Detergents for washing are represented by several competing groups. The main battle is between the most popular detergents - powders and gels. We will try to figure out what is better - powder or gel - and what is more effective to wash clothes in the AGR.
What is better to wash - washing powder or gel?
A dilemma has arisen for buyers, which detergent consistency to prefer - liquid or dry. It is impossible to unequivocally answer whether it is better to wash with powder, gel or capsules. Any option can cope with washing at “5+” if you select the right mode. Much depends on the fabric, pollution, water temperature and other factors.
Each buyer, choosing the best option for himself, evaluates competitors according to different criteria, among them:
- economic benefit;
- price;
- packaging attractiveness;
- smell;
- safety;
- efficiency;
- use for washing;
- personal preferences: some like liquid, others like granules.
What is the difference between a gel and a powder?
Powdered detergents appeared before liquid counterparts, so most consumers buy them. Firstly, out of habit, and secondly, because of a lack of confidence in the new, untested. In fact, the "competing groups" the main difference in consistency - some liquid, others solid. The washing quality is primarily affected by the composition, and not the state of aggregation.
If we analyze in detail the composition of the powder and liquid versions, then there is still some difference in it:
- Powder SMS (synthetic detergent). It contains surfactants, perfumes and whitening components. Phosphates may be present - to soften water and enhance surfactant effectiveness. Additionally - substances that prevent the formation of scale, due to which the heating element of the washing machine fails prematurely. Anti-scale components are called polycarboxylates.
- Gel. They have less surfactants than granular analogues. They are ready to use. They act gently. Release form - bottles and capsules.
Which is safer - powder, gel or capsules?
If for you the criterion of harmlessness is the main thing - choose liquid products. Why are they safer than granular:
- When filling the cuvette with granules, the microscopic fractions are carried away into the air, and from there into the respiratory organs.
- Particulate matter dissolves worse, is not completely washed out of the fabric fibers, and the laundry will carry the remnants of “chemistry”. With liquid analogues there is no such problem.
Not enough one inscription "not harmful to health." On the packaging should be noted two more points:
- lack of phosphates;
- surfactant concentration of not more than 5%.
Well, of course, you must trust the manufacturer. Today, the safest and most effective are SMS messages made in Germany and Japan.
The simplest, most effective, but also the most harmful element of anionic surfactants is sodium lauryl sulfate. In gels it is much less than in powders.
Phosphates are the most dangerous part of household chemicals. Their maximum content permitted by supervisory authorities is 8%.
What to choose for a washing machine?
One of the common causes of SMA breakdowns is scale. To combat it, special compositions are added that are added during washing. There are also SMS that contain anti-scale components. Salt deposits appear at high temperatures, the cooler the water, the safer the wash for the washing machine.
The best way to extend the life of the heating element and the SMA as a whole is to wash at low temperatures. You can also try tools with additional components from scale - this point needs to be clarified by reading the composition and information on the package.
Which is better to wash away contaminants - liquid or dry products?
Powders cope better with contaminants than liquid counterparts. If you choose the right regime, they can erase the most difficult pollution and old spots. They well wash products from dense fabric, rough materials. They are effective in hot water - over 90 ° C. This temperature usually destroys the gel-like analogs.
What is more profitable?
User reviews confirm that powders are more economical. Every consumer can be convinced of it. But the benefits of inexpensive household chemicals are relative. The price of granular SMS is scattered over a wide range. If you buy the cheapest, you will probably have problems with washing. And most importantly, inexpensive versions contain phosphate compounds and other unhealthy substances.
Today, 95% of Russians choose dry powders. In Europe and America, the opposite picture, here 70% of consumers use liquid versions.
It is impossible to say unequivocally which option is more profitable, it is necessary to take into account various aspects, and in addition - the specifics of pollution, the purpose of the linen, its material and other factors. Cheaper does not mean more profitable.
Pros and Cons of Powders
Today, powders are in the lead in the ranking of demand not only due to tradition, they also have advantages:
- Effective. Especially strong versions with a high content of surfactants and harmful phosphates.
- Easy to fall asleep in the AGR - in the cuvette or directly into the drum.
- Presented in a wide range. There are phosphate and non-phosphate ones, children's and with bleaches, for colored fabrics and universal, cheap and expensive, domestic and foreign - everyone can find an option for themselves, suitable in all respects.
To summarize the disadvantages:
- With a rash, they can get into the respiratory system. This is especially harmful for children and allergies.
- Stains may remain on the tissues due to poor rinsing of the granules.
- Components can cause allergic reactions and reduce immunity.
