The numerous products by different detergent companies and liquid detergent manufacturers available in supermarkets as well as online—which makes the lives of those who buy laundry detergent online easier—can make it a bit daunting to choose the best detergent for your laundry needs.
It can take quite a bit of research to know just what ingredients your detergents are made of. Is it safe? Is it biodegradable? Is it harmful to your health? Also, the endless array of products can make you go “Will this actually work?” There are some things to you need to consider before buying the best detergent for your household. Read on to know more.
Type Of Detergent
First things first—what kind of detergent do you need? Also, do you wash your laundry by hand or machine? If you own a washing machine, then what kind is best liquid detergent for washing machine? Is it a front load or a top load? It is recommended to get machine-specific detergents for optimal performance. The detergent that will work for the top load may not work for a front load and vice versa.
Following are the type of detergents most commonly found:
Liquid detergent – Most liquid detergents are concentrated. Use the measuring cup that comes with it to avoid excessive usage which may adversely affect your machine as well as clothes. Liquid detergent is further categorized into HE (High Efficiency) detergent, cold water detergent, and eco-friendly detergent.
High-efficiency detergents are these which doesn’t lather much and is recommended for use in the front load washing machine. However, these can be used in any type of washer. Always use High- efficiency liquid detergent for top load washing machine.
Cold water detergents, as the name suggests, are designed for optimal performance in cold temperature water.
Eco-friendly detergents are those which contain the least amount of harmful chemicals and are almost always manufactured with naturally derived ingredients rather than chemical ones.
Powder detergent – These come in a powder form with designated measuring cups. Generally, these are recommended for use in top load washers, although the variants that are available nowadays can be used in most kind of washers. This is the preferred kind of detergent for hand washing clothes, as it dissolves quickly producing suds.
Single-use pods – These are detergent powder in a compressed form. Single-use laundry pods are highly convenient to use; just toss one in the washer and you are done.
Check your washer’s instruction manual as well as the label of your clothes to determine which product will work for you.
Understanding Labels
Choosing a detergent is easy, but labels can be confusing and often misleading. Here’s what you need to know.
Bleach Alternatives: If you need a detergent with bleaching properties, then go for one which is labeled oxi, or oxy, as they are color-safe bleach alternatives.
Delicate-use detergents: Some manufacturing companies specifically formulated liquid detergent for clothes to use with delicate fabrics. However, when it comes to clothing, how do you define delicate? Laces and underwear? Or silks and velvets? There is no set definition of what’s delicate in your wardrobe. Instead of buying a detergent meant only for fragile clothes, choose one which is effective in a machine’s delicate or gentle cycle.
Free and clear: If a product is labeled as free and clear (or some variation of it) it typically refers to a detergent which is devoid of any irritants such as fragrance or dyes.
Natural, green and eco-friendly: Any variations consisting of these words mean that these kinds of detergents are (mostly) gentle on the environment and devoid of harsh chemicals.
Understanding the Ingredients Used
As a rule of thumb, try to avoid products containing ingredients such as:
- Synthetic Sulfates and phthalates
- Artificial fragrance and dyes
- Petrochemical solvents and formaldehyde
- Ethoxylates
- Parabens
- Phosphates
- Triclosan
These chemicals are associated with disruptive changes in the hormone system and sometimes related to mental health disorders. These chemicals affect fertility, leading to stillbirths and miscarriages. Some of the most dangerous chemicals are ingredients derived from ethoxylates. These chemical compounds have even been linked to cancer.
Be wary of what you buy.
Brands
Many people choose to stick with the same detergent brand for years. But there are some excellent alternatives on the market including a few promising newcomers, who, although don’t have a physical space and hence sell their products online. Their costs are also cheaper than conventional brands. You can try and buy detergent online to see which product by a new detergent company suits your needs. Give it a go and see which product fits you the best.
Give It a Trial
It is always recommended to get cleaning products in bulk, as they cost less overall. But if you are opting for a new brand, then it is recommended that you give it a trial first. Use it on a small surface of cloth to see if you are allergic to any component, or just to test whether you are satisfied with the product. So, rather than buying a product that lasts months and then regretting your decision, it is better to buy a smaller pack to check how the product works for you. You can buy more if you like the product.
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