Liquid vs. Powdered Detergents: Which is best for fabric care?
Let’s face it, laundry day isn’t always a picnic in the park! From sorting your clothing to going through the care labels to picking the right clothing care products, it can start feeling like a science project. And then there’s something that’s been troubling us laundry warriors for years: should I pick a laundry powder or liquid detergent? Well, we are here to explain this old-age battle for laundry care supremacy!
What is the use of powder detergent?
Powder detergents or laundry powders are granulated forms of cleaning agents typically featuring surfactants, enzymes, and (in some cases) bleaches.
(If your kids love to mess around in the playground, a powdered detergent is hands down the best pick for your laundry care regime!)
Pros of Laundry Powders
Cost-effective
Powdered detergents are generally cheaper than their liquid counterparts. The multi-gallon detergent containers typically featuring at every other grocery store are great for saving money on laundry supplies.
Effective in hot water
Laundry powders excel at cleaning in hot and warm water cycles where they can completely dissolve in water and work their magic on even the heaviest levels of soiling.
For washing uniforms, outdoor clothing, towels, underwear, tablecloths, draperies, and other items that can accumulate excessive sweat and dirt, a laundry powder is the perfect choice.
Multifunctional
Some innovative laundry powders are capable of doing much more than simply washing your clothing. One great example is BIORESTORE Cotton Re-Tergent which removes fabric pilling and lint; and restores the original texture and handfeel of your cotton faves in only one home laundry wash.
With this laundry powder at your disposal, you can say goodbye to not only pilling, bobbles and lint but also to lint rollers, fabric shavers, and other traditional lint remover tools that are way too time-consuming anyways.
Cons of Powdered Detergents
Less plastic waste
Many powdered detergents come in cardboard packaging which can be recycled easily and has a lower environmental impact. Some manufacturers also offer refills for laundry powders that are even more ecofriendly.
Not best for fabric care
Some traditional laundry powders are packed with harmful ingredients like “phosphates”, “sulphates” and even “bleaches”, which gradually impact the lifecycle of your clothing. Moreover, they are less soluble in cold water, so it’s not recommended to use them for coldwater washing.
PRO TIP: When buying laundry care products, keep an eye out for labels like “non-toxic”, “gentle”, “mild”, “ecofriendly”, “bleach-free”, “phosphate free” etc., which are less likely to pose harm to your closet.
What is liquid detergent best for?
Who doesn’t love the scent of liquid detergents? Your family walks smelling – well – expensive. Plus, they are better for fabric care if you want to keep your clothing looking and feeling its best for longer.
These kinds of detergents generally rely on “surfactants” for their cleaning powder, making them better at fighting organic stains like fats, blood, and grass. Additionally, they mix really well in cold water unlike powdered detergents, making them more eco-friendly and sustainable for the environment. However, liquid detergents can be pricey and cost more per load.
Pros of Liquid Detergents
Effective for removing Organic stains
Liquid detergents are great at fighting grease, oil, food, and other organic stains. As they are water-based, they penetrate easily in fabrics to break down the oily residues in clothing.
For people who love cooking and indulging in messy meals like red-sauce pasta, a liquid detergent is just the right laundry room pick.
Works in cold water
Liquid detergents are highly soluble in cold-water so you can use them for cold-water washing without any extra hassle. This makes them a better choice for fabric care and giving your wardrobe the TLC it so truly deserves!
No residue
Liquid detergents are highly dissolvable in water which is why they are less likely to leave any residue on clothing even after a cold-water laundry wash. This makes them essential for cleaning sensitive fabrics and dark coloured clothing etc. where residue can be seen more clearly.
Cons of Liquid Detergents
Packaging waste
Most liquid detergents (or at least ones that I’ve usually seen in nearby grocery stores) come in huge plastic containers, contributing directly to plastic waste. This is a huge drawback, especially for advocates of sustainable fashion.
P.S. Some sustainable manufacturers also offer refills for liquid detergents which are both affordable and eco-friendly. That way, you can reduce the plastic waste as you are not getting a brand-new plastic container every time you restock your laundry supplies.
Pricey
As compared to laundry powders, liquid detergents can cost a bit more. This increases their cost-per-load, making them a less budget-friendly option over time.
Can be overused
As these detergents are literally in a liquid form, it’s easier to accidentally pour too much in the washer, which can result in excess suds and reduced cleaning efficiency.
Overusing the detergent can also leave a film on clothing and make them prone to fabric pilling, as well as additional wear.
Conclusion: Liquid vs Powdered Detergent
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Usually, its best to get both of these detergents for your laundry room to properly take care of different kinds of clothing.
A liquid detergent is a good choice for washing delicates, fabrics that require cold water washing, pre-treating stains, or preserving the colours of your printed or dark coloured clothing. On the other hand, powdered detergents are a budget-friendly option for washing heavily soiled clothing, whites, uniforms, and outdoor clothing.