With so many different laundry products on the market, it’s sometimes difficult to muddle through the options to determine which ones you and your family really need. Do I really need this color or scent enhancer? Is it worth it to purchase the detergent with the boosted stain removal? Liquid, power, or pods?
The good news is, you need a minimal amount of product in your laundry room to get the job done effectively. The items can found in your local department store - and some are probably already in your home - and they won’t bust your family budget.
Choosing a laundry detergent
Liquids, pods, and powders can all be used in any water temperature and are formulated to use in high-efficiency washers; just look for the "he" (high-efficiency) symbol. FYI: you can use “he” laundry detergent in a standard top load washer.
Below are the pros and cons of each detergent type.
Liquid Detergent
- Pros: Perfect for using as a stain pretreater or spot cleaning, especially on oil and grease stains as it adheres to the fibers of the fabric to help release the stain. Less expensive than single dose pods.
- Cons: Difficult to measure the correct amount resulting in too much detergent per load, wasted money and residue left on clothes and washing machines. The packaging places an enormous strain on landfills.
Pods (Pre-Packaged)
- Pros: Convenient and simple to use. Premeasured dose of detergent produces consistent results. Less packaging waste for landfills.
- Cons: Most expensive per load of laundry. Pods cannot be used for pretreating or spot treating stains. Poisoning hazard and easily swallowed by children and vulnerable adults.
Powder Detergent
Pros:
- Most cost effective
- Packaging is recyclable and more environmentally friendly.
- Powder detergent formulas are more stable than liquid or pods.
Cons:
- must be stored in a completely dry area to prevent caking.
- Pretreating stains is more difficult because a paste must be made first with the powder detergent and water.
Whether you decide on liquid, pods or powder, price isn't always the best indicator of how well a detergent will perform. The more active ingredients listed in the formula, like enzymes that break down stains; the better the detergent will perform.
Mattituck Laundry is located at 12250 Main Road, on the North Fork of Long Island, New York, with additional locations in Greenport and East Hampton. Our services include on-site dry cleaning, wash and fold, pick-up and delivery, and self-service coin operated washers and dryers. Visit our site or call (631) 298-1963 to learn more!
