The dream of any housewife is clean, fresh-smelling linen. Recently, safe, effective concentrated washing gels have become very popular. According to buyers, this is a worthy alternative to traditional washing powders. They perfectly cope with dirt even in cold water, are excellent for woolen, delicate, children's clothes, are excellently washed out of fabric, and have a delicate fresh aroma.
A wide range and numerous brand names can confuse even the most experienced buyer. We suggest you figure out how to choose a good liquid product at an affordable price, what to look for in order to avoid mistakes when choosing. A review of the most popular washing gels in 2022 from the best manufacturers will help with this.
History of liquid laundry detergents
Despite the fact that the first washing gels appeared back in the 50s of the 20th century, they gained popularity relatively recently.
This is due to objective factors such as cost reduction and hypoallergenicity. Same with subjective ones. Modern people perceive liquid laundry detergents as more effective and premium, due to the high prices in the past.
They have primarily gained popularity in the US, which even in 2022 accounted for a quarter of the $27 billion a year in global laundry gel sales.
In most developed countries, in recent years there has been an increase in sales of washing gels and a corresponding decrease in purchases of washing powders.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, forecasts for future sales growth have become even more optimistic.
What is the difference between the compositions of washing powder and gel?
Powder products, as a rule, contain surfactants, fragrances and bleaching components. In addition to these main components, phosphates are sometimes used to soften water and increase the effectiveness of surfactants, as well as elements that prevent the appearance of scale, which often causes failure of the heating element of a washing machine. Such substances are called polycarboxylates.
Gels contain a lower percentage of surfactants than powders and, accordingly, act more gently.
Differences in the use and effect of washing powder and gel
Laundry detergent is the first laundry product to hit the market and is probably the cheapest. Its functions include exclusively getting rid of dirt and cleaning clothes. The liquid product, in turn, has more options for use; it allows you to wash it both by washing machine and by hand without harming the skin of your hands. It can also be applied directly to stubborn stains, while the powder must first be diluted with water to form a paste and only then applied. This product penetrates fabric fibers less well than a liquid product and acts more aggressively.
In addition, washing gels, unlike powder, do not clog channels or clog the pipes of the washing machine. They are especially effective at removing oil and grease stains because the liquid penetrates the fibers of the fabric to help remove the stain. Such products are unpretentious in storage - while powders should be protected from high humidity to avoid clumping, then gels are packaged in plastic containers that do not require special temperature and humidity conditions. As a nice bonus, such products have a much larger selection of scents than powders.
Both liquid and powder detergents contain excipients that help distribute the active ingredients. The main filler of washing gels is water, so it dissolves easily at any temperature. This is important because the more the detergent dissolves in water, the deeper it cleans and the less likely it is to accumulate in the washing machine and leave white marks on clothes. In contrast, powders typically have a granular texture due to the sodium sulfate filler, which tends to be less soluble, especially in cold water, so is more likely to remain on clothing. If you regularly wash your clothes in cold water to prevent color fading and reduce energy costs, a gel wash is your best choice.
The advantages of powders include their lower cost. On the one hand, cardboard packaging of such products is more environmentally friendly, as it quickly decomposes, but on the other hand, its production requires more energy and resources. Their delivery is also more expensive. This format of products copes better with dirt, while washing gels are considered more universal.
Price
The price depends on a number of factors. The volume of the container matters. The higher it is, the more expensive the concentrate. Prices may vary in different cities and stores.
Average prices for Russia:
- Tide Color: 0.97 l – 200 rubles, 1.23 l – 220 rubles, 1.82 l – 320 rubles, 2.47 l – 550 rubles, 4.95 l – 1000 rubles.
- “Alpine freshness”: 0.98 – 250 rubles, 1.8 l – 340 rubles, 2.47 l – 620 rubles.
- Lenor fragrance: 0.97 l – 230 rubles, 1.24 l – 280 rubles, 1.85 – 550 rubles.
You can buy Tide gel in retail stores, in the household chemicals department, or order it online and have it delivered to your home.
Benefits of washing gels
- Works as a stain remover
- Doesn't stay on clothes
- Dissolves well in cold water
- Penetrates deeper into the fabric
- Doesn't clog the washing machine
- Better at cutting fat
- The gel is convenient to dose
- Gently washes while preserving the color and fiber of the fabric
- Forms less foam and contains fewer harmful substances
- Does not leave streaks after washing
- Due to the absence of fine dust, they are hypoallergenic
- Washing at low temperatures saves electricity
Using delicate wash gel
Before you start washing, sort your laundry by color and fabric type. If cotton and knitted items can be washed together, then, for example, red and white or wool and silk should be separated. Next, when machine washing, you need to decide which compartment to pour the gel into - newer models have a separate compartment for liquid, while older models have the gel poured into the powder tray. Then select the appropriate washing mode, water temperature and number of revolutions, if necessary. Since liquid detergents dissolve perfectly in cold water and wash things well in such conditions, it is not necessary to set a warm temperature, as when using powder. When washing by hand, first soak difficult stains, distributing the gel on them, then dissolve in a basin of water specified by the manufacturer amount of product, wash and rinse.
