Laundry detergents and their composition: what you need to know

The choice of laundry detergent has a direct impact on human health and the environment. Knowing the composition will help you make an informed choice and find a safe laundry detergent, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. In this article we will tell you what ingredients laundry detergents contain, how they differ, and how to choose the safest product.

Main components of laundry detergents

Most laundry detergents include several key ingredients that ensure laundry effectiveness. Let's consider the main substances:

1. Surfactants (surfactants)

Surfactants are the main ingredient that help remove dirt from fabric. They break down grease and dirt, helping them to be washed away with water. However, some surfactants can be harsh and harmful to the environment. For example, sulfates (SLS and SLES) can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

For sensitive skin, it is recommended to choose detergents with mild, plant-based surfactants. Eco-friendly detergents usually contain biodegradable surfactants that do not harm ecosystems.

2. Enzymes

Enzymes are added to powders to improve the removal of protein and grease stains. They are especially effective for washing baby clothes and clothes that are prone to food contamination. Popular enzymes include protease and lipase, which help break down protein and grease stains.

However, it's worth remembering that enzymes can be aggressive to sensitive skin, so it's important to choose powders labeled "hypoallergenic" if you have allergies or skin conditions.

3. Phosphates and their substitutes

Phosphates are often added to laundry detergents to soften water and improve laundry. However, they have a negative impact on water bodies, causing water blooms and the death of aquatic ecosystems. In modern eco-friendly detergents, phosphates are replaced by ethologically pure additives such as zeolites or citrates.

If you're environmentally conscious, choose phosphate-free laundry detergents that are labeled "eco."

4. bleaches

Bleaching ingredients are usually found in white laundry powders. In most cases, these are chlorine or oxygen bleaches. Chlorine bleaches can be harsh and can cause allergies and skin irritation. Oxygen bleaches are gentler and safer for the environment.

Choose powders with oxygen bleaches if you want to protect not only your health but also the environment.

Harmful ingredients in laundry detergents

In addition to phosphates and harsh surfactants, laundry detergents can contain several other potentially harmful ingredients:

• Fragrances and flavorings. They are added to give powders a pleasant odor, but can cause allergies and irritation. It is better to choose powders without fragrances or with natural flavorings.
• Preservatives. Some preservatives, such as formaldehyde, can cause respiratory irritation and allergies. Natural and organic powders usually contain safe preservatives.
• Dyes. Although dyes do not affect the cleanliness of laundry, they can cause skin irritation, especially in children.

Eco-friendly laundry detergents: pros and cons

Today, eco-friendly laundry detergents that are free of phosphates, harsh surfactants and synthetic fragrances are increasingly appearing on the market. They are designed to have minimal impact on nature and are suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Pros:

• Safe for health
• Suitable for children and people with allergies
• Biodegradable components do not harm nature

Minuses:

• May cost more than regular powders
• Less effective in hard water

How to choose a safe laundry detergent?

To choose the best laundry detergent, pay attention to the following points:

1. Look for powders labeled "hypoallergenic" or "eco". This ensures that the product does not contain aggressive surfactants or other harmful ingredients.
2. Study the composition. Avoid powders with phosphates, synthetic fragrances and chlorine bleaches.
3. Take into account the type of laundry. For white laundry, choose powders with oxygen bleaches, and for colored laundry, choose powders without aggressive bleaching ingredients.

Choosing laundry detergent is an important decision that can affect your health and the environment. Study the composition of laundry detergents and try to choose eco-friendly detergents without phosphates, harsh surfactants and synthetic fragrances. This will keep your skin healthy and minimize the negative impact on nature.

Persil laundry detergent is characterized by its versatility. By its composition it is suitable for almost any type of washing and for any laundry.

Laundry detergents consist mainly of hydrophilic (love water) and hydrophobic (repel water) components. This property allows their main function - to dissolve grease. The hydrophilic part combines with water molecules, while the hydrophobic part attaches fat molecules. The consequence of this is the disintegration of large fat droplets into smaller droplets surrounded by water. These droplets are no longer bound to the surface of the material and can be easily washed off.

Detergents are available in both liquid and powder form. Liquid detergents are more effective for cleaning fabrics from greasy stains and can be used in the initial cleaning stage, while detergents are better at removing clay and soil. Therefore, when choosing the shape of the washing sill, you should be guided by the dirtiness of the laundry, clothes, etc.
Both liquid detergents and laundry detergents can be used in cold water. However, it should be remembered that some powders are not very soluble in cold or cool water. In this case, you should increase the temperature of the water before adding the detergent or dissolve the powder in hot water before use and only then pour it into the dirty laundry. The second method should be used when soaking the laundry in cool water.

Composition of washing powders

Look at the label of any global brand of laundry detergent. Obviously, you will not find a list of all the ingredients. Most likely, there will be a standard inscription: "Components include surfactants (cationic and anionic type) and enzymes". It is unlikely that anyone, for example, will be able to accurately name all the substances that are included in the composition of the detergent of the world brand "Tide" or any other detergent. Firstly, the legislation of many countries does not force the company-manufacturer to specify all the components. Secondly, the composition of detergents periodically changes either due to improvements or changes in the composition in order to reduce the cost of the product. However, it is possible to keep track of the ingredients that are necessarily included in laundry detergents, liquid or in powder form, because without their inclusion, laundry detergents would no longer be "laundry" detergents. Can cosmetics "nourish the skin" after that.

What to choose for laundry: powders, capsules or gels

Testing washing powders video