Liquid, capsules or Washo strips?

The detergent comparison and why Washo strips are the better alternative.

Detergents come in all shapes and colors. But how do they differ in terms of washing performance and which detergent is the most environmentally friendly? We have taken a closer look at the four most common forms.

In Europe, we consume around four million tons of detergent every year. Given this enormous quantity, it is not surprising that the range of brands and types of detergent is very large. Consumers are spoiled for choice: should it be concentrated or non-concentrated liquid detergent? Or would it be better to use powder detergent? Will the capsules meet my needs or should I try the washing strips?

Every detergent has its advantages and disadvantages. This applies not only to their washing power, but also to their ingredients, use and impact on the environment. In this overview, we show how the different detergents work and what effect they have on nature. We refer to a standard wash of everyday clothes.

Flüssigwaschmittel

Liquid detergents contain more washing-active substances, known as surfactants, than other washing powders or washing strips. Nevertheless, the washing power is lower compared to other forms of washing. In the end, you need more detergent for the same result, which leads to even more dragging and even more harmful substances in the waste water. One disadvantage for the laundry is that the color liquid detergents leave a grey haze over the clothes over time.

If the detergent is bought in large bottles, the liquid usually also contains preservatives that are difficult to biodegrade and are intended to prevent microorganisms from multiplying. This can trigger allergies, but also asthma or headaches due to the use of formaldehyde. Both the increased concentration of detergent surfactants and the preservatives are harmful to the environment. An assessment by Ökotest last summer showed that many liquid detergents contain boron compounds, which are suspected of damaging fertility in large quantities.

Compared to washing powder, liquid detergent has one advantage: production is less energy-intensive. Liquid detergent performs significantly worse during transportation and use. In addition, liquid detergents do not contain bleaching agents that fade the color and have a negative impact on the environment.

Waschpulver

Washing powder has better washing performance than liquid detergent. However, the powder often contains zeolite for water softening, which can lead to white stains on the laundry. It is therefore extremely important to measure the quantity of washing powder precisely. Softeners such as zeolite A, citrate or silicates are more environmentally friendly than phosphates, which pollute water. Other commonly used softeners are also difficult to break down. Unlike liquid detergents, powders have to be spray-dried during production, which consumes energy. The powder can also create dust during use, which can irritate mucous membranes. Care must therefore be taken when handling it.

Washing powder usually comes in cardboard packaging that can be recycled. This is a clear advantage compared to the plastic bottles used for liquid detergents. However, large packs are not always the right choice: they sometimes contain salts as a filling agent, which pollute the environment. They prevent lumps from forming, but have no effect on the washing power. Compact products are therefore better - just look at the label.

Waschstreifen

Wash strips are light, firmly pressed and dry strips. In the case of Washo, they weigh just two grams. They contain highly concentrated biodegradable washing substances. Washo is based on a formula that contains ionic and anionic surfactants as well as water. For the Summer Breeze Edition, fragrances are also added to the strips. Washo cleansing strips are completely plant-based and free from phosphates, palm oil, bleach and microplastics. Thanks to the gentle ingredients, wash strips are also suitable for allergy sufferers.

Wash strips have numerous advantages for the environment compared to conventional detergents. On the one hand through the use of completely degradable substances, and on the other hand through the low weight. This saves resources and emissions during transportation. In other words, if all washing cycles in Europe were washed with washing strips, the four million tons of detergent mentioned at the beginning could be drastically reduced.

Waschkapseln

Wash capsules, also known as liquid caps, are gel pads filled with liquid detergent. They usually come with different bright colors, which can be attractive to small children. Safe storage is therefore particularly important, as the contents are hazardous to health and anything but environmentally friendly.

The same disadvantages apply to washing capsules as to liquid detergent, the only difference being that the caps are already pre-dosed. This is convenient, but also expensive. As with the washing strips, the liquid cap is added directly to the laundry in the drum and dissolves during washing. The microplastics in the washing capsules end up in the waste water and therefore in our ecosystem. Sometimes they do not dissolve completely and remain on the laundry as sticky residue.

There are also mixed forms with capsules that contain both liquid detergent and powder. They have an improved effect in comparison, but require higher temperatures.

Fazit

Whatever type of washing you choose: Make sure your detergent doesn't contain microplastics and comes in recyclable packaging. Biodegradability is extremely important for detergents to prevent substances and tiny plastic particles from entering the ecosystem. Vegan detergents usually meet this criterion. In addition, non-vegan detergents often contain animal ingredients such as slaughterhouse waste.