they contain components that protect the pigment from being washed out. The minimum activation temperature of the washing formula is 30 degrees.

Gels for washing colored items do not contain aggressive bleaches and acids, but they may contain stain removers .

To remove complex stains, items can be soaked, but you need to keep them in the solution for no longer than 20-30 minutes so that the colors do not fade after washing.

For children's things

Separate formulations have been developed for washing children's clothing. In general, gels are safer for caring for baby's things, as they are easy to rinse and contain fewer toxic substances.

If the brand you like in the line does not have a separate composition for washing children's clothes, it is recommended to opt for a product marked “Sensitive” .

Specialized children's formulations may contain herbal extracts, for example, string or chamomile, and natural soap. The hypoallergenic formula eliminates the use of dyes and fragrances.

Ideally, the gel should be based on natural ingredients. Therefore, if after opening the lid a liquid with a pronounced odor and an acidic color was found, this is a reason to doubt the quality of the product. There is a lot of useful information about gels for washing children's clothes in this section.

For down jackets

When choosing a gel for washing a down jacket, you need to pay attention to its composition - it should contain lanolin . It preserves the fat layer on natural down and feathers, so the filler does not stick together or clump.

The bottle of liquid concentrate most often features a feather. It should also be marked that it is suitable for washing delicate items, wool and silk items. It’s good if the minimum activation temperature of the formula is 20 degrees.

Read this article for more details.

For membrane fabrics

Gels for washing membrane fabrics should not contain aggressive components. An indispensable condition is the rapid dissolution of detergent particles in water. This will avoid clogging the pores of the membrane and preserve its properties.

The gel should not contain rinses, stain removers and conditioners. All of them damage the membrane. The packaging must have o.

Read more information here. stubborn stains and also whitens well

Recommendations for choosing washing gel

When choosing, first of all, you need to pay attention to the composition.

1. Surfactants (surfactants) are the main component of gels. Surfactant compounds bind dirt molecules and prevent them from settling again on the fabric. The concentration of these substances, according to European standards, should not exceed 7%.
2. Enzymes are organic substances whose action is aimed at removing protein and fatty contaminants. Thus, to cleanse fabrics of greasy stains, lipase is added to the composition, to remove protein stains - protease, to remove starch-containing stains - amylase, and to rid fibers of microvilli - cellulase. Washing with gels containing enzymes is recommended at temperatures below 60º, since at temperatures above this mark the effectiveness of the enzymes decreases.
3. Phosphates, their derivatives phosphorites and phosphanates are salts of phosphorus-containing acids (usually calcium and magnesium) that are responsible for the softness of water. Constant use of gels containing these salts can cause dermatitis, inflammatory reactions on the skin and other health problems. Modern manufacturers are trying to replace them with safe zeolites.
4. Chlorine is a harmful component that is included in the composition to obtain a bleaching effect. It evaporates, having a negative effect on the body, primarily on the lungs.
5. Optical brighteners are substances that give laundry a radiant whiteness due to their fluorescent properties. These components accumulate in tissue fibers, which upon contact with the skin can cause itching, allergies and other negative reactions. The content of optical brighteners is unacceptable in gels for washing children's underwear and items for allergy sufferers.
6. Fragrances are substances that are used to impart pleasant aromas to products. Manufacturers often do not specify which components are added as flavorings - it is possible that they may be strong allergens, such as, for example, hexylcinnamyl or benzyl salicylate. The best option would be a complete absence of fragrance or the use of natural essential oils.

The composition directly depends on the purpose of the product. There are both universal gels and those designed for colored, white, black, delicate fabrics, as well as for washing children's underwear and clothes of people with sensitive skin. Thus, in liquid powder for children's clothes, the content of aggressive anionic surfactants should be reduced; the presence of phosphates and their derivatives, fragrances, chlorine, and optical brighteners is unacceptable. Products for white linen must contain effective bleaches, and gels for colored fabrics must contain special substances that preserve the brightness of the color.

Top 5 best products

You can find many gels on sale from different manufacturers. The following formulations are most popular among consumers:

1. Persil Sensitive . Its mild formula and neutral odor allows it to be used for people suffering from allergies. The brand holder is the German company Henkel. Minimum cost – 260 rubles.

2. 
   Ariel Mountain Spring . The composition has high cleaning power. It copes well with stubborn stains and also whitens fabrics well. Price – 550 rubles for 1.3 liters.

3. Attack . This Japanese product is distinguished by high quality washing, economical consumption and environmentally friendly composition. It can be used on different types of fabrics except wool and silk. The cost of a 0.9 liter bottle is 415 rubles.
4. Weasel 3D black restoration effect . The product is designed specifically for dark clothes. It can be used for both hand and machine washing. Price – 600 rubles for 2 liters.
5. Eared nanny . This is an inexpensive and safe product for caring for baby clothes. The composition is hypoallergenic and quite inexpensive. Price – 160 rubles per 1 liter.

