We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Some Different Types of Laundry Detergent?

By Sherry Holetzky
Updated: Oct 10, 2023
Views: 23,076
Share

Today, you can find laundry detergent for nearly any type of fabric that can be machine-washed. From powder and liquid to regular strength and highly concentrated formulas, you can find an option that is convenient to use. There are other distinctions as well, such as oxygen formulas, laundry detergent with color safe bleach alternative, or mild formulas made specifically for cleaning delicates. For those who are sensitive to additives, there are dye free and fragrance free options. There is even laundry soap specifically for dark colors to help keep them from fading.

If you prefer powdered detergent, look for brands that offer a quick dissolve formula. It is best to add powder to the washer first and then start the machine. Allow the laundry soap to begin dissolving before adding clothing. Keep powdered detergent in a dry place. If it becomes damp, it may not dissolve well.

Many people find liquid laundry detergent more convenient than washing powder because they don’t have to wait for it to dissolve. You can just pour it in and go. Some also like it because a few extra drops can be used to treat stains instead of purchasing a separate stain remover.

While nothing cleans quite like bleach, obviously bleach is not recommended for all clothing. There is an alternative, a color safe bleach alternative. A detergent with bleach alternative removes stains and brightens clothes. What about dark formula laundry detergent? If you don’t want your deepest colors to fade, don’t want your blacks to look more like grays, try a dark color formula.

When it comes to delicates, there are extra mild formulas of detergent available. You should still follow the instructions on the care label. You may find that with specialty laundry soap and cold water, you’ll be able to machine-wash some items, on the gentle cycle, which would normally require hand washing.

These laundry products will not only help get your clothes clean but will also help keep them looking newer longer. Even if certain formulas tend to cost a bit more than others, they may be worth the extra expense. After all, replacing clothing can be very costly, so if you can make your clothes last longer by spending a few extra cents per load on special detergent, you will probably come out ahead.

If you have sensitive skin, there are options specially made for you too from dye free to fragrance free. It may take some experimentation until you can find a formula that meets all your needs but there are many more choices today than ever before. It’s a good idea to avoid trying new laundry detergent while making changes in the other products you use. This way, if you have a reaction to something, you’ll be better able to narrow down what caused it.

Navigating through the vast array of laundry detergents to find the best laundry detergent sheets for your needs can be a daunting task. The best laundry detergent will cater to the fabric care requirements of your clothes, be cost-effective, and align with your environmental and ethical values. As the article outlines the diversity in laundry detergent types, it underscores the importance of making an informed choice, ensuring that your laundry routine is not only effective but also tailored to the well-being of your garments and the environment.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-some-different-types-of-laundry-detergent.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.