Liquid detergent, capsules or regular washing powder – which is best?
The question of what type of detergent to use for your washing machine is not of vital importance, but there are significant differences between the different types available on the market. In fact, some of them are only suitable for a certain type of machine, while others have a more universal application.
Traditional washing powder is also the most common type in our country. It has been the first choice for housewives around the world since the 1930s. Recently, however, more and more consumers prefer liquid detergent and capsules.
The benefits of regular powder are:
Lowest price of laundry detergents
Longest shelf life
Most effective for hard water areas
Its cardboard packaging is easily recyclable
Best for mixing with stain removers, such as non-chlorine bleach
Effective for removing dirt from mud and grass
Disadvantages
Large and heavy boxes are difficult to carry
Powder may not dissolve completely in cooler operating cycles
Pre-treating stains is more difficult compared to liquid detergent
Possibility of incorrect dosing
Some of it may remain in the drawer.
If you have a lower budget for a similar detergent, then washing powder is the right option. This applies to larger families with younger children.
Liquid detergents have been available since the 1950s. They are now the most popular type worldwide, accounting for nearly 75% of sales in some countries.
Benefits
Cheaper preparation than capsules
Very effective in removing grease stains
Great for pre-treating clothes
Available in different flavors
Easily dissolves in cold water due to its concentration and liquid form
Disadvantages
Can be easily overdosed
Plastic bottles may not be recyclable
Liquid laundry detergent is water-based. This does not allow it to interact well with other detergents that are designed to remove stains. The water base of liquid laundry detergent makes it quite heavy and expensive to transport. This disadvantage also defines it as environmentally inefficient.
If you regularly have to deal with greasy stains, liquid detergent is the best solution. But if you use additional cleaning agents, such as bleach, then regular laundry detergent is more effective.
Capsules
They have relatively recently entered the field of view of housewives. The popularity of capsules is constantly growing. In many countries, this type of detergent has more sales than regular washing powder. Their biggest advantage is their convenience, but for this you have to pay more.
Benefits
The amount of detergent for each load of the washing machine is not measured
There is no overdose, and the results are permanent.
Easy to use, especially for the elderly or disabled
May include different cleaning options (3-in-1 capsules)
Disadvantages
About 50% more expensive to wash compared to other types of detergents
Not used for pre-treating stains
They get stuck in the drum or don't dissolve properly.
All you have to do with the capsule is place it in the drum before washing. But convenience obviously comes at a price. You also have to take certain safety precautions, especially if you have children in your home.
Comparison between individual laundry detergents:
Plain powder | Liquid detergent | Capsules |
Cheapest option | More effective on stains – Easily dissolves in cold water | Most convenient – Easier to dissolve |
Long shelf life | Not environmentally efficient | More expensive |
