Powder vs liquid detergent which is best for your laundry Tom's Guide Skip to main content Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. Powder vs liquid detergent which is best for your laundry By Katie Mortram published 28 September 2022 Stuck between powder vs liquid detergent? Here's the answer (Image credit: Shutterstock) When it comes to powder vs liquid detergent, many of us are creatures of habit and stick to the same product, much like fabric softener. It's not surprising when you consider the hefty amount of brands and types on offer. But did you know there are differing benefits to using each of these types of laundry detergent? You could even argue that one is better than the other, depending on your circumstances. Here, we will lift the veil on these types of laundry detergent, and help you understand the pros and cons of each. We will consider which scenarios these work best for, as well as how they can make a difference to the best washing machines on laundry day. You might even want to change what you're using as a result. So if you're debating powder vs liquid detergent, here's the answer. Benefits of powder detergent  (Image credit: Shutterstock) 1. Great for mud and blood stains - First of all, powder detergent is generally better at removing active/outdoor stains. This is because powder detergent contains different surfactants compared to liquid, which is what provides the cleaning power. The compounds found in powder detergent tends to make it more effective on stains such as mud, blood and grass. That means if you're a keen gardener or often deal with heavy-set stains, powder detergent is best. 2. Keeps whites white - Powder detergent is also ideal for keeping your whites white. This is because it often contains enzymes and whitening agents, although you will need to check the ingredients list to confirm this. So, if your white bedsheets are greying, powder detergent could be the answer. 3. It lasts - I speak from experience when I say that powder detergent lasts. One box of powder detergent can cover over 100 washes. That means it can be months before you need to consider topping up. As a powder, this type of detergent will stand the test of time as well, giving it a long shelf life. 4. Value for money - Because of the above point, power detergent is also generally good value for money. It can cost as little as 10 cents a wash depending on your load and water hardness. 5. Packaging better for the environment - While most detergents aren't ideal environmentally speaking - the packaging itself makes a difference. Powder detergent is usually available in recyclable cardboard packaging, which is a plus versus the plastic found with liquids. Negatives of powder detergent (Image credit: Shutterstock) 1. It's messy - You can't sugarcoat it, powder detergent is messy to use. It can easily spill during dosing and application, for which you will need to get one of the best vacuums out to collect. It can also leave remnants behind in your detergent drawer if it hasn't fully rinsed away, which will also need to be cleaned. 2. Not good for sensitive skin - Because it's a powder, this type of detergent needs to dissolve in the wash to be effective, which requires high temperatures. However, powder detergent doesn't always dissolve completely, especially in colder cycles, which means it is more tricky to rinse away versus liquid. The result is more residual detergent left behind in the laundry, which can cause reactions for sensitive skin. 3. Not good for the washing machine - We touched upon powder detergent leaving behind residual clumps in your detergent drawer. It can actually do this throughout the internals of your washing machine, resulting in a potential blockage or at least a breeding ground for mold. To avoid expensive repairs, be sure to learn how to clean a washing machine if you suspect this. 4. Not ideal for hand washing - Because it doesn't dissolve easily in cooler temperatures, powder detergent isn't ideal for hand washing either. You can end up with a lot of powder residue coating your delicates if you do this. 5. Can take up space - Boxes of powder detergent are generally quite large and cumbersome, especially once opened. So, make sure your laundry shelf has enough space before you buy. Because of its cardboard packaging, it's vulnerable to the damp and any leaks as well, so keep it stored in a cool, dry place. Benefits of liquid detergent  (Image credit: Shutterstock) 1. Great for oil and grease stains - Just as powder detergent is good for mud and blood stains, liquid detergent works well on oil and grease stains. This is because it contains alcohol ethoxylates, which is particularly effective on these substances. So, if you're a keen chef or a car mechanic, liquid laundry detergent may be best. 2. Better for sensitive skin - Because of its liquid state, liquid detergent dissolves easily, even in cold water. So, it naturally rinses better during the final stages of the washing cycle. As such, there's likely less residual detergent in your clothing versus powder, which makes it the better option for sensitive skin and allergies. 3. Convenient to dose - Liquid can still spill as you measure it out, but it's arguably less messy vs powder. Plus, if you opt for liquid pods, measuring out the dosage becomes entirely unnecessary. 4. Good for storage - Bottles of liquid detergent are more compact versus boxes of powder detergent. Being made of plastic, they're generally more sturdy as well. 5. Better for hand washing - As it dissolves that much easier, liquid detergent is naturally the better choice for hand washing. Plus, liquid detergents designed for delicate washes are widely available as well, such as Molly's Suds Delicate Wash Liquid Laundry Soap ($12.34, Amazon (opens in new tab)). In addition, liquid detergent is more ideal for spot-treating stains. 6. Better for washing machine - For the same reason, liquid detergent is not so likely to leave residue behind in your washing machine. That's not to say you're completely in the clear though - washing machines will still need cleaning regularly to keep on top of any build up of soap scum and limescale. Negatives of liquid detergent (Image credit: Shutterstock) 1. Expensive - When comparing prices directly, liquid detergent is the more expensive option, especially if you buy pods which can cost up to twice as much. 2. Can be used up quickly - It seems like you get through liquid much more quickly versus powder as well. The bottles tend to contain less wash loads, although this is not always the case. 3. Easy to dose incorrectly - It's very easy to use too little or too much liquid detergent as the measurements on the dosage cap are often tricky to read. This results in excess waste, or an inadequate cleaning performance. 4. Packaging not so good for the environment - Liquid detergent packaging tends to be made of plastic, which makes it the less environmentally friendly of the two options. Verdict  Ultimately, liquid detergent seems to have more benefits. However powder detergent provides a solution where liquids cannot. The best option for you will depend on what you're washing and your situation. If you have sensitive skin, you should stick to liquids, while those who care about value for money are better off with powder. I personally use both, and interchange depending on the situation. To find out which option is better for you, consider your needs and preferences and see which ticks the most boxes. Today's best Laundry Detergent deals (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$12.99 (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$13.98 (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$16.99 (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab)Show More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices For more washing tips, tricks, and how-tos, check out our guides on best clothes dryers, 7 signs that you need a new washing machine and what do laundry symbols mean? Also, don't make this one mistake when doing your laundry! Be In the Know Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Katie MortramHomes EditorKatie looks after everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. She also covers smart home products too, so is the best point of contact for any household advice! She has tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for over 6 years, so she knows what to look for when finding the best. Her favorite thing to test has to be stand mixers as she loves to bake in her spare time. 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