When we go to buy detergent For washing clothes we find an endless number of options: liquid, powder, perfumed, unfragranced, with enzymes, without enzymes, in more or less recyclable packaging… There is everything. Sometimes such a wide range of options can be confusing. Which best detergent? Is there one that washes more efficiently or is less harmful to the environment?
The reality is that this question is not easy to answer. It all depends on preferences each of them or even the type of water or washing machine maintenance. To choose the best detergent for each occasion, it is interesting to know a few concepts about chemistry. Therefore the chemist Nathan Kilafrom the University of Tasmania, wrote an article in Talk in which he explains how he chooses ideal detergent.
He assures that he chooses it based on his preferences. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to know them and choose the one that suits us best.
Chemistry of washing clothes
For washing clothes, the most important ingredients are surfactants. These are molecules that have two ends. one hydrophilic and one lipophilic. This means that one has an affinity for water and the other for fats. Consequently, these molecules have the ability to tear fat from tissues at one end, and mix it with the water they attract at the other.
This is what is found in all detergents. Otherwise, they cannot be considered as such. However there are many others supplements which are not common to everyone.
For example, we find water softenerswho help dissolve salts such as lime, which interfere with the proper functioning of surfactants. These softeners include phosphateswhich used to contain a lot of detergents. Today it is known that they stand for algae bloom in humid environments, so they are used in much smaller quantities. Enough to do its job.
Another typical ingredient in some detergents is sodium percarbonateconsisting of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. These are oxidizing agents that attack bacteria that accumulate in dirty clothes and can multiply inside the washing machine. We can’t forget optical brighteners. These are substances that absorb ultraviolet light and reflect blue light, giving clothes a whiter, brighter appearance. The famous snow-white.
And now we will only have perfumewhose use is obvious, and enzymes. These are proteins that accelerate the breakdown of certain substances. For example, lipases break down fats proteases proteins and amylase starch. Depending on the type of stains we want to remove, one or another enzyme will be suitable for us. Although, if we want to find the best detergent, it is very helpful that it has a wide variety of enzymes.
Packaging is also important
Nowadays, when choosing the best detergent, we can also consider the packaging. And some companies are starting to use recyclable packaging. This is a great option if we care about the planet.
What is the best detergent?
The first step we must take when choosing the best detergent for us is to choose one. liquid or solid. Each has its own advantages. For example, liquid penetrates clothing much better because its main ingredient is water. This way it reaches nooks and crannies much better. However, by its wording it cannot include hydrogen peroxide which is used as an antimicrobial agent. This means that if we do not wash the washing machine regularly, powder detergent is the best option as it contains the necessary ingredients to prevent bacteria from growing or mold forming inside. And, of course, avoid unpleasant odors in clothes.
Another fact to take into account is water hardness. Not all cities contain the same amount of lime in their tap water. We can therefore choose between detergents with more or less softeners.
Regarding perfumeis optional, but everyone decides for themselves how important this is in their case.
Best detergent for chemist
There is no better detergent than another chemical. However, the author of this study explains that he has the ideal configuration when it comes to choosing clothes washing products.
The best detergent for him is the product powder, pleasant smell, packaged in recyclable cardboard. and containing a wide range enzymes and source of activated peroxide. Also, wash your clothes usually in 20°Сas very hot water can inactivate enzymes, use half the recommended amount of detergent. It is not always necessary to use so much.
Source: Hiper Textual
