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What Is Soap Powder?

M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet

Soap powder, also known as laundry powder, is a dry, granulated substance which is added to one’s washing machine at the beginning of a laundry cycle to remove stains from and add freshness to the items being washed. It usually consists of stain-fighting substances known as surfactants as well as water conditioners, fillers, and, in some cases, enzymes, bleaches, and perfumes. Many consumers prefer powder to liquid detergent because it tends to be more affordable and is usually packaged in an eco-friendly container. Some feel, however, that soap powder does not clean as well as liquid detergents do, while others worry that its high chemical content can cause ecological damage.

In general, using soap powder is fairly simple. Depending on one’s washing machine model, the powder is added either directly to the washing drum or to a built-in dispensing unit prior to beginning a laundry cycle. The powder’s packaging usually indicates the proper amount of product to use for each load of laundry.

A bottle and cup of laundry powder.
A bottle and cup of laundry powder.

Almost every detergent powder contains three basic ingredients: substances known as surfactants, which lift stains away from fabrics, water conditioners, which improve the powder’s performance in hard water, and a filler, usually sodium sulphate, which adds bulk to the product and contributes to its texture. Some powders contain additional ingredients, such as bleach and enzymes, to enhance their stain-fighting, color-brightening capabilities. Additionally, many detergent powders contain perfumes, which can infuse laundered items with a certain scent.

Liquid detergents are believed to be better for the environment than powdered ones.
Liquid detergents are believed to be better for the environment than powdered ones.

Many consumers have lingered in the grocery store laundry aisle trying to determine whether it is wiser to purchase soap powder or liquid detergent. Generally, soap powder has two distinct advantages over liquid detergents. First of all, it tends to be cheaper than liquid products. Secondly, it is usually packaged in a cardboard container that is easy to recycle.

Enzymes, which are used in many laundry detergents to break down stains, are less harmful to the environment than harsh chemical cleansers.
Enzymes, which are used in many laundry detergents to break down stains, are less harmful to the environment than harsh chemical cleansers.

On the other hand, a number of consumers believe that liquid detergent has superior stain-fighting power to detergent powder. This is partly because small amounts of liquid detergent can be applied directly to a stain prior to a laundry cycle, thus increasing the chances that the stain will disappear. Further, many environmental experts caution that the high chemical content of powdered detergents can seriously disrupt the ecological balance naturally found in waterways. In order to minimize ecological damage, these experts recommend choosing highly concentrated soap powders which do not contain artificial additives and chemicals, such as synthetic fragrances.

Discussion Comments

Raynbow

@spotiche5- I have a tip that my father taught me, and it always works. Put your soap powder in your washing machine before you run the water for your laundry. Allow the basin to fill with the water before you put any dirty laundry in it. Once the water has filled it, stir the soap powder with long spoon.

When laundry comes out of the dryer with white powder on it, the reason is that it stuck to them while it was wet. This simple tip will allow the soap powder to dissolve completely before you ever put any laundry in the water.

Heavanet

@spotiche5- If your washing machine has an extra rinse feature, give that a try when you wash a load of dark laundry. The extra rinse cycle should remove any excess soap powder before you put the load in the dryer.

Spotiche5

I have always preferred the soap powder form of laundry detergent because of its cleaning power. The biggest problem that I have with it though is that sometimes it leaves white clumps and streaks on my clean cloths, especially those that are dark colored. Does anyone have a tip for preventing this from happening?

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    • A bottle and cup of laundry powder.
      By: Kitch Bain
      A bottle and cup of laundry powder.
    • Liquid detergents are believed to be better for the environment than powdered ones.
      By: Monkey Business
      Liquid detergents are believed to be better for the environment than powdered ones.
    • Enzymes, which are used in many laundry detergents to break down stains, are less harmful to the environment than harsh chemical cleansers.
      By: Maksym Yemelyanov
      Enzymes, which are used in many laundry detergents to break down stains, are less harmful to the environment than harsh chemical cleansers.
    • Some people prefer to mix their own soap powder rather than buy commercial versions.
      By: burnel11
      Some people prefer to mix their own soap powder rather than buy commercial versions.
    • Liquid detergents are typically more expensive than powdered detergents.
      By: tab62
      Liquid detergents are typically more expensive than powdered detergents.