Laundry capsules are a relatively new product designed to facilitate the process of keeping textiles clean.
Depending on the manufacturer and variety, each pad may consist of one or several sections.
We will tell you further what laundry capsules are made of and how they work.
Content
Composition and distinctive features of the detergent
Capsules are disposable capsules in a water-soluble shell. During washing, the polymer shell dissolves, releasing the contents at the right time.
Depending on what kind of laundry you plan to wash, you buy pads of the required type: for children's clothes, colored clothes, etc.
The pads may contain the following components:
- concentrated washing gel;
- stain remover;
- bleach;
- air conditioner, etc.
In addition to capsules with liquid contents, pads with a dosed amount of washing powder are also produced. Such products are usually presented in the form of single-chamber pads.
Detergent of this format is sold in plastic containers or economy packaging. Each pad is designed for single use.
The main feature of the capsules is the verified and already measured dosage of the product required for one wash.
Operating principle
Most modern capsules are designed for washing clothes in an automatic machine. When interacting with water, the capsule shell dissolves and the contents are released, beginning to act at a certain stage of washing.
How do the capsules dissolve? When used correctly, the coating dissolves without residue, and the contents of each compartment are released and act at the desired stage of the washing process.
It will tell you which washing capsules are best to choose. this article.
What's better?
Let's try to figure out what is better - capsules or washing powder, washing gel?
Comparison with washing powder
Capsules have noticeably replaced other detergents on the product market, especially those presented in the form of powders. Many housewives have appreciated the benefits of capsules when compared with powdered laundry detergent.
Advantages of using washing pads:
- There is no need to measure the product - it is already dosed.
- Saves time when preparing for washing.
- The washing blemish compartment on the body of the machine will always remain clean.
- Eliminating the possibility of dust and washing powder particles getting into the respiratory tract.
- There is no need to use additional products, such as fabric softener and stain remover, since the pads already contain the optimal amount for washing.
- The gel product dissolves and rinses out better and better than powder.
- It is impossible to make a mistake with the dosage.
- Convenient and compact storage and transportation of packaging that takes up less space than a bag of powder.
- There is no chance of the product spilling or spilling.
Flaws:
- the price of capsules is higher than that of powder;
- the pads are not designed to be washed by hand;
- if the temperature setting recommended by the manufacturer is not followed, or with a very short washing program, the shell may not dissolve completely;
- Externally bright capsules attract increased attention from children, from whom the detergent must be kept at a safe distance;
- There is no way to reduce the dosage of detergent if the load, for example, is minimal - it is clearly measured.
With gel
Washing gels are used by housewives very often and enjoy well-deserved trust. But, if you compare such products with pads, the latter have many advantages.
Pros:
- There is no chance of spilling the product.
- You can't go wrong with the dosage.
- Saves time when preparing for washing.
- The powder receptacle compartment remains clean.
- All the detergent is guaranteed to go into use without remaining on the walls, for example, of the powder compartment.
- There is no need to use any additional detergents.
Minuses:
- the price of the pads is on average higher than that of the gel;
- the appearance is more attractive than that of a bottle of gel, so the product must be removed from children and stored in a tightly closed package;
- Unlike a poured liquid gel, the drug enclosed in a capsule has a shell that may not dissolve completely when washed in cold water or on a very short cycle;
- There is no way to reduce the dosage - each pad is designed to fully load the machine.
Rules for use in an automatic machine
In order not to be disappointed in laundry capsules and not to spoil things, must act according to the rules, following both general recommendations and manufacturer's advice:
- Handle the capsule only with dry hands. Otherwise, the shell may dissolve prematurely and the contents of the pad will spill.
- The pad is removed from the individual packaging and placed directly into the drum of the washing machine before loading things. It is advisable to place it closer to the back wall. This will prevent the possibility of a capsule getting into the hatch door seal during drum rotation.
- The contents of the washing pad are designed for one average load, usually 4-5 kg. If the washing machine is large and there are a lot of clothes or they are very dirty, it is permissible to use two capsules at once.
- After the capsule is placed in the drum, items prepared for washing are placed on top of it.
- Start the washing mode.
You cannot force open the shell. You can learn how to properly use laundry capsules here.
How to choose and use for children's underwear?
Some manufacturers produce capsules that are designed for washing baby clothes. Information about this must be indicated on the packaging.
To such detergents high requirements are imposed in terms of safety for children's health. The pads should not contain aggressive substances.
At the same time, such capsules cope very effectively with the contaminants typical of children.
Using a detergent that is suitable for processing newborn clothes, the packaging indicates “0+” or says “from birth”. If there are no such instructions, capsules should not be used for processing children's textiles.
The principle of operation of the product intended for washing children's things is completely similar to the use of pads for adult clothes. The product is placed in an empty drum, and things are placed on top.
Among the noteworthy manufacturers:
- BabyLine BIO capsules for children's things;
- AWARE MOMMY;
- Dalli capsules Eco-Med power Caps;
- MEITAN.
Proper storage
Laundry capsules are a product that requires strict adherence to storage rules. These include the following points:
- Store away from heaters and direct sunlight.
- The packaging should be located in a room with an average level of humidity and avoid the possibility of water ingress.
- Individual packages are opened immediately before use.
- After opening the individual packaging, the pad should be placed directly into the drum. It should not be held in your hands for a long time or returned to storage with other capsules.
- The pads should be stored in a closed container in a place protected from children.
After the expiration date of the product, it should not be stored or used.
Rules for a profitable purchase
Capsules can be purchased in online stores and departments that sell household chemicals. In most cases, pads are more expensive than powder or gel.
To make the purchase profitable, It is best to purchase goods during the promotion period for products or in large packages. The larger the packaging, the more profitable the purchase will be.
You can determine the benefit of a purchase in a very simple way: the amount for a package of washing pads should be divided by the number of pieces. This determines the price for one pillow, and, consequently, the cost of one wash.
Review of Losk washing capsules presented Here, Persil - here, Ariel - in this article, Tide - in this.
Recommendations
When washing with capsules The following recommendations will help:
- Before placing the pads in the drum of the machine, you should study the instructions from the manufacturer, since different types of pads may have their own application characteristics.
- If you are using 2 pads, it is recommended to set the extra rinse function. This will allow you to efficiently remove all traces of detergent from your items.
- If you need to use 2 capsules, you should take a product of the same name from the same manufacturer, since the composition of the pads may differ.
- For black and white clothes, it is advisable to buy special detergents. They will maintain the shade and allow you to remove dirt without harming the fibers of the material.
- A pad placed incorrectly in the washing machine can lead to unpleasant consequences - its shell may not dissolve completely, but may be smeared onto things.
- The plastic packaging from the capsules can be used later in the household, for example, to store brushes or other necessary small items.
- Plastic packaging is more reliable than economical packaging, but this circumstance is reflected in the cost of the product.
Conclusion
Laundry capsules are a convenient means of caring for things and keeping them clean.This ensures high-quality removal of contaminants and saves time. In order for washing with pads to always please you with the results, they must be used strictly according to the rules.