Today, washing powder is taken for granted. Without it, a full process of washing things is impossible. However, just 150 years ago people had no idea what it was.
The article will discuss the history of the creation of washing powder, its benefits and harm to human health and the environment, and will list the leading manufacturers of laundry detergents and more.
Content
Description of clothes washing detergent
Washing powder – This is a detergent of a synthetic nature, related to household chemicals..
Powders have a complex, multicomponent composition, depending on which the specifics of their application differ.
All modern powdered products undergo granulation, which reduces the degree of dusting and also makes the process of use more convenient.
They are white in color, but in their composition you can often find multi-colored granules (green, red, blue, dark blue). The main purpose of powders is to remove dirt.
History of creation
The first washing powder was created by German chemist Fritz Henkel. Its basis at that time was sodium silicate. In 1876, Fritz organized the Henkel company, which began releasing a new product called “bleaching soda” to the masses. It quickly became popular because it washed things well and was inexpensive.
The first soap powder appeared on the market a year later.Its creators founded the company Thompsons Seifenpulver GmbH. At the same time, the Henkel factory developed.
Washing powder appeared in Russia only in 1953, it was a product called "News". It was produced in Kazan at a chemical plant. A new round of development occurred in 2000, as a result, a powder with a composition familiar to modern people entered the market.
What's the harm?
The only benefit of powders is their ability to effectively remove various contaminants from things, making them clean. However, they are harmful to the human body and the environment.
For the human body
Surfactants that form the basis of washing powders are highly active compounds. When they enter the body, they accumulate in the cell membranes, covering them with a film and disrupting their functioning. If a lot of surfactants accumulate in the body, they disrupt metabolic processes and can even lead to cell destruction.
Anionic surfactants are especially dangerous. Their harmful effects on the body:
- impaired immunity;
- allergy provocation;
- brain damage;
- increased cholesterol levels in the blood, increased atherosclerosis;
- disruptions in the functioning of the nervous system;
- disturbances in the functioning of the liver, kidneys, and respiratory system.
Anti-active substances have the property of accumulating in internal organs. When they come into contact with unprotected skin, 0.6% of them settle in the liver, and 1.9% in the brain. They have a toxic effect on them.
Phosphates from washing powder only enhance the effect of anionic surfactants, promote their penetration through the skin and increased destruction of membranes. High toxic concentrations of surfactants remain on things for about 4 days.
Environmental impact
Drain water contains synthetic detergents. After processing, they end up in the sewer system and then in natural bodies of water. For the microorganisms living in them, the substances contained in the powders are poisons. They violate the organoleptic properties and biological parameters of water.
Due to surfactants and other harmful chemicals entering the water, water bodies begin to bloom, turning into swamps.
Variety of shapes and types
The following types are distinguished: washing powders:
Universal compositions for different types of washing.- Machine washing machines.
- For hand wash.
- For delicate washing.
- Contains disinfectants.
- For white and colored laundry.
- For children's clothing.
- With air conditioning.
- For washing in hard or cold water, etc.
Different manufacturers produce different powders. They differ not only in composition, but also in smell. There are three forms of laundry detergents:
- ordinary bulk powders;
- gels represented by liquid concentrates;
- capsules - they contain a highly concentrated liquid gel.
It is most convenient to use capsules, since they do not need to be dosed, they do not generate dust and do not irritate the respiratory tract. However, they cost 2-3 times more than classic washing powder.
Features of choosing a washing composition
When choosing a washing powder, you need to consider its purpose.A prerequisite is to study the composition. You should not buy household chemicals that have expired.
Other points to pay attention to:
- Amount of surfactants. According to existing standards, their percentage should be less than 5%.
- All foreign-made media must have Russian-language information.
- The composition should not contain phosphates; responsible manufacturers replace them with safer zeolites.
- Purpose of the detergent. If the label says “for white clothes,” then it is not recommended to wash colored items with them.
- The composition of baby powder should be as natural as possible.
- The packaging must be tightly sealed, without any signs of tampering.
Read about how to choose washing powder Here, for children's things - here. The rating of hypoallergenic laundry detergents is presented in this article, odorless powders - in this, eco-powders - in this.
The difference between hand washing powder and “automatic” is considered Here, features of choosing soap powder - here, safe for a septic tank - in this article, the rating of detergents based on customer reviews is presented here.
