Review of biodegradable washing powders

Almost everyone knows about the benefits of biodegradable washing powders. This is a natural composition, hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly - everything that makes detergents absolutely safe for humans and the environment. Harmless mixtures are designated with the “Eco” label, but what are they good for and which of the brands offered by stores are better – we’ll look at them below.

What are the benefits of such products?

All biodegradable products have an impeccable composition and are made from natural baby soap, plant extracts, substances and enzymes. Most importantly, environmentally friendly powders do not contain phosphates - salts that enhance the effect of surfactants. This has its advantages: bleaches penetrate the fabric structure better, clean and soften hard tap water more effectively, but they strongly irritate the skin and respiratory tract and are harmful to the environment. Since when it gets into fresh water, it provokes “blooming” and the release of toxins.

Due to the addition of phosphates to powders, drinking water supplies are sharply reduced, and the ecological system is disrupted.

In many Western countries, it is illegal to add phosphate salts to detergents. But not everywhere, especially if the powders are made in Russia. Therefore, you should carefully read the list of phosphate-free compounds, taking care of yourself and nature in general.

Ecover Zero

Belgian household chemicals are considered universal and safe, offering several dozen products for laundry, dishwashing and plumbing equipment. Among washing powders, concentrates, bleaches and conditioners, “Ecover NON BIO Zero” stands out - a powder mixture on a plant-mineral basis.It does not contain petroleum products, flavors, pigments, optical components and phosphates, due to which the product:

• does not leave any foreign odor;
• suitable for children's underwear due to the hypoallergenic base;
• effectively removes stains;
• does not wash out the color;
• dissolves quickly;
• has biodegradable packaging.

The Ecover company offers convenient volumes of products: liquid - from 750 ml to 1.5 l, dry - from 400 g to 3 kg.

But it has its drawbacks. Thus, the product does not wash away “complex”, stubborn stains, removing only fresh dirt. Among the disadvantages is the high cost.

EverCleanNew

The domestic brand is EverCleanNew, under which children's powders are produced, as well as universal ones called Premium White for whitening and Premium Color for colored items. The first one is considered the safest, since it is based only on soap. The premium series contains anionic surfactants, strong bleaches and fragrances, which reduces its environmental friendliness. But all products are universal, suitable for any fabric, with the exception of wool and silk.

Available in convenient volumes of 950 ml, 400 g or 2.4 kg.

In terms of cleaning ability, EverCleanNew boasts no odors on laundry, reduced consumption and makes things softer. However, it is worth considering that only simple stains disappear without a trace, while fruit or stubborn stains remain untouched even after several cycles. It is also possible that lumps may form if the recommended dosage is greatly exceeded when pouring into the tray.

Nordland ECO

Another detergent from a foreign manufacturer is the Spanish Nordland ECO. It is called a new generation powder, as it does not contain phosphate salts, aggressive fragrances and fragrances, gently removes stains, is completely rinsed and decomposes by 90%. Made in Spain and can be used in every wash.

Available in 1.8 kg only.

The brand is attracted by the following advantages:

• leaves no odor;
• economically used;
• Convenient to use thanks to the measuring cup.

But there are also disadvantages. Firstly, the powder will not cope with old stains. Secondly, Nordland ECO is rarely supplied to the Russian Federation, so it is difficult to find in mass markets. Just order online and wait several weeks for delivery.

Molecola Ecological

The Russian eco-line under the Molecola brand offers products with plant enzymes. Suitable for washing even the most delicate items, as it retains color saturation, does not damage the structure of the fabric, does not leave an odor and does not cause allergies. Also pleasing is the economical consumption, biodegradable packaging and the inclusion of a special measuring spoon.

Used in manual and automatic washing to clean cotton, linen, viscose and synthetic linen. Removes only fresh stains in water above 30 degrees. You need to be careful when loading dense fabrics into the drum - the product is difficult to rinse out of them. Available in a pack of 1.2 kg.

Biomio

Recognized as the highest quality and safest powder of all products produced for children with the “Eco” label. Its main advantages are the ability to wash at temperatures below 30 degrees, while simultaneously softening the fabric and maintaining color intensity. Moreover, the mixture is not tested on animals, has compostable packaging and can be used in any wash.

Under "BioMio" in the "Eco" series additional detergents, conditioners and bleaches are also produced.

The manufacturer offers several options:

• universal concentrate for color – Bio-color;
• powder for white and light – Bio-white;
• gel for gentle cleansing – Bio-sensitive.

The natural composition often affects the effectiveness of washing - the product does not remove stains of organic origin. Consumers point out as disadvantages unreliable packaging and a measuring spoon filled with powder, which has to be dug out by hand. Produced in only one volume – 1.5 kg.

EcoleivBio

Bio-products from the Russian manufacturer Ecoleiv have not been tested on animals. These are universal powders and gels that are completely biodegradable in the environment and can be easily washed out when rinsed. Their consumption is 2-3 times less, which allows you to save significantly without compromising washing. The list of advantages is complemented by the following points:

• Contains aloe vera extract and betaine.
• Removes even the most difficult stains.
• Gives softness.

Ecoleiv offers several types of products: for children - Baby, universal - Universal, for colored - Color, for light - White.

It washes powder better at a water temperature of 35 to 60 degrees. Available in 1.25 kg boxes. It is worth considering that a noticeable odor remains after washing, and a measuring spoon is not always provided.

EcomixBaby

EcomixBaby, intended only for automatic washing, has proven itself to be excellent. Its “highlight” is its convenient packaging with a special clasp that prevents moisture from penetrating inside and forming lumps. It is offered in two types - “Living Color” and “Universal”, with the same volume of 450 g. The advantages of the following powder are as follows:

• leaves no odor;
• refreshes laundry;
• quickly removes stains;
• softens fabrics.

But this detergent also has disadvantages. These include uselessness when heavily soiled and high cost.

GardenKids

Children's powder from the domestic manufacturer Garden. In addition to the Kids series, there are also universal products, designated “Universal”. They are based on natural soap, made according to GOST using palm and coconut oil, sodium citrate, silver and soda. In addition to the safe composition, consumers note other advantages:

• giving linen softness and tenderness;
• absence of fragrances and flavors;
• quick dissolution and easy leaching;
• packaging tightness;
• Convenient dosing spoon included.

Sold in boxes of 1.35 kg and 400 g.

There are also disadvantages: the need to heat the water to at least 60 degrees and the rapid consumption of the product. Also, the powder does not remove stubborn stains and is rarely found in stores. The mixture is poured directly into the drum, which also causes inconvenience.

Ecole Mountain air

Biodegradable washing powders also include the domestic brand Ekol. In addition to the universal “Mountain Air”, “Lavender”, “Sea Cool” and “Lemon” are also offered. Aloe Vera is also produced, which is considered a baby detergent. Concentrates are provided separately. All of the listed compositions consist of soda and have the following advantages:

• Relatively small dosages.
• Water softening (there is no need to additionally use products such as Calgon).
• Complete rinsing.

The main disadvantage is the presence of phosphate acid and strong fragrance in the salt, which somewhat reduces the naturalness of the powder mixtures.Heavy stains are not removed, especially if washed at temperatures less than 30 degrees. Also, the smell remains on things.

By choosing biodegradable powders, you don’t have to worry about your health and the state of the environment. The main thing is to carefully study the composition so as not to throw money away.

Reader comments

• Share your opinion - leave a comment