ANSWER
It most likely happened to you: a gleaming, appealing, and convincing advertisement claimed that the product works miracles in all conditions, at all temperatures, and on any item. You eagerly purchased it, only to be disappointed with the results. The logic is straightforward: if there were a miraculous product, there would be no need for other products, right? Nonetheless, the market is becoming increasingly crowded with the new “best laundry detergents” daily. So, what can you do to make the most of your regular household investments?
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The solution is simple: learn what you really need in a product and how to use it correctly.

This article contains information on the following:
What Is the Best Detergent for Hand Washing?
How to Properly Hand Wash Clothes
What is the best detergent for machine washing?
Best Baby Laundry Detergents
How to Care for Baby Clothes
How to Care for Cloth Diapers
Best Underwear and Lingerie Laundry Detergents
Bacteria and Germ Elimination
How to Wash Women’s Lingerie and Delicate Underwear
How to Clean a Bra
How to Care for Female Tights
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Silk
In conclusion

What Is the Best Detergent for Hand Washing?
While washing machines undoubtedly save time and effort, hand washing must produce effective results. Using a good laundry detergent for hand washing is one of the best ways to clean your clothes gently. This is especially true for items labeled “hand wash only.” Yes, we know that many modern washing machines have a program that simulates hand washing, but manual treatment is still the best risk-free option for the most delicate garments.

Use a mild detergent to protect your skin and the treated fabrics when hand-washing. If possible, avoid harsh surfactants such as SAS in favor of a formula containing nonionic surfactants. Look for cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA), fatty alcohol ethoxylates, or Cocamidopropyl Betaine on the ingredient list.

When washing delicate fabrics like cashmere and wool, look for detergents that contain lanolin, which also acts as a softener. Innovative no-rinse formulas are another viable option; less treatment means less stress on the delicate fibers.

How to Properly Hand Wash Clothes

After you’ve separated the dark and light fabrics, make two tubs of water: one for washing and one for rinsing. Keep in mind that sensitive clothing is not subjected to extreme heat inside the washing machine; thus, there is no need to torture your hands in hot water; simply warm is sufficient.

Immerse each piece in water and gently rub it for a few minutes. If you’re attempting to remove a specific stain, concentrate on that area – but don’t overdo it, as excessive rubbing may damage the fabric’s integrity. Transfer it to the second tub for rinsing once it appears clean. Of course, if you’re only washing one or two items, you can do it all in a single tub.

Now comes the important part. While twisting and wriggling is a common method for removing excess water, it is better avoided. This method causes sensitive fibers to stretch and even break, and while the difference is not immediately noticeable if done frequently, you will soon notice the difference in quality. It is preferable to hang the laundry after allowing it to drip-dry for a while.

Wool sweaters, for example, tolerate hand washing better than laundry machines. Immerse the item(s) in lukewarm or cold water and soak for about an hour. After a thorough rinse, they should be allowed to drip dry before being laid flat to dry, ideally over a drying rack. Hanging should be avoided to avoid overstretching.

Silk is treated in the same way. Before immersing, use cold water and turn the treated clothes inside out. Allow them to soak for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Silk, unlike wool, can be hang-dried.

What is the best detergent for machine washing?

Most detergents can be used in a washing machine. However, some users prefer liquid detergent to powder detergent because of its solvency. Even highly concentrated liquid detergent formulas contain a significant amount of water, resulting in rapid and complete dissolution during the washing cycle. On the other hand, powder detergents may leave a residue and eventually clog the system. Contrary to popular belief, modern, high-quality detergent powder formulas rarely cause problems.

If the washing system works properly, the risk of damage from residue buildup is minimal. Furthermore, liquid detergents contain animal fats that, if not properly dissolved, can clog lines and valves in the same way powder detergents do.

Laundry detergent buildup problems are rarely severe, necessitating only thorough cleaning and minor repairs.

One thing you can do to ensure excellent results is to keep the drum manageable. Allow enough space for items to move freely while rubbing and cleaning each other, and allow detergent to dissolve without becoming trapped. Furthermore, unless necessary, avoid pouring laundry detergent directly into the drum.

Concentrated detergent formulas necessitate fewer doses than standard economy packs. It is therefore strongly advised to follow the instructions on the package.

Enzymes in the ingredients list enable machine washing at lower temperatures, in shorter cycles, and with less water. Aside from saving you time and money on utility bills, these laundry detergents are also environmentally friendly.

