How many people walk into a grocery store and know exactly what they need? Studies show that most people are unaware of the type of detergent that suits their needs and appliances. A good detergent won’t just efficiently remove dirt and stains, but make your laundry smell pleasant and look brighter and newer. There are various types of detergents suitable for different types of stains, washing machines, and water temperatures. How do choose the best out of them all? The answer is subjective, as even the best detergents may not be suitable for you and your needs. Apart from thorough cleansing, there are many aspects to look at.
Here are some important factors to keep in mind before your next grocery store trip:-
Type of Detergent
Liquid detergents: Liquid detergents are best suited for oily, greasy, food stains as they contain alcohol ethoxylates. These are suitable for machines and areas with cold water settings and are generally a cheaper option than combination detergents and detergent pods. Powder detergents: Powder detergents are the cheapest detergent option and work just as well as the other alternatives. Moreover, they have a longer shelf life. Ariel Detergent Powder is the best option for removing dirt, mud, and soil stains while making the laundry look fresh and bright. Note that powder detergents should be used with hot water so they can dissolve easily. Combination detergents: Combination detergents usually come with all-in-one features like color-safe bleach, fabric softener, and fragrance. Out of all detergent types, they offer the best performance but at a much costlier price.
Type of washer
One thing that you must keep in mind is that the detergent and the washer must be compatible. High Efficiency (HE) washers are specifically created with the intention of using less water with the same efficacy and must be used with specially formulated HE detergents. Using regular detergent in your HE appliance can cause excess suds and ruin your washer’s health. Moreover, using hot water is a necessity for certain detergents, a feature that your regular washer may not have!
Sensitive skin
Certain detergents contain ingredients that may cause abrasions, rashes, or other such issues to people with sensitive skin. If you have any symptoms or existing skin conditions, make sure you check the ingredients list before making any purchase that you make regular contact with. Washing your laundry with harsh products can harm not only your clothes but also your skin due to a condition called contact dermatitis. If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, it’s better to be on the safer side and avoid buying products with excess dyes, fragrances, or sulfates.
Surfactants and enzymes
Although detergent companies use various marketing tactics, ultimately stains are removed via a mechanical action between surfactants and enzymes. Detergent science is simple, with more surfactants and enzymes, you get better and cleaner results. To ensure deeper and finer cleaning, you should choose a detergent with multiple surfactants (nonionic and anionic) and enzymes (protease, amylase, manganese, and pectate lyase). Ariel Washing Powder contains various surfactants, enzymes, builders, and polymers that help break down stubborn stains and food residues. While shopping for household needs, it’s extremely important to consider all your options and make the best-informed choice. Instead of picking any random detergent or any heavily-marketed famous brand, consumers must weigh in all their needs and requirements and proceed accordingly. The difference between good and bad detergents will not just affect your clothes, but also your health and wallet. Next time you go shopping; don’t forget to look at the ingredients list!
