In stores, you can increasingly see gels designed for washing things. These are large containers with a special lid, which is filled with gel and placed in the drum of the machine along with the laundry, as well as specific capsules with liquid contents in the middle. Is it worth it to buy a liquid laundry detergent, does it really wash as well as it is advertised, or is it just a clever marketing ploy? All these questions can often be heard from hostesses, especially older ones.
What is a gel
Liquid laundry detergent contains dissolved active-surface substances and is already completely ready for use. Unlike various washing powders, liquid gels act more gently, due to this property they can be used to wash things at least daily.
Liquid laundry detergent is used for washing clothes in cold and lukewarm water. Gels are recommended for washing silk and other delicate fabrics when the water temperature in the washing machine does not exceed 40 degrees. Washing powders can be washed at very high temperatures, they do not lose their qualities even at a temperature of 95 degrees, so they are used for washing cotton and linen items.
Liquid detergent contains a smaller amount of anionic surfactants. With this tool, you can refresh your favorite clothes daily, without the risk of damage. However, if the clothes are too dirty, then it is better to give preference to washing powder and set the washing temperature to at least 60 degrees.
You can often find laundry detergent on the shelves of stores, which is packaged in capsules.Such capsules are loaded directly into the drum of the washing machine, and they begin to act from the first minutes of washing.
Advantages
Liquid laundry detergents are innovative detergents that have both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include the following points:
- liquid agent is easier to dose, there is no need to fall asleep by eye;
- when powder is poured into the detergent compartment, fine powder dust is always formed, which is not very good, especially for allergy sufferers. When pouring liquid detergent, there is no dust;
- the gel washes well various contaminants in cool water;
- liquid agent does not spoil clothes, they can be washed at least every day;
- very economical. One bottle of gel is enough for a long time.
In the line of many manufacturers there are children's liquid laundry detergents. These gels contain a minimum amount of surfactants, and they are hypoallergenic.
In stores you can find ecological gels for washing things. These detergents contain only natural ingredients. They are completely safe for humans and the environment.
Flaws
Liquid powders have few drawbacks, but they still exist and must be taken into account:
- The gel only works well in cool and warm water. That is, such a tool will wash delicate fabrics well, but it is unlikely to wash heavily soiled towels or cotton tablecloths.
- The gel is not recommended for hand washing.
- The liquid product is not able to remove grease stains and other similar contaminants.
- Quality gel is expensive.
All these shortcomings, one might say, are not significant. Most often, daily clothes are washed, so a liquid detergent is an ideal choice.
What is the composition of the gel
Almost all manufactured laundry detergents contain surfactants. The most common of these is sodium lauryl sulfate. This is the most effective and simple component that provides high-quality cleaning of things from pollution. In gels, these substances are an order of magnitude smaller than in powders, plus they also contain co-surfactants, which provide a more gentle wash.
In addition to surfactants, the gels contain enzymes and various enzymes that break down and remove protein contaminants. Almost all liquid powders on the market today contain enzymes. These substances wash well at low temperatures and are almost completely destroyed if the water temperature reaches 60 degrees.
A rather controversial issue is phosphates, which are found in all washing powders and some gels.Phosphates strongly pollute the environment, so environmentalists are sounding the alarm about this and are advised to choose laundry detergents without phosphates. The content of these aggressive substances in detergents is clearly regulated and should not exceed 8%, although many manufacturers claim that the content of phosphates in their products does not exceed 5%.
It is worth noting that detergents with phosphates are prohibited for use in many European countries.
Now it is impossible to completely get rid of phosphates, while retaining all the properties of detergents. If this is done, then it will be necessary to significantly increase the amount of surfactants, which means that rinsing such linen will be very problematic.
Liquid powders intended for whites contain special optical brighteners. The most common whitening agent is titanium dioxide. This chemical, even after rinsing, remains on the fabric fibers in a minimal amount and gives things an attractive bluish tint.The volume of this substance is not so large as to talk about its harmful effects on human health. So, shower gel or foundation powder contains an order of magnitude more titanium dioxide, and it is considered absolutely safe.
Liquid products also contain various fragrances that give things a pleasant smell. It is very good if the flavors are detailed on the label, in this case you can choose a gel that will not cause allergies. However, it is worth remembering that there are no strict requirements for deciphering flavors, and this is done only at the discretion of the manufacturer.
Manufacturers often add various plant extracts, softening ingredients, disinfectant additives and components to laundry gels that allow fabrics to retain their texture longer. Liquid powders are considered ideal for the care of expensive clothes, as well as for daily washing. Before using this tool, be sure to read the instructions for use. Dark and light clothes must be sorted before washing, if the gel does not contain a special component that prevents shedding.
