How to choose washing powder

The modern market is oversaturated with detergents and cleaning products, among which it is difficult to choose a high-quality and safe powder. It is important that it effectively removes dirt and stains without spoiling things or causing an allergic reaction, which is especially common among young children. Let's look at how to choose washing powder for a machine or for hand washing.

Rules for choosing and using powder

Select products based on the type of laundry and type of soiling. For moderate stains, use standard washing powders; to remove difficult stains and whiten, use products containing special ingredients.

In addition, you can find universal products. However, it is better to purchase different products for different types of fabric and types of washing, then you will achieve the desired result and preserve things for a long time.

Before using any product, be sure to look at the label on the clothing or other items you are going to wash. Perhaps the item cannot be washed by hand or machine, or only needs to be used on a specific washing cycle.

In addition, some fabrics cannot be washed with products containing bleach or chlorine. You will find the explanation of the symbols on the label in the article on caring for bed linen.

Regardless of the type of powder, pour as much product as indicated on the package. An increased dosage will lead to excess foam in the machine. When washing in cold or cool water, add less powder, as it dissolves less easily at low temperatures. Before buying a product, be sure to study the composition.

Eco-friendly PURE WATER – safe concentrated product

If you are concerned about which washing powder is the best and most harmless, you can choose a product that is not environmentally hazardous. The concentrate with natural ingredients does not contain artificial bleaching agents, dyes, fragrances, harmful parabens, SLS, EDTA and NTA, phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum products. Can be used for machine and hand washing. Does not dry out, does not irritate the skin, does not smell. Economical: a kilogram is equivalent to six kilos of regular product.

PURE WATER is effective against stubborn dirt. Eliminates stains without destroying the fiber structure. Clothes remain presentable even after many washes. Decomposes within a day without harming the environment. The packaging is made from recycled materials.

We recommend it to those who are concerned not only about the quality of washing, but also about the impact of the products used on the environment.

Reviews

Users note that the product is harmless to health and the environment. At the same time, it copes with “medium gravity” pollution.

Pros:

environmental friendliness;
health safety;
biodegradability;
without smell.

Minuses:

Doesn't foam very well.

Powder composition

Almost every washing powder contains surfactants or surfactants and phosphates, which wash away dirt from things and reduce water hardness. Please note that ecological (biopowders) and children's products contain a minimal amount of surfactants and phosphates or do not include these substances at all.

The powders also contain various additives, flavors and dyes, fragrances and other additional components, including:

Enzymes eliminate biological contaminants, including stains from sauce, grass, blood, etc. Products containing these substances are not suitable for washing children's clothes and for use in hot water, since at high temperatures they disintegrate and cease to work;
Polymers protect the fabric from dirt settling on the surface;
Fragrances eliminate unpleasant odors and give things a fresh, light aroma;
Lanolin and other softeners are used to wash delicate fabrics to maintain the shape of the items. This composition is used for lace, knitwear and mixed fabrics;
Defoamers are added to machine washable laundry detergents;
Chlorides and fluorides are added for disinfection. This is a very aggressive composition, when using which you must wear rubber gloves.

Not only efficiency and respect for the fabric are of great importance, but also the safety of the powder. The composition should not release toxic elements or cause irritation or an allergic reaction. The product must have a safety certificate and contain a corresponding sign on the packaging.

Be careful, this sign may also appear on a counterfeit product. But unlike the fake, real good washing powder is packaged in cardboard boxes, while the first option is placed in plastic bags. This packaging method is cheaper.

Harmful components

Due to the fact that almost every detergent consists of unnatural chemicals, any of them is more or less unsafe for health.
Loose powders are difficult to rinse out of laundry, and liquid ones contain preservatives. Therefore, upon contact with skin, rashes and other manifestations of allergies may occur. To find out which powders are the safest, you need to study the list of harmful components in their composition.

Surfactants

Surfactants are components that bind fat molecules with water molecules, removing dirt from laundry.
They are found in all detergents, but differ in the degree of harmfulness. Anionic surfactants are considered the most dangerous. In many European countries they are prohibited for use. Their dosage, at best, should not be more than 2% (the maximum permissible limit is 7%). In the composition of washing powders, instead of “anionic surfactants”, the name “A-tensides” is sometimes used. In conventional laundry detergents, surfactants are added in a ratio of 25-30%, which is extremely dangerous to health.

