What is better to wash things with – capsules or powder?

Every year, manufacturers release new and improved laundry detergents. Not long ago, capsule gel appeared on the market, and many housewives began to wonder what is better for washing - powder or capsules. Undoubtedly, both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Make the right choice based on your needs: frequency of washing, degree of soiling of things, availability of a washing machine, etc. To help you decide - Which is better powder or gel for washing?, we conducted a comparative analysis of powder and capsules.

Laundry capsules

Capsules are nothing more than concentrated washing gel in a sealed shell. When water gets in, the protective film dissolves within 2–3 minutes and detergents are released.

The capsules contain:

• anionic and nonionic surfactants (25–30%);
• soap (10%);
• phosphonates (5%);
• enzymes;
• optical brighteners;
• flavoring additives;
• preservatives.

There are capsules for washing white and colored laundry. Average cost of a package of 30 pcs. – 750 rubles.

One capsule is enough for exactly one wash. It is placed in the drum of the washing machine with dirty laundry and a program is selected. No other manipulations are necessary.

Laundry capsules are produced by many well-known brands of household chemicals: Persil, Tide, Ariel.

Advantages

The main advantage of laundry capsules is ease of use. There is no need to calculate and measure detergent by grams.It is impossible to make a mistake with the dosage.

One capsule is enough to wash a full drum of clothes. The exception is heavily soiled clothing, such as work clothing. Then add 2 double portions. Everything is simple and clear, even a child can handle the laundry!

Advantages of laundry detergent in capsules:

• Improved composition. Thanks to the content of stain removers and enzymes, things are washed better, debris and pellets are removed from them, and the color is preserved for a long time.
• No divorces. The contents of the capsule are liquid, easily dissolved in water and washed from fabric.
• Work at low temperatures. The detergent works effectively at 30–40 degrees, which cannot be said about powders.
• Eco-friendly, hygienic, hypoallergenic. The capsules do not contain allergens. In addition, the detergent is securely hidden by the film, which means it does not crumble or get into the air. Unlike powder, which you have to inhale when pouring.
• Convenience. Gel balls are convenient not only to use, but also to store. They take up less space than bulk powder bags and have a secure lid.
• Economical use of the product and preservation of washing machine parts. The powder is first poured into a cuvette, after which it enters the drum through tubes. Some part of it settles on the details. In addition, it often spills onto the floor and remains inside the bag. The capsules are consumed without a trace.

Flaws

Laundry capsules are better than powder in many respects. However, it was not without its drawbacks:

• High price. Detergent in capsules is more expensive than powder. Although, considering the bleaches it already contains and the ability to preserve the appearance of things, the price is quite justified.
• Inability to divide detergent into several washes. It happens that the drum does not need to be completely filled. However, the capsule cannot be divided in half. In this case, it is better to use another drug that can be dosed.

Capsules are not intended for hand washing; they can only be used for machine washing.

Washing powder

Powder is a “universal soldier”. It is familiar to housewives of all ages. Its composition can vary: hypoallergenic or not, with enzymes, with or without stain removers. At the same time, packaging of washing powder is relatively inexpensive - on average 350 rubles per 3 kg. And this is just 30 washes.

Advantages:

• budget;
• dosed;
• washes rough fabrics well;
• You can choose a powder to suit every taste and budget.

Flaws:

• does not rinse well - leaves streaks and clogs fabrics;
• when falling asleep in a cuvette, it enters the respiratory tract and can cause allergies;
• some of the powder remains in the washing machine compartment and in the packaging;
• at a temperature of 40 degrees it washes things much worse than at 60 degrees.

Results - which is better?

It is impossible to say unequivocally that it is better to wash with capsules or powder. Each housewife has her own approach to washing. Some people use the machine regularly, even if there are minimal things. Others wait for the dirty laundry basket to be filled.

It is rational to use both types of means:

• capsules - for washing expensive and delicate items (outerwear, silk, wool, underwear), clothes with stubborn stains;
• powder - for washing household fabrics and with a small number of items in the drum.

Capsules are considered a detergent for the lazy. There is nothing easier than putting one ball into the drum and starting the wash.It effectively and carefully washes items even with stubborn stains. But if savings are in the foreground and you just need to freshen things up, you can just as easily use powder.