The rating of the best washing gels is presented in this article.

Rating of the best washing gels

Features of use

Liquid concentrates are used according to the same scheme:

1. Dosage is carried out using a measuring cap. The specific amount of detergent depends on the brand. Each package contains instructions for use and exact dosage. As a rule, 1 measuring cap is used for 1 hand or machine wash cycle (with a load of up to 5 kg).
2. Pour the product into a special compartment found in an automatic washing machine, or into a drum, directly onto dirty clothes.
3. When washing by hand, the liquid is poured into a basin of water and foamed on its own.
4. The temperature regime is set according to the type of washing. Acceptable range: from 30 to 50 degrees.

There is no need to perform an additional rinse after the cycle is completed. High-quality gel does not linger in the fabric fibers.

Gel capsules

The capsule is a transparent soluble sachet containing the same gel, but in a higher concentration. One capsule contains the amount of gel required for washing 4-5 kg. linen That is, you just need to put one such container in the drum along with your laundry.

Some manufacturers claim that the composition of the capsules has been significantly modified and adapted for use at high temperatures. Therefore, carefully read the label and instructions for use.

The gel packet dissolves completely in the machine. Thanks to the concentrated composition, the stain removal efficiency is higher than that of conventional products.

How to do it yourself?

Homemade gel is made from soap and soda. The block is grated and diluted with water (2 liters of liquid are taken per 200 g of chips).

The resulting mixture is poured into an enamel bowl and put on fire . The mass must be constantly stirred. The composition is not brought to a boil. When it becomes homogeneous, add soda to it.

The finished mixture is cooled, allowed to settle and poured into suitable containers. However, the quality of the homemade product is significantly inferior to even the most inexpensive industrial gel. Read about how to make your own washing gel here.

Gel made from laundry soap and soda ash

Making your own detergent will save the family budget and will wash clothes no worse than store-bought counterparts. The gel can be used in the kitchen to wash dishes and surfaces. It washes off well with water, leaves no foreign odors and copes well with stains on clothes.

This product is suitable for children's underwear.

To prepare you need:

• Laundry soap – 100 gr.
• Soda ash – 150 gr.
• Water – 4 l.
• Aromatherapy oil – a few drops optional.
• Two pans for 1 and 3 liters.

Grate the soap on a fine grater, add 1 liter of water and bring to a boil. Dissolve baking soda in 3 liters of hot water. Pour the dissolved soap into a hot soda solution and add your favorite scent oil.

Does not leave white spots on laundry, as it easily dissolves and is washed off with water.

When cooled, the mass thickens, forming a gel. Transfer the product to a 4-liter container with a lid and use.

To use in the machine, it is better to pour the gel into a container and place it in the drum with the laundry. For 5 kg of laundry, 150-200 g is recommended. home remedy. Use with caution when washing wool and silk clothes. The gel is suitable for temperature ranges from 30-90 degrees.

It copes well with old stains when pre-soaked and for colored materials, no worse than Ariel.

Is an allergy possible?

The likelihood of allergies when using the gel is not as high as when using powders, but it cannot be excluded.

The main symptoms are:

• skin rashes,
• itching,
• cough,
• lacrimation and runny nose.

As a rule, they appear immediately after switching to a new product, so it is not difficult to isolate the allergen.

If an unusual reaction occurs on the part of the body, you should stop using the detergent and consult a doctor. Particular attention should be paid to allergies in a child.

Advantages of gel over powder

Many women, in the old-fashioned way, use powder products with a high content of surfactants, as they consider newfangled gels to be a marketing ploy by manufacturers. In fact, liquid products are superior to powders in many ways.

Advantages of gels over powders

Powders are effective when washing in hot water, while gels remove stains at more gentle temperature conditions.

Where and for how much to buy?

You can buy washing gels in retail stores, in departments with household chemicals. Another option is to order the composition online.

The average price for 2 liters of detergent is about 500 rubles . It may vary depending on the point of sale, locality and pricing policy of the store.

It is most profitable to buy concentrates on sale. During this period the price may be reduced by half.

Customer Reviews

Many people use washing gel. They like the ease of dosing and economical consumption of the product. The main advantage they call is its high-quality rinsing from fabrics . Consumers are satisfied with the absence of a strong smell from things, as well as a wide range.

People note that some formulations cope worse with difficult stains than powders. Also, many are not satisfied with the too high price of the liquid product.

Reviews can be found on this forum, here and here, on this review site.

What to look for when choosing

Now we will highlight what you should look for when purchasing one of the products we discussed above.

• Purpose. First you need to decide for what types of fabrics you are purchasing this product.
• Concentration of substances. The higher this indicator, the better the product copes with removing difficult stains. But remember the permissible concentration of surfactants (surfactants) is 4-5%.
• Smell. A good product should not have a pronounced, persistent and pungent odor. It should have a slightly perceptible aroma.