How to use laundry powder
You can use powder detergent more or less the same way in your washes as you would liquid detergent, but because it comes in powder form, you will need to dose it and add it to the machine slightly differently. Read on to see all the things you’ll need to consider when it comes to how to use powder laundry detergent.
What to consider when you use laundry powder
Laundry powder can be used with all types of fabrics and clothes, and generally, you can use both liquid and powder interchangeably with your laundry. However, there are a few small things you’ll want to bear in mind when using powder:
Check the type of washing machine you have.
How much you need to dose.
Check the fabric care labels on your garments before washing.
The temperature you’ll wash on.
How much laundry powder detergent to use per load
How much powder detergent you’ll need to use will depend on:
The load size. Medium loads will require less detergent than large loads and full HE loads. Follow the dosing instructions on the pack of your powder detergent.
How dirty the clothes are. More soiling and tougher stains will require more detergent.
The water hardness in your area. If you live in an area with hard water, you will need to use more powder detergent.
How to use powder detergent in top-loader washing machines
For top-loading washing machines, or top loaders, add the powder detergent directly into the drum of the washer before adding the laundry on top. Then close the machine and wash on your desired cycle.
Best water temperature for laundry
Different garments and soiling will require different temperatures for washing. Some more delicate fabrics will need to be washed in cold water, while whites are best washed at high temperatures. You should check the fabric care label for temperature instructions, but generally, different wash temperatures can be applied as following:
Cold water temperatures. Cold water is best used when you want to reduce your energy consumption or if you’re washing fabrics that need more delicate care. Lingerie or wool fabrics need to be washed at a cold temperature, as higher temperatures can damage the fabrics, for example, wool can even shrink when washed in warm water. Also, if you have garments that are brightly colored or dark, then a cold-water cycle will also help preserve the color. However, cold water is unsuitable for heavily soiled items.
Warm water temperatures. Temperatures in these cases fall between 90°F to 110°F (30°C to 40°C) and is a nice middle ground between washing clothes effectively while avoiding damage to most fabrics. You can wash cotton, linen, and synthetics on warm cycles (although, do check the label for each garment). Temperatures in this range clean decently, so they are suitable for most daily stains and soiling.
Hot water temperatures. This is for temperatures at 130°F (55°C) and above and is effective for heavy soiling. The higher the temperature, the better the cleaning, so it’s ideal for items like whites, cloth diapers, towels, bed linen, and clothes with extreme soiling. However, some fabric types can shrink in hot washes, and in the case of bright colors, even fade. This is also the most energy-intensive cycle on your washing machine, so use hot water temperatures sparingly to save more money and be more sustainable.
Need a quick guide? Here’s a table that shows you which temperature is best suited to which fabric or garment.
| Cold Water | Warm Water | Hot Water |
|---|---|---|
| Delicates | Cotton | Heavily soiled garments |
| Lingerie | Linen | Hard-to-remove stains |
| Wool | Nylon and Spandex | Towels and linens |
| Silk | Polyester | Athleisure |
| Dark or bright colors | Rayon | Cloth diapers |
| Light colors | Whites |
How to store laundry powder
Laundry powder has an excellent shelf life, but you need to store it properly to make it last. Make sure you take care of your detergent by:
Storing it in a dry place. Laundry powder can hard and clump when damp, and while you can still use it, it does make it more difficult to dissolve and wash with and may even lead to plugging up the dispensers in your washing machine. So, make sure you find somewhere dry for your detergent.
Keeping it at a stable temperature. It’s not just water you need to watch out for, but very cold temperatures can also cause your powder to harden, and high temperatures cause it to lose oxygen, making it less effective at removing stains. The sweet spot is somewhere between 50°F and 77°F (10°C to 25°C).
Keeping it out of the reach of children. Always store containers closed and stored out of the reach and away from children and pets. Use high shelves or cabinets with childproof locks to keep cleaning supplies out of sight and reach.
Keeping them in their original container with the label intact. This means you’ll always know what’s in the box and how to use it.
Keeping them closed after use. This both protects the quality of the detergent and also prevents accidents.
Keeping them in a designated storage location in the laundry room or another safe place.
FAQs
What is the best way to use powder detergent?
Follow the instructions on the pack of your detergent and dose correctly. You can use powder detergent for all kinds of washes as you would liquid detergent.
Can you put powder detergent directly in the washer?
Yes, but it depends on the washing machine. Top-loading washing machines require you to add the detergent directly to the drum, while front-loading machines have a detergent dispenser drawer.
Can you soak clothes in washing powder?
Yes, you can use powder detergent to pre-soak heavily soiled garments. This can be especially helpful if you have clothes that are very dirty or soiled, particularly in the case of dirt stains or grass. Just dissolve the powder detergent fully in before adding the clothes. If you are washing garments made from cotton, use hot water for the best results. If you have synthetic fabrics, add some cool water after the detergent has dissolved before soaking the soiled laundry. You can leave your clothes to soak for about an hour and then wash as usual.
