Powder? Liquid? Delicate laundry? How to choose the right laundry detergent and how to use bleach and fabric softeners effectively

New detergents and fabric softeners are released every day, but with manufacturers engaged in fierce advertising battles, many people may find it difficult to decide which one to choose.

Regarding washing towels and gauze clothing,

"Which detergent is best?"
What is the difference between laundry soap and detergent?
"Is it best to use detergent for delicates on marshmallow gauze?"
"Can't you use fabric softener on towels?"

I often get asked questions like this.

So this time, we'll explain in a little more detail how to choose detergent and how to use bleach and fabric softener effectively.

Please take a look at the items that interest you and use them as a reference when choosing a detergent.

Powder or liquid? Which is better?

The detergents used for washing are broadly divided into"Powder"と"liquid"There are many people who are unsure which one to choose.

First, let's start by explaining the difference between powder and liquid detergent.

What is powder detergent?

Powdered detergents are made by drying the main ingredients and additives into a solid form.

It is in fine powder or granular form so that it dissolves easily in water. It is possible to mix multiple ingredients with different properties,Higher cleaning power than liquidIs the feature.

In the past, detergents often contained "powdered soap" made by crushing solid soap into small pieces, and the detergent would often remain undissolved in the laundry, and there was an impression that powder was difficult to dissolve in water.

However, recently it has been devised to be very soluble,With normal use, you won't have to worry about residual detergent remaining..

What is liquid detergent?

Liquid detergents are made by mixing each ingredient in liquid form; they are like powdered detergent dissolved in water and concentrated.

Easy to use without worrying about residual solventHowever, there are restrictions on the ingredients that can be used to ensure stable quality over a long period of time.Tends to have lower performance than powderIt is said that.

However, the performance of liquid detergents has improved significantly recently.The cleaning power is the same as powderSome products contain multiple ingredients such as bleach and antibacterial properties.

In the past, most liquid detergents were about 70% water, but recently there has been an increase in highly concentrated detergents with a water content of about 30%.
There is also a type of detergent called gel balls, which are liquids contained in water-soluble soft capsules and are also known as the third type of detergent, so please choose according to your preference.

Which one do you prefer?

Powder detergent has higher cleaning powerbut,Liquid detergent can be used in a variety of ways, such as pouring the undiluted solution directly onto the stain or applying it in streaks.You can also

Powder and liquid each have their own advantages, so choose the one that best suits your laundry style and preferences.

Be careful when handling liquid detergents containing fluorescent agents!

Liquid detergent containing fluorescent whitening agentsDo not pour directly onto laundry or apply directly to the soiled areas.Whitish unevenness appearsTherefore, it must be handled with care.

Some manufacturers recommend pouring the detergent directly onto the stain and leaving it overnight before washing, but this applies to non-fluorescent liquid detergents. It is best to avoid this when using liquid detergents that contain fluorescent agents.

What are optical brighteners?

Detergents include both powder and liquid"Contains fluorescent whitening agents"と"Non-fluorescent (not blended)"in XNUMX minutes by bus from Yonago Station.

The purpose of the fluorescent whitening agent is toReduces the appearance of stains such as yellowing that cannot be completely removed by washingAs the name suggests, it reflects ultraviolet rays andfireflylikeLightDoing laundryWhiterIt has a "show it" effect.

Fluorescent whitening agentsA type of invisible dyeSo, while washing, the laundry is dyed white.Once you use it, it's hard to remove.

Points to note

Liquid detergent containing fluorescent whitening agentsSprinkle directly on laundry or apply undiluted to dirty areas.This causes a lot of fluorescent whitening agent to adhere to the areas where the detergent has penetrated, and when it driesOnly that part looks faded and whitish.It will look like this.

Condition after washing with detergent containing fluorescent whitening agents
(When exposed to ultraviolet light, only the areas with the fluorescent whitening agent will glow pale.)

When using liquid detergent containing fluorescent whitening agentsIn order to ensure that the fluorescent whitening agent is evenly applied to the entire laundry,Put it in the liquid detergent dispenserOrAdd detergent after there is enough water.Let's do it.
In the case of powder, you don't need to worry too much about it as it will dissolve as the water accumulates.

If fluorescent whitening agents are includedListed on the back of the productPlease check the display before purchasing.

What is the difference between laundry detergent and laundry soap?

The product names written on the back of detergent containers vary, such as "synthetic laundry detergent" and "laundry soap." Do you know the difference?

Classification of laundry detergents

Laundry detergents are classified into the following categories under the Household Products Quality Labeling Act:

The surfactant is pure soap only.
= Laundry soap

More than 70% of the surfactant is pure soap and contains other ingredients.
= Complex laundry soap

Surfactants with less than 70% pure soap content
= Synthetic laundry detergent

Put simply,

The surfactant is 100% soap
= Laundry soap

Surfactants that contain ingredients other than soap (chemically synthesized soap-like substances)
= Complex laundry soap, synthetic laundry detergent

It can be divided as follows.

What are surfactants?