- Bad storage. The granules are saturated with moisture, lumps are formed.
- Economy packs require a lot of space - this is especially problematic for small apartments.
The pros and cons of gels
Gels were invented later than powders, it is logical that they are more perfect:
- They are convenient to use. With the help of a measuring cap, the right amount is easily measured, and at the same time your respiratory system is safe - no microparticles are sprayed in space.
- Gel-like fluids are ideal for delicate materials. They have a gentle effect, practically do not deform the fabric, are easily washed out of the fibers, maintain the saturation of the colors, and extend the period of their use.
- Effective in non-hot water. Excellently wash fabrics at 30–40 ° C.
- A wide range of. There are options for all occasions.
- Safe - contain a minimum of unsafe substances and are well rinsed.
- They do not contain solid particles, so they are instant.
- Do not create whitish stains on dark tissues.
- If the dosage is observed, the product is used sparingly.
- Convenient packaging. Plastic bottles with a measuring cap are used. If the bottle falls, it will not break, and the contents will not leak. The bottle takes up little space and is convenient for storage.
- It is easy to add natural extracts, essential oils, extracts, mineral salts, additives against unpleasant odors and to preserve the appearance of products.
- You can pour it directly into the drum, which you won’t do with powders - to dissolve them effectively, you have to put it directly into the cuvette, which is not always convenient for the user.
Despite the long list of advantages, liquid household chemicals have disadvantages:
- With their help it is impossible to remove greasy and old spots, oily contaminants. Pre-curing and stain removal is recommended.
- Do not remove scale from the elements of the washing machine.
- They have a limited shelf life.
What to wash: the best gels and powders
These powdered SMS are in the top today:
- Persil. German powder and the eternal favorite. Releasing oxygen, it can remove stubborn stains without soaking. "Persil" is sold in the form of dry granules, tablets and capsules.
- Feed Black Color Automa. No phosphates. It contains stain-removing components that can cope with complex contaminants without harming the brightness of the tissues.
- Faberlic Does not contain phosphates. Universal. No harmful fragrances, no smell. Contains components to soften tissues and protect metal parts of the SMA. It can be washed efficiently at 30 ° C.
- Burti Hygene Plus. From the German manufacturer. It has antibacterial properties. Hypoallergenic. It contains no chlorine.
- Losk 9 automatic. Universal - for any underwear. Effectively removes stains from various fabrics - cotton, silk, synthetics. For any type of wash.
- Ecover Belgium NV Industriweg. Highly concentrated. It is economically consumed. Washes strong dirt. It is considered environmentally friendly, does not dry out the skin, does not cause allergies.
- Tide Color Automat. Removes stains directly from fibers. There are no bleaching elements, delicately cleans products, makes them soft.
The best gels:
- Ariel. The producer "Ariel" is Procter & Gamble. It cleans complex dirt well. Laundry washed soft, pleasantly smelling.
- Frosch. German gel without phosphates. Safe for people and nature.
- Tide. From Procter & Gamble. "Tide" is suitable for any materials and different washing modes. A 3 liter bottle replaces 9 kg of powdered analogue.
- Ariel Active Gel. A gel-like substance in capsules from a water-soluble film. One capsule is enough for one wash. Put it directly into the CMA drum.
- Synergetic. Universal and hypoallergenic. For any thing, suitable for moody fabrics. It has a light, well-foaming structure, is easily washed out.
- Power Wash Safe and versatile with a light scent of the sea. Prevents the formation of scale, removes stains and complex pollution well.
Conclusions
To summarize:
- Gels are safer than powders. If you are still a fan of the latter, then choose the least harmful option - without phosphates and with a minimum concentration of surfactants (up to 5%).
- When washing bedding, it is better to use granular SMS - they are active in very hot water, which is necessary to destroy dust mites.
- To understand which tool is more profitable for your home, you need testing. Only by comparing and experimenting, you can understand which option suits you more for the price. Do not forget to take into account the safety of the product, and the linen itself will tell you about its effectiveness.
- Use detergents must be differentiated. For washing lightly soiled laundry and for delicate fabrics it is better to use gels. For heavily soiled - powders. There are special remedies for vulnerable groups of the population, but the most sparing of them are liquid.
When choosing SMS, it is important to consider not only the features of the upcoming washing, but also the quality of the product. This is especially true for powders - they can be very different in price and properties. Gels are definitely more convenient, powders are more effective. Among the latter are harmful and safe. What to choose, consumers decide. It seems to us that it is worthwhile to have several means at home - for different cases of washing.