How to choose the detergent for our clothes 

Detergent is a substance that cleans by chemically separating the dirt from cloth when it comes in contact with water. The various types of detergent found on the market all have in common the presence of soap or surfactants, which help the water to 'drag' the stains. The other components vary depending on their particular effect: dispersing agents, enzymes and phosphonates (which act on the most resistant stains), whitening, and protecting colour.

Properties of the detergents:

• Humidification: increases the capacity of water to cover a surface.
• Penetration: ability to penetrate dirty porous surfaces.
• Emulsion: disperses the particles of one liquid into another.
• Suspension: they leave the dirt dispersed preventing it from being deposited again.
  
  

Types of detergents

Tablet

• The soap bar is the classic hand wash method
• Although there are many varieties, the basis for making soap is oil, water, and caustic soda or potash
• The anti-scale version is indicated for persistent dirt

Powdered

• This was the first to reach the machine washing market and evolved into tablets.
• More effective for white garments
• Works best with temperatures of at least 30ºC
• It can leave residue on coloured clothing
• Less convenient measures
• Less specialised

Liquid

• Protects bright colours and is softer with clothes
• It dissolves well at low temperatures
• Simpler dosage
• It has evolved into capsules
• It includes specific properties: delicate clothes, dark clothes
  
  

Common mistakes doing the laundry

Quantity: Adding more detergent doesn't result in a better wash. It's best to use the dose recommended by the manufacturer on the label. If too much is used, the wash is less effective.

Type: There are detergents on the market for all types of fabrics, so it's advisable to select the detergent type to the type of garment that we want to wash: colour, dark clothing, delicate garments.

Temperature: It's not necessary to wash at high temperatures to get rid of the most difficult stains. Current detergents contain new components that efficiently remove dirt, even at low temperatures. If the stain is very resistant, applying a treatment before washing is recommended.

Tray: It is not advisable to mix the detergent with washing additives (washing activators, etc). When these components come into direct contact with the detergent it can decrease their effectiveness. Some washing machines have different trays for the detergent and washing activators. If there is no specially-designed tray, they can be added at different times during the washing cycle.