What are surfactants?An ingredient that activates the boundary (interface) between water and oil, making them easier to mix.That.

Representative examplesBut it was made by mixing oil and an alkaline agent.Soap.

When we think of soap, most people probably imagine a solid square or round object that you use to wash your hands and face, but it's actually also the name of an ingredient.

In the past, surfactants meant soap, but as technology advanced, various types of surfactants came into use, and it is said that they were categorized by law based on the social background of the time.

Rinse laundry soap a little more thoroughly

Synthetic laundry detergent and laundry soapBasically the usage is the sameでThere is no significant difference in cleaning power.It is said that.

Common issues include:Laundry soap is more likely to remain on laundryDepending on the material of the laundry, the oils and fats contained in the soap may adhere to the laundry.Rinse a little more thoroughlyThere is a need.

In addition, Foreign brand detergents and synthetic detergents that claim to be eco-friendlyoften has a high ratio of pure soap, just like laundry soap.Easy to remain in laundryThere is a trend.

By the way, all of the products currently on the market from major manufacturers are "synthetic laundry detergents," while "laundry soap" is made by specialized manufacturers with company names such as "XX soap" or "XX oil."

Is it okay to wash gauze clothing with detergent for delicates?

Use detergent for delicate fabrics when washing important clothes or clothes made of delicate fabrics.I'm sure there are many people who feel this way.

If you wash your gauze clothing with detergent for delicates, wait a moment.Some materials are suitable for delicate laundry detergent, while others are not.Hm.

What is detergent for delicates?

What is detergent for delicates?It is designed to wash wool and silk, which are difficult to wash at home.It is a detergent that

While ordinary synthetic laundry detergents and laundry soaps are weakly alkaline,Neutral detergentIt is called.

Weak alkaline detergentis effective in removing oily and protein-based stains,It cannot be used on proteins such as wool and silk..

But,Detergent for delicatesBecause the liquid is neutral,Does not damage wool or silk.

Materials suitable for detergents for delicate fabrics

When we hear the term "fashionable clothes," we tend to imagine clothes made of delicate fabrics and structures, but in reality,Materials that cannot be washed with regular detergents, such as wool and silkIt refers to

Of course, it can be used on materials other than wool and silk,The milder it is, the less cleaning power it has.Because it is,There is little benefit to using it on cotton, linen, or synthetic fibers..

It is not widely known, but general synthetic laundry detergents and laundry soaps are labeled "for cotton, linen, synthetic fibers," while detergents for delicates are labeled "for wool, silk, cotton, linen, synthetic fibers." This also shows that detergents for delicates are intended for wool and silk.

Although it is not listed on the ingredient list, it contains smoothing ingredients such as silicone to prevent clothing from losing its shape, wrinkling, shrinking, and pilling.

for that reason,The fibers become slippery, causing more shedding and a loss of strength.So, be sure to use it according to the type of material.

The more detergent you use, the better it comes off?

Detergents help oil stains mix with water and break down the stains, soMore input is better than lessHowever, there is an optimal balance of concentration for the amount of water.Beyond that, the effect is not so great.

for that reason,Use the appropriate amount of detergent.Is important.

Each detergent on the market today has a different appropriate amount, and the amount of detergent to use in relation to the amount of laundry and water will be displayed on the detergent packaging.

In generalThe appropriate amount of detergent should be slightly higher than the optimal concentration for the amount of water.This means that even if it is a little dirty, there is no need to add a lot.

But,Putting in less water just because it's not that dirtyWhen,The cleaning effect is not sufficientThere are cases.

If the stain is severe, use more detergent

The effect of making oil more easily mix with water increases with the amount of detergent used, soWhen laundry is heavily soiled with oilAs far asThe more detergent you add, the better the cleaning effect.

Recently, there seem to be websites that compile information on the amount of detergent to use for different detergents and washing machines, so you can also refer to this information.

If it's too much hassle, just use a little more detergent and rinse thoroughly.

If you are someone who thinks, "I can't measure everything in detail!" or "It's a hassle to check every time I change detergent!"Use a little more detergentPut it inRinse thoroughlyThis is the recommended washing method.

Since the purpose of laundry is to remove dirt, adding more detergent and adjusting the amount in the rinse afterwards will remove dirt more effectively than using too little detergent, which leaves dirt behind.

Is it really okay to rinse just once?

Water-saving, eco-friendly, time-saving... More and more detergents are being marketed that claim to be "sufficient with just one rinse" from various perspectives.

However, some detergents use phrases such as "one rinse is OK" and other subtle phrases such as "one rinse will leave antibacterial ingredients behind."Depending on the washing conditions, one rinse is not always the best option.This can also be interpreted as:

In actual laundry, the type and amount of laundry to be washed, and the degree of dirt are different each time, so even if you use a detergent that is "OK to rinse once",Decide the number of rinses depending on the situation.Would be good.

In particularRinsing is the key to washing towelsIt is no exaggeration to say that,If you are using a detergent that requires one rinse cycle, use the standard settings on your washing machine.Is recommended.

