The market for household chemicals does not stand still. New products are increasingly appearing on store shelves that make the life of a housewife much easier. Conventional granular powder can now be replaced by tablet, gel and capsule forms. Liquid types have certain advantages. But despite this, they are not so popular, and all because many do not know how to use them. This article will help you understand how to properly use such products in an automatic washing machine.
What is liquid powder
Liquid powder is a gel with a high concentration of detergents. This figure is much higher than that of a conventional granular product. In addition, the liquid form opens up a wide field for the manufacturer to experiment with the formula.
The product may contain innovative detergent components or natural substances that cannot be converted into granules. Such products are usually universal: suitable for both washing machines and hand washing.
Where and for how much to buy?
You can buy washing gels in retail stores, in departments with household chemicals. Another option is to order the composition online.
The average price for 2 liters of detergent is about 500 rubles . It may vary depending on the point of sale, locality and pricing policy of the store.
It is most profitable to buy concentrates on sale. During this period the price may be reduced by half.
Main differences from the usual
Liquid detergents are traditionally used for hand washing delicate fabrics, silk and wool. Recently, liquid detergents have appeared for washing other types of fabrics, including cotton. Liquid detergents are intended for both automatic washing machines and manual washing.
Powdered detergents today still remain the most popular group on the Russian market - their share is about 95%. Conventionally, they can be divided into three price categories: low, medium and high.
Among powdered products, there are granular powders that produce less dust and are more convenient to use. Granulation increases the cost of the powder, so few manufacturers use this method. Powdered detergents can be concentrated, that is, they contain a higher dose of active substances.
Despite the fact that all products are used for washing clothes, they have certain differences:
- Compound. Unlike powders, cationic and nonionic surfactants predominate in the composition of gels. Bulk laundry detergents contain more anionic surfactants. Therefore, it is easier to refresh the fabric with gel and it is softer.
- Release form. Unlike gels, powders generate dust when poured into the detergent compartment.
- Various additives. Due to their liquid formula, manufacturers add various extracts, peroxide salts and water softening components to washing gels. It is impossible to use some of them in the process of making washing powders.
- Best before date. It is higher for powder than for liquid detergents.
- Price. Gels are more expensive.
- Rinse quality. After using the powder, white stains often remain on things.
- Washing temperature. For gels, the maximum threshold is limited to 60 degrees, and for powder – 90 degrees.
Many housewives prefer liquid detergents, as they consider them more convenient to use. They are satisfied that they are rinsed well and there are no white stains left after them.
Advantages of gels over washing powder - let’s look at the properties and composition
The Russian market offers a lot of detergents for washing children's clothes and diapers: the range is almost comparable to that for adults. But it is gels for washing children's clothes that are leading in sales today.
Which children's washing powders do you choose - an independent rating of powders for washing children's clothes from colady.ru
Why are liquid products preferable, and what causes such interest among mothers in them?
Tips for use
If the housewife is wondering how to wash with liquid powder, then special attention should be paid to the information provided by the manufacturer on the packaging. The dosage depends on how hard the water is and how dirty the clothes are. On average, one wash should take from 70 to 150 ml of the composition, but in practice less product is spent - 2 tablespoons of concentrate.
If the item is heavily soiled, it is best to pre-soak it and treat the problem area. The indicated dosage is relevant if the water consumption does not exceed 50 liters, and the “automatic” model is designed for 5 kg of laundry. If the machine has more capacity and consumption, then about 4 tablespoons of gel should be added.
You can use liquid laundry detergent without adding special softening conditioners. Gel compositions give amazing softness to linen and a light aroma.
Gel powder can also be used for manual washing without wasting time waiting for it to dissolve. Such preparations dissolve perfectly in both cold and warm water.
Where is it poured?
Before you figure out where to pour the water, you should carefully read the instructions for use, not only of the product, but also of the washing unit itself
This is very important, because, as previously mentioned, not all machines provide for the use of gels. In this case, you will have to take a cunning route by using special capsules for liquid products, but more on that later
Now we propose to consider the two most common options for using gel-like “powder”.
In a regular washing machine
If you have a regular automatic washing machine, which is designed for washing only with dry powders, then you can use the described substance in two ways. In the first case, the liquid product can be placed in a compartment intended for ordinary detergents, and in the second - directly into the drum of the unit.
