What's The Difference Between Liquid And Powder Detergent? An Expert Explains

Choosing the right detergent will largely come down to your individual needs and personal preferences, says Kim Romine, P&G Fabric Care Scientist. Factors such as ingredients, how well it will clean your laundry, scent, and composition are all worth considering. One of the biggest questions you might have when choosing the right detergent could come down to whether to go liquid vs. powder. Here Romine breaks down their differences, pros, cons, and which variety is better at fighting dreaded grease stains. This is what you need to know about liquid vs. powder detergent before you hit the laundry aisle.

Liquid Detergent

Composition

While liquid detergent and powder detergent are composed of many of the same ingredients, the main difference is liquid detergent brings all these actives together in a water-based formula, Romine says. These components work together to fight and remove stains, boost the efficiency of your machine, prevent redeposition of dirt on clothes, soften the water, and—of course—provide a clean scent. “It’s important to note that specific formulations vary among different brands and types of liquid detergents,” explains Romine. In essence, all liquid detergents aren’t created equal, so find one that works for your unique needs.

Advantages

Whether you’re working with liquid or powder detergent, there are certain advantages that you might notice between both formulas, most notably their customizable dosage and the ability to be used for both pre-treating and hand-washing stains. Where they differ comes down to how each formula dissolves in water. Most liquid detergents have no problem dissolving in cold water which leads to less buildup in your machine and overall cleaner clothes. Liquid detergent is also the better choice for treating tricky oil-based stains.

Disadvantages

When it comes to liquid detergent, a little goes a long way. Therefore, the issue of over-dosage can be a prominent one. This can lead to residue in your machine, clogged drains, and even laundry that traps dirt and grime rather than getting rid of it. To avoid these scenarios, simply ensure you’re using the recommended dosage for your load size and machine.

Powdered Detergent

Composition

Powdered detergents are primarily composed of builders, processing aids, surfactants, and other actives, Romine says, though they will vary among detergent brands and powder detergent types. She explains that surfactants are what’s responsible for removing stains and dirt, builders work to soften the water and improve the effectiveness of the detergent, and processing aids help disperse the powder. Finally, other actives come in to deliver a clean scent and increase whiteness.

Advantages

Powdered detergent has its own set of advantages, starting with its stain-fighting properties that can be a real asset for pre-treatment. Powder detergent can be used to both pre-soak your garment or pinpoint its stain-fighting power with a paste that can go to work on your stain before it enters the machine. Powder detergent, like many liquid detergents, is also safe for delicate items that need to be hand washed while also allowing for customizable dosage for more personalized cleaning, Romine says.

It's important to note that powder detergent oftentimes clocks in at a lower price point and its packaging is oftentimes made of recyclable cardboard—two factors which could sway the pendulum when it comes to determining the right detergent.

Disadvantages

If you’ve ever tried to scoop a dose of powder detergent from a brand new box, you’re probably well aware of one of the primary drawbacks of this particular formulation: It can get a little messy. Beyond that, Romine also points to the possibility of both over- and under-dosing the detergent as well as its general heft when carrying—especially if you’ll be toting it to and from a shared laundry facility.

Liquid Vs. Powder Detergent

Performance in Different Water Temperatures

While both liquid and powder detergent can work across a full range of water temperatures, Romine says liquid detergent has a bit of an edge when it comes to how easily it disperses in water. If you prefer a powder detergent and are worried about water temperature performance, Romine recommends a high-quality powder that’s formulated with easy-dissolve technology like Tide Ultra Oxi powder detergent.

Effectiveness on Different Types of Stains

Once again, both powder and liquid detergent can do a number on a vast range of stains, but the differences in their pH profiles are where Romine says you may see a slight edge depending on what type of stain you’re treating. She recommends selecting a high-quality liquid detergent for greasy stains as they can be more effective than powder formulas.

Personal Preferences and Laundry Habits

Selecting the right detergent formula for you can come down to a variety of factors including the type of machine you’ll be using, any existing septic issues, and if you have hard water. In both of the latter scenarios, liquid detergent is the more likely choice as it tends to dissolve more easily. While powder detergent can leave behind a residue if it isn’t allowed to dissolved properly, the same can occur if you use too much liquid detergent. Either way, selecting a detergent that fits your budget and needs—and then ensuring you use the proper amount for your load size—is the magic equation.