Most of us use our washing machines several times a week or more, but how many of us are confident that we’re using the correct amount of washing powder each time we do our laundry? Now you know all about the major brand and supermarket brand washing powders on the market, you might have a few questions which have been thrown up by some of the words we have used. For instance, what is the difference between biological and non-biological? Bio vs. non-bio washing powder There’s never been a bigger choice of laundry detergents on the market than there is now, and the main decision for many of us is whether to use washing powder or liquid. Leaves reside: One of the cons of washing powder is that the powder doesn’t always break down fully, leaving a residue on laundry and inside the washing machine.

Bleach and enzymes are used to remove stains and whiten garments. So these are best for getting really white whites. Powders contain bleach, so try Ariel Original Washing Powder for your white load for whites that shine bright. Another benefit of using a detergent that contains bleach is that it kills bacteria: hypochlorous acid, the active ingredient in bleach (and the same compound our immune system releases to fight microbial intruders), causes the proteins making up the bacteria to unfold, thus destroying the puny prokaryotes. It’s likely you’ll need to use a bit of extra washing powder to get your clothes clean if you live in a hard water area, and slightly less in soft water areas.As a general rule, if you can’t fit your hand vertically between the top of the drum and the laundry, your machine is overloaded. Capsules are great for speed and ease as there is no mess or measuring involved. You just pop your capsule/tablet into the drum with your laundry and start the cycle as you normally would. If you really struggle to find time to measure your detergent, you could always consider buying washing powder tablets or pods. How many clothes are you washing and how dirty are they? Basically, biological (bio) washing powders contain enzymes which are great for stain removal. Non-biological (non-bio) do not contain these enzymes, so whilst they are better for the skin, e.g. sensitivities, they aren’t as effective at removing stains. When using liquids or gels, you have to measure out the correct dosage for your wash load, which could result in spillage or even overdosing your laundry with detergent.

For any brand of detergent, a good guideline when washing heavily stained clothes is to fill the dosing device to the next line up from usual. Enzymes, meanwhile, are proteins that break down stains and grease. While biological detergents are perfect for most clothes, some people prefer detergents without enzymes, mainly for very delicate clothes, such as silk, satin, chiffon, wool and cashmere dresses. Non-bio detergents contain no enzymes, bleach or brightening agents, and because of this, they’re also less likely to cause skin irritation for people with a sensitive or ageing skin. What are the main ingredients that go into your detergent? Liquids are the most versatile of all, though. While they don’t contain bleach, they are perfect for pre-treating tough stains. Ariel Original Washing Liquid with a pre-treat cap is perfect here, allowing you to treat your stain simply and easily before the wash. How much to use? This washing powder is an excellent option for those with sensitive skin or eczema, as it’s free from enzymes and perfumes that could irritate your skin. Tablets also have this convenience, but can contain bleach, making them perfect for whites. Washing powders are also great for whites, and you can dose flexibly into the dispenser drawer.Most manufacturers offer free dosing devices for powder or washing liquid, so it’s worth sending off for one and using it each time you do use your washing machine.

More expensive: They’re also usually much more expensive than powders, so they’re not an economical option for households who do a lot of laundry loads per week. If there’s not enough powder then the clothes won’t be cleaned well enough and won’t smell as fresh. But using too much powder can cause problems too, such as powdery residue and suds left on clothes, or garments left feeling too stiff.Aside from washing powders, there are liquids and gels, as well as capsules to choose from, but this totally depends on your washing machine and your personal preference as to whether you use them.