Whats the difference between liquid and powder washing detergent?

Question

Ok, I've been washing my own clothes for far too many years now and there's something that has always confused me. What is the difference between using liquid, powder or these new-fangled "liquitabs". Does it make any difference at all which one you use? Is one better for your washing machine than another? Why must they confuse us with their madness?!

Answer 1

the difference is one is powder, the other is liquid...well and then there is the price.  You will not get the powder stains if you put the powder in while the washer is filling up, the powder dissolves...I love powder, have been a fan since 2001 :)

Answer 2

There are differences -- but only slight in the big picture. :)

Powdered detergents are better for dirt that's ground in.  Liquid detergents are best for pre-treating laundry and for oily stains. Sometimes these also contain a kind of fabric softener -- versus a laundry soap which doesn't.

Liquitabs is really just a convenience product. To your madness point, it's all marketing.

If you use the suggested amount of each (based on your machine and cycle,) both are equally fine.

The only reason I know this is b/c I was trying to find out which was better for bright colors  (turns out there is no real difference) and I learned this in my research.  Glad it didn't go to waste!

Answer 3

no difference really, they all clean yr clothes, powder  n liquid always goes in the draw, but some tablets and the liqitablets just go in the drum

Answer 4

i use 2 use powders, but then i noticed after they got thru wasn there would be wet powders on some of my clothes. so i started using liquid  i like that a whole lot better. i like the ones that smell good and the same fabric softener.

Answer 5

I like to use Tide.  I have used both liquid and powder.  I have never tried a liquitab.  If I find a coupon that might be my next purchase.

I have found the powders sometime don't dissolve and I have a bit of powder left on the clothes after washing. It does come out in the dryer so that is not a big deal.

I think powder is cheaper per wash.  I tend to use liquid because I live in an apartment and must use a laundry room and liquid is easier to carry to and fro.  It never leaves a powdery dust behind.

I believe it is a matter of personal preference.  I will likely try the liquitabs when I renew because they are easier to carry than even the liquids.

Answer 6

I personally like POWDER LAUNDRY DETERGENT. The reason being that most of liquid laundry is form in blue dye. If not dilute properly you will getting spot on clothes it even worse that as far compare to powder laundry not fully diluted.

I tried Arm & Hammer with Oxiclean a few times and couple shirts end up with 2 big spots of blue. I figure it was from liquid laundry detergent. So i will never buy that type again.

You also get more loads to box depending on what on sale.

I always see GAIN 80 loads of different perfumes on sale for 9.99 I think that bargain.