In conventional units, the gel-like “powder” can be placed directly into the drum with things. To do this, just measure out the required amount of product and pour it directly onto the laundry. Then you need to start the washing machine at the required mode and wait until the wash is completed. However, in the case of pre-soaking things, this option will not work. Here you will need a washing unit that uses watery “powders”.
It is not known exactly how much gel is needed for one manipulation in a standard automatic machine. In this case, it is recommended to follow the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer of the gel-like substance.
In a unit with special trays
If you have a washing unit equipped with special trays for liquid detergents, for example, Bosch, Atlant or Indesit, then you are very lucky, because you won’t have to think long about which compartment to pour the washing gel into. All you have to do is open the tray and look for the compartments marked with the Roman numerals "I" and "II". You need to pour the “powder” into two compartments at once if you need to pre-soak the laundry. Compartment I is precisely intended for this procedure, while compartment II contains gel directly for the main wash. The second tray, as a rule, is always larger in size than the first.
As for the volume of “powder” used, the washing machine compartments have special measuring arrows for powder and gel products.
The tray of the described unit usually has three compartments. If the purpose of the first two is already known, then the third compartment, designated by the Roman numeral “III”, is necessary for rinsing things. Usually, various air conditioners and fabric softeners are poured into it, but the third compartment can also be filled with antiseptics or any softening substances. There are also markings in this compartment, so it is simply impossible to make a mistake with the amount of rinse aid.
Capsules for liquid products
Capsules for liquid products are an ideal solution if the washing machine is not equipped with trays designed specifically for gels and similar household chemicals. They are also allowed to be used if the manufacturer of the unit does not allow the use of the described “powders”.
How are these capsules used? A gel-like product is poured into them, and then they are placed in the drum of the washing machine along with the dirty laundry. After starting the unit, the detergent gradually comes out of the balls, which is subsequently absorbed into the textiles and ensures a neat wash.
Together with the liquid “powder”, bleaching agents intended for both colored and black fabrics can be poured into capsules.
The advantage of such capsules is their low price. Everyone can afford to buy them.
TOP 10 best liquid powders
We recommend studying the best liquid products for comfortable and quick washing.
Persil
Persil Color liquid laundry detergent is designed specifically for colored laundry. Persil gel has a highly concentrated composition with a Deep Clean Technology formula containing 13 active ingredients.
The product penetrates deeply into the fibers of the fabric and washes even the most difficult stains, even without special soaking. Among other things, Persil keeps colors rich and bright and prevents dye transfer. Clothes do not fade or fade after washing for a long time.
Tide
Tide washing gel is a universal detergent that can be used to care for the clothes of all family members. The components included in its composition cope with complex stains, maintain brightness and color saturation, and prevent fabrics from becoming gray or yellow.
Ariel
This is a professional laundry detergent whose special formula provides first-class results: excellent stain removal, deep cleansing, radiant whiteness, delightful freshness and low-temperature performance.
Highly effective ingredients perfectly remove even the most stubborn stains. Contains a formula that preserves color and keeps your items looking new longer. Perfume fragrance gives linen a light, fresh aroma.
Weasel
This gel is designed to care for your brightly colored clothes and maintain their original beauty, wash after wash. The special Fibrex-tech formula of this liquid product not only gently removes dirt, but also takes excellent care of clothes in two key areas: color saturation and fabric strength.
Weasel copes with all types of stains from food and drinks, traces of children's creativity and any street dirt. The product also maintains the shape of the fabric, maintaining the elasticity of the fibers, and also provides a fabric restoration effect and helps maintain strength.
Savex
The enhanced enzyme formula of the new line of Savex laundry detergent facilitates the process of removing contaminants, even of a specific nature. Cellulase added to the formula takes care of fabrics and colors of clothing, increasing their service life.
The product has the most persistent and vibrant aroma. SAVEX gives a long-lasting feeling of freshness with perfumed capsules and makes laundry innovation accessible to everyone.
ORO
Concentrated universal gel ORO for colored fabrics is suitable for washing at any temperature, for machine and hand washing. Prevents the formation of scale in the washing machine. A wonderful floral aroma invigorates and gives things the freshness and spice of meadow herbs.
Faberlic
The advantage and uniqueness of this product is the combination of excellent washing quality and stain removal characteristic of a first-class washing powder, with excellent dissolution and gentle care for fabric fibers, and the advantages of washing gel.
Its modern formula contains synergistically balanced patented additives and the latest bioenzyme complex, together providing the highest level of purity with minimal consumption.
