Which is better: powder or gel for washing?

The variety of household chemicals designed to help women running a household is simply amazing. All kinds of cleaning products, liquids for cleaning floors, washing windows and, of course, laundry detergents. There are various options, but the most popular are powders and liquid laundry detergents. Therefore, customers are always faced with the question of what is better: washing powder or washing gel.

By what principle to choose

When choosing this product, most people evaluate the profitability of the purchase according to the following criteria:

• Material side;
• Efficiency;
• Interaction with the washing machine (should not have a negative impact on its mechanisms);
• Pleasant smell or lack thereof;
• Safety, hypoallergenicity of the product (this is especially concerning for those who have small children);
• Beautiful packaging;
• Personal choice (some people are used to using washing powders and are not able to take something new, while others liked the product in the form of a gel).

Differences between washing powder and washing gel

Because the washing powders have been used for washing clothes for several decades; conservative housewives will not be able to exchange them for anything else.It is unlikely that they will want to spend money on purchasing a gel just to try it, because for the same amount they can buy a familiar, time-tested option. But, despite the fact that the struggle between liquid and powder products is quite sharp, the most important thing is not the form, but the content. In other words, the main thing you need to pay attention to is the end result.

But, nevertheless, in their composition, washing powders are somewhat different from gels.

• The former contain surfactants, fragrances and bleaching particles. In addition to the main components, phosphates may be present. These substances soften water and enhance the effects of surfactants. High-quality powders contain polycarboxylates that prevent scale formation. Limescale can cause serious damage to a washing machine and can quickly render it inoperable.
• Gels contain less surfactants, they are gentler than powders, and therefore are better suited for washing delicate fabrics and daily laundry. Their impact on the washing machine is also minimized.

Advantages and disadvantages of using laundry detergent powders and gels

Washing powders capable of a lot - they can wash out even old stains, do an excellent job with clothes made of dense materials, their cost can also pleasantly surprise you. This is especially true on days when there are sales in stores (on gels the discount is offered less frequently and is not as large).

Pros of using powders:

• They are immediately ready for use; they can be immediately poured into a special compartment or directly into the drum of the washing machine;
• Able clean off the toughest stains from the densest, problematic fabrics;
• They can be used at very high temperatures, even at 90°. This factor is especially important when washing bedspreads, furniture covers, small pillows, and heavily soiled items made from natural fabrics. This will not only contribute to better stain removal, but will also help defeat such a dangerous enemy as dust mites, which very often cause severe allergies;
• Powders can be purchased at a low price, so they are accessible to everyone. However, it is worth considering that the lower the cost of the product, the worse its quality. But there are different situations, so the price of washing powders is their big advantage.

Disadvantages of using powders:

• Dry powder mixtures may accidentally enter the respiratory system. This can happen even when you put them in the washing machine. Such an accident will negatively affect people suffering from allergies, as well as children;
• Difficult rinsing. Washing powders are very difficult to remove from laundry because not all solids dissolve completely in water. Black clothes are especially affected by this, as white stains regularly appear on them. To avoid this, you need to set the washing machine to the extra rinse mode;
• Washing powders, grains of which remain inside clothes, have a negative effect on the skin, causing irritation and redness. Allergy sufferers and children are again at risk;
• Storing such a product is not very convenient. Especially when it comes to products in cardboard boxes. Water may get into them and form lumps. They can also quickly become damp if there is high humidity in the place where they are stored;
• Washing powders contain many dangerous chemical compounds that negatively affect the human body and the environment;
• Packing size. It is often more profitable to purchase a large package of washing powder at once, which then becomes inconvenient to store. This problem is especially relevant for those who live in small apartments with narrow spaces.

