Textile products, whether clothes or bed linen, require constant care. For most of them, washing remains the most suitable way to remove dirt. The modern chemical industry produces various products for washing, which allows you to choose the best option, taking into account the features of the item and the washing machine. Let’s consider what detergents are available for washing clothes.
Release form
The first criterion that is obvious when choosing a detergent for washing is the release form. There are two main options on the market:
- dry;
- liquid
And now we will consider in detail all existing varieties:
- Bar soap
One of the oldest detergents. It is an alkaline concentrate. Provides moderate foaming. Quite effectively removes pollution, destroys bacteria. Variants of soap with a whitening effect, as well as with enhanced ability to remove stains, have been developed. You can read in detail about the types of household soap and its composition in this article .
- Detergent
Washing powders belong to synthetic products. At the moment, powder is not a completely correct name, since most of these products are made in the form of granules. They contain surface-active substances of various types, which ensure the removal of impurities.
- Tablets
Pressed granules in the form of tablets contain a dose sufficient for one load of the washing machine. They are loaded either into the powder compartment or directly into the drum, depending on the type of washing machine.
- Plates (sheets)
They are thin briquettes of detergent. They are added to the drum of the washing machine. May also include conditioner or bleach.
- Soap nuts
Natural products of plant origin occupy a special place among laundry detergents. Soap nuts are intended for washing and washing various products. For use, you need a so-called laundry bag, where the nuts are placed.
- Liquid soap and gel
These detergents differ both in composition and consistency. Gels are thick, you need less of them. Capsules, which contain the necessary dose for one wash, have become a common release form. Gels are mainly synthetic products, organic components are the basis of ordinary soap. Read more about liquid soap here .
Product composition
When creating detergents, both organic and synthetic substances are used.
- The content of South Africa
In synthetic detergents, surface-active substances become the main active force. They ensure the decomposition of organic and inorganic compounds that have contaminated the fabric. Their rather high toxicity is known, so products for children and allergy sufferers differ in the absence or reduced amount of surfactants.
- The presence of phosphates
Compounds of phosphorus with oxygen and sodium are created by a substance that softens water and improves the penetration of the detergent component. But it is toxic to humans and also pollutes the environment. Powders that do not contain phosphates are gaining popularity.
- Use of enzymes
To remove impurities of protein origin, the use of organic compounds – enzymes is considered the most effective. These enzymes break down the organic matter in the dirt stains into things, cleaning it. Detergents, the basis of which are enzymes, usually have the prefix bio-, for example, bio-powder.
Type of washing object
All things sent for washing can be divided into several groups, and the type of detergent can be selected accordingly.
- For white underwear
Means of this group may contain bleach . Washing at high temperatures is recommended, unless otherwise indicated. Due to the large number of aggressive substances, it is not recommended for children and people suffering from allergies.
- For colored linen
Contain a smaller amount of surfactants, or are devoid of them. They assume a gentle effect on the fabric in order to preserve its color. Can be used for natural and synthetic fibers.
- For children’s things
Preference is given to organic components, the content of surfactants is reduced or excluded. The use of additional components – air conditioners, bleaching agents – is limited. About washing children’s clothes – here .
- Universal
The possibility of washing various fabrics is declared. The composition, most likely, will include a high content of surfactants.
Type of washing
Currently, there are only two common types of washing – manual and in a machine with an automatic washing mode. When indicating that this product is suitable for automatic washing of things, it contains substances that prevent the formation of foam. Detergents for manual washing are more gentle on the skin of the hands and require a lower washing temperature.
Other detergents
During washing, you can also use auxiliary means, the action of which is aimed at improving the overall result. These include:
- air conditioners;
- rinse aid;
- bleaches and stain removers.
They are used either before the main part of washing, or are introduced together with the detergent. Some washing capsules and plates already contain conditioners and stain removers as a separate component.
Bleach is the most popular product. The basis can be chlorine compounds, active oxygen or substances that create the optical effect of radiant whiteness. Chlorine is a poisonous substance that can cause tissue damage. Now they try to avoid it. Active oxygen allows you to remove pollution much better, while treating the fibers more carefully, it does not have a characteristic smell.
The choice of detergent always depends on personal tastes, financial capabilities and living conditions. However, there is always an opportunity to give preference to those detergents that are more safe for people and the environment. The variety of products presented on the market allows you to choose the most convenient form of release, which is suitable for the selected type of washing.