Which is better: powder or gel for washing? TOP-6 products for a washing machine-automatic

Laundry detergents are represented by several competing groups. The main battle is between the most popular detergents – powders and gels. Let’s try to figure out which is better – powder or gel – and what is more effective in washing clothes in the SMA.

Which is better for washing – washing powder or gel?

The dilemma arose for buyers, which consistency of detergent to prefer – liquid or dry. It is impossible to unequivocally answer what is better to wash – powder, gel or capsules. Any option can cope with washing at “5+”, if you choose the right mode. Much depends on the fabric, dirt, water temperature and other factors.

Each buyer, choosing the best option for himself, evaluates competitors according to different criteria, among them:

• economic benefit;
• price;
• the attractiveness of the packaging;
• smell;
• security;
• efficiency;
• use for the washing machine;
• personal preferences: some like liquid, others like granules.

What is the difference between gel and powder?

Powdered laundry detergents appeared before liquid counterparts, so most consumers buy them. Firstly, out of habit, and secondly, because of distrust of the new, untested. In fact, the “competing groups” have the main difference in consistency – some are liquid, others are solid. The quality of washing is affected primarily by the composition, and not by any means the state of aggregation.

If we analyze in detail the composition of powdered and liquid versions, then there is still some difference in it:

• Powdered SMS (synthetic detergent). It contains surfactants, fragrances and whitening components. Phosphates may be present – to soften water and enhance the effectiveness of surfactants. Additionally, substances that prevent the formation of scale, due to which the heating element of the washing machine fails ahead of time. Anti-scale components are called polycarboxylates.
• Gel. They contain less surfactants than their granular counterparts. They are ready to use. They act softly. 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 ones:

• When filling the cuvette with granules, microscopic fractions are carried into the air, and from there into the respiratory organs.
• Solid particles dissolve worse, are not completely washed out of the fabric fibers, and the laundry will carry the remnants of “chemistry”. There is no such problem with liquid analogues.

Not only one inscription “not hazardous to health.” Two more points should be noted on the package:

• lack of phosphates;
• surfactant concentration is not more than 5%.

And, of course, you must trust the manufacturer. Today, SMS production is considered the safest and most effective. Germany и 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 allowed by the supervisory authorities is 8%.

What to choose for a washing machine?

One of the most common causes of CMA breakdowns is scale. To combat it, special compounds are used 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 prolong the life of the heating element and the CMA in general is to wash at low temperatures. You can also try products with additional anti-scale components – this point should be clarified by reading the composition and information on the package.

What is better to remove dirt – liquid or dry products?

Powders cope with pollution better than liquid counterparts. They, if you choose the right mode, are able to remove the most difficult dirt and old stains. They wash well products made of dense fabric, rough materials. They are effective in hot water – over 90 °C. This temperature usually destroys the gel-like counterparts.

What is more profitable?

User reviews confirm that powders are more economical. Every consumer can be convinced of this. But the benefits of inexpensive household chemicals are relative. The price of granulated SMS is scattered over a wide range. If you buy the cheapest, then there will certainly be problems with washing. And most importantly, inexpensive versions contain phosphate compounds and other substances harmful to health.

Today, 95% of Russians choose dry powders. In Europe and America, the picture is opposite, 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 different aspects, and in addition – the specifics of pollution, the purpose of linen, its material and other factors. Cheaper doesn’t mean better.

Pros and cons of powders

Today, powders are leading in the demand rating not only because of traditions, they also have advantages:

• Effective. Versions with a high content of surfactants and harmful phosphates are especially strong.
• Easily fall asleep in the SMA – in a cuvette or directly into the drum.
• Presented in the widest range. There are phosphate and phosphate-free, children’s and with bleach, for colored fabrics and universal, cheap and expensive, domestic and foreign – everyone can find an option that suits them in all respects.

Let’s summarize the disadvantages:

• When spilled, they can enter the respiratory system. This is especially harmful to children and allergy sufferers.
• There may be stains on the fabrics – 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 packages require a lot of space – this is especially problematic for small apartments.

