Liquid detergent against powder on coloured clothes
Short answer: Liquid detergent is best for coloured laundry, because it contains no bleach. Powder with bleach can make dark colours dull over time. Here is the difference, and why it pays to keep both at home.
Liquid detergent
Liquid detergent dissolves completely, even in cold water, and leaves fewer residues in the fabric. That makes it a good choice for everyday clothes, which are often washed at low temperature. It is also easy to dose and can go straight onto a stain before the clothes go in the machine.
No bleach in liquid
Liquid detergent normally contains no bleach, which is why it is kind to colours. Clothes keep their depth of colour wash after wash, and dark pieces look better for longer. Always check the ingredients or label if in doubt, because products differ. See bamboo dresses.
Powder
Powder often contains oxygen-based bleach, which is good for whites but hard on colours over time. It also dissolves less well in cold water and can leave residue in the fabric. If you are used to powder, you can buy a version without bleach that is meant for coloured laundry.
Dark clothes and dull colour
Dark colours can become dull over time if washed in powder with bleach. The difference comes gradually, so you see it only after the clothes have been washed many times. A liquid detergent, or a powder without bleach, is the safest way if you want to keep the colour. See bamboo t-shirts for women.
Grease stains
Liquid detergent also works better on grease, which is the most common stain type on everyday clothes. Put a little directly on the stain, let it work, and wash as normal. It often makes a big difference, and you avoid washing the clothes several times to get the stain out.
What to keep at home
A liquid for coloured laundry and a powder for whites. The two cover almost everything, and you avoid using bleach on clothes that should not have it. It is a simple way to keep the wash under control, and it needs little more than two bottles or boxes. See bamboo underwear for men.
Cold water
If you wash at low temperature, liquid detergent is usually the best choice, because it dissolves without trouble. Powder needs warm water to dissolve fully, or powder residue can stay in the fabric. Residue can give stiff laundry and a greyish film, so check clothes after washing if you use powder.
Dosing
Use the amount on the packaging and adjust to how dirty the clothes are. Too much detergent leaves residue and does not make clothes cleaner. Choose a smaller amount for light dirt and a larger one for very dirty laundry. That saves detergent and money, and spares the clothes.
How to choose for yourself
Wash coloured laundry with liquid detergent or powder without bleach. Wash whites with powder if you want bleach included. If you want only one, liquid is the most versatile for everyday clothes. Read the label in the garment and choose the detergent that suits what you are washing.
Frequently asked questions
Can powder be used on dark clothes
Choose a version without bleach if you use powder. Powder with bleach can make dark colours dull over time, so always check the label before washing.
Why does powder leave residue
Because it dissolves less well in cold water. At low temperature powder residue can stay in the fabric, so liquid detergent is often the best choice for cold washes.
What is best against grease stains
Liquid detergent, applied directly on the stain. Let it work for a moment before the clothes go in the machine, and the grease loosens more easily in the wash.
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