Laundry Facts

Which is Better? Liquid vs Powder Detergent

February 11, 2021

Gain

When you visit our laundromat in Yolo County, you’ll notice that some people prefer powder detergent, while others choose liquid. While both can clean your clothing, they have some key differences to consider. Look at how the two compare in different categories, so you’ll know which one to use or if you should have both on hand.

Price

If you like a good bargain, you can save money by using powder detergent. The cost-per-load is lower than liquid, and you’re also less likely to waste detergent by using too much. That can add to the savings.

You can save even more when you buy powder detergent in bulk. Powder detergent has a much longer shelf life, so you can purchase several containers and use them without worrying about it losing its cleaning power.

Stain Fighting

If you walked into a laundromat in Woodland, CA, right now, you’d probably find someone fighting stains. The question is, “Would that person have the right tools for the job?” Liquid detergent is ideal for oily or greasy stains because of ingredients like alcohol ethoxylates. However, if you are fighting outdoor stains like grass or mud, you need to reach for the powder detergent. The detergent contains linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, which does a great job of fighting outdoor stains.

Pre-treating Stains

If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you’ll need to pre-treat it before throwing it in the washing machine. You can use liquid or powder detergent to pre-treat stains. However, it’s much easier with liquid detergent. Just apply it to the stain and let it work its magic. If you use powder, you must first combine it with water to make a paste. Then, you can use it to pre-treat your stains.

Cold Water Washing

Do you wash your clothing in cold water very often? You might do this to prevent colors from fading. If so, you should consider liquid detergent. It can dissolve in all water temperatures, while powder detergent has a bit more trouble. When the detergent doesn’t dissolve fully, it can build up on your clothing. This can also occur in warm or hot water, but it’s most common in cold water.

Spills

You should also consider spills when choosing a detergent. If you spill powder detergent, it’s easy to clean up. You just need to sweep it up, and it’s gone. However, cleaning up liquid detergent is much more challenging. It’s slippery, hard to wipe up, and can pose a danger to your kids or your pets. Of course, if you’re at a Yolo County laundromat, the staff can handle the spill for you, so you don’t have to worry about putting your family or furry friends in danger.

Conclusion: Which is Right for You?

Both liquid and powder detergent will keep your garments and bedding clean. While it’s usually a matter of personal preference, there are times when you will benefit from using one over the other. For instance, if you are dealing with stains, it’s helpful to choose the right detergent for the job. When you combine proper detergent with the powerful washing machines at Lava Laundry in Woodland, CA, clothing stains don’t stand a chance.

Sources:

https://www.rd.com/article/liquid-vs-powder-detergent/

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/liquid-vs-powder-detergent/

Join The Discussion!