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Last Updated on: 28th June 2023, 12:44 am
Automatic washing machines are different than semi-automatic washing machines – so are their detergents. So to answer that question – yes, an automatic washing machine does have a separate detergent.
One of the mistakes most washing machine owners make is that they use hand wash detergent powder for washing clothes in their automatic washers. The reason why it’s a big mistake is that the hand wash detergents aren’t designed for automatic washing machines.
The automatic washing machines have separate detergents, which are designed for fully-automatic washers.
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Using hand-wash detergents in a fully automatic washing machine can cause damage. The reason for this is that hand wash detergent creates a high amount of suds, which can hinder proper cleaning of clothes, especially in low water usage machines.
Suds may not be rinsed out correctly, leaving soap residues on clothes or clogging up the machine’s pores and leading to damage.
Therefore, it is necessary to choose a washing detergent that produces less lather but can still effectively remove dirt and residue using less water.
I mostly wash bed sheets in my Samsung washing machine. No doubt, I’m a satisfied user of this washing machine, but even this machine leaves some white marks on the clothes whenever I add excess detergent to it.
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How Many Types of Detergents are there?
A variety of laundry detergents are available on the market in different forms, including powder and liquid. They have been designed to cater to various laundry needs.
However, three main types of detergents are commonly used: hand wash detergents, washing machine detergents, and liquid detergents.
1. Hand Wash Powder Detergent
is formulated for washing clothes by hand or with a semi-automatic washing machine. It is similar to Ariel Complete in that it generates more lather than other detergents, and is effective at removing stains from clothes, even without the extra agitation provided by fully-automatic washing machines.
- Activated Baking Soda To Help Eliminate Odors
- Tough on Stains
- Great Everyday Value
- Leaves Laundry Smelling Fresh
- Scent: Alpine Clean
- Freshlock. 1 scoop. 2 weeks of freshness.
- 6 weeks of freshness from wash until wear.
- Regular and HE Washer compatible.
- Like any household detergent, keep away from children.
- Helps to removes tough stains in the first wash
- Great clean at a great price
- Economical and effective
- Original Downy Scent
2. Machine Washing Powder
The machine washing powder is intended for use with fully-automatic washing machines and is great for keeping whites bright. These detergents produce fewer suds as they are better suited for fully-automatic washing machines that use less water. Powder detergents have a higher concentration of active ingredients such as bleaching technology and are particularly effective at eliminating stubborn outdoor stains and dirt.
3. Liquid Detergent
Liquid detergent is also designed for use in fully-automatic washing machines and is convenient for spot-treating stains, as you can pour it directly onto the stain before washing.
Liquid detergent is an excellent option for tackling oil and grease stains. However, it may not be the best choice for bright whites since it lacks certain ingredients found in powder detergents such as non-chlorine bleach.
- Lavender, lilac, and jasmine fragrances are combined.
- Subtle fruity tones let the strong floral scents shine.
- Bottle made from 25% or more recycled plastic.
- Part of the Soothing Sensations collection
- Made with 100% orange oil
- Can wash away stains and odor
- Food-grade orange oil is safe for the skin
- The laundry detergent is chemical-free.
- Dermatologically tested and USDA certified.
- Whiter and brighter fabrics after one wash
- Part of the Tide Plus Collection
- Specially designed for HE washing machines
- Item Form: Liquid
- Scent: OXI
- Unit Count: 150 Fl Oz
Nonetheless, if you are looking to maintain vibrant colors, liquid detergent is ideal for removing stains while protecting the color of your garments.
Does an Automatic Washer Use Less Detergent?
It’s true to some extent that automatic washing machines require less detergent as compared to semi-automatic washers.
You may have noticed that your clothes have detergent spots after washing them in the automatic washer using hand-wash detergent, especially if you’re washing a pair of black pants or jeans.
So one of the reasons why you’re seeing detergent spots on the pants or jeans is that you’re putting more detergent into the detergent dispenser than you need to for clothes.
Often you’re using the hand wash detergent in your washing machine instead of machine washing powder, which is leaving those white spots on dark clothes.
Furthermore, most automatic washing machines require both powder detergent and liquid detergent for optimal wash. However, the amount of both detergents may vary from washing machine to washing machine.
Most automatic and portable washers for small apartments don’t require a lot of washing detergent and that makes them easy on the pocket.
I hope this article helps you understand why a regular detergent or handwash detergent isn’t suitable for your automatic washing machine.