Why liquid and powder are not the same
Short answer: Powder usually contains bleach and works best on whites and at higher temperature. Liquid detergent dissolves more easily in cold water and is milder on colours. That is why the two types are not the same, and the choice depends on the clothes and on how hot you wash.
Powder contains bleach
Oxygen-based bleach can only be stable in dry form. That is why it is found in powder and not in liquid products. The bleach helps remove stains and keep white clothes white. In return it is less gentle on colours, so powder is not always the best choice for every item.
Liquid dissolves better in the cold
At low temperatures, powder can leave white residue in clothes, because it does not dissolve fully in the water. Liquid is already dissolved and spreads more easily in cold water. If your machine washes cold or short, liquid is often the simpler choice. See bamboo nightgowns for women.
Choose by the clothes
Powder for whites and towels, liquid for colours and low temperatures. That rule of thumb covers most washes in a normal household. See bamboo towels and bamboo bedding for textiles that are washed often and where the choice of detergent matters.
Why white clothes turn grey
It is often because they are washed cold with colour detergent without bleach. Colour detergent is not made to keep whites white, and at low temperature dirt loosens less well. Try washing the whites separately with powder at a higher temperature, if the care label allows it, and see whether the colour becomes clearer.
Capsules are liquid
Capsules are liquid detergent in a soluble film and behave like liquid. They are easy to dose, because the amount is measured in advance. On the other hand the amount cannot be adjusted to how dirty the clothes are. Read the instructions on the pack about how many capsules belong to each wash, and stick to them.
Bleach and colours
Bleach and colours do not go together. If you use powder with bleach on coloured clothes, the colours can fade over time. Liquid for coloured clothes is therefore a safe habit. Always read the care label, and wash new coloured items separately the first few times to see whether the colour holds.
Dosing for either type
Dose by the pack whichever type you use. Too much powder can leave residue, and too much liquid can leave clothes stiff. Taking water hardness and the amount of laundry into account gives the best result. Always measure the detergent instead of pouring by eye, and rinse extra if you used too much.
One product for everything
If you want to manage with one product, you compromise either on whiteness or on colours. That is a fair choice if your laundry is mostly one or the other. If it is mostly coloured, liquid is a good starting point. If it is mostly whites and towels, powder is a good starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same for everything?
Yes, but then you compromise either on whiteness or on colours. Powder keeps whites white, while liquid is milder on colours, so choose by the clothes you wash most.
What about capsules?
They are liquid detergent in a soluble film and behave like liquid. The amount is measured in advance, so follow the pack for how many capsules per wash and choose them for coloured clothes and low temperatures.
Why do white clothes turn grey?
Often because they are washed cold with colour detergent without bleach. Wash the whites separately with powder at a higher temperature if the care label allows it, and dose by the pack so no residue is left.
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