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 into space.
• Gel liquids are ideal for delicate materials. They have a gentle effect, practically do not deform the fabric, are easily washed out of the fibers, retain the saturation of colors, and prolong the period of their use.
• Effective in non-hot water. Perfectly wash fabrics at 30-40 °C.
• A wide range of. There are options for all occasions.
• Safe – contain a minimum of unsafe substances and rinse well.
• They do not contain solid particles, so they dissolve quickly.
• Does not create whitish streaks on dark fabrics.
• If you follow the dosage, the product is spent 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 out. The bottle takes up little space and is easy to store.
• 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 directly into the drum, which you can’t do with powders – for their effective dissolution, you have to fall asleep directly into the cuvette, which is not always convenient for the user.

Despite the long list of advantages, liquid household chemicals also have disadvantages:

• With their help, it is impossible to remove greasy and old stains, oily dirt. Prewash and stain removal recommended.
• Do not remove scale from the elements of the washing machine.
• They have a limited shelf life.

How to wash: the best gels and powders

These powdered SMS are in the top today:

1. Parsley. German powder and eternal favorite. By releasing oxygen, it is able to remove stubborn stains without soaking. “Persil» is sold in the form of dry granules, tablets and capsules.
2. Feed Black Color Automa. Phosphate free. Contains stain-removing components that allow you to cope with complex pollution without harming the brightness of fabrics.
3. Faberlic. Does not contain phosphates. Universal. No harmful fragrances, no smell. Contains components to soften fabrics and protect the metal parts of the CMA. Can be washed effectively at 30°C.
4. Burti Hygene Plus. From a German manufacturer. Has antibacterial properties. Hypoallergenic. Contains no chlorine.
5. Losk 9 automatic machine. Universal – for any linen. Effectively removes stains from various fabrics – cotton, silk, synthetics. For any type of washing.
6. Ecover Belgium NV Industriweg. Strongly concentrated. It is economically spent. Removes stubborn dirt. It is considered environmentally friendly, does not dry out the skin, does not cause allergies.
7. Tide Colour Automat. Removes stains directly from fibers. There are no bleaching elements, it delicately cleanses the products, makes them soft.

The best gels:

1. Ariel Producer “Ariel” – Procter & Gamble. Removes tough stains well. The washed linen is softened, pleasantly smelling.
2. Frog. German gel without phosphates. Safe for people and nature.
3. Tide. From Procter & Gamble. “Tide” is suitable for any materials and different washing modes. A 3-liter bottle replaces 9 kg of powdered analogue.
4. Ariel Active Gel. A gel-like substance in water-soluble film capsules. One capsule is enough for one wash. Put it directly into the CMA drum.
5. Synergetic. Versatile and hypoallergenic. For any things, suitable for whimsical fabrics. It has a light, well-foaming structure, easy to wash out.
6. Power Wash. Safe and versatile, with a light scent of the sea. Interferes with formation of a scum, well removes stains and difficult pollution.

Conclusions

Summing up:

• 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 bed linen, it is better to use granular SMS – they are active in very hot water, which is necessary to kill dust mites.
• To understand which tool is more profitable for your home, testing is necessary. Only by comparing and experimenting, you will be able to understand which option suits you best for the price. Do not forget to take into account the safety of the product, and the underwear itself will tell you about its effectiveness.
• Detergents must be used differently. For washing lightly soiled laundry and for delicate fabrics, it is better to use gels. For heavily polluted – powders. There are special products for vulnerable groups of the population, but the most gentle of them are liquid ones.

When choosing SMS, it is important to consider not only the features of the upcoming wash, but also the quality of the product. This is especially true for powders – they can differ dramatically in price and properties. Gels are definitely more convenient, powders are more effective. Among the latter there are harmful and safe ones. What to choose, consumers decide. It seems to us that it is useful to have several funds at home – for different occasions of washing.