Finding the right detergent for your washer is an important part of the laundry process. But, when you’re faced with a big range of detergents for different types of washing machines, as well as a choice between powder and liquid detergent, things can get a little confusing. If you’re interested in finding the right detergent, and you’re considering using a liquid detergent, then read on to learn more about choosing the best one for your needs.
What types of detergents are there?
There are many laundry detergents out there, and Ariel offers detergents in liquid and powder form, designed to suit both your washing needs and the machine you’re using. For example, washing detergents made for fully-automatic washing machines, like Ariel Matic, adjust to the conditions of your washing machine settings, such as higher temperatures, longer cycles, and varying levels of agitation. You can also get washing detergents for semi-automatic washing machines, too.
Why the right detergent matters?
While all forms of laundry detergent will clean your clothes, you may find that using the wrong type of detergent for your machine, or for when you’re hand washing, or for the specific garment type, may leave you with results you’re not happy with. For example, powder detergents usually come with built-in bleach, which can fade colours, while a liquid detergent will be kinder on colours and more effective on greasy stains. Here’s an idea of the different detergent types and their pros and cons:
"a liquid detergent will be kinder on colours and more effective on greasy stains."
Hand washing detergent.
This is ideal when you need to wash your clothes by hand. You’ll find that the detergent produces enough suds to really get those garments clean, but it’s not advisable to use it in the washing machine as garments may be left with undissolved detergent residue and they may feel dingy.
Powder detergent for semi-automatic washing machines.
Semi-automatic washing machines take the work out of hand washing, but the clothes are still handled manually. You need a washing detergent like Ariel washing powder to see outstanding stain removal in 1 wash.
Powder detergent for fully-automatic washing machines.
A fully-automatic washing machine will agitate the laundry more and will also use less water. This is why you want a washing detergent optimised for fully-automatic washing machines, that won’t produce too many suds. Powder detergent is good for mud stains and ground-in dirt, as well as white loads.
Liquid laundry detergent for fully-automatic washing machines.
If you have a fully-automatic washing machine, you may wonder if you should switch to a washing liquid. Liquid laundry detergent is ideal for fully-automatic washing machines, and works well on coloured loads because it is gentler. The liquid detergent formula works to remove tough stains in 1 wash inside the machine, particularly grease stains.
Why should I choose liquid detergent?
Liquid laundry detergent can give you great laundry results. It provides both tough stain removal in 1 wash, while still being gentle on bright colours. While, with powder, you may need to compromise between stain removal and keeping colours bright, with liquid you no longer have to. You can also use liquid detergent to pre-treat clothes before washing, to make sure you get those stains out effectively. Another benefit to liquids is it dissolves better than powders at lower temperatures. You can read more about liquid laundry detergent in our article.
Do I need to use powder at the same time as liquid detergent?
No. Liquid detergent is a detergent as well, so there is no need to use powder detergent at the same time.
When it comes to doing the laundry, it’s important to find the right detergent for your laundry needs and the type of washing machine you have. See our guide on choosing a suitable washing detergent to help you find the right detergent for you.
*Number of washes vs. Ariel Matic powder at the recommended dosage for front-loading automatic washing machines.
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