Should I switch to powder detergent?

Author: Prudence Ward  |  Last update: Monday, February 9, 2026

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.

Is it better to use powdered 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.

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.

Do people still use powder laundry detergent?

Powder laundry detergents make up a small portion of the laundry detergent market, so many people may not even know that they still exist. If you didn't grow up using the powders at home and go out of your way to look for them, you may never see them.

Why do people prefer liquid detergent?

Liquid Detergent Leaves Behind Less Residue

Even if hard water isn't an issue in your home, liquid detergents are less likely to leave residue on clothes and linens than other formulas. It's possible that pods and sheets won't fully dissolve in the washer, creating stubborn detergent stains on fabrics.

Powder Washing Detergent, *the Washing Machine Destroyer * -ATeam Appliance

Why is powder detergent less popular?

Water and Washing Machine Compatibility

One of the primary drawbacks of traditional powdered detergent is the problems consumers face with different types of machines and water. For some, a cold water wash cycle with powder can mean unsightly residue that leaves your clothes looking dirtier than when they went in.

Is powder detergent better than pods?

Powder detergents are most effective at removing dirt, mud, blood and grass stains. Also, you can control what additives and how much that you use to remove all stains. Laundry pods are the most convenient and space-saving detergent out of the three different types.

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."

Which cleans better, powder or liquid 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.

Does powder detergent work in cold water?

In most cases, Laundry Powder will work well in the 'cold' cycle, but you may want to use 'semi-warm' or 'warm' in cold weather. Laundry Powder, like all other laundry detergents and soaps, requires water to be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.56 degrees Celsius) to work properly.

Does powder detergent ruin washer?

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.

Does Tide make powder laundry detergent?

Tide Original Powder Laundry Detergent. Attacks even 7 day-old stains. to read about the ingredients and more,click here.

Which laundry detergents were banned?

The chemical byproduct, 1,4-Dioxane, is present in many popular laundry detergents. In recent tests, Arm & Hammer Clean Burst, Tide Original, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear, and Gain Original + Aroma Boost all contained more than 3 PPM of 1,4-Dioxane, over the NY State limit.

What are the disadvantages of powder detergent?

The major disadvantage of detergents is that they are non-biodegradable, which is really bad for the environment. 2. They cause soil and water pollution. This means you are somewhere risking your life along with animals which live in soil.

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*

What happens when you use powder detergent in a high efficiency washer?

CAN I USE POWDER DETERGENT IN AN HE WASHER? HE washing machines work with both laundry pods, powders, and liquid detergents, as long as they're HE-friendly. However, you might prefer liquid detergents over the powder kind for a few reasons: Liquid detergents dissolve easily regardless of the water temperature.

Does powder laundry detergent clog pipes?

Powdered detergent

In general, powdered laundry detergent isn't a glaring problem by itself. However, in large quantities, powdered detergent can cause clogs due to clumping. The trick here is either to use less of the powdered stuff or switch to a liquid kind.

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.

Does powder detergent stain clothes?

If you have hard water and use powdered detergent, you may notice stains on your dark clothes.

Why don't more people use powder detergent?

Powdered Detergent Cons

More difficult to use for pretreating stains. Must be stored in a dry area to prevent caking. Does not dissolve well in extremely cold water leaving white residue on fabrics and in the washer. The fillers in powdered detergent can build up in septic systems and cause clogs.

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 are detergent pods not recommended?

Exposure of the pod contents to the eyes is an additional danger, which can cause abrasions to the corneas. Needless to say, these products work wonders for easing our laundry burdens, but are extremely dangerous to children. Laundry detergent pods have received a considerable amount of press in recent years.

Should I use powder or liquid laundry detergent?

Consider these factors when making your choice: Soil Level: A powder detergent might be a better choice for heavily soiled clothes. Water Temperature: Liquid detergents will work more effectively if you primarily use cold water for washing. Budget: Powdered detergents tend to be more cost-effective.

Is cascade powder better than pods?

Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs combine powder detergent with a top layer of liquid detergent boosters, which release as the coating dissolves. This gives the pods an edge in cleaning power over powder-only or liquid-only formulas. They're also convenient because you don't need to measure or pour out detergent.

Which laundry detergent is considered the best?

The Best Laundry Detergents, According to Rigorous Testing
  • Best Overall. Tide Hygienic Clean Power Pods. Read more.
  • Best Overall Liquid Laundry Detergent. Persil Advanced Clean Oxi + Odor Power. Read more.
  • Best Overall Powder Laundry Detergent. Tide Plus Bleach Powder Laundry Detergent. Read more.

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