Your clothes are dirty, and you want them clean. You are running out of detergent options, someone recommended something, but you do not think it would be best. How do you choose what detergent to buy? 

There may or may not be a laundry detergent war between big brands, but we only have so many options for us consumers. We have to make sure that our clothes are well taken care of and that they get clean every time we wash them.

Liquid, Powder, or Single-Dose Detergents?

It is important to understand the difference between the three basic types to help you decide which would be best for you.

Powder

These are like the "old school" detergents. They tend to have better cleaning capabilities because they have a higher concentration of soap, so they are often formulated to last longer than the other types. They are also widely available, the price is average, and the fragrance tends to be neutral.

Liquid

These are in "shake and pour" containers like bleach or other cleaners. They have a lower concentration of detergent than the powder, so they are designed to run out faster. Therefore, if you have a large family, this may not be the choice for you. They are often made in a fragrant scent and tend to be more expensive.

Single-Dose

This is the newer product that you find in the detergent aisle. The convenience of not measuring or pouring makes this the easy choice, but they are also the most expensive and the least concentrated.

How the Ingredients Affect Your Detergent Choice?

To choose a detergent that is right for you, it is also essential to understand the ingredients and what they are used for.

• Surfactants: These are used to clean dirt, oil, and grime from the clothes. The higher the concentration of surfactants in the detergent, the better.
• Enzymes: Enzymes are another cleaning agent. They are made from a substance found in non-living organisms. Enzymes target protein stains like grass, blood, and spit-up.
• Detergents: Detergents clean the surface of the clothes by breaking down the dirt on the fabric.
• Optical Brighteners: These make whites seem whiter while allowing other colors to appear more vibrant.
• Brightener Agents: These are also used to make whites look brighter.
• Foam Inhibitors: They reduce the number of bubbles in the wash by suppressing the reaction that creates the bubbles.

Do You Need Softeners?

Many people wonder why they need to use softeners when they are already using the correct amount of detergent. The reason is that detergent is designed to remove the dirt and soil from your clothes while they are in the washing machine and the dryer. However, it does not always remove the hard water deposits from the clothes.

Softer water is less likely to leave behind mineral deposits in the clothes. Still, if your water is very hard (it has a high amount of calcium and magnesium in it), you need to use a detergent that has a softener added to it or else you will have to use a separate softener.

The Right Detergent for You

The bottom line is that you need to know what you are buying, not just based on the price but also the ingredients, your laundry habits, and your family's laundry habits. The wrong detergent can leave your clothes clean but dull or dingy, or it can leave them clean but smelling like a perfume factory. It all depends on what you need for your family's clothes.

Mule Team Laundromat is a reputable 24/7 laundromat in Muleshoe, TX and surrounding areas. We provide fast laundry solutions. Visit us today!