How to use powdered and liquid bleach effectively

Among the bleaches used with detergent, oxygen bleaches that can be used on colored and patterned items include"Powder"と"liquid"There are two types.

Both are oxygen-based, but the ingredients, liquid properties, and washable items are different.

Powder bleach is not suitable for wool or silk.

Powder typeis a weakly alkaline liquid with a strong bleaching effect,Cannot be used on wool or silk.forLiquid TypeBecause it is weakly acidic and has a mild effect,Can also be used on wool and silk.

Powder is left on, liquid is applied directly.

Usually, you put it in with the detergent when doing the laundry.Powder type is soaked,Apply the liquid type directly to the stain.This is the most effective way to use it.

Oxygen bleach works better at higher temperatures.Because,When soaking TheDissolve the powder in slightly hot water (50 to 60 degrees) before use.is recommended.

Liquid Type TheApply directly to stains from beverages, food, blood, etc.It breaks down dirt with pinpoint precision. It contains the same ingredient as hydrogen peroxide, which is used to disinfect wounds, so it reacts with dirt to produce white foam.

However,Cannot remove oily or inorganic stainsBecause,For oil stains, foundation stains, etc., use a non-fluorescent liquid detergent.It is best to apply it directly.

Be careful with metal parts

Use oxygen bleachWhen doing so,Be careful with metal parts.

Oxygen bleach reacts with metalsThe oxidizing power becomes stronger and damages the fabric.Please avoid using it on items with metal zippers, buttons, hooks, etc. as this may cause damage.

Don't use fabric softener every time

Recently, fabric softeners are often used to add fragrance to clothes rather than for clothing care.

The word fabric softener and its advertising image of making clothes fluffy are often misleading, butOriginally, it was used to protect and smooth out the surface of damaged fibers that had become slippery..

It's like applying hand cream to rough hands, which makes the surface smooth.The fibers themselves do not become soft..

What if you use too much fabric softener?

If you use too much fabric softener, the fibers and threads will become slippery and more likely to come off.The strength of the fabric and stitching has also decreased.In addition, the ingredients in fabric softener repel water,If you use it too much, it will lose its absorbency..

How to use fabric softener correctly

Fabric softener is only used to restore fibers that have become less slippery,The correct way to use it is to "apply only the amount you need" when you feel it becoming hard to the touch..

It depends on the material of the laundry and how you wash it, but recent fabric softenersOnce used, the ingredients remain for 2-3 washes.So you don't necessarily need to use it every time.When you start to feel the hardness of the material,When you feel that the smoothness is disappearing, first try it once.Let's make use of it.

In addition, For fully automatic washing machinesFabric softener is added in the final rinse, so in order to apply it evenly,Use a high water setting to ensure the fabric softener mixes evenly with the water.The key is to do so.

You might think that increasing the amount of water would reduce the effect, but the ingredients in fabric softener are attracted to cotton and other fibers like magnets, soEven if it is diluted, the amount of adhesion remains the sameOn the other hand, if there is not enough water, the fabric softener will not mix in before it gets on the laundry, resulting in uneven washing.

Please be careful when using on cotton or linen

In addition, if you use fabric softener on cotton or linen products,If stains such as coffee or tea get on your skin, they become difficult to remove.Please be careful.

Bonus: How to read laundry labels correctly

Due to legal changes in 2016, the care symbols (washing symbols) sewn onto clothing and other items have undergone significant changes.

The mark has changed from a Japanese mark to an international standard mark, and the number of varieties has increased.The meaning has changed slightly from before..

Previously, the label was "recommended handling method."WasThe new labeling will display the upper limit of the possible range to provide more accurate information to consumers.It came to be.

For example, under the previous labeling system, items that could be washed in a washing machine would be labeled "hand wash," and materials that could be washed in water would be labeled "dry clean." However, under the new labeling system, the message has changed to state that "stricter conditions cannot be met."

If you use it under more severe conditions than indicated, it may damage your laundry.So don't forget to check the washing instructions before washing.

Summary

When it comes to detergent, if cleaning power is important to you, powdered synthetic detergent is the way to go.
If you buy products from one of the two major domestic companies, even sale items will have sufficient cleaning power.

If you value convenience and ease of use, liquid detergent is the way to go.
When it comes to liquids, please choose non-fluorescent ones whenever possible. You can choose either the highly concentrated ultra-compact type or the regular type, but currently it seems that most ultra-compact types are non-fluorescent.

Depending on the material and processing of the fabric of the laundry, laundry soap may tend to leave a small amount of residue, so please use it with caution, such as rinsing more thoroughly.

It is also best to avoid using detergents for delicate fabrics on towels and gauze.

Bleach and fabric softeners can be effective if used appropriately for the purpose, but be careful not to use them too much or incorrectly as this can lead to problems.

There are so many different types of detergents, bleaches, and fabric softeners on the market that it can be hard to know which one to choose.
Understanding the purpose and basic properties of each will help you choose the right one for your style and preferences without being swayed by compelling advertising.