Pros of using washing gels:

• Gels are more convenient to use, they are easy to dose, thanks to the cap that is located directly on them;
• Gels are convenient to use when washing delicate fabrics; they can easily penetrate soft fibers and preserve the original appearance of things;
• They cope well with various types of stains at low temperatures. You can choose different types of gels, including gel for black linen, which helps preserve color, and gel for wool or cashmere fabrics;
• Gels are completely rinsed out of fabrics and do not leave streaks;
• Liquid products cannot accidentally enter the human respiratory tract, so they are very convenient to use for people with hypersensitivity, allergies, as well as for young mothers;
• They are easy to store thanks to convenient plastic containers. If a large volume of product is purchased, then for convenience it usually has a handle;

Disadvantages of using washing gels:

• These products are unable to remove oily, old stains and do not cope well with severe dirt. In order to achieve the desired result, such things should be soaked first. The stains will have to be washed by hand and only then put the clothes in the washing machine;
• Despite the fact that they do not contribute to the appearance of scale (since washing takes place at low temperatures), liquid detergents will not help get rid of it. They are too soft for this;
• The shelf life of gels is short; they must be used before it expires, since then the desired effect will not be achieved.

Which product is better to choose?

The question of which is better - washing powder or a liquid remedy can safely be called rhetorical. It is impossible to give an exact answer to this. Different situations, different lifestyles - all this determines the choice. It is individual for everyone.

If the laundry requires hand washing only, then you should give preference to powders, since gels will not be effective enough. They are adapted to work in a centrifuge, only then their active substances begin to work more actively, completely penetrating deep into things.

Difficult stains, such as wine, coffee, chocolate, and blood stains can only be removed using a dry detergent. It is much more active than liquid and has a more aggressive effect on pollution. It can also be used to wash white items, since almost all of them contain bleaching particles. And thanks to special oxygen components that effectively remove grains of the substance from white fabric, there is no risk of getting unpleasant stains on your favorite white blouse or expensive bed linen.

The best option would be to have both types of laundry detergents in stock. Obviously, they are used in different situations. For more complex washing it is worth using powder, For washing delicate, thin items, underwear, items made of wool, cashmere, and black fabrics, a special gel is better suited.

Price range varies. If you compare gel and powder of the same brand, the first will cost a little more, but it is consumed more economically. Depending on your financial capabilities, you should opt for more expensive ones means of famous brands. They, as a rule, do not skimp on the quality of the product, so as not to lose their multimillion-dollar army of customers, which has been gathering for decades. I would like to note that the brand really stands for quality.

For which products should you choose gel, and for which powder?

• White or black items. For such products (if there is no heavy contamination), a liquid or capsule product designed specifically for a specific color is more suitable. For white clothes, powder is also suitable, especially one that additionally whitens the laundry;
• Shoes and additional accessories. If stains appear on your favorite pair of sneakers after washing, it will be quite difficult to get rid of them. Therefore, you should immediately use a liquid product to avoid this problem;
• Underwear. It is highly recommended to wash only with gel, or even better - with special capsules and add conditioner. This will help make the linen soft and retain color and shape. This is especially true for lace fabrics and bras with push-up inserts;
• Linen fabrics. They can be easily cleaned with a regular detergent; it is good if it is intended for delicate washing;
• Cotton and denim products Washable with a powerful dry powder, high temperatures can be used. Special stain removers and bleaches are often added to it;
• Delicate fabrics corduroy, velvet. Cannot be machine washed. Only with your hands! Before you put them in water, you need to create soap foam. Dry powder foams easily, in this case it is better to use it;
• Tulle and chiffon. Both options are suitable for cleaning such materials. It is important to maintain the correct temperature, do not wash them in hot water;
• For washing baby clothes special powders have been created, they should be given preference;
• Outerwear washable by hand only. It is optimal to use gel, liquid or capsules. It must first be dissolved in water, then use a brush to wipe the item or remove individual stains;
• Items made from padding polyester. A liquid product will do a great job with them. It is also suitable for children's clothing.

Customer Reviews

The opinions of people posted on the forums were divided. Some people prefer to use one option, others prefer another, while others always have both powder and gel in stock.An example would be the following reviews: