Eight Laundry Blind Spots Most People Overlook - Must-Know Tips

Busy work nowadays makes people pursue simplicity and convenience in life. Recently, when I was chatting with friends around me, I found an interesting phenomenon: In front of everyone, they are urban beauties.

 

But behind the scenes, they rely on "fooling" to do laundry: Some people say the quantity of laundry detergent depends on the hand's feel. Some people say that they feel dizzy when looking at the laundry product shelves, so just grab a bottle randomly and leave. Other people said they wash it very frequently and use a lot of laundry detergent, but the old stains are still looming.

 

For these reasons, It's necessary to write an article to talk about these blind spots of daily laundry.Which is to remind busy people not to sit still and work in vain.

 

1. Is laundry liquid more effective at cleaning than laundry powder at all?

The advantages and disadvantages of these two product:

 

Liquid detergent, being in a liquid state, dissolves quickly, especially during quick or cold-water washes, outperforming powder detergent in terms of rapid and complete dissolution in water. Moreover, it rinses off more easily after washing, conserving water and leaving fewer solid particle residues on clothes. Most liquid detergents have a pH value closer to neutral, making them gentler on both clothes and skin, and they are easy to store.

 

Powder detergent is not suitable for fabrics like silk and wool, as these materials contain proteins, and the alkaline nature of powder detergent can cause protein denaturation, resulting in damage to the fabric's performance and appearance.

 

Due to its powdery form, detergent powder requires time or higher temperatures to dissolve in water. Improper formulation may lead to incomplete dissolution, and if not rinsed thoroughly, residues may remain on clothes, giving them a slightly stiff feel after washing. Additionally, powder detergent, being alkaline, may strip away some natural skin oils during handwashing, leaving the skin feeling dry. Storage-wise, if exposed to moisture, powder detergent may clump, affecting its appearance and convenience of use.

 

Liquid detergent's drawback lies in its comparatively higher price compared to powder detergent. The liquid composition requires stability throughout production and shelf life, with higher demands on the water solubility of raw materials, leading to a generally higher price tag.

 

However, this doesn't mean that powder detergent is inferior. Its main advantage lies in affordability, with most powder detergents being more budget-friendly than liquid counterparts. Being alkaline, powder detergent excels in cleaning oil-based stains. Its powdery form allows for greater formulation flexibility, such as incorporating various enzymes and oxygen bleach, effectively tackling a wider range of daily stains. It is suitable for common fabrics like cotton, linen, synthetic fibers, blends, and denim.

 

Powder vs. Liquid: Which Packs a Mightier Stain-Fighting Punch?

 

The stain removal efficacy of laundry powder and liquid is closely tied to their active ingredient content and overall formulation design. Washing conditions and duration also significantly impact the stain removal effectiveness, making it challenging to generalize. Consumers can make purchasing decisions based on their specific usage scenarios.

 

Firstly, consider the alkalinity. Laundry powder tends to be alkaline, while common stains on clothes, such as sweat and food stains, are often organic and tend to be acidic. A washing solution in an alkaline state is somewhat advantageous for the removal of these types of stains, resulting in better stain removal.

 

Secondly, examine water solubility. Laundry liquid can dissolve more quickly and effectively in water, facilitating the timely and thorough activation of active ingredients for superior cleaning power.

 

With the continuous advancement of detergent technology and the diversification of product categories, choosing products that cater to specific clothing washing needs (cleanliness, antibacterial properties, color protection, softness, fragrance, etc.) and washing habits is crucial. Whether it's liquid detergent, powder detergent, laundry pods, or fabric fragrance beads, outstanding products should meet laundry requirements and deliver an exceptional experience.

 

In other words, the efficacy of stain removal depends on the type of stain. For colored stains like red wine, coffee, or mango, using neutral laundry liquid or powder with active oxygen bleach components yields satisfactory cleaning results. For stubborn stains like sweat or sebum, laundry liquid with lipase or alkaline laundry powder also provides a good cleaning experience.

 

 

2. Is it really worth it for laundry pods to be so expensive?

Are laundry pods truly worth the higher price tag? This is a question many consumers ponder when evaluating their laundry detergent options. While the cost of laundry pods may seem steeper compared to traditional liquid or powder detergents, several factors contribute to their value proposition.

 

Firstly, laundry pods offer a convenient and mess-free laundry experience. The pre-measured, single-use pods eliminate the need for measuring cups or guessing the right amount of detergent, reducing the likelihood of overdosing. This precision not only enhances the cleaning effectiveness but also helps in minimizing waste, making each pod's cost-per-load calculation more reasonable.

 

Moreover, the concentrated formula of laundry pods often results in a more potent cleaning power. With higher active ingredient content, these compact pods efficiently tackle stains and dirt, ensuring a thorough cleaning for each wash. This concentrated formulation may contribute to cost savings in the long run, as less product is needed to achieve optimal cleaning results.

 

The compact and lightweight nature of laundry pods makes them easy to store and transport. Their space-saving design is particularly advantageous for those with limited laundry room space or for those who frequent laundromats. The convenience and portability of pods can be considered as added benefits that justify their relatively higher cost.

 

 

3. The more laundry liquid I put,the more effect I get?

Many people tend to use a large amount of laundry detergent when doing laundry, thinking that more detergent means better cleanliness. However, this is not the case. The cleaning power of laundry detergent does not directly correlate with the amount used and can lead to a series of issues.

 

Using an excessive amount of detergent not only increases the cost of the detergent but can also have negative impacts on both clothes and the washing machine. When too much detergent is used, rinsing becomes more challenging, increasing the likelihood of residue. These residues can make clothes progressively harder and may result in color fading and fiber damage, shortening the lifespan of the garments.

 

The right approach is to use the recommended amount of laundry detergent, ensuring it can effectively do its job during the washing process while minimizing environmental impact. Using the appropriate amount not only keeps clothes clean but also helps prolong their lifespan, making the entire washing process more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

 

 

4. Can we use laundry detergent and disinfectant together?

 

Laundry detergents often include bactericidal ingredients, but expecting them to completely "kill" bacteria is unrealistic. Sterilization is a time-consuming process, and the short washing period can only effectively "wash away" most bacteria. For enhanced sterilization, additional products like drops or whiskey-type clothing sterilization liquids can be used.

 

However, caution is necessary when using 84 disinfectants and quaternary ammonium salt disinfection products together with laundry detergent. Quaternary ammonium salt disinfection products, having cationic properties, may react with anionic surfactants in laundry detergents. This not only renders the detergent ingredients ineffective but also significantly reduces the bactericidal effect.

 

When it comes to bleaching agents like 84, they should not be used on colored clothes due to their strong oxidizing properties. This can affect the detergent's ingredients and compromise the overall washing effect.

 

The principle behind anti-mite laundry detergent is similar—it relies on "washing away" mites. Products that come into contact with the human body, like cleaning and care products, cannot have the same formula as pesticides.

 

For effective mite elimination, a combination of "high temperature + tapping" is more reliable than relying solely on mite-repelling laundry detergent. Additionally, letting clothes receive more sunlight can contribute to a more thorough cleaning process.

 

5. Is it more worth buying if it does not contain optical brighteners?

Optical brighteners, commonly used in laundry detergents and fabric softeners, are generally considered safe for most people when used as directed. They are designed to enhance the appearance of fabrics by making them appear brighter and whiter. However, some individuals may have skin sensitivities or allergies to these substances, leading to skin irritation or allergic reactions.

 

Here are some factors to consider:

 

Allergies or Sensitivities: Some people may be sensitive or allergic to optical brighteners. If you or your family members have skin sensitivities or allergies, choosing products without optical brighteners might be preferable.

 

Environmental Concerns: Optical brighteners can have environmental impacts. They may not be easily biodegradable and can contribute to water pollution. If you are environmentally conscious, opting for products without optical brighteners could align with your values.

 

Fabric Longevity: Some argue that optical brighteners may cause fabrics to age more quickly. If preserving the longevity of your clothes is a priority, choosing products without these additives might be considered.

 

 

6. Lack of cleaning of the washing machine?

 

The washing machine is not the same clean as we see on the surface.

 

After every laundry cycle, the inside of the washing machine may appear clean and smooth, giving the impression of a well-maintained appliance. However, recent surveys on household washing machines have revealed startling results:

 

- Approximately 81.3% of washing machines showed a total bacterial count exceeding the standard rate.

- The detection rate for total coliform bacteria was found to be 100%.

- More than 60.2% of washing machines tested positive for mold.

 

These findings indicate that the cleanliness of our home washing machines might be significantly different from what meets the eye.

 

This level of "dirtiness" is almost inevitable in washing machines due to their structural characteristics, which make them prone to retaining dirt and harboring bacteria. Despite the appearance of cleanliness, these survey results highlight the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning routines to ensure the hygiene of our washing machines.

 

What is the dirt in the washing machine?

In both common household washing machine types—pulsator and drum—consisting of an outer and inner bucket, a shared issue arises. The inner bucket, often perforated with small holes, facilitates the flow of water between the inner and outer buckets during the wash cycle.

 

Over time, this interlayer becomes a hotspot for dirt accumulation and bacterial growth. Subsequently, during subsequent wash cycles, water flows back into the barrel through these small holes, potentially contaminating the clothes.

 

The dirt within the washing machine barrel primarily comprises:

 

- Fabric debris: Resulting from the washing and rinsing process, debris sheds from the clothes.

 

- Laundry detergent residue: The chemical components of detergents, particularly surfactants, have a propensity to accumulate in the interlayer between the inner and outer barrels.

 

- Scale: Substances in the water, like calcium carbonate and magnesium sulfate, easily form scale deposits.

 

- Metal rust: Concealed rust within the washing machine can contribute to metal pollution, a concern that should not be overlooked.

 

What should we do?

 

Sort Clothes for Washing

 

For instance, separate inner and outer garments, consider hand-washing intimate apparel and wash clothes of different fabric textures separately. Additionally, if there are infants or young children in the household, it's advisable to wash their clothes separately from adults, using a high-temperature washing setting. If there are concerns, hand-washing is a viable option. If someone in the household has a contagious illness, it's best not to share the washing machine with others and opt for hand washing.

 

If machine washing is necessary, it's recommended to soak and wipe the washing machine drum with disinfectant before and after each use.

 

Maintain Dryness Inside the Washing Machine

 

After using the washing machine, some people tend to habitually close the lid or door. However, this is not the best practice. After use, it's better to leave the lid or door open to allow for ventilation. Closing the door only after the interior has cooled down and dried to some extent can help reduce bacterial growth.

 

Regular Cleaning

 

To effectively minimize dirt residue and maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine, regular cleaning is essential. Using specialized washing machine cleaning agents, and following the instructions in the manual, can achieve optimal cleaning results. If using a concentrated cleaning agent, strict adherence to the recommended dilution ratio is crucial to prevent corrosion or damage to the washing machine.

 

7. Is underwear laundry detergent really work?

Many understand the sensitive needs of intimate apparel. Whether lightly worn bras or snug-fitting underwear, these garments require gentle yet effective formulas.

 

Rather than harsh bleaches or abrasives that can irritate the skin, gentle formulations using hypoallergenic surfactants and enzymes are best. They carefully tackle stains, breaking down smells and markings without risk of chafing or redness.

 

Intimate fabrics are often finer than other clothes, woven for breathability close to the skin. Harsh detergents can degrade delicate materials over time through excessive rubbing and pulling. Formulas should cleanse thoroughly yet keep lingerie looking new longer through protective conditioning.

 

Many prefer hand-washing lingerie to maintain its shape and fit. For such care, sulfate-free liquids and powders are suitable for use in a basin or sink. Skin-softening botanicals like aloe and chamomile soothe as they sanitize intimate garments.  

 

Whether laundered or hand-washed, trust gentle formulas to maintain intimates' delicate touch through safe cleaning. The priority is comfort - so relax knowing lingerie and sensitive areas are in good hands.

 

8. Can clothes be washed cleaner by soaking them for a long time?

Many individuals opt to soak their clothes before washing, often under the impression that a longer soaking duration leads to easier and cleaner results. Contrary to this belief, excessive soaking time can have adverse effects. The dissolved dirt in the water may reattach to the clothes, increasing the likelihood of fading and making the washing process more challenging.

 

The recommended approach is to soak clothes for approximately 15 minutes each day, with a maximum duration of 30 minutes, even for heavily soiled garments. To simplify the process and ensure optimal soaking time, washing machines equipped with a dedicated soaking function can be utilized. This method helps maintain control over the soaking duration and contributes to effective and efficient clothing care.