How to do it yourself?
Homemade gel is made from soap and soda. The block is grated and diluted with water (2 liters of liquid are taken per 200 g of chips).
The resulting mixture is poured into an enamel bowl and put on fire . The mass must be constantly stirred. The composition is not brought to a boil. When it becomes homogeneous, add soda to it.
The finished mixture is cooled, allowed to settle and poured into suitable containers. However, the quality of the homemade product is significantly inferior to even the most inexpensive industrial gel. Read about how to make your own washing gel here.
Dosage of liquid detergent
When calculating the required dose of the drug, take into account:
- amount of laundry
- pollution level
- preliminary preparation.
First of all, focus on the dosage offered by the gel manufacturer. The universal instructions are as follows: on average, one and a half caps of product are required for a full load; for pre-washed items one cap will be enough; Lightly soiled items can also be washed with a dose of one full cap.
Answers to questions about liquid powder
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about washing gels.
Q. -For what type of laundry are liquid powders most suitable? For children, white, black, kolor (color)?
A. — In general, gels have advantages over powders when washing, regardless of whether the laundry is colored or white. Of course, due to the fact that liquid products retain color more carefully, it is especially rational to use them primarily for colored clothes and linen. Of course, you should use different gels for white and colored/black clothes. Gels for white laundry contain optical brighteners that return clothes to a snow-white color.
V. - It is written that these are surfactants, I what are surfactants? I've never heard of them before.
O. — Surfactants (surfactants) are chemical compounds that, concentrating at the interface of thermodynamic phases, cause a decrease in surface tension. Along with soaps, synthetic surfactants are the main active components of detergents.
Q. - Can it be washed by hand?
O. - Yes, you can.
Q. - Is the erasing gel suitable for the membrane?
A. — To wash membrane items, you need to use specialized products.
Q. — Into which compartment of the washing machine should the gel be poured?
A. - For regular washing, the gel is poured into the compartment of tray number 2, which can also be designated by the letter “B”. It is from this cell that the machine washes away the liquid powder. The third compartment of the tray is designed to supply conditioner to the machine, which is added during rinsing.
Q. - Which gel is the best?
O. — There is no definite answer to such questions. Many people have rated Dew Soft wash very well.
Reviews
Consumers leave conflicting reviews about Tide gel. Some housewives have completely abandoned other detergents and wash things exclusively with Tide.
They are satisfied with its economical consumption, reasonable cost, high efficiency, pleasant and unobtrusive aroma . Women note that after washing, things do not electrify and become softer. Reviews can be found here.
The opposing point of view is radically different. Some consumers consider the price of the gel to be too high. They don't like the smell of detergent. There are also users for whom the concentrate was unable to remove difficult stains. Reviews can be found here.
Washing gel Dew Soft wash
We are pleased to present you a new product – DEW Soft wash. It is suitable for washing items made from cotton, linen, and synthetic fabrics. And for fabrics made of mixed fibers (except wool and silk). In washing machines of any type and hand wash in water of any hardness. Soft wash is a product that provides high-quality, delicate washing of your items, preserving the color and structure of the fabric fibers. Thanks to enhanced cleaning components, it effectively removes stains, imparts freshness and a light aroma. The gel is economical to use and suitable for washing children's clothes.
Shower gel Dew Soft wash 1l and 2.8l
Buy washing gel wholesale
Kinds
There are several types of Tide gels:
"Alpine freshness"
The product has a pleasant aroma that remains on things after washing. Thanks to this treatment, it seems that the items were exposed to frosty air. The product is suitable for caring for white and light-colored fabrics, as it contains bleach.
The enhanced formula allows you to fight even the most stubborn stains . The detergent volume is designed for 15, 19, 28 and 38 washes. Read more here.
Concentrated composition of colored items “Color”
The detergent not only washes well, but also preserves the rich color of fabrics. The special formula prevents pigment from washing out. Therefore, the gel is chosen for caring for painted items. The detergent volume is designed for 15, 19, 28 and 38 washes. Read more here.
With Lenor scent
It gives things a snow-white cleanliness and removes even difficult stains well . After washing, the items emit a pleasant aroma, which the manufacturer refers to as “Scandinavian spring”. The detergent volume is designed for 15, 19 and 28 washes.
Any gel can be used for machine and manual processing.
