How to Buy the Best Detergent for Your Washing Machine

Choosing the best detergent for a washing machine can make a lot of difference in your machine’s performance. Arm yourself with the knowledge given below to make a smart purchase.

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Best detergent for washing machine | best washing machine detergent | best liquid detergent
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If you're looking to get amazing laundry results, then choosing the right detergent matters. You may think that all washing detergents are alike and that any one will do, but it is slightly more complicated than that. Different washing detergents are designed to meet different laundry requirements, and you need to find out which is the best detergent for your washing machine. Choosing the right detergent will not only give you excellent laundry results but will also elongate the life of your washing machine.

Hand Wash vs Machine Wash 

Detergents that are used for hand-washing clothes form more suds. Hand-wash detergents are specially designed keeping in mind the process of hand-washing clothes, the temperature of the water used for the wash and the way these clothes might be scrubbed.

If you are using a washing machine, it is important to use a detergent that is specially formulated for it. The right type of detergent is not only important to wash your clothes thoroughly and get them stain-free, but also to increase the lifespan of your washing machine. It is not advisable to use hand-wash detergents in a washing machine. Since a washing machine uses less water to rinse the garments, you might find detergent residue on your clothing. The residue gunk can also accumulate in your washing drum and affect your machine’s performance. Some detergents are specially formulated for washing machines, i.e. liquid detergents. Being in liquid form, they wash away easily without leaving any residue behind, which is also good for the health of your washing machine. 

Types of Washing Machine Detergent

Using a washing machine successfully is all about a combination of factors – you need to understand the right settings and cycles for your clothing, you need to wash similar garments together, and, perhaps most importantly, you need to use the right detergent for your needs. Here’s a brief rundown of the different detergents you might see at your local supermarket.

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1) Liquid Detergent 

Liquid detergent is often considered to be a good all-rounder. You can use an easily available liquid detergent such as Surf Excel Matic Liquid which is specially formulated for washing machines.  Check the label on the pack to know correct usage instructions. It’s relatively easy to measure the right amount. It leaves no residue (like powders do) as being a liquid it dissolves completely in water and also helps maintain your washing machine’s life. It is well worth keeping a liquid detergent in your cupboard at all times, particularly as it’s suitable for cold and quick washes too

2) Detergent Powder 

Detergent powder, or washing powder, is a more traditional form of detergent, and it’s a cost-effective option If you’re looking for a detergent powder that is easily available in the market, we recommend Surf Excel Matic Powder. It helps wash various kinds of stains easily. Check the label on the pack to understand proper usage instructions.

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The amount of detergent you need to use depends on your water quality, the heaviness of dirt and the size of your laundry load.

Types of Washing Machines and Detergents Suitable for Them

1) Top Load Detergents 

Top-loading detergent is, of course, designed for top-loading washing machines. You may also see it called ‘high efficiency’ detergent and is great at getting deep within the fibers of your clothing for a thorough clean. Try Surf Excel Matic Liquid Top Load to get the best results from your top-loading washing machine. Being a liquid, it easily dissolves in water without leaving any residue behind (like powders do). It is specially formulated for washing machines. It also helps maintain the life of your washing machine. You can also use this type of detergent for semi-automatic washing machines. Before using any product, check the instructions on the pack to use the product the right way.

2) Front Load Detergents 

Front-loading detergent is specifically designed to minimise soapsuds. Excess suds get caught in the door mechanism, making them difficult to remove during the rinse cycle. This type of detergent cleans just as well as hand-washing, despite not foaming like other detergents. We recommend Surf Excel Matic Liquid Front Load. It is specially formulated for washing machines and thus, helps maintain its life. Being a liquid, it completely dissolves in water without leaving any residue behind. It is important to read the instructions on the pack to ensure correct usage.

Type of Wash Load and Detergents Suitable for Them

Also, the choice of detergent should be made basis the type of load. You must know whether you are washing baby’s clothes, or clothes of people suffering from an infection, delicate clothes and so on. If you are washing baby’s clothes, it is important to use a mild detergent to keep your little one’s gentle skin safe. You can also use a fabric conditioner for washing your baby’s clothes. You may try the Comfort Pure fabric conditioner. It is specially designed for your baby’s delicate skin and gives softness to their clothes. It is dermatologically tested and is safe for your baby. Remember to check the usage instructions on the pack. For disinfecting the clothes of someone unwell, you can use a laundry sanitizer after wash. You may try Lifebuoy Laundry Sanitiser. Follow pack usage instructions for soaking, and do not mix with detergent.

If you are washing delicate clothes, you need to use a mild detergent specially formulated for that fabric. Delicate garments made from silk, wool and cotton require extra care and using a mild detergent can work wonders. We recommend Love and Care, which is available in the market and is specially formulated for certain fabrics. Check the label on the pack to understand correct usage instructions. Always check the wash care label before washing any garment.

Choosing the right type of detergent will help your garments last longer.

Detergent manufacturers have conducted many tests to find the optimal amount of detergent to use in each wash, and this information is available on all detergent packaging. Generally speaking, you need to use between two and four tablespoons per wash, depending on how dirty your clothes are, and whether you’ve got hard or soft water in your home. You’ll need to use more if you’ve got hard water as soaps do not foam as well when they’re contending with the natural minerals found in hard water. 

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