When choosing a powder, we most often follow the instructions, which indicate what things it is suitable for. The price and method of washing (in the car or manually) is still very important to us. However, washing powders contain chemicals that can be harmful to health. This is an important criterion for choosing any detergent.
Read the label correctly
First about the composition. Almost any gel, liquid for dishes and, of course, powder contain in their composition most often surfactants, they are indicated on the label as surfactants. There are also polymers, enzymes (catalysts for cold water, t <40 degrees) that improve the quality of washing. Phosphates soften water, prevent plaque from forming on machine spirals. So they are dangerous for the environment and for people. Chemical compounds of various metals and phosphoric acid can cause allergies not only in the hands, but also in the respiratory tract. They poison water bodies. In European countries, all detergents containing phosphates have long been discontinued.
The concept of "safe washing powders"
In the new generation of detergents, phosphates are replaced by zeolites, which soften, absorb water and are completely harmless. In addition, phosphate-free laundry detergents have other useful functions.
- They dissolve well in water, so the laundry is thoroughly rinsed, there are no small insoluble particles in it.
- The strength of the fabric is preserved after repeated use in machines.
- The original appearance and color of the item does not change.
Means of this type are quite expensive, but they need to be filled up in the car less, and the washing quality is very high. Our health and our children are not appreciated by money.
Other parameters of powders
Most handwash formulations produce a lot of foam; it is not recommended to use them in an automatic machine. Here, suitable products that contain antifoam. Universal liquid and tablets for any washing are also available. It is better not to combine powders with bleaches with colored gels. Dyed clothes cannot be washed in them - the fabrics will fade. Oxygen granules for color help gently wash and do not damage the bright colors of the laundry. However, white heavily soiled sheets with powder for this purpose cannot be removed. Synthetic items and linen made from natural fabrics are handled differently.
A thorough check of the effect on the body
Powders for children's things are well tested, so things of babies, especially infants, are best washed with a special composition. Such detergents are anti-allergenic, do not harm health. Instead of PVA - ordinary soap, there is an optical brightener, not chlorine. Children's products do not contain synthetic fragrances. Suitable for washing both in automatic machines and for manual. An additional plus: things are easy to iron after washing.
Warning
What can happen if detergents are of poor quality? Redness of the skin of the hands, in advanced cases, itching and rashes in other parts of the body. Even swelling may appear. If safety precautions are not observed, small particles of chemical dust enter the bronchi when inhaled. Allergic rhinitis and cough appear. In such situations, spasm of the bronchial vessels cannot be allowed.
It is better to use high-quality safe detergents of well-known brands than to cure the consequences.