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Difference Between Powder Detergent and Liquid Detergent

Powder Detergent vs Liquid Detergent
 

The obvious difference between powder detergent and liquid detergent is the form in which they exist: liquid and powder. It has been more than 60 years that the first detergent powder came into the market and since then, there have not been just powders but also liquid detergents that have been introduced. Depending upon requirements, people have been making use of either powder or liquid detergents. However, apart from personal preferences, are there any specific differences between the two main types of detergents? Both seem to have distinguishing features with pros and cons. Let us find out those details in this article to enable readers to choose between the two wisely.

The main objective of a detergent, whether in a powder or liquid form, is to remove stains from clothes to make them clean. Thus, the main active ingredients of both are almost the same except the fillers. In fact, you would be surprised to know that there is virtually no difference between them when it comes to cleaning powers. If this is really so, why make a difference between them in the first place?

What is Powder Detergent?

Powder detergent, as the name implies, is a cleaning agent we use for clothes that exist in powder form. To begin with, powder detergents are cheaper than liquid detergents. They also come in a convenient cardboard or pouch packing that is more environmental friendly. They do take a little time to dissolve in the water, but once dissolved, they work up a rich lather that helps in better cleaning of clothes. There is a major difference between both, the powder and liquid detergent, in the quantity of chemicals they contain. Powder detergents contain more chemicals than liquid detergents. This is because of the presence of fillers.

If you are dealing with normal dirt and mud along with dust and soot in the environment, powder detergent should be an ideal choice for you. This is because detergent powders raise the pH level of the water in which clothes are being washed to help in a better cleaning. Here, you must ensure that you add clothes after dissolving the powder and working up a rich lather. This is because adding clothes earlier could mean un-dissolved powder coming in contact with clothes that could cause a fading of colors of clothes.

What is Liquid Detergent?

Liquid detergent is a cleaning agent that exists in the liquid form. Liquid detergents are pre-dissolved and thus, more concentrated than powder detergents. They can be used for pre-treatment of stains, which is not possible in the case of powders as powders are likely to fade the color of the fabric in concentrated form. If you have a curry dropping on your white dress in a party, you can pour liquid detergent directly on the affected area of the dress to remove the stain.

If clothes have a stain that is oily in nature, you are better off with liquid detergents as you pre-treat stains by directly pouring the liquid detergent over the stains. Liquid detergents do not alter the pH level of the water and do not need to be dissolved to wash the clothes. Even delicate clothes can be easily washed with liquid detergents without any worries. This is precisely why woolens are usually washed using liquid detergents.

What is the difference between Powder Detergent and Liquid Detergent?

• Stains:

• Liquid detergents are better off cleaning oil, grease and food stains.

• Powder detergents are more suitable for dirt and mud stains.

• Using Directly on Clothes:

• Liquid detergents double up as a pre-treatment substance as they can be poured directly over the stain.

• However, this is not possible with a powder detergent.

• Price:

• Powder detergents are cheaper than liquid detergents.

• Eco-Friendliness:

• Powder detergents are considered more eco-friendly than liquid detergents.

• Packaging:

• Liquid detergent comes in plastic bottles.

• Powder detergent comes in cardboard boxes or pouch packing.

• Advantages:

• Powder Detergent:

• Cheaper.

• Cardboard packaging is more eco-friendly.

• Liquid Detergent:

• The detergent is already dissolved in water.

• You can use the detergent to pre-treat stains.

• Disadvantages:

• Powder Detergent:

• Some powder detergents do not dissolve in water completely and create stains on clothes.

• Powders have more chemicals.

• Liquid Detergent:

• More expensive.

• Less eco-friendly.

 

Images Courtesy:

  1. Powder Detergent by Lebacno (CC BY-SA 3.0)
  2. Liquid Detergent by Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0)