Key Takeaways:
Laundry powders contain surfactants and powerful enzymes, which are highly effective at removing protein-based stains at higher temperatures. They are the most cost-effective and can be easily packaged.
Liquid detergents are the ideal pick for cold-water washing or for people who prefer eco-friendly laundry choices. In terms of sensitivity, liquids are less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin.
In areas with hard water, powders are better at cleaning heavily soiled clothing as they have builders in their formulation. Liquids don’t lead to residue buildups and are much more soluble. The final choice depends on the hardness of the water and your laundry needs.
Laundry powders extend far beyond simple washing and drying. The latest innovations, such as BIORESTORE eco laundry powder, can help remove lint and pilling while restoring the original colour and texture of your clothing.
When it comes to laundry detergents, there are two main options: powder and liquid. Both get your clothes clean, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences to help you decide the best choice for your laundry routine.
Reason 1: Cleaning efficiency
Both laundry powders and liquids are great at cleaning clothes. Powders generally use enzymes and surfactants, which are highly beneficial for stain removal. Some of these enzymes work better in warmer water. This makes powders a great choice for protein-based stains, as high-heat washing can activate their enzymes and give a more thorough cleaning.
On the other hand, liquid detergents excel at cleaning greasy stains (e.g., food or oil). This is because their formulation includes alcohol ethoxylates, which are highly soluble in breaking down oily substances. Plus, they are great at cold-water washing. For those who prefer to wash their clothing at lower temperatures, liquid detergents are the best choice.
Reason 2: Solubility
It goes without saying that liquid detergents are much more soluble in water than laundry powders. But that’s not all we need from a detergent. Cleaning efficiency, stain removal powers, and residue rinse-off—all of these are important factors to consider while picking a laundry product.
In areas with hard water, powders are better at cleaning heavily soiled clothing. It is because powders have water-softening agents that can help tackle the hard water challenge to some extent. At the same time, hard-water minerals can react with powdered detergents, forming a residue buildup on clothes in the laundry machine and making them appear dingy.
Liquid detergents can easily tackle the residue challenge. As they don’t have surfactants, they do not create residue in the washing machine. You can get a cleaner rinse, which means no more need for additional cleaning cycles. However, due to their gentle formula, you may not get a perfect clean with liquid washing powder.
Reason 3: Versatility
Beyond regular cleaning and laundering, laundry powders are used for a multitude of other purposes. For instance, Vanish powders are used as stain removers before washing. Similarly, BIORESTORE cotton removes lint and pilling and restores the original colour and texture of clothing. Then there are eco-laundry powders that help extend the life of your clothing.
All of these factors make powders much more versatile than liquids.
Reason 4: Cost-efficiency
The price war between powdered and liquid detergents has been going on for decades. In the past few years, the cost of liquid detergents has dropped significantly. Major manufacturers such as Tide have claimed that one gallon of their Tide Gentle & Free (liquid) can last for approximately 4 months in an average household.
Despite this, the cost per load is much lower for laundry powders. While the actual cost of powders and liquids depends on the brand, size, and other factors, the aggregate lies in favour of powdered detergents.
Other than this, the quantity required for powdered detergents to work is generally far less than that of liquids. It is another reason why they turn out to be a more economical choice in the long run.
Reason 5: Eco-friendly Packaging
Most of the best laundry powders usually come packed in cardboard boxes, making them more environmentally friendly as opposed to plastic jugs used for storing liquid detergents. This green packaging is a huge plus for laundry powders, especially for environmentally conscious consumers.
On top of this, the cleaning power of powder is not limited to clothes or textiles. You may find it hard to believe, but some powdered detergents make excellent choices for cleaning oven messes and deodorising surfaces such as carpets. Talk about a multi-purpose hero in disguise!
Our Verdict
Laundry powders are powerful, highly efficient solutions for cleaning heavily soiled clothing without any extra hassle. Due to their enzymatic action, they work better in warmer temperatures. From stain removal to pilling removal, the functionality of laundry powders such as BIORESTORE cotton goes far beyond regular laundering. For people who want a heavy-duty detergent to clean up their everyday clothing, powder is the ideal pick.
Liquid detergents, on the other hand, are gentler and more soluble. They are great for people who prefer cold-water washing and for people with sensitive skin conditions. The plus point is that they hardly lead to any residue buildup and can be easily rinsed off. The packaging of liquid detergents is not environmentally friendly (in most cases), but cold water washing in itself is a sustainable practice.
The final choice between powder or liquid detergent depends on your budget, water conditions, laundry needs, and preferences.
FAQs
Can you mix liquid and powder detergent?
In general, it is not recommended to mix liquid and powder detergents together. The reason is that both of these formulas have different compositions and mixing them could result in unexpected results. You can face curdling or clumping, clogging your laundry machine dispenser, and leaving a residue buildup on your clothing.
If you accidentally mix small ratios of powder and liquid together, it will not lead to any major problems. However, it’s still important to check your clothing for any residue buildup and your laundry machine for signs of clogging.
