How washing powder works

Despite the effectiveness of special gels, capsules and tablets for washing, it is washing powder that is most popular in Russia. This is the most common and affordable product, so almost every family actively uses these household chemicals. At the same time, not everyone will be able to tell you how washing powder works and why it is worth choosing, if we put aside the cost and prevalence. It is this detergent that we will talk about today so that you don’t have any questions about it.

The principle of operation of this tool

The principle of operation of the powder does not change depending on its brand, because all products work according to the same algorithm, which is not affected by the composition. Therefore, it does not matter whether synthetic surfactants are added to the composition, or whether it contains traditional soap-based surfactants. The action of the detergent is influenced by surfactants that dissolve in water and saturate the liquid with ions that can bind water molecules with molecules of various contaminants.

Next, the dirt associated with water easily moves away from the fabric fibers and enters the aqueous solution, which after the working cycle will be drained into the sewer. At the same time, the fresher the contamination, the faster and better the reaction will be, so it is easier to clean fresh stains than to deal with old and stubborn ones.

Ordinary bar soap works in the same way as washing powder, the only difference is in efficiency, because household chemicals for washing machines contain synthetic, highly specialized surfactants that interact with various contaminants.

That is why modern washing powders, due to their complex composition, can both wash away any dirt and give things a snow-white appearance due to optical brightener. Additionally, the powder may contain auxiliary components that will maintain the integrity of the “home assistant” or have a bactericidal and antiviral effect.

What is washing powder made of?

We have analyzed the effect of the detergent, all that remains is to study the composition of modern powders. Typically, household chemicals for washing machines consist of a mixture of anionic and nonionic surfactants, soda, sodium silicate, which adds alkalinity to the powder and also binds dust into granules, plus ballast salts as a diluent. The latter is usually sodium sulfate in an amount of approximately 40 percent of the composition of the non-concentrated powder with a dosage of 150 grams per wash in household appliances, or sodium chloride, amounting to no more than 5-10 percent.

Often, powders contain a number of other elements, for example, cationic surfactants, chemical and optical brighteners, fragrances, components for binding calcium ions with magnesium, such as sodium tripolyphosphate, zeolites, citrates and Trilon B. In addition to the above, powders can consist of enzymes, soap, color additives and components that prevent the deposition of dirt on the surfaces of clothing and the SM drum. And to ensure that the pH of the powder solution remains within the specified limits, special additives, for example, citric acid, can be added to the product. surfactant molecules

Finally, phosphates should be noted, which help combat high hardness of tap water, as well as increase the effectiveness of the surfactant and the powder itself.However, phosphates have been banned in many countries since 1983. Therefore, phosphate-free detergents have become the most popular washing powders, which is associated not only with restrictions on the use of phosphates, but also with concern for nature and the planet. The last element present in washing powders for washing in automatic mode are components for suppressing foam formation so that the electronics of “home assistants” do not fail.

Who makes these products?

As a result, the principle of operation of washing powders can be understood even without taking a school chemistry course, but finding a high-quality detergent is not so easy. Recently, many foreign companies have left the Russian market, but their place was quickly taken by domestic manufacturers, which we will talk about today. The following list includes only large Russian companies that produce high-quality washing powders suitable for the whole family.

PKF Sunrise LLC, located in the city of Naberezhnye Chelny, was founded in 2018. The company specializes in the production of various household chemicals according to Halal standards, including a large line of effective washing powders manufactured strictly in accordance with GOST. Under its own brand “Sunrise”, the company has released four types of powder, which are distributed in economical packages of 3 kilograms and small packs of 400 grams. Powders “Baby”, “Color”, “Universal” and “Automat” are suitable for all occasions - when you need an environmentally friendly product for cleaning a baby’s clothes from the first days of his life, when you need to wash bright colored clothes, clean linen using hand washing, or use an automatic washing machine.You can purchase the company’s products in almost every major marketplace, starting with Yandex.Market and Ozon, ending with SberMegaMarket.
Novosibirsk Household Chemicals Plant LLC has been producing household chemicals since 1995, using the latest scientific technologies. They are known for their products under the brands “Teon”, “Lotus New”, “Biryusa”, “Spring Tenderness”, “Whiteness” and many others. The “Teon” brand deserves special attention, with washing powders from the “Sensitive” series for people with sensitive skin, “Kids” for treating baby clothes and “Color & White” for working with white and colored items. We also note the budget washing powders “Magic Effect” and “Biryusa Universal”, which can be bought in especially large packs and even bottles. The easiest way to purchase the plant’s products is on large aggregators, for example, from Yandex.
GC "NEFIS" is based in the city of Kazan, where since 1855 it has been producing household chemicals under a variety of brands, known to almost every citizen of Russia. It is this company that is responsible for the production of goods under the brands “BiMax”, “Sorti”, “AOS”, “I Was Born”, “Biolan” and many others. Unlike the previous two organizations, NEFIS products are easy to find not only in large marketplaces, but also in regular stores, as well as in the company’s personal online store. The most economical options are small 350 gram packs of Biolan powder, which can be purchased for only $0.4 per piece, as well as FreeTime and Sorti powders, the price of which is slightly more than $0.5 per pack.The company also sells washing powders in especially large packs of 9 kilograms, for example, “BiMax 100 Automat stains” with a smart formula for removing any stains, which can now be bought in the official NEFIS online store for only $12.
OJSC Nevskaya Cosmetika, located in St. Petersburg, is one of the oldest Russian cosmetics manufacturing companies, which turned 180 years old in 2019. Its product range includes more than 50 types of cosmetic products, as well as a variety of household chemicals made from natural ingredients. The most famous brands of the company are the brands “Ushasty Nyan”, “New Pearl”, “Panthenol”, “Index” and many others. For washing, the organization creates a universal powder “Index Formula 5 in 1”, distributed in packs of 400, 800 grams, 2.4, 4.5 and 6 kilograms, “Vorsinka” powder for woolen and delicate fabrics in packs of 350 grams, and also a series of “Max” powders for manual and automatic washing, a series of “Sarma” powders with an antibacterial effect and the available “Regular Powder”. Additionally, it is worth noting the special washing powder for children’s clothes “Eared Nannies”, created for the clothes of newborns, plus for people with sensitive skin.
Belaya Manufactura LLC is located in Nizhny Novgorod, where for many years it has primarily produced children's cosmetics and household products from natural ingredients. The most famous brand of the organization is the Umka trademark, but they are also known for the products GreenDay, Lachista and a number of others.Among their products, it is worth noting the safe soap powder “Umka”, intended for children’s clothes and clothes for people with allergies, a similar children’s powder “Utya”, as well as a series of washing powders under the “Uma” brand, intended for cleaning white and colored linen. Additionally, it is necessary to highlight the Lachista series of powders, which are distinguished by an active formula against any stains, high protective properties that allow you to preserve household appliances, as well as unusual aromas that allow clothes to delight with a pleasant smell after each working cycle.

As you can see, despite the departure of foreign companies, there are still many worthy household chemical factories on our market, the products of which are not inferior in quality to their foreign counterparts. Almost all products can be found in regular supermarkets, and if they are not on store shelves, you can always order them online on large marketplaces.