Does liquid detergent clean better?

Author: Tom Jerde  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Powerful cleaning agents that can be included in powdered detergent formulas, but not liquid forms, work to help remove mud, grass or clay stains. Liquid detergent is best used for grease or oil stains on your day to day items, because of its ability to help release and break down stains in fabrics.

Which cleans better, powder or liquid detergent?

Both work pretty similarly for regular, lightly soiled clothes (everyday laundry). Powder tends to work better for dirt/mud stains, and liquid is better for grease/oil stains. For more heavily soiled clothes from working out, liquid is better, esp in HE machines.

Is it better to use liquid detergent or pods?

If I'm doing an easy load that doesn't require any extra care, I'll toss in pods. For items that come home dirtier than usual, it's time for a tougher bio detergent probably in pod form. For anything that requires a gentle or handwash cycle, then a liquid detergent customized for silk or wool is a must.

What type of detergent cleans the best?

As far as which cleans best, Tide and Persil consistently come out on top when tested vs other brands.

Why did people stop using powder laundry detergent?

Powders are being discontinued as High Efficiency washers replace the old ones. Less water means the powder doesn't always dissolve very well.

Don't Waste Your Money: Best laundry detergents

Is liquid laundry detergent bad for your washing machine?

Using too much can harm your washer – When used correctly, liquid laundry detergent is safe for your washing machine. However, when you get in the habit of using too high of a dose in your laundry loads it can negatively affect your washer, causing buildup that can harbor mold and clog pipes.

Why is Tide discontinuing powder detergent?

"It's never an easy choice to discontinue a product, but the demand just wasn't there for Free & Gentle in a powder," Tide responded. The company suggested: "You may want to try the Eco-Box version in the box that offers a lighter, smaller, and more eco-friendly option of the liquid detergent for you."

What laundry detergent do wealthy people use?

Inside this Article:
  • Choose The Best Detergent for Your Luxury Washables and Fine Fabrics.
  • Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent, Fragrance-Free.
  • LeBlanc Linen Wash, Original.
  • Puracy Laundry Detergent.
  • Tyler Glamorous Wash Diva.
  • Woolite Damage Defense.
  • L'AVANT Collective High Performance Laundry Detergent, Unscented.

Is liquid or solid detergent better?

Most appliance experts say that liquid detergents are generally better for washing machines vs. powder detergent. If powder detergent doesn't dissolve completely with each load, it can clump up and cause blocks in hoses and drains that can affect your appliance's performance.

Why is Tide simply so cheap?

Tide Simply is a value version of Tide that includes less cleaning ingredients to help lower the cost while still providing a very solid clean.

What are the disadvantages of laundry pods?

With pods, if you have an extra-large load of laundry, you might need to use two — and that can get expensive if you do a lot of large loads. On the flip side, if you have a small load of delicates, you're limited to the amount of detergent already in the pod, which is likely too much.

What is the best smelling laundry detergent?

Our top picks for the best-smelling laundry detergents of 2025
  • Best Overall. The Laundress Signature Detergent Classic. Read more.
  • Coolest Laundry Care Brand. Dedcool Dedtergent Xtra Milk. Read more.
  • Best Woody Scent. Snif Rain Check Everything Wash. Read more.

What are the advantages of liquid detergent?

Liquid Detergent is Better at Breaking Down Grease and Oil

Once you successfully pre-treat the stain according to the fabric, wash it in liquid laundry detergent. A liquid formula can emulsify grease and oil more effectively than, say, a powder, so you give your garment the best chance of having a second life.

What is the healthiest laundry detergent?

The best non-toxic laundry detergent is one that delivers cleanliness to your clothes while ensuring safety and sustainability.
  • NaturOli* (Our Top Pick)
  • Truly Free*
  • Ecos Free & Clear*
  • Meliora Unscented Powder Detergent*
  • Molly's Suds*
  • Aspen*
  • ATTITUDE*
  • Clean Cult*

How to make laundry smell good?

How Can You Make Your Laundry Smell Good?
  1. Deodorize With Baking Soda.
  2. Clean Your Washing Machine.
  3. Do Smaller Loads of Laundry.
  4. Use Scent Boosters.
  5. Choose the Right Detergent.
  6. Pre-Treat Any Stains.
  7. Don't Let Wet Clothes Sit.
  8. Try Scented Dryer Balls.

Is Arm and Hammer good laundry detergent?

Customers say that Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Fresh Scent laundry detergent effectively tackles tough stains while leaving clothes smelling fresh and clean. Many appreciate its pleasant scent, stain-fighting capabilities, and affordability, making it a popular choice for families.

What are the disadvantages of liquid detergent?

Plastic Packaging: Liquid detergents typically come in plastic bottles, which can create more plastic waste compared to cardboard boxes. Less Effective on Certain Stains: Liquids might not be as effective as powders when tackling heavy-duty stains like mud.

Why not use liquid detergent?

Cons. Liquids require water to be created, so you are basically purchasing a product that your washing machine can make for you when you use a powder. Liquid detergent also comes in plastic bottles, which are difficult to recycle, and can be very messy to pour which can encourage waste.

Which cleans better liquid or powder detergent?

Powerful cleaning agents that can be included in powdered detergent formulas, but not liquid forms, work to help remove mud, grass or clay stains. Liquid detergent is best used for grease or oil stains on your day to day items, because of its ability to help release and break down stains in fabrics.

What is America's #1 detergent?

America's favorite detergent, Tide, has every laundry detergent you need - whether it's HE detergent or Tide PODS® with Febreze. Learn More. Our heritage - celebrating the last 75 years.

Why doesn't my laundry smell clean?

If you are noticing bad odors in your laundry, it's likely because you are not using the right amount of detergent. If you use too little detergent, your clothes won't get clean and they'll start to smell musty. And using too much can cause them to smell overpowering.

What did the Romans use for laundry detergent?

Women used the clay below the hill on the banks of the Tiber for washing because of its remarkable cleaning properties. Animal fat had apparently reacted with the hot wood ashes to form soap, which was washed down to the river bank and was absorbed by the clay.

What is the best laundry detergent?

The Best Laundry Detergent
  • Top pick. Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Top pick. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Runner-up. Persil Original Liquid Detergent Everyday Clean. ...
  • Best for... Tide Pods Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Best for... Dirty Labs Free & Clear Bio Laundry Detergent.

Why is Walmart locking up Tide detergent?

They have loss prevention and tons of cameras. People are pouring laundry detergent into another bottle to make their bottle full and leaving the rest. That's why they are locked up.

Why not to use Tide detergent?

EPA has classified 1,4-dioxane as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.” 1,4-dioxane is commonly found in Tide and many other major brands of laundry detergent. This is true whether or not you see it listed as an ingredient.

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