There’s never been a bigger choice of laundry detergents on the market than there is now, and the main decision for many of us is whether to use washing powder or liquid. Capsules are great for speed and ease as there is no mess or measuring involved. You just pop your capsule/tablet into the drum with your laundry and start the cycle as you normally would. Powder detergent is definitely the best option for value and stain removal, but liquids can be kinder to delicate clothes and appliances. If there’s not enough powder then the clothes won’t be cleaned well enough and won’t smell as fresh. But using too much powder can cause problems too, such as powdery residue and suds left on clothes, or garments left feeling too stiff. According to Persil, a standard load of laundry needs around 110 ml of powdered detergent, but heavily soiled clothes may need an extra 100-210 ml.

Now you know all about the major brand and supermarket brand washing powders on the market, you might have a few questions which have been thrown up by some of the words we have used. For instance, what is the difference between biological and non-biological? Bio vs. non-bio washing powder Trying to work out exactly the right amount of powder to use might seem confusing, but if we follow some basic advice we can get it right each time and get the best possible cleaning results.

Best Washing Powders in the UK

Choosing which type of detergent is about more than just personal preference, then. Gels are great for washing coloured loads, as they contain no bleach. Likewise liquitabs, like Ariel All-in-1 PODS Washing Tablets, are also great for their simplicity: just place one Ariel All-in-1 POD in the bottom of the drum before the wash for outstanding laundry results.

Tablets also have this convenience, but can contain bleach, making them perfect for whites. Washing powders are also great for whites, and you can dose flexibly into the dispenser drawer. For any brand of detergent, a good guideline when washing heavily stained clothes is to fill the dosing device to the next line up from usual. The UK is mostly made up of limestone and chalk which causes hard water, and around 60% of homes in England and Wales have a hard water supply. Even if your laundry is dirtier than usual or you’re doing a larger wash, don’t get tempted to add too much powder. It’s better to pre-soak dirty items than to use too much detergent in the main wash. Water hardnessAside from washing powders, there are liquids and gels, as well as capsules to choose from, but this totally depends on your washing machine and your personal preference as to whether you use them. This can result in the clothes soaking up all the water, preventing the detergent from dissolving properly. Stabilisers help provide the detergent formula stability and keep the enzymes active. Convenience and versatility