Top producing countries
Powder production is carried out in many countries, but the leaders in this industry are the following countries:
Japan. Included Japanese washing powders there are no phosphates, since they have been banned in the country for several years. They are sold in convenient modern packaging and equipped with a measuring spoon. The most popular brands: Attack, Lion, Miyoshi, Daiichi FUNS, Mitsuei Super Wash.- China. Chemicals made in China, is characterized by economical consumption, minimal amount of flavorings, high efficiency and hypoallergenic composition.Popular brands: Liby, Keon, BioAqua, Laundry Detergent Sheets, Touching Nature.
- Korea. In the formula Korean washing powders There are no phosphates, and the main active component is enzymes that are safe for human health and the environment. The most popular TMs: KeraSys Spark Drum, OATS, Lion Beat, Hanjang.
- Russia. Most formulations do not contain phosphates and are also affordable. The most popular brands: Eared nanny, Umka, Sarma, Vorsinka, Stork, Sorti, Lotus.
- Belarus. Washing powders from Belarus They wash well, do not contain phosphates and undergo strict control when entering the Russian market. Popular brands: Mara, April, Chaika, SanDay.
You can learn about German washing powders from this articles.
Compound
The basis of all washing powders are anionic and nonionic surfactants. These surfactants weaken the bonds between contaminants and fabric fibers and prevent them from re-settling.
In addition to surfactants, the composition of laundry detergents is represented by the following components:
- Optical brighteners that create the illusion of snow-white laundry. This effect is achieved due to the deposition of luminescent particles on the fabric. When sunlight hits them, things appear white.
- Oxygen bleach.
- Soda and soap. They are designed to improve the quality of washing.
- Fragrances and flavors responsible for eliminating unpleasant odors and adding freshness to washed laundry.
- Phosphates. These components are necessary to soften water, which improves the quality of washing. Phosphates make laundry soft and protect washing machine elements from scale.
- Zeolites. They act as a safer alternative to phosphates.
- Sodium silicate, which alkalizes surfactants and also binds powder dust into granules.
- Enzymes (enzymes). They break down different types of contaminants through the manifestation of their biological activity.
- Defoamers. These substances prevent excessive foam formation.
Other components:
ballast substances,- solvents,
- chlorine,
- hydrotropes,
- anti-corrosion compounds,
- preservatives,
- antioxidants,
- additives that soften the skin of the hands,
- air conditioner, etc.
Read more about the composition of washing powder Here, about the requirements of GOST - here.
Features of use
Recommendations for use washing powders:
- compliance with dosage and temperature conditions;
- use of powders according to their intended purpose (for white and colored laundry, for children, for people with hypersensitive skin);
- when washing in an automatic machine, the powder is poured into the first compartment only if the pre-wash or soaking program has been selected; in other cases, the detergent is poured into the second section;
- taking into account the concentration of chemicals - if the powder is concentrated, the dosage is reduced.
The rating of washing powders for colored items is presented in this article, for blacks - in this, for white - here, for hand washing - Here.
Will he tell you if you can pour the powder directly into the drum? this article, where correct, in which compartment - this, how much to pour - this.
Storage conditions
The composition can be stored both in the original packaging and in other suitable containers. The main thing is that the container is tightly closed. Do not allow moisture or debris to get inside.
The room chosen is dry, dark and cool. Children should not have access to detergent. It is important to monitor the expiration date of the composition and not use expired products. Read about expiration dates for washing powders Here.
Helpful information
Tips for selection and application washing powder:
If you want to protect yourself as much as possible from exposure to harmful substances, you should give preference to soap-based powders.- You need to choose powders with a low pH level, which is close to the pH of the skin, which is 4.5.
However, you should be prepared for the fact that this level of acidity negatively affects the cleaning properties of the composition, so it will be worse to wash.
- When washing by hand, you need to protect the skin of your hands from contact with the washing solution.
- Dust from laundry detergent can remain in the air for about 20 minutes. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to place a washing machine in the kitchen.
How to replace washing powder if it runs out, you can find out herehow to make it yourself - Here.
Conclusion
It is impossible to imagine the life of a modern person without washing powder. To minimize its harm to health and the environment, preference should be given to the most natural formulations, without prohibited components.
The powder must be used according to the instructions., which improves the quality of washing.
