The Blacklisted Laundry Detergent: Unveiling the 4 Reasons Why

25 October, 2024

More and more people are blacklisting detergent. Why is that?

4 reasons why many people put detergent on the blacklist

– Hard to dissolve completely

Detergent is hard to dissolve completely, especially when machine washing. This is because the washing machine’s cycle, especially when using cold water, makes it difficult for the detergent to dissolve fully. As a result, the clothes may not be thoroughly cleaned, and detergent residue may even cling to the fabric after the cycle ends.

Additionally, detergent residue inside the machine can be harmful to it. Therefore, detergent is recommended for hand washing instead.

But when hand washing, you should also dissolve the detergent in water before adding your clothes. This will ensure a more thorough clean, prevent residue on your clothes, and avoid wasting detergent.

– Poor fabric protection

Detergent often contains strong cleaning agents, which can lead to poor fabric protection. Many people notice that clothes washed with detergent feel less soft and more rough and stiff than when using liquid detergent. This is one reason why many are abandoning detergent.

– Causes a mild burning sensation on the skin

Detergents often contain alkaline components, which can cause a mild burning sensation on the skin when hand washing. Prolonged exposure can lead to dry, red, and even cracked skin.

For those with sensitive skin, these conditions can be more severe. Additionally, many people experience a sticky feeling on their hands after using detergent to wash clothes, which is unpleasant.

Therefore, it is best to wear gloves when washing clothes to protect your hands.

– Difficult to store

Storing detergent can be tricky. It usually comes in bags, which are hard to keep dry. If the detergent gets wet and forms lumps, its cleaning power decreases, and it becomes difficult to use.

Notes on using detergent

– Choose the right type of detergent

Read the product information carefully to select the most suitable detergent. For example, if you’re machine washing, choose a detergent specifically designed for your type of washing machine. Typically, top-loading machines require less foamy detergent than front-loading ones.

Don’t use hand-washing detergent as a substitute for machine-specific detergent. This will ensure effective cleaning and prolong the life of your washing machine.

When purchasing detergent, opt for well-known brands instead of cheaper, generic options to protect your clothes and your health.

– Don’t use too much detergent

Contrary to popular belief, using excessive detergent does not mean cleaner clothes or better stain removal. In fact, if you use too much, the concentration of cleaning agents becomes too high, reducing its effectiveness.

Manufacturers carefully calculate and adjust the concentration of cleaning agents in detergents to achieve optimal cleaning power. Using more detergent than recommended can lead to faster fabric deterioration, stiffer fibers, and faster color fading.

It is recommended to use about 10 grams of detergent for every 2 liters of water, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

– Don’t add detergent during the wash cycle

Adding detergent midway through the wash cycle is a common mistake. By then, the water is already dirty, and adding detergent will not improve cleaning effectiveness, leading to wasted detergent.

If you want to add more detergent, discard the dirty water and refill the basin with clean water and the appropriate amount of detergent.