Did you know that a common laundry detergent may contain about 8,000 chemicals? Laundry detergents can trigger many skin and respiratory problems. This is why it is important to know the different types of detergent available for different fabrics and skin types so that you can choose the right one for your family. The wrong type of detergent can damage your clothes and put you at risk of allergies and skin issues.
Laundry detergent types
Laundry detergents are categorized based on their composition. The major types of detergents are liquid, powder, soap, and pods. Leading brands also make multiple variations, like organic, natural, and hypoallergenic, available in each category. For example, a detergent company may make hypoallergenic liquid, soap, tablets, and pods. When you buy a detergent, buy one based on the health history of your family, the frequency of washing, the type of fabric, the types of stains you may frequently encounter, and the type of washer you have.
The seven most common laundry detergent types are as follows:
- Powder
Detergent powder is the most affordable and widely used type of laundry detergent. It works well in all washers and washes clothes well. They may contain toxic chemicals and not be ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Non-toxic and hypoallergenic powders are also available on the market. - Soaps
Laundry soaps are best for removing tough stains. You can use the soap on the clothes directly, rub it with a hand or a brush to dislodge the stain, and add it to your washer for a regular wash to remove the stain altogether. - Liquids
Liquid detergents are less messy, easier to use and maintain, and do not form a residue on the clothes. Many variations are available to wash greasy and tough stains and delicate and strong fabrics. - Pods
You may sometimes add more or less liquid or powder for a load of clothes, but pods are pre-measured and water-soluble pouches available in small, portable, and convenient pods. Each pod is concentrated, and the wash quality can match that of a liquid or powder. They are more expensive, and you may need more than one pod if your wash load is large. The pods look like candy and could be hazardous for kids and pets. - Tablets
Laundry tablets are made by compressing detergent powder. They are easy to carry and ideal when you are traveling or if you use a laundromat. - Laundry sheets
Laundry sheets are pre-measured and concentrated detergent sheets without any coverage or packaging. All the ingredients are bound together on a biodegradable sheet of paper. Since it is a recent innovation, most eco-friendly laundry sheets use natural ingredients and are biodegradable. - Laundry balls
Laundry dryer balls are a recent, reusable innovation that supports multiple wash cycles. Laundry balls are made of plastic or rubber in multiple shapes and contain several small balls that contain detergent and other ingredients to remove bacteria, chlorine, or foul odors. The balls move around with our clothes, and the detergent is released to wash them. Laundry balls are available for dryers, preventing clothes from clumping and having a foul odor.
Multiple detergent types for home use
Each of the above categories may be available in chemical, natural, fully organic, and hypoallergenic variations to meet the requirements and preferences of users. Some detergent makers make detergents for top- or front-load washers and specific water types like fresh, cold, warm, and hard water. Other popular detergents include detergents for whites, detergents for delicate clothes, grease and food stains, and odor-removing detergents for babies and seniors. Before choosing a laundry detergent, please go through the list of ingredients, the instructions on the package, and the instructions for usage. Buy a detergent considering the size of your load, the type of washer, and the water quality available for laundry.
Laundry detergent deals
If you do four loads per week, the average cost of laundry per year is around $300. You can look for deals and coupons in your locality or online and save money if you buy detergent in bulk. BOGO offers discounts on bulk buying and a discount on packets of laundry pods.
Some sites that offer good laundry detergent deals are Consumer Queen, The Krazy Coupon Lady, Passionate Penny Pincher, Hip2Save, and Caldrea.
Best options for laundry detergents
It may be impossible for one laundry detergent to satisfy all your laundry requirements. You may require different detergents for different types of fabric. Some detergents work well with colors, while others are best suited for whites. The detergent that works well on denim may not suit wool or silk. When infants and family members have skin sensitivities or allergies, you should look for bleach, phosphates, preservatives, and surfactant-free detergents. You may need detergents to remove tough stains if you have artists, athletes, chefs, or mechanics. If you have infants or elderly members who require diapers, you may need odor-control detergents. Some detergents are explicitly designed for front-load or top-load washers; you need to buy detergents accordingly. Some of the best options for laundry detergents on the market include Grandmama’s All Natural Laundry Bar, Welspring Soap, Tide Liquid, Arm & Hammer Liquid, E-Cover Zero, Biokleen, Gain, Mrs. Meyers, AspenClean, Earth Breeze, and Tru Earth.