When choosing a washing powder, you need to take into account its composition, since modern products are designed for different types of dirt. Thanks to the invention of the washing machine, the life of a modern woman has become much easier, because before washing took more than 15% of the time. But today, most of the work has been taken over by machines, and the washing process has not only become much easier, but also become more efficient. However, the correct choice of detergent has a direct impact on the quality of washing.
More recently, several types of washing powders were presented on the shelves of hardware stores, but today you can find a wider range of household chemicals and it is sometimes very difficult to make the right decision. About 100 years ago, Germany began the production of special substances such as detergents or surfactants. These molecules have unique dual qualities - hydrophilic, which dissolve in water, and hydrophobic, which dissolve in fats. Consequently, some of them will be embedded directly into the pollution, while others will help to completely remove it and dissolve in water.
The choice of powder, taking into account the type of wash
Today there are two types of washing powders:
- profusely foaming, intended for delicate hand washing;
- with low foaming, developed for modern automatic machines.
At first glance, it may seem that there is practically no difference between these funds, because they have almost the same composition. But when choosing one or another washing powder, it is necessary to pay special attention to the type of washing, since the final result will depend on this.
Powder for hand washing
This type of washing powder includes additional substances that provide enhanced foam formation. It is this foam that enhances the action of the active ingredients, and hand rubbing of stains is also greatly facilitated. For the same reason, this type of washing powder is not recommended for using an automatic machine for machines, otherwise you will have to remove excess foam.
Washing machine powder
As strange as it may seem, an excessive amount of foam in the washing machine can significantly impair the quality of washing. While the drum is rotating, the laundry is raised and lowered, which creates the effect of mechanical work. But if there is a lot of foam, the laundry will stay on the surface and will not be able to submerge again in the water.
For washing machines with direct loading, it is necessary to pay special attention to the presence of a special marking on the packaging with the powder, otherwise a large amount of foam may seep out and provoke a short circuit or breakdown of the device.
Powder for children
Most young parents prefer the well-publicized baby laundry detergents and believe that they are completely safe and hypoallergenic. Such products are made for both hand and machine wash. When choosing a particular product, it is necessary to pay special attention to its composition.
Before buying baby washing powder, you need to pay attention to:
- the presence of a note that this product can be used for newborn children;
- powder dissolution rate;
- lack of chlorine, bleaches and phosphates in the composition;
- natural composition - baby soap should be based;
- lack of chemical and potent additives in the composition;
- a minimum amount of flavors (an ideal option would be a product with their complete absence).
Washing powder composition
Taking into account the purpose of use, modern household chemicals intended for washing are divided into several main groups:
- Auxiliary. Designed for softening and post-processing of fabrics.
- Universal. Designed for continuous washing with a temperature setting of 40-60 degrees, high and medium degree of dirt, as well as for removing old stains.
- Simple. Designed for regular washing of laundry with medium soiling.
- Special. Designed for washing woolen products, as well as processing black, colored and delicate laundry at a temperature setting of 30-40 degrees and may contain color fixers.
- Special products containing active ingredients. These detergents are designed for pre-soaking and for removing heavy dirt and stubborn stains of various types.
Based on what method of use will be used, all types of household chemicals intended for washing things may contain components such as:
- Surfactants (anionic surfactants). These substances are included in almost every household chemical product. The level of foaming and the effectiveness of removing stains and dirt depends on their number. The best option is considered to be 2–5% of these substances. When using such powder mixtures, rinse them thoroughly, as they can provoke severe skin irritation and allergies.
- Bleaching agents (optical, chemical). These substances help during washing of white clothes, but they are capable of destroying enzymes, therefore, they are extremely rarely added to the composition of modern laundry detergents. Such elements contain peroxide or chlorine, which is why they are able to remove almost all types of contaminants well, provided that the products are soaked beforehand. It is not recommended to use chlorine for processing natural fabrics. The combined effect of peroxide and active oxygen helps to preserve the bright shade of colored fabrics for much longer. Almost all modern washing powders contain optical whiteners, but they are ineffective, but they can contain dyes that give the laundry a light blue tint.
- Antisorbents. These are unique cellulose compounds that prevent fabrics from absorbing dirt after washing.
- Sulfates or phosphates. These substances have the ability to soften too hard water, due to which the action of other components (surfactants) is increased several times, the formation of scale and limestone deposits in the washing machine is prevented. 5-10% of the phosphate content is considered the norm, but in European countries this substance is banned, as it is considered environmentally harmful. To neutralize these substances, you need to increase the rinsing program up to 6-8 times.
- Fragrances, phthalates, synthetic fragrances. These components neutralize almost all unpleasant odors of chemicals and give clothes after washing a light and pleasant aroma. The saturation of the laundry smell will depend on the quality of the rinse. If the products have a very strong scent, they can provoke an allergic reaction.
- Supplements or enzymes. Designed for pre-soaking stubborn and stubborn stains. They have the ability to break down fatty and protein types of dirt, while they work great in cold water (no more than 50 degrees), but they are completely destroyed when washed in hot water. These substances are capable of having a destructive effect on silk and woolen fibers of fabrics.
- Colored foaming granules. These substances are almost completely harmless, while enhancing the action of surfactant particles.
- Fluorides and chlorides. These are anticorrosive substances that enhance disinfection and oxidation processes and prevent the onset of plaque and scale formation in the washing machine. However, they can provoke severe irritation of the mucous membranes and skin.
Powder release form
Modern washing powders are presented in a fairly wide range and can have a different form of release:
- powder;
- gel or liquid concentrate;
- granules;
- dissolving tablets.
Liquid concentrate for washing
One of the most popular modern laundry detergents is liquid detergent. It contains several times more active components, while it is economical to use, but has a fairly high cost. Also, these detergents may contain conditioning agents that soften fabrics during washing.
When choosing a liquid washing powder, it is necessary to pay attention to the percentage of water in the composition, as well as active substances. When washing at low temperatures, the detergent may foam poorly, therefore, the washing performance will deteriorate and not all stains can be removed.
If the liquid detergent is of high quality, it should have a faint aroma, which is the main sign of compliance with all high requirements during its production.
How to choose the right washing powder?
Taking into account the following principles, you can easily choose a high-quality washing powder:
- If it is necessary to remove non-complex contaminants, it is recommended to use non-potent agents and add them in small quantities.
- When washing things in cold water, it is best to use detergents that contain enzymes. It is worth giving up phosphate products, as they dissolve very poorly in cold water and can remain on the laundry.
- When washing clothes with stubborn stains, it is worth pouring the detergent into the drum itself, not into a special compartment of the washing machine.
- Easily soluble products, including liquid gels, will work as efficiently as possible at high temperature conditions and without preliminary soaking of the laundry, but they must be used strictly in the prescribed dosages.
- Liquid products, which have a rather thick consistency, must be diluted with a small amount of water before use, otherwise the concentrate may remain in the compartment.
- If you purchased a laundry detergent that is characterized by strong foaming, it must be used for hand washing.
In the case when washing powders are used, which contain phosphates, their negative impact can be minimized. First of all, you need to choose a tool that has a minimum percentage of these substances. It is necessary to shorten the soaking time and the washing process itself, while the product must be diluted with water and avoid contact with the skin.
When choosing a washing powder, first of all, you need to take into account the type of fabric and the type of pollution. In some cases, one wash will be sufficient to remove the stain, and sometimes you will need to use more aggressive detergents with pre-soaking.
Useful tips for choosing laundry detergent in this video:
