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.
Cons of Laundry Pods
Limited Options: Laundry pods do not come in as many different varieties as liquid detergent. This means that if you have specific laundry requirements, such as sensitive skin or allergies, you may have a more difficult time finding a suitable pod.
Powders are being discontinued as High Efficiency washers replace the old ones. Less water means the powder doesn't always dissolve very well.
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.
Powders can be messy to measure out, whereas capsules and tablets make it really simple to know you're using the correct amount. Gels and liquids usually don't contain any bleach so while they're gentler on clothes, there's more chance of your washing machine getting smelly and needing a regular clean.
Turning to Cold and Save
This is why all of Tide detergent are uniquely formulated to work well in cold water which helps save both money AND environment... By switching your wash water temperatures from hot to cold, you can save enough energy in 1 year to charge your smartphone for a lifetime.
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.
Using too much powder detergent can result in a white, filmy residue left on clothes, which might require an extra rinse. Some powder detergents will also require a higher water temperature to dissolve properly, which is less than ideal if you are trying to cut down on electric.
"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."
The best washing powders for 2022 are:
Best for stain removal – Ecover non-bio washing powder: £9, Sainsburys.co.uk. Best for whites – Miele ultra white powder detergent: £16.69, Miele.co.uk. Best for sensitive skin – Fairy non-bio washing powder: £7.50, Wilko.com.
The most important rule to remember when it comes to laundry detergent pods is to always add the pods to the drum before adding the clothes and water. A pod placed on top of clothes might not dissolve all the way. This leaves you with streaks and spotting from detergent being left on wet clothes.
Laundry pods are more concentrated than standard liquid detergent, which is often diluted. This gives you more active ingredients per load in a smaller package without sacrificing cleaning power. For example, Laundry Sauce Pods are 4x more concentrated than traditional liquid laundry detergents.
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.
Your two main options when using powdered detergent are: Place it directly into the compartment drawer of your washing machine – you should consult you washing machine manual to learn which is the correct compartment to use. Place the powder in a mesh bag directly in the drum to allow it to dissolve quicker.
Remember, fabric softener is completely optional, and your garments will likely pop out of the dryer feeling fresh, clean, and soft without it. However, “For some, it might make doing their laundry a little more fun to use an extra product that smells very good and is colorful,” Fulford says.
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.
The number of pacs necessary depends on the load size. To guarantee superior performance, add two Tide PODS® pacs into the washing machine drum before you add clothes. Use one laundry pac for smaller loads or three for larger loads.
Each carries its own set of benefits, catering to a variety of laundry needs. Powder detergents are budget-friendly and effective for tough stains, liquid detergents shine in cold water and offer precise measurement, while pods provide a convenient, fuss-free laundry solution.
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.
After testing detergents, we found a few key winners: HEX Performance Laundry Detergent was the standout for stain removal, while Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10x Free Power Pods worked great on heavy loads. And All Free Clear Liquid 2x Concentrated Laundry Detergent is a nice choice for sensitive skin.