Tensides disrupt the integrity of cell membranes and lead to many diseases: they disrupt metabolic processes in the body, affect the activity of enzymes and the quality of oxidative processes, cause brain damage, negatively affect the functioning of internal organs, destroy the immune system and cause cancer.

The content of surfactants in the composition is clearly defined. It should not exceed:

3% nonionic surfactants;
2% anionic surfactants;
2% cationic surfactants;
1% salts of toxic acids;
0.01% fragrances and fragrances.

Phosphate compounds

Phosphates are added to washing powders to soften water, since soft water removes dirt better. However, they are extremely harmful:

Cause allergic reactions.
Increases the toxicity of anionic surfactants in powder.
They take a long time to dissolve and are difficult to rinse out. To remove phosphates from fabrics without leaving any residue, you need to rinse the laundry in the washing machine 10-12 times. In this regard, chemicals accumulate on underwear, and upon contact with the body, cause thinning of the skin's fat film. This leads to dry skin and penetration of surfactants under the skin, which can disrupt the properties of the blood.
They have a negative impact on the environment. When phosphates enter water bodies, they cause increased growth of blue-green algae, the metabolic products of which are harmful to human health. Drinking such water can lead to miscarriage, congenital defects, tumors, and decreased immunity.

Phosphonates and zeolites

As an alternative to powders with phosphates, manufacturers began to produce phosphate-free products. They were replaced with no less harmful phosphonates. The basis of these substances are phosphorus salts, which also harm the environment and remain in the sediment of water after its purification.

Zeolites serve as a replacement for phosphates and phosphonates. They are definitely safer than the first ones, but have several negative qualities. Zeolites do not dissolve in water at all, but settle on fabrics, which leads to the appearance of white spots on clothes. The laundry becomes hard and unpleasant to the touch. The most harmless substances for water softening are carbonates and silicates.

Bleach and chlorine

Optical brighteners in powders do not actually whiten fabrics, but only create an appearance.
They contain particles of luminescent paint, which accumulate on linen and imitate the effect of whiteness. Constant contact with fabrics washed with optical brightener causes skin diseases and allergies. Chlorine is an equally dangerous additive to washing powders. It leads to the destruction of proteins, which causes hair and skin damage and malignant neoplasms. In addition, chlorine causes atherosclerosis, heart and vascular diseases, and anemia.

It is important to note that the fewer harmful chemical compounds contained in the powder, the worse it removes complex stains.

Types of powders

White clothing products contain optical, chemical or oxygen brighteners. The latter option is used for delicate fabrics. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin and prone to allergic reactions. Such powders contain the mark “Active oxygen” on the packaging;
Products for wool and silk materials should have a delicate, gentle composition and have a gentle effect. Silk and wool are easily deformed and damaged, so care for woolen clothes and silk products must be careful. A suitable option in this case would be liquid washing gels;
Products for colored clothing contain a large number of enzymes, surfactants and polymers. This composition effectively removes stains, while maintaining and protecting the color of clothing for a long time;
Powders and liquid gels for washing dark clothes do not leave soapy streaks on dark and black clothes, like other products;
Aggressive powders and chlorinated bleaches are used for washing heavily soiled work clothes. By the way, repeated rinsing will reduce the harmful effects of such products. After the procedure, leave the clothes to sit for several days and only then put them on.

Sorti 47-65 rub.

This powder also showed good results during the study. Roskontrol employees noted the good cleaning ability of the product, while its toxicity is moderate.

According to verified indicators, Sorti fully meets the requirements of GOST, and according to the pH indicator, it meets safety requirements. All information on the packaging is true.

In terms of effectiveness and consumer tests, for which scores were also given, Sorti received high scores. Real consumers have left only positive comments about this laundry detergent. The powder is great for colored items, as they do not lose color after washing, have a pleasant aroma, remove fresh stains perfectly, and are inexpensive.

How to choose powder for machine and hand washing

It is not recommended to use the same powders for both types of washing. Many people are interested in how these funds differ. The hand wash product foams strongly when interacting with water, which helps remove dirt and stains. But the foam will damage the washing drum, so this product cannot be used for machine washing, as the foam will damage the washing drum.

For washing in a washing machine, choose the right automatic powder, preferably with special additives to prevent scale and deposits in order to extend the life of the device. By the way, special water filters will protect you from scale and plaque. Read how to purify tap water here.

Automatic powder is not suitable for hand washing, as it contains substances that suppress the formation of foam. And without the required volume of foam, things simply cannot be washed.

