Laundry detergent: product types and useful tips for washing clothes
When choosing a laundry detergent, cost and stain-fighting power are usually the main considerations for most people. On the other hand, there are people who prioritize detergents for sensitive skin, or for washing baby clothes. Regardless of preferences, it is important to know the main differences between types of detergents, so that the chosen product matches individual needs exactly.
Table of Contents
- What are the characteristics of a good detergent?
- What are the different types of laundry detergents?
- How to wash laundry like a professional
- How to sort laundry?
- Choosing eco-friendly detergents
1. What are the characteristics of a good detergent?
Besides washing and removing stains, any product in the laundry detergent category should leave clothes clean and nice-smelling. Depending on the formula, some detergents may have bleaching capacity or can make colors brighter. Regardless of the type of detergent you choose, read the label to check that it does not contain skin-harming irritants.
You should always choose a detergent that meets your specific needs. A family with small children may need a detergent formulated for tough stains and sensitive skin, while others may prioritize a detergent for delicate fabrics. Start by determining which qualities are most important to you and choose the option that best meets those needs.
2. What are the different types of laundry detergents?
Laundry detergents come in 3 main forms: liquid, powder, and pods. There is also a variety of product types that are formulated to target specific needs, such as sensitive skin, difficult stains, or high-efficiency washing machines. In addition, there are laundry detergents that are specially formulated for certain types of fabrics and colors.
Liquid detergent
Liquid detergents are a popular choice because they can be used as a stain pre-treater and are easy to dose. When you use liquid detergent, you have more control over dosing than when using the powder version. However, liquid detergents can commonly be overused, so it is always a good idea to check your washing machine's user manual to determine the recommended amount of detergent. In principle, in most cases, the pouring cap prevents overloading and waste for added dosing convenience.
Powder detergent
One of the reasons many people choose powder detergent is that it is usually more affordable. In addition, using a powder laundry detergent allows you to precisely control the dose and adapt it based on the type and amount of clothes. Keep in mind that powder laundry detergent performs better in hard water than liquid.
Unlike liquid, powder does not always dissolve completely, especially with low-temperature wash cycles, potentially leaving small granules of detergent on clothes and in the washing machine. One way to prevent this is to use a warm water wash cycle. Another benefit is that powder laundry detergent can be used to make a paste for pre-treating stains.
Detergent pods
Laundry detergent pods are one of the most practical options because you just throw them into the washing machine. Even easier, they are pre-proportioned and filled with concentrated ingredients, saving both time and space.
On the other hand, these are usually the most expensive option among other types of laundry detergents, especially if you have to use more than one pod for larger loads. There is also a chance that some pods might not dissolve completely if used incorrectly.
3. How to wash laundry like a professional
Have you ever wondered how to wash laundry like a professional? Well, most of the time, it takes more than just soaking in water with detergent and then rinsing. So, if you prefer to wash laundry at home instead of taking it to a dry cleaner, then you will need to follow the steps below.
Use the right temperature
If you check the care label on your clothes, you will be able to find the recommended water temperature to use for washing. If it's clothes that might fade or shrink, then a water temperature of 20 degrees Celsius might be ideal.
The 35-degree Celsius threshold is considered the ideal temperature for clothes with light to medium colors. On the other hand, 55 degrees Celsius is the right temperature only for clothes that can withstand high temperatures without shrinking or losing color. Hot water can be ideal for heavily soiled laundry, bed linen, towels, etc.
Get rid of stains in a timely manner
Some stains will not disappear if they are not removed immediately. The best way to treat most stains is to rinse them with cold water before they have a chance to set into the fabric. Of course, everything also depends on the type of material you are dealing with. For example, silk and wool may require special care and a special laundry detergent.
However, stains on linen, cotton, or any other washable material are easy to remove. It is essential not to rub the stain, as the dirt can spread across the fabric. Another mistake people make is often washing with hot water.
If you are not sure of the nature of the stains, do not use hot water, as high water temperatures can set the stains. Also, avoid any chlorine-based material unless the label mentions a high temperature and a specific type of laundry detergent.
Precautions for protecting colors
Always use the recommended dose of detergent. If you are washing dark-colored clothes, turn them inside out before washing. Also, when drying clothes on a rack, hang them inside out. Do not dry clothes in direct sunlight. Excessive sunlight bleaches colors.
Soaking clothes
When soaking clothes, make sure to separate colored clothes from white ones. In some cases, it might be useful to test colorfastness, because some colors will bleed even if they are left to soak in plain water.
Be careful with materials like viscose, polyester, silk, or wool. Some people also make the mistake of soaking only part of the clothes. If you do this, you won't get even results. And finally, there is one exception to this; do not soak clothes that are multicolored or that you know do not have good color stability.
Clothes drying practices
Some clothes, especially sweaters, will lose their shape when left to dry on a rack. It is best to lay them on a flat surface and let them dry out of direct sunlight.
If you use a tumble dryer, it should be set to the cold or warm mode, with the exception of heavy materials like towels. Repeated hot cycles can cause some fabrics to shrink or wrinkle.
Ironing laundry
Finally, ironing is the simplest part of the clothes care process. Before using the iron, make sure to check the instructions on the laundry label. You want to avoid damaging the fabric at all costs, especially if it is an expensive piece. Use a fabric softener that reduces static cling during ironing. This makes ironing much easier.
4. How to sort laundry?
For a long time, the way laundry was sorted was simple: white and light-colored items were washed separately from black or dark-colored ones. This rule was determined by two main factors: selecting the wash water temperature and concerns about dye transfer.
While dye transfer—that is, dye from dark or brightly colored clothing items running in the wash and staining white or light items—is still a concern, water temperature is no longer a major factor.
Sorting laundry by color is still standard, but a newer way to manage color transfer is by fabric type. Fabrics that contain elastane or have sweat-wicking properties should not be washed with fabrics like cotton or wool. Understanding how to care for lingerie, wool, and sportswear may also mean you might need to wash certain items by hand.
If you want to wash white clothes together with colored ones but have doubts about some items that might bleed color, then you can use a color catcher. It is also important to use a suitable laundry detergent.
5. Choosing eco-friendly detergents
To reduce environmental impact, it is important to consider both the machine itself and the detergents used. An important factor to consider when choosing a biodegradable detergent or soap is the chemical ingredients listed on the label.
Many brands use misleading advertising to hide harmful ingredients that damage the environment and sensitive skin.
Ingredients that should be avoided at all costs include:
- Phosphates
- Chlorine bleach
- Sodium sulfate
- Artificial fragrances
- 1,4-Dioxane
These chemicals are disguised as ingredients and introduce substances into places where they do not belong. The bottom line is that you need to read labels carefully before making a purchase, so you know exactly what the product you are buying contains.
Klintensiv Tip: If your laundry requires a high-efficiency detergent that involves the use of chemicals, you can opt for products that are marketed in recyclable packaging, as this is an effective way to diminish the impact on the environment.
Conclusion
For washing clothes or other fabrics, you can choose from a large variety of detergent types. Whether you prefer a liquid detergent, a powder, or pods, always use a sufficient amount of detergent, but don't overdo it, as an excess could damage the fabric. Drying clothes properly also helps keep them in the best possible condition.
Sources:
https://www.singaporelaundry.com/articles/7-steps-to-washing-your-laundry-like-a-professional.html
https://edition.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-do-laundry
