Powder vs liquid laundry detergent: does it really matter? It depends. 

While both liquid and powder laundry detergent will get the job done, there are different pros and cons to using each one. So it will depend on what you’re after in a laundry detergent. 

Here’s what you need to know about liquid and powder laundry detergent.

Powder laundry detergent is cheaper, easier to measure than liquid, and its packaging is more environmentally friendly. 

The downside to using washing powder is that some struggle to fully dissolve in cold water, and you can end up with powder all over your clothes. Suppose you want to use powdered detergent with cold water. In that case, it’s a good idea to dissolve the powder in warm water before putting it in your washing machine. 

When to use laundry powder

Laundry powder is a good choice if you have children or a constant stream of heavily soiled clothes coming through your laundry. While laundry powder can be used to spot-treat stains, a paste must first be formed with water.  

Mary Gagliardi, Clorox’s in-house scientist, told Reader’s Digest , “Powder detergent is usually formulated at a higher pH, which can optimise cleaning of heavily soiled work clothes and sports uniforms.”

Liquid laundry detergent dissolves easily in water at any temperature and can be used to spot treat stains on clothing. Residue from liquid detergent is also less likely to build up in your washing machine (as long as you use the right amount of detergent).

The downside of liquid laundry detergent is the packaging. It’s also made with water, making it heavy to carry. The free-pour bottle makes it easy to overdo it with detergent, which can make your clothes crunchy. 

When to use a liquid laundry detergent

If you wash clothes a lot using cold water, liquid detergent is for you. It’s also great for grease and oil stains that can appear on your everyday clothing items. Liquid laundry detergent can also presoak clothes before washing if needed. 

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