Tide 3 in 1 Pods Color capsules for colored items

Another capsule product on our list. It is most effective when washing colored laundry, but can also be used for white items. The capsule consists of three compartments, each of which is loaded with a special product: for eliminating stains, washing, and improving color. The components are very active, so they are suitable only for adult clothing.

Tide 3 in 1 Pods Color capsules are easy to dose and store. They are economical: one piece is enough for 5 kg of things. They dissolve quickly - almost immediately after immersion in the automatic machine. They rinse well and leave no streaks.

It is better to wash only adult clothes with capsules; they contain too active ingredients for children.

Reviews

According to users, it removes fresh stains perfectly without rubbing, but it does not cope well with old ones. You should buy capsules for an automatic machine; you cannot wash them manually.

Pros:

no divorces;
efficiency;
removing difficult stains;
maintaining brightness.

Minuses:

only for automatic machines;
not suitable for children's clothing.

Ten best washing powders

Bimax 100 stains is a universal product that is suitable for most types of material, except silk and wool. Removes heavy stains, including stains from food, coffee and other drinks. It features economical and convenient packaging, but is difficult to dissolve and dilute in cold water;
Ariel “Mountain Spring” and “Color” give results even in ice water, eliminating stains and unpleasant odors. But they can provoke an allergic reaction and are not suitable for delicate fabrics;
Frosch Color is a hypoallergenic concentrated product with a mild composition without a strong odor. Contains aloe vera, is used sparingly and eliminates contaminants in cold water without damaging things. But it does not cope with old stains and has a high price;
Sarma Active is suitable for most types of fabric, white and colored clothing. It is characterized by low cost and economical consumption. It effectively removes difficult stains and kills bacteria, without containing harmful chlorine. However, it does not give results in cold water, is difficult to rinse and has an aggressive composition;
Tide “White Clouds” is great for washing white clothes and removes stubborn stains from cosmetics, food and drinks, including stains from chocolate and red wine. It is economically consumed, but has a strong specific odor;
Ecover is an ultra-concentrated modern powder without phosphates, dyes, fragrances and optical brighteners. The environmentally friendly product does not cause irritation or other negative consequences, and easily washes things even in ice water. Suitable for allergy sufferers and children, not harmful to the environment, as it is completely destroyed;
Losk 9 Total system is a universal product suitable for almost every type of fabric, except wool and silk. Gives a good washing result, but has a strong odor and can cause allergies;
Nordland ECO is another environmentally friendly product without phosphates, dyes, flavors and other harmful elements. Effectively removes contaminants, is completely washed out and odorless, decomposes by 90%. It is used for both hand and machine washing and is highly expensive;
Persil Expert Color is an effective stain remover for colored fabrics with softening ingredients. Dissolves in water in a few seconds, acts already at the first stage of washing and protects the color;
Top House Super Effect is a universal concentrated product for washing white and colored items. Works well on stains. It is distinguished by economical consumption and high price.

Top highest quality powders, according to Roskachestvo

You can determine the quality of a detergent by testing it in practice, but determining how safe it is is not entirely easy to determine at home. Roskoshestvo conducted a study of washing powders for quality and safety, and based on the results, they compiled a rating of the best products.

Burti Color

The powder of this brand should be used for washing colored items. The German manufacturer took care of the quality and safety of the product. According to research, the powder very well removes protein stains (blood), as well as pigment-oil stains (grease).

After prolonged use of the product, things do not lose their original appearance. The fabric remains just as durable and does not pill.

Stork color

This synthetic product is recognized by Roskachestvo experts as a high-quality product, and the safety rating is five stars out of five.

The consumer properties of the product were also highly appreciated. The powder helps soften water, does not foam when washing and rinses well.

Reflect color

Roskachestvo highly praised the safety of the product and its consumer properties. The powder does not cause irritation when it comes into contact with the skin or in contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, and does not harm the washing machine, since the composition contains water softeners, which means that the machine parts will not suffer from scale or corrosion.

The disadvantages of the detergent were also noted - the formation of a large amount of foam, but at the same time it is easy to rinse.

Ecover Zero

This product is suitable for washing colored items only. It is completely safe for health. The powder copes well with various types of contaminants, including protein, although this is not indicated in the labeling.

The only drawback that experts noted is that with daily use of this powder, the fabric becomes hard.

Frost Color

Phosphates and the mass fraction of sodium silicates in the composition fully comply with the norm, which means that it can be used by people with asthmatic diseases or allergies. The product softens water well and can be easily rinsed out of fabrics, and also prevents the appearance of pilling.