Synergetic
The complex composition of this product takes care of all fabrics with a simple and even delicate nature: wash cotton, synthetics, wool and mixed materials without worrying about their durability.
Anti-resorbents preserve the original appearance of products, and the slightly alkaline environment provides an optimal balance of cleaning properties and hypoallergenicity. The product has a delicate and delicate lily of the valley aroma thanks to the composition of essential oils - they give the gel a pleasant smell and have a slight antibacterial effect.
Eared nanny
The gel for treating children's clothes from various stains and dirt does not contain fragrances or dyes, therefore it is completely harmless to the baby. The product is effective in combating the most severe stains and also combats unpleasant odors. The gel easily dissolves in water and rinses well from clothes. It can be used for hand and machine washing.
What are the three compartments in the washing machine for?
Now you and I already know what the three compartments in a washing machine are for: the first is soaking, the second is washing, the third is conditioning.
Where to pour liquid powder in the washing machine?
Many gels have appeared in hardware stores and supermarkets with certain features:
- Washing clothes more efficiently;
- Rinse out faster;
- Does not impart chemical odors to the wash.
Therefore, they are indicated for people suffering from allergies, and healthy people will also enjoy them.
If you are in doubt about where to pour liquid powder in the washing machine, remember - in the same place as regular dry powder. Gels are usually not used for soaking beds and towels. They are good for washing clothes in cold or slightly warmed water. In any case, liquid powder cannot be used in programs above 60 degrees.
But you can pour the liquid gel directly into the drum, first loading the laundry into it. If it is too thick, it will be washed out of the cell slowly and will most likely seep into the rinse, ruining the entire appearance of the clothing. And being in the main tank, it will be thoroughly washed and rinsed during the washing procedure. And you won't have any problems with white streaks.
But keep in mind that the manual for some washing units states that pouring liquid into the tank is strictly not recommended. So please read the manual carefully before using it.
Where to put powder in the washing machine
Every housewife knows where to put the powder in the washing machine - in the middle, largest cell. But not everyone knows that the washing machine should be started only after the compartment is tightly closed, and the powder should not be allowed to spill over the edges.
When using pre-wash and rinse with a fragrance or softener, all products are placed in their cells at the same time.
Which compartment of the washing machine should I fill the air conditioner into?
In some models, the air conditioner cell is divided by a partition. Pour conditioner into one part and flavor into the second. If there is a line with a max icon, try not to overfill the product. It is advisable to first dilute conditioners that are too thick with ordinary cold water, and then pour them into the compartment.
Where to put bleach in an automatic washing machine?
There is a cell with a mark for bleach, above which it cannot be poured. It is not recommended to use white too often, as it can damage the parts of the washing machine. It is better to take products that do not contain chlorine.
Choose a rinse mode and repeat it twice to get rid of the unpleasant odor. Whitening time – no more than 15 minutes, temperature – up to 45 degrees. If you decide to whiten your bed linen with tablets, it is advisable not to throw them into the cell, but to add them to the bed linen.
Where to put the washing capsule in the washing machine?
If you decide to go crazy and buy capsules, add them to your elegant lingerie. Never try to add them to the chamber and tank at the same time - you will ruin the trousers and skirts being washed and break the washer.
How to wash?
If you are not sure that all the designations are understood correctly, or they have simply been erased, then you can figure out what’s what experimentally. To do this, turn on an empty, unloaded washing machine in the no-soak mode. The detergent compartment does not need to be completely closed. The compartment into which the water supply will go first will be intended for powder. Opening the container during operation will not damage the unit. This feature can be used to add rinse aid while the wash is already running.
To put things in order, they act in this way.
- Heavily soiled laundry requires soaking. Therefore, fill cells “1” and “2” with powder, and if desired, add conditioner to the compartment with an asterisk or flower.
- If only the main wash is needed, but with a softener, then the product is poured only into compartment “2”. Rinse aid is poured into the small one.
- When a simple wash is needed, only the second cell is used.
Selecting the loading tray
Before using liquid powder, you need to find out the purpose of the loading compartments of the washing machine. Today, every automatic machine has a tray, the compartments of which are marked with special symbols. For the product that will be used during the soaking stage, there is a loading tray with the symbol of the Roman (Arabic) unit or the letter A. For deep stains, it is quite acceptable to load this product into the compartment for washing.
