Everyone likes clean laundry! With the exception of having to fold it and put it away, there is nothing like putting on that clean sweatshirt, drying off with a newly fluffed towel, cozying up on the couch with a thick blanket, or climbing into a newly made bed with clean, fresh sheets! Thankfully, the washing machine is a modern convenience that works hard to clean our clothing, towels, and bedding, keeping them fresh and helping them last longer.

Detergent plays a critical role in this process. With a variety of brands to choose from, it may be confusing to know what will efficiently clean your clothes and linens while preventing potential problems with your washing machine. Let’s jump into the four main types of detergent and what the pros and cons are for each.

Efficient Cleaning with the Right Detergent

It is important to understand that not all detergents deliver the same results, so you need to consider your specific laundry needs. Here are some questions that are helpful.

• What type of washing machine are you using?
• Do you typically wash heavily soiled items?
• Are you frequently removing spots and stains from clothing or bedding?
• What temperature of water do you choose to use for your loads – hot, warm, room temperature, or cold?
• Do you wash delicate clothing by machine or by hand?
• Are you watching your detergent budget?

The answers to these questions will help you as you read more about the different types of detergents available.

Powder Detergent

More affordable than other types of detergents, powder detergents have a long shelf life (if kept dry to avoid clumping or hardening) and work well on heavily soiled items such as outdoor or work clothing. On the flip side, powder is harsher on delicate fabrics and does not dissolve as easily in cold water, which may leave a residue on your clothing and in your machine.

Liquid Detergent

The more popular liquid detergents are excellent for energy efficient washing because they dissolve well in cold water. Liquid detergent is gentler on fabrics and can be applied directly to stains for spot cleaning. Often more expensive than powder detergent per load, liquid detergent is usually packaged in plastic containers which can be bulky and heavy to handle.

Detergent Pods

Detergent pods are more expensive than both powder and liquid detergents, but they provide the convenience of a pre-measured detergent that is small, lightweight, and easy to store. Plus, you can’t spill a pod unless you step on it! Pods at times fail to dissolve fully in cold water, and don’t allow for adjusting the amount of detergent that you use based on load size or soil level.

Eco-Friendly Detergent

Eco-friendly detergents are often plant-based and biodegradable with fewer harsh chemicals. Typically free of dyes and fragrances, they are usually hypoallergenic and are generally safer for sensitive skin. Be aware that most eco-friendly detergents are more expensive than traditional detergents, can be harder to find in stores, and are not as effective on tough stains or heavily soiled loads as are their counterparts.

Washing Machine Longevity and Maintenance

Your detergent choice not only determines the cleanliness of your laundered items but also impacts the lifespan of your washing machine. High-efficiency (HE) washing machines are designed to clean larger loads with less water and energy. Using less water means that HE detergents are highly recommended for these types of machines. HE detergents clean clothes more effectively with less water. Standard detergents in HE machines tend to leave residue on clothing and create buildup inside the washer which decreases the longevity of your washing machine and increases your maintenance needs.

Considering the water your washing machine is using is also important to your detergent choice. If you wash with hard water, then you need detergents with softening agents to prevent limescale buildup in the drum and pipes of the machine. On the other hand, soft water requires smaller amounts of detergent to avoid too many soap suds and leftover soap residue. Interestingly, eco-friendly detergent options are not only safer for your skin and clothing, but also reduce chemical deposits inside the washer, promoting machine longevity.

Your Laundry Detergent Does Matter

As you can see, the right detergent does more than clean clothes. It supports your washing machine’s performance and extends its life. By choosing a detergent tailored to your machine, your water, and your laundry habits and needs, you protect your investment and ensure consistently clean, fresh clothes. For more information on washing machine maintenance and repair, contact River City Appliance in Sacramento. We’d be happy to answer any questions that you have about the best detergents for your brand and type of washing machine!