Detergent pods are multifunctional and ideal for anyone who prefers not to deal with precise dosing. However, because their design is limited to machine washing, they offer less versatility.

Best Baby Laundry Detergents

Not all products are created equal. Even if the detergent formula is of high quality, it is not equally suitable for all applications. Some laundry routines, for example, are unsuitable for sensitive baby skin. As a result, treating baby clothes, blankets, bedding, blankets, accessories, and cloth diapers require special care.

All newborn babies and, in some cases, toddlers have sensitive skin. But does this imply that you must only use specialized formulas and wash baby items separately? No, not at all. Treating them alongside the rest of the adequate household laundry is acceptable, but there are some guidelines to follow to ensure the best results.

Begin by putting your regular detergent brand to the test. Wash a few pieces and check for reactions on the baby’s skin. If this is the case, look for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulations. Those will still be useful for the rest of the laundry in the house. If the reaction persists, switch to a baby laundry detergent formula (and consult the doctor, just in case).

Liquid detergents may be a better choice for washing baby clothes on average. Because such formulas contain a lot of water, they dissolve quickly and may rinse better than powdered products. However, remember that the residue is mostly caused by insufficient washing methods.

Soap flakes, fabric softeners, and laundry pods should be avoided. Complex “more in one” formulas may contain harsh chemicals, and some softeners may linger on the fibers and cause an allergic reaction. Children’s sleepwear must be flame-resistant; however, soap flakes and bleach can degrade the fabric’s flame resistance. Furthermore, toddlers may find the laundry pod design irresistibly candy-like, and you don’t want to find your child chewing on one of those.

How to Care for Baby Clothes

The general rule is to attack soils as soon as possible. A quick reaction ensures that the stain molecules do not become embedded in the fabric, making cleaning difficult. As first aid, baby wipes are fine, but soak the soiled items as soon as possible.

Also, remember to wash all new baby clothes before using them for the first time. The same is true for plush toys. For more information, consult the care label on the garment.

Tiny baby garment items like socks should be placed in a mesh laundry bag to avoid loss or damage.

Some stains require special treatment:

Protein-based stains: For at least one hour, soak fabrics soiled with milk formulas, breast milk, food stains, or feces in cold water mixed with a stain-removing, enzyme-rich detergent formula. Continue with your normal washing routine.
Vegetables and fruits: The first line of defense is to soak and rinse the garment in cold water immediately. In many cases, this should be sufficient to remove the stain. If the stain persists, use the pre-wash stain remover before washing the items as usual.
Baby oil stains: Use a pre-wash stain remover to treat the stain, then wash the item at the highest temperature the fabric care instructions allow. Allow airing dry, checking periodically to see if the stain has been removed. If it reappears after drying, repeat the procedure.
Urine Stains: Pre-treating with ammonia-based products can help combat the spoils left on most fabrics (remember to test their color integrity first). Regular stain-removal products can be used on less persistent soils. After treatment, the garments can be washed as usual.
If you need to check if all of the products have dissolved, rinse twice.

How to Care for Cloth Diapers

You should wash cloth diapers separately with a gentle formula if you use regular detergent. The reason for this is to avoid diaper rash caused by harsh ingredients. If you and your baby encounter such a problem, alter your usual method. Cloth diapers should be rinsed in cold water before being immersed in a mixture of hot water and mild detergent. Adding bleach is another option. For added security, rinse twice.

Another method is to soak cloth diapers overnight in a cold pre-wash solution free of fragrances and dyes. Wash the load in hot water, double rinse, and do not use softeners in the morning.

The most important takeaway
Look for enzyme-containing formulas: Mannanase and Pectinase are excellent at removing food stains, while Protease dissolves protein stains.

Best Underwear and Lingerie Laundry Detergents
Our experts are frequently asked, “Why can’t I wash the underwear with other clothes?” There are several important answers here, so we’ll review them individually.

To begin with, different pieces of underwear require different treatments, just as different clothes and fabrics do. Sensitive items such as silk and lace cannot be washed in the same manner as plain cotton boxers. Microfibre items with a lot of elastics can become saggy from regular overstretching, and heavily colored fabrics can affect other garments when mixed.

The following critical point is that underwear is exposed to a wide range of bacteria that other garments are not. To remove them, wash the items at 60 degrees or higher temperatures. In other words, washing the mixed load at 40 degrees will not only leave bacteria on your underwear but also transfer them to the rest of your clothes. However, many common clothing items do not require higher temperatures to be adequately cleaned.