Sarma Active

The powder from a Russian manufacturer is suitable for all types of washing and copes with many stains. After using the product, the fabric does not turn yellow and remains durable. The product does not have a negative effect on the body, therefore it is absolutely safe.

After washing, some mineral substances may remain on things, which do not meet the standards of Roskoshestvo.

Biomio

Washing powder for colored laundry is produced in Denmark. Safety and consumer properties not related to cleaning ability were rated by experts as five out of five. Cleaning ability scored four out of five possible points.

The product meets all Roskachestvo standards and is absolutely safe for the body. The powder removes grease stains well and copes with protein stains. The detergency rating of four is due to the fact that after prolonged use of washing powder, laundry may turn yellow and become rougher.

Effect of phosphate-free powder

Washing powder without phosphates is distinguished by the fact that it is environmentally friendly and safe for humans. It does not cause an allergic reaction, skin irritation and does not reduce immunity. In addition, this powder can be washed in any water, since temperature does not affect the action of the product. It is suitable for washing delicate fabrics in cool or cold water and for everyday washing.

When using a phosphate-free product, you do not need to actively rub things; just soak the clothes for 6-8 hours and then rinse them in clean water. This powder is completely dissolved and does not contain lime, so the composition is easily washed off and does not remain on clothes.

Items do not need to be rinsed many times. In addition, this product has an unlimited shelf life due to the content of specific components.

Today, many housewives choose phosphate-free powder due to its effectiveness and safety. In addition, it is also harmless to the environment, since the components break down into organic substances. The only disadvantage of this product is its high cost.

The best gel for washing clothes Synergetic universal gel

based on natural ingredients;
biodegradable;
for any fabrics.

When choosing which liquid laundry detergent is best, we settled on a highly concentrated professional product for all fabrics. Provides gentle, effective cleaning of clothes while maintaining brightness. Created on the basis of plant components, natural essential oils.

There are no phosphates or allergy-causing substances in the composition. Saves from stains, greasy stains, traces of sweat. Special additives prevent re-deposition of contaminants on the fibers. The best gel for washing clothes: rinses well and does not settle on the fabric.

The product can be used in all machines and for hand washing at a temperature of 20–60 degrees. Allowed for washing black clothes, children's clothing, delicate fabrics, denim.

We recommend it to those who are concerned about the impact of household chemicals on health and the environment.

Reviews

The drug is praised for being hypoallergenic, based on herbal ingredients, and biodegradable. Synergetic universal gel washes and rinses well.

Pros:

pleasant floral aroma;
hypoallergenic;
versatility;
fight stains.

Minuses:

no measuring cup.

How to choose baby washing powder

Pay special attention to choosing washing powder for a newborn or baby. At an early age, detergents most often cause rashes and redness on the body, as well as other allergic reactions. How an allergy to washing powder manifests itself, see the link.

Choose products specifically marked “powder for newborns” or “baby powder.” These are hypoallergenic soft gentle compositions. By the way, the age of the child for whom the product should be used is often indicated on the packaging. Also pay attention to this.

Before choosing baby laundry detergent and purchasing a product, carefully study the expiration date and composition. Children's products should include up to 10% phosphates and up to 4-5% surfactants. However, formulations without these elements are considered the safest. Such powders are made from natural plant and soap bases.

Children's detergents and cosmetics must have quality certificates, which you can request in the store. Let's determine which baby powder is better.

Choosing a detergent

The range of different washing powders on store shelves is so large that at first glance it is difficult to navigate and choose a quality product.
Many housewives rely on the opinions of friends or advertising. However, before making a choice of washing powder, it is worth understanding in detail the features of each of them. Among the varieties on the market, the most common are:

powders according to the color of the laundry (for white, dark and colored);
powders for baby clothes (featuring a less aggressive chemical composition);
powders according to the type of washing (for automatic washing machines and for hand washing);
liquid washing gels (easily dissolve in water of any temperature and are easily removed from fabrics when rinsed);
powders or gel concentrates (more economical to use);
washing gels in capsules (place directly into the drum of the machine at the rate of 1 capsule per 1 wash).

There are also universal products that combine several types at once. It is believed that they wash clothes much better. When choosing a powder directly, you should rely on several factors:

price of the product;
type of linen;
quality of contaminant removal;
hypoallergenic;
compound.

