Modern housewives are faced with a choice between washing powder and capsules. Both products promise cleanliness and freshness of laundry, but which one is more effective?
Manufacturers actively advertise their products, leaving consumers confused.
To make a choice, you need to consider the quality of washing, ease of use, economy and environmental friendliness of each option.
Cleaning efficiency
Washing powder is traditionally considered a more powerful means for removing difficult stains.
Its granular structure provides mechanical action on the fabric, which is especially effective when washing heavily soiled clothes. The capsules, in turn, contain concentrated detergent components that dissolve in water, forming active foam.
They do a great job of dealing with everyday dirt, but may be inferior to powder when dealing with ingrained dirt.
Dosage and ease of use
The undeniable advantage of capsules is the accuracy of dosing. Each capsule contains the optimal amount of detergent for one wash, which eliminates the risk of overdose or insufficient amount of detergent.
Powder requires a more careful approach to dosing, which can lead to overconsumption or insufficient washing efficiency if used incorrectly.
Economy
At first glance, washing powder seems to be a more economical option. However, upon closer examination, the situation is not so clear-cut.
Although the cost of one package of powder is usually lower than a package of capsules, the precise dosage of the latter prevents overspending.
When using powder, there is often a temptation to add "a little more for good measure," which in the long run can negate the economic advantage.
Impact on the washing machine
Capsules are considered more gentle for washing machines. They completely dissolve in water, leaving no sediment that can clog the filters and tubes of the machine.
Powder, especially if not dosed correctly or used in hard water, can form a film on the internal parts of the machine, reducing its service life.
Ecological aspect
Experts have different opinions on the issue of eco-friendliness. On the one hand, powders often contain phosphates, which can harm the environment. On the other hand, capsule packaging is usually less eco-friendly, as it contains more plastic. Many manufacturers are working on creating biodegradable capsules and eco-friendly powders, but so far no ideal solution has been found.
Allergenicity
For people with sensitive skin, choosing between powder and capsules can be especially important.
Capsules usually contain fewer potential allergens and are better washed out of fabric. However, there are also hypoallergenic powders specially designed for sensitive skin.
Multifunctionality
Washing powder is more versatile in use. It can be used not only for machine washing, but also for hand washing, soaking heavily soiled items, or even for cleaning the house.
The capsules are intended for machine washing only, which limits their use.
Temperature conditions
The effectiveness of the capsules may be reduced when washed in cold water, as they require a certain temperature to dissolve completely.
Powders, especially modern formulas, are often designed with cold water washing in mind, making them more versatile in this regard.
Earlier we told you why you should put 3 tablets of activated carbon in the refrigerator door .
