Relatively recently, so-called phosphate-free laundry detergents began to appear on the shelves of household goods stores. Our housewives were restrained in acquiring such a novelty - the price is much higher than our usual detergents, so why pay more? And those who decided to try, argue that the powder does not erase anything, since it practically does not form foam. What is it, phosphate-free powder for washing clothes, what are its advantages and disadvantages, is it worth it to buy?
What is phosphate added to washing powder for?
In order to evaluate the new product, first of all, you need to understand what phosphates are. These are such aggressive substances that are added to modern detergents in order to soften water and increase powder cleaning agents. At first glance, one benefit from such substances. But the fact is that these chemicals are able to accumulate in the body. After washing with a powder that contains phosphates, particles of these compounds remain on the clothes. Rinsing things repeatedly will not change the situation - such substances cannot be removed, even rinsing with water several times. Thus, this chemistry will get on the skin of a person, subsequently absorbed into the bloodstream. What can this lead to? Studies have proven that such substances cause allergic reactions, skin diseases in the body, and disrupt metabolism in large doses. It is also noted that phosphates are carcinogens, that is, contribute to the development of cancer.
That is why phosphate-free powder was developed. Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Switzerland, Italy, and Japan have legally banned the sale or production of household chemicals that contain phosphates. In other countries (France, Spain, Great Britain), a law has been introduced that permits the content of these substances in detergents to 12%.
Phosphate powders for washing children's clothes: what is the danger?
Especially relevant is the issue of acquiring phosphate-free powders for young parents. Since the use of conventional means (with the content of these chemicals) can extremely negatively affect the health of the baby. Moreover, most often neither parents nor doctors can determine a sudden change in the child’s health status - the appearance of a skin rash, fever, respiratory failure, and many others. Whereas the reason is, for example, baby bedding, which was washed with a powder containing phosphates. The fragile body of the child is extremely sensitive to such aggressive substances, and untimely determination of the causes of the symptoms and the elimination of the source of their formation can lead to serious, sometimes chronic, diseases of the skin and respiratory tract.
Phosphate-free powder: advantages
A decade ago, washing powders were invented that contain a small amount of phosphates (or even such substances are absent in the detergent). They are made using special technology based on surfactants.
Phosphate-free powder has the following advantages:
- Security. Such a tool does not cause allergies, does not contain carcinogenic components in the composition. In addition, it dissolves completely during washing and rinsing, so no chemical compounds remain on clothing.
- This product can be washed in cold water - even complex stains will disappear.
- Phosphate-free washing powder is economical. Unlike conventional products that housewives are accustomed to pour “bigger to better wash out” in a washing machine, powder containing no aggressive substances must be used according to the instructions. If you pour more, the result will be exactly the opposite - the clothes will not be cleaned efficiently.
- In addition, with phosphate-free detergents, the shelf life is unlimited due to the special manufacturing technology of this product.
Below we consider the advantages and disadvantages of phosphate-free powders from different manufacturers.
Persil Phosphate-Free Powder: Silan Microbead Technology
Persil household goods are widely distributed on supermarket shelves. Including the company sells phosphate-free powder. Such a tool for white linen and colored clothes is produced. A distinctive feature of this brand is the development of technology of flavored microbeads that are part of the powder, which contribute to the pleasant smell of clothing. Designed for both hand and machine wash.
This product has earned positive customer reviews. Mistresses note the following facts:
But if this product is not used correctly, white items may turn gray or the quality of the wash will deteriorate. Therefore, the manufacturer indicates the dosage of the powder, which should be clearly observed. Such a household product is not intended for children's things. The cost is from 400 rubles per 3 kg package.
Galinka phosphate-free powder
It is easy to find on sale and phosphate-free washing powder brand Galinka. A feature of this product is the fact that the products have passed dermatological tests. Means for hand and machine wash. The manufacturer indicates that such a powder is suitable for children's clothing, as it does not contain synthetic dyes. The product does not have a pronounced smell. A package of 2.5 kg can be purchased for 250 rubles.
Consumer Reviews
How do consumers rate this phosphate-free laundry detergent? Reviews can be found different. Some housewives claim that Galinka powder is a good detergent for washing clothes at an affordable cost. But there are also negative opinions of consumers about this product. Young mothers claim that they do not like the smell of this remedy. Despite the fact that the manufacturer positions the product as a “powder with a neutral smell”, customer reviews indicate the opposite. That is why buyers do not recommend using such a detergent for washing children's things.
Children's powder "Peanut" without phosphates
What to choose children's phosphate-free powders. Customer reviews highlight such a brand as "Peanut". Its composition is as follows:
- palm oil soap;
- water softener;
- sodium carbonate;
- silicates;
- chlorides;
- carbonates;
- flavorings.
In this composition, phosphates are replaced by less hazardous silicates. It also does not contain phosphanates and zeolites, which are often used in inexpensive phosphate-free powders. Laundry detergent "Peanut" foams well due to the content of natural soap made from coconut oil. In addition, this component of the powder helps to soften the materials.
According to the manufacturer, the Karafuz phosphate-free powder effectively copes even with dried spots due to the fact that it contains oxygen bleach. The cost of the product is about 90 rubles per 450 grams.
Consumer reviews about this product are mixed. Often there is a complaint that the powder poorly cleans contaminants. But consumers are attracted by the affordable price, the absence of a pungent odor, and the safe composition of the product.
Amway baby phosphate-free powder
Consumers appreciated the phosphate-free powder of the American manufacturer - Amway baby. This is a concentrated product that contains natural enzymes and active oxygen. This composition provides high-quality removal of contaminants, softening tissues and, most importantly, is hypoallergenic.
Amway baby phosphate free reviews
Consumers note the high quality of this product, as well as a pleasant, almost imperceptible, smell.
The disadvantages include the high cost of the powder. So, for a three-kilogram pack you will have to pay 1,500 rubles. The inconvenience to consumers is the need for preliminary dilution of the concentrate in boiling water. To determine the correct dosage in each package is a measuring spoon.
Recommendations for the use of phosphate-free powders
It should be borne in mind that phosphate-free laundry detergents have features in use. If you do not adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturer, the washing quality is significantly reduced. So, how to use phosphate-free powder for washing:
- In order to wash out phosphates from things from previous washes by conventional means, preliminary soaking will be required.
- Do not use phosphate-free powder at the same time and, for example, a chlorine-based stain remover - this combination will ruin the laundry. Manufacturers recommend the use of one series of detergents.
- It is important to strictly observe the dosage indicated on the package. Otherwise, the result will be exactly the opposite - the powder does not remove the contamination.
- Most often, phosphate-free detergents are concentrates that must be diluted in a certain volume of hot water before use. For example, Gallus (phosphate-free washing powder, Germany), is bred in such proportions: 1 scoop per glass of boiling water.
Thus, phosphate-free powder is an economical and safe detergent for washing adult and children's clothes. But its use involves the fulfillment of certain conditions. Only then can you appreciate the quality of such a new household product.