Tray for loading liquid powder
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For products used at the main stage of washing, there is a tray marked with the letter B or the Roman (Arabic) two. This compartment is intended for loading the gel product. But if you plan to pour it into the drum, then the tray should not be filled additionally, because... things will have white streaks after washing.
The last compartment, symbolized by an asterisk (flower), is intended only for fabric softeners or fabric softeners.
Types of trays of well-known brands of automatic washing machines:
- Samsung "Eco Bubble" - the washing machine has a container with 3 defined compartments. Powdered (dry) should be loaded into the compartment on the left, and liquid (gel) consistency should be poured into a special container and placed in the drum.
- Hotpoint Ariston (with a semicircular container) - a tray for basic products of various consistencies is located on the right. Additionally, it is noted that such powder must be loaded immediately before washing.
- Electrolux is an automatic washing machine with a standard container of 3 compartments. If there is no specific flap in the compartment in the center, which is intended for the main detergent, the liquid powder must be placed in the drum.
Setting the washing temperature
Liquid powder dissolves perfectly in cold water. But the product begins to act effectively at temperatures from 30 to 60 degrees. Exceeding this indicator will disrupt the composition of the concentrated gel. Choose for yourself where to pour the liquid powder in the washing machine. But before that, be sure to read the instructions or ask the manufacturer. After all, there are models that exclude the use of such a gel.
Modern technology makes life a lot easier, but it is important to use it correctly. Therefore, you need to know, for example, where to pour the powder in the washing machine
If you follow the instructions, you will definitely be pleased with the results. But there are situations when the instruction manual is not at hand. How to figure out which compartment is for what?
TEST 3. “PROTEIN - 40°C”
GROUP OF STAINS
The group of protein stains includes stains from milk, blood, animal protein from meat and sauces, etc.
HOW WE TESTED
Testing of the removal efficiency of “protein contamination” was carried out on a standard protein-contaminated fabric (EMPA116).
Active dietary supplements or enzymes, namely alkaline proteases, are responsible for removing protein stains. Note that in powdered products, the action of enzymes is interfered with by oxygen-containing bleach (which whitens and removes plant stains). “Liquid powders” do not contain it, which indicates their potentially high effectiveness against protein contamination. This is exactly what we decided to check.
The fabric was washed in a laboratory test washing machine at a temperature of 40°C, which is optimal for the “work” of enzymes.
CONCLUSIONS
1. The leader has changed in this test. The absolute winner in removing protein contamination is Persil Color Gel (made in Germany) - its result (113) is 13 units higher than the efficiency of the “standard”. This is probably achieved by introducing a large complex of enzymes into the composition: amylase, cellulase, lipase, protease (as written on the package).
2. Frosch Color care takes an honorable second place (108 units).
3. Third place was shared by three “liquid powders” - Domal Color Wasch-Gel (103), Ariel Gel Hydractiv (102) and BiMax Color Gel (101). The results of these products, like the results of Persil and Frosch, are superior in effectiveness to powdered products (“Aist-automatic” and “standard”).
4. Of the remaining “liquid powders”, the effectiveness of which lies “beyond the line” of the result of the “Stork-automatic”, washing “5+”, Flat Color and “Emulsion World of Childhood” can be considered satisfactory. The results of the rest are unsatisfactory.
5. The leader of previous tests, Emulsion World of Childhood, does not contain enzymes responsible for removing protein contamination, although the result shown (77) cannot be called bad.
6. The absolute underdog in this test, “liquid powder” Fewa, washes no better than ordinary water! By the way, it is indicated that the composition contains the enzyme cellulase, which prevents the formation of pills on the fabric, but is not intended to remove protein contamination. This is probably why washing with Fewa is ineffective.
TEST 6. “PH LEVEL”
The pH level (or hydrogen ion concentration) plays an important role in the creation and use of detergents. The pH level of human skin is 4.5. Therefore, the lower the pH level of the washing powder, the better for your hands, as well as for the preservation of fabrics. However, as the pH level decreases, the washing efficiency (namely, the removal of pigment-oil stains) deteriorates. As a result, manufacturers are forced to find a compromise between these characteristics.
GOST 22567.5-93 specifies the range within which the pH level of washing powders should fall - 7.5-11.5.
CONCLUSIONS
1. All products, with the exception of Fewa, have a normal pH level.
2. Leaders in removing grease and oil stains have the highest pH levels.