Bacteria and Germ Elimination
Although high temperatures will kill most microorganisms, they are not the only option. Detergent formulas with a high bleach content can produce effective results even at temperatures as low as 20 degrees Celsius if the fabric can withstand such treatment.

The majority of enzyme-rich formulas are also effective. Look for Protease in the ingredient list; it works well against protein stains at low temperatures and pH levels. It’s ideal for washing sensitive lingerie and restoring its youthful appearance thanks to Cellulase.

Always read the care label and use the appropriate cycle and water temperature setting.

Pre-treat any stains as soon as possible with enzyme sprays, commercial stain removers, or even a splash of liquid laundry detergent. Remove the load from the drum immediately after washing to avoid odors and mold growth.

How to Wash Women’s Lingerie and Delicate Underwear
Sensitive fabrics should be washed by hand to preserve the material. Fill the tub with as warm water as possible and use an enzyme-free formula. Follow the dosage instructions on the package carefully if you don’t want to deal with excessive foaming or soapy residue. Immerse the load and soak it for 30 minutes, occasionally shuffling the pieces to ensure that the detergent gets everywhere. Gently rub each piece, gently squeeze out excess water, and hang dry. To preserve the color, turn each item inside out and keep it out of direct sunlight.

If you prefer to use the washing machine, carefully read the care label instructions. To avoid damage, place all delicate items in laundry bags.

How to Clean a Bra
Avoid detergents that contain bleach or alcohol. If you don’t have an appropriate product, you can use baby soap as a first-aid substitute.

If your bras are machine washable, place them in laundry bags for protection and avoid washing them in the same load as rough fabrics like jeans. Follow the instructions on the label using the delicate cycle setting. Never tumble dry or put them in the dryer; heat will degrade delicate fabrics and elastic.

However, hand washing your bras is the best way to keep their shape. Immerse them in warm water with a small amount of detergent and soak them for up to an hour, occasionally swirling them around. Gently rub the exposed areas and rinse, preferably with a showerhead. Drape them over the tub or lay them flat to dry.

Bras with underwire shaping should always be washed by hand. Also, remove the pads before washing a sports bra and treat them separately to keep their shape.

How to Care for Female Tights
To last, all legwear, including tights, pantyhose, and stockings, requires manual washing. Extreme heat, overstretching, and rubbing will quickly destroy delicate elastic fibers.

Immerse sheer legwear in a solution of cool water and mild detergent, squeezing them to allow the solution to work. After 30 minutes:
Gently rinse the load in cold water.
Wrap it in a towel to absorb excess moisture.
Hang it dry.

The same guidelines apply to all types of elastic shapewear.

The most important takeaway
Stains should be pre-treated with enzyme sprays, stain removers, or liquid laundry detergent. For machine washing, look for enzyme-rich detergents. Put delicate items in laundry bags before putting them in the washing machine. Lace, bras, and tights should be hand washed.

How to Clean Silk
Highly sensitive silk garments should be hand-washed, but if you follow a strict set of rules, you can achieve successful results in the washing machine.

Before cleaning, always read the care instructions. It is best not to wash garments labeled “dry cleaning” at home, but if you must, hand wash them gently. Also, before washing it with other items, test it for colorfastness. To see if any leaks will occur, dampen a small area and press it against a white tissue.

If you hand-wash, combine cold water with a mild detergent formula designed specifically for delicate fabrics. Pre-treat the fabric with a gentle stain removal solution and turn the item inside out. Submerge the garments and soak them for no more than 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Never twist silk to remove excess water; roll it flat in a towel or hang it to drip and dry away from direct sunlight.

Our experts advise against washing silk with chlorine bleach. If you need to refresh its appearance, look for optical brighteners in laundry detergents and cleaning sprays. OBAs (optical brightening agents) and FWAs (fluorescent whitening agents) deposit on garment fibers and are not removed by rinsing. They work by absorbing and reflecting ultraviolet light to create a brightening effect. This method is especially useful for reducing the visibility of yellow and orange hues.

Place the silk item in a protective mesh bag for machine washing. Use a sensitive fabric detergent and a delicate cycle program in the washing machine. Never tumble dry – once the short washing cycle is complete, proceed as described for manual washing.
QUESTION
How do you choose your laundry detergent?

– What criteria do you use to select the detergent?

– What information do you need to make a purchase?

– How do you know the product meets the criteria?

– How does this apply to nursing research?