Using Different Types of Detergent for Clothes

Doing laundry is more than just tossing a pile of dirty clothes into the washing machine and hoping for the best. It's a process that deserves careful consideration to ensure you achieve the best possible results. While it may seem simple on the surface, there's so much more to it than meets the eye.

Updated 21 June 2023

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Author By Cleanipedia Team

Reading Time 5 minutes

A person is putting a turquoise T-shirt into a front-loading washing machine. Laundry

The choice of detergent and the washing process you follow can make a world of difference in the outcome. By taking a moment to choose the right detergents and employing the proper techniques, you can elevate your laundry routine to a whole new level of excellence.

In this blog, we will unpack the different types of detergents from washing powders to liquid detergents and give you tips on how to get the best from washing your clothing.

Why Do We Use Different Types of Detergent for Different Types of Clothes?

Splitting your washing into fabric types and care requirements, is probably the best thing you can start to do for the longevity of your clothing. Do you think your black jeans require the same care and same detergent type as your cream woollen cardigan does? Nope. So, before we talk about the different types of laundry detergents available, here are some tips for separating your clothing first:

  • Always wash similar colours together. Separate dark clothing, coloured clothing, and white clothing and wash them in their batches.

  • Wash similar fabrics together too. Stronger cottons and poly-cottons should be kept separate from delicates like silk and lace for example.

  • Always follow usage and care instructions for your clothing which will include water temperature, using a tumble dryer…or not, and if you can use an iron on the fabric.

What Are the Different Kinds of Laundry Detergents Out There?

Currently, there are three different kinds of detergent that are the most popular on the market: hand washing powders, automatic washing machine powders, and liquid detergents. As the names suggest, powders are formulated in a powder form that will dissolve in the water whilst liquid detergents are more concentrated and are formulated into a laundry liquid.

Hand washing powders are formulated to be dissolved into a bucket of water. The bubbles or suds created during this process hold the power. The hand wash suds penetrate the fabric fibres when the clothing is being agitated by hand, removing dirt and stains from the clothing that is being hand washed.

Automatic washing powders are formulated similarly to hand wash powders, except they are meant to only be used in auto machines. You add the correct amount of powder to the laundry detergent dispenser and the machine does the work for you. These detergents don’t foam as much as the hand washing powders, but also have a stain removal power.

Laundry liquids are a concentrated liquid form of powder that is formulated to dissolve in water easily. They therefore tend to leave less residue in the water and on the clothing.

If you’re looking to find a solution to the endless debate about laundry liquids and powders, read our blog on Liquid Laundry Detergents vs Powders: What’s the Difference?

What Types of Detergents Are Recommended?

At Cleanipedia, we are huge fans of the OMO range of products – they’ve been helping home makers wash their clothes and remove tough stains for a long time!

Experience the unrivalled stain-fighting abilities of OMO liquid detergents, auto washing powders and hand washing powders, providing you with Unbeatable Stain Removal*. OMO understands the frustration of dealing with stubborn stains, and that's why they’ve formulated their detergents and powders to deliver exceptional results. From grass stains to food spills and everything in between, OMO effectively tackles many different stains, ensuring that your clothes look fresh and clean after each wash. Say goodbye to the stress of stubborn stains and trust in the superior stain removal power of OMO. They have a variety of detergents to choose from including:

Auto Liquid Detergents

Auto Washing Powders

Hand Washing Powders

*vs. leading competitors

What Else Does OMO Offer?

Have you ever heard of washing capsules for clothing? We’re pretty used to pods or capsules that we can put into our dishwashing machines, but there are now automatic washing machine capsules too. OMO’s range of powerful capsules with 3-in-1 technology offers the power of OMO with the added benefits of being efficient, easy-to-use and offer long lasting freshness to your clothes – all built into each capsule.

For more laundry tips and tricks for the home, visit Cleanipedia today.

FAQs

  • What are the different types of detergents?

    The most popular detergents on the market include hand washing powders, automatic washing powders and laundry liquids. You also get washing capsules too, which offer convenience and simplicity.
  • How do we use the different types of detergent?

    Every detergent has a guide on how to use the product for best results. Read our blog above to find out more.
  • Why is it important to use different types of detergent for different types of clothes?

    Different types of clothes have different care requirements, and using the wrong detergent can damage the fabric or cause it to lose its colour or shape. Using the right detergent can help extend the life of your clothing.

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