A variety of laundry detergents are available in the market, including powder, liquid, and pod-based options. Each detergent comes with unique benefits. Some help soften clothes, while others remove tough stains. However, one can damage their clothes if they use the wrong type of detergent. This is why it is important to buy the right type. Here are the components and types of detergents that one should know about before making a purchase.

Laundry soap vs laundry detergent
Oftentimes people confuse laundry soap with laundry detergent. Laundry detergents are made from synthetic compounds, including optical brighteners, perfumes, dyes, and phosphates. Detergents may also have partially biodegradable ingredients like enzymes. Laundry soaps, on the other hand, are considered to be more eco-friendly. They are made from combinations of oils and fats. However, they may not be as powerful as a laundry detergent.

Cleaning components in laundry detergents
Laundry detergents essentially are chemicals. They get mixed with our clothes while washing. The chemicals mix with unwanted elements like oil, dirt, grass, food stains, and other particles. Many elements of detergents have various benefits. Some of the main components in most laundry detergents are:

Surfactants
These are soap molecules that can bind water and oil simultaneously. The molecule reduces the tension between water and oil. The soap breaks down grease and dirt molecules from water when it is rinsed.

Bleaches
Bleach is a chlorine or oxygen-based product and is present in several detergents. The component de-colors tough stains that cannot be removed easily.

Brighteners
A brightener is used as an alternative chemical to bleach. It can brighten white clothes by using blue dyes. The dye makes older white material look less yellow.

Builders
These are suitable to reduce water hardness and work as stain removers. Builders balance the pH level in the washing cycle. Furthermore, the chemical combines grease and oil stains, breaks them apart, loosens them, and eliminates the stains while rinsing.

Water softeners
Softeners help increase soap efficiency and remove unwanted minerals from the water. The process improves clothing lifespan by protecting it from changes in temperature and humidity. Certain enzymes in water softeners are effective in removing many stains. Enzymes break down stains into smaller particles so they can be washed away easily. Cationic softeners are another type of water softener that softens fabrics and protects them from static cling when the person wears the item. The chemical also makes the clothes soft.

Polymeric brightening agents are ingredients to brighten up dull-looking clothing. They remove iron particles that may otherwise make the piece of clothing look dull. The brightening agents are useful when the wash cycle involves a whitening or color-protect sequence.

Types of detergent
Companies primarily manufacture four types of laundry detergents.

Powder detergents
Powders are one type of detergent that are popular among most households. They are cost-effective and contain bleach. The presence of such compounds makes powder detergents effective against stains and useful for whitening clothes. Powder detergents are also generally packed in recyclable containers.

Liquid detergents
Liquids are another popular detergent type preferred by many people. They can be suitable for pre-treating stains. These stains are then easily dissolved in the washing cycle. One can also purchase different types of liquids for dark or white clothes.

Laundry pods
A third common type of detergent is laundry pods. They serve as multi-function cleaning agents for odor and stain removal and as a color brightener. The pods have a long shelf-life and a biodegradable coating. These are especially useful for those who are new to laundry or while traveling.

Laundry tablets
While these are not as popular as pods, laundry tablets are also preferred by many households. They come with a protective coating and are powdery like dishwashing tablets. These are also suitable for travelers and come in various options, including products for sensitive skin.

Other detergent types
Apart from the ones listed above, one can also try other types of detergents.

• Laundry balls (laundry eggs) are toxin-free cleaning products that can be thrown into the washing machine to clean clothing items.
• Eco-friendly detergents are another type suitable for those who want to steer clear of harsh chemicals. These products use plant-based ingredients to keep the clothes clean and smelling fresh.
• Biological detergents are made from enzymes that can dissolve tough stains. But such detergents are not recommended for use on infant clothing or for those with sensitive skin.
• People with asthma or allergies can use hypoallergenic laundry detergent. Such formulas are dermatologically tested and certified as safe for the skin. Hypoallergenic detergents are also enzyme and fragrance-free.