It is important to note that detergents that remove the most difficult stains usually have hazardous ingredients and contain many substances that are harmful to health. In addition, the most expensive powders are not always the safest.

Knowing what a good laundry detergent should be, you can easily choose it simply by reading the composition.

Ten best washing powders for children

Eared nanny is an affordable and inexpensive Russian-made powder that is suitable for washing clothes for newborns and older children. It removes stubborn stains even in cold water, washes well and retains the presentable appearance of items after repeated washing. This is a fairly popular remedy in Russia, but many mothers note the appearance of an allergic reaction in their babies;
Stork is a hypoallergenic Russian product that is suitable for newborns and small children. Contains aloe vera, has a mild soothing effect. Removes difficult stains already at 35 degrees and rinses well, which reduces the risk of allergies;
World of Childhood is a natural hypoallergenic product that is perfect for newborn babies. It removes complex stains and disinfects things, has an antibacterial effect, does not dry or irritate the skin when washed by hand, and does not cause allergies. However, the powder is difficult to rinse out and has a high price;
The children's myth is a synthetic composition based on natural soap containing optical brightener and fragrance. Harmful substances can trigger allergies, so the product is recommended for children over 1-2 years old and without a tendency to allergies. It washes white laundry well and protects the washing machine from plaque and scale;
Tide for children is similar in action to Myth and is not safe for newborns, but has a softer and calming effect due to the content of aloe vera and chamomile extract. Effectively removes stains and protects the washing machine from scale and deposits;
Snubs are another Russian-made powder that is fragrance-free and does not create powder dust, which reduces the risk of an allergic reaction. It protects the color and maintains the aesthetic appearance of clothes, but does not foam well and sometimes does not remove difficult stains;
Our Mom is a concentrated product that includes string, chamomile extract and other natural ingredients. Used for newborn babies and older children, does not cause allergies, disinfects products and kills bacteria, does not dry out the skin when hand washed;
Babyline is an oxygen stain remover from Germany based on natural soap, acts at low temperatures and contains elements that prevent the formation of scale;
Garden kids has received a lot of positive feedback from parents. This is an environmentally friendly concentrated powder without fragrance, which contains silver ions. It is used for children from the first days of life and does not cause a negative reaction; it effectively removes complex stains. However, it is quite difficult to find and buy Garden kids even in an online store;
Amway is an American expensive concentrated powder that easily removes the most difficult and stubborn stains, quickly dissolves, leaves no sediment or traces, kills bacteria and disinfects things. Does not provoke an allergic reaction and is suitable for babies over one year old.

Some mothers use laundry soap to wash children's clothes. But experts do not recommend using this product in this case, since due to the alkali content it can cause irritation on the skin. Choose special baby powders with a safe composition or dilute a mild soap solution using neutral liquid soap.

Effective gel Laska 3D White restoration effect

For white items that get dirty quickly, it is better to choose this liquid product. It can be used to wash any light-colored fabrics, except wool and silk, by hand or in the machine. The refreshing effect is achieved due to the optical brighteners included in the composition.

The product has a pleasant aroma that lingers on washed clothes. Thanks to its balanced formula, it neutralizes unpleasant odors and removes difficult stains. Prevents the appearance of a gray tint on white fabrics, smoothes out rough fibers for optimal light reflection.

We recommend it to those who need to wash white items frequently.

Reviews

Buyers note that the linen restores color and becomes whiter after the first wash. The clothes remain soft and the fiber structure does not deteriorate. But it contains phosphonates; the product is not suitable for people with hypersensitivity.

Pros:

whitening and smoothing effect;
light aroma;
removing difficult stains.

Minuses:

contains phosphonates, which turn into phosphates during washing;
not suitable for wool and silk.

Is it possible to use compounds marked “automatic”?

If you don’t have hand washing detergent on hand, you can use a product marked “Automatic”. But you may encounter some difficulties:

Low foam formation. This may make you want to add more product to the basin. This should not be done. The manufacturer clearly prescribes all dosages on the packaging, and they should not be exceeded.
Machine powders are designed for intensive washing in a drum, and therefore the composition may not dissolve quickly enough when diluted in a basin. Therefore, the quality of dilution of the mixture in water must be especially carefully controlled.
Problem with rinsing. Even despite the absence of foam, things must be rinsed thoroughly after washing, since powder particles still remain on it.

Using powder for automatic processing when washing by hand is acceptable, but not advisable, as it leads to additional difficulties.