Can I use hand wash powder in a washing machine?

It is undesirable to use powder for hand washing in an automatic machine, although it is not forbidden. Due to the peculiarities of the composition, it will have to be poured much more, in addition, the result will be worse than when using a powder marked “Automatic”.

How is “automatic” powder different from powder for hand washing

The composition of both contains surface-active substances, which are abbreviated as surfactants. These are organic compounds that quickly surround dirt microparticles and literally tear them away from the surface of the fabric.

However, despite the same active ingredient, there are quite a few differences between the agents. For example, a characteristic feature of a powder for hand washing is the presence of components that:

• protect the skin of the hands with prolonged contact with the resulting solution;
• contribute to abundant foaming;
• provide quick and complete dissolution in water (this is, first of all, chlorine compounds). These components do not harm the skin of the hands, but with prolonged use they can adversely affect the machine.

In the powder "automatic" there are substances that:

• prevent scale deposits on heating devices;
• inhibit foaming;
• protect the surface of the machine from the negative effects of hard water.

The described differences can be represented in the form of a table:

* If the product is used for other purposes, things may not extend to the end, and the presentation will probably be lost.

That is why if you use powder for the machine to wash things manually, you need to take it much less (4-5 times by weight) than usual. In addition, the mixture will need to be dissolved for a long time in warm water. The constant use of such a tool is undesirable, since it can adversely affect the skin of the hands, leading to itching, peeling and allergic reactions.

In this sense, for hand washing it is better to use the so-called eco-powders. 90% of them consist of natural components that dissolve well in water, give a rich foam, and most importantly - do not cause irritation. Such products are suitable for baby clothes, they can be used for allergy sufferers.

Handwash Precautions

If you still have to use the “automatic” powder for washing in manual mode, you need to take precautions:

1. In the basin, you need to draw warm water in larger quantities than with regular washing.
2. Print the packaging carefully, while falling asleep do not lift it too high so that powder dust does not get into the lungs.
3. Pour the minimum amount of powder - it should be 3-4 times less than usual.
4. Stir thoroughly until complete dissolution and formation of relatively lush foam.
5. After finishing, rinse the laundry several times so that there are no traces of the product on the surface.
6. Also, at the end, it is worth rinsing thoroughly. It is advisable to lubricate them with a nourishing cream. If an allergic reaction occurs, use the appropriate medicine or consult a doctor.

For handwashing, it is better to use rubber gloves, especially if a product with aggressive chemical components is used.

Why hand wash powder is not recommended in the machine

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that the powder for hand washing should not be used in the automatic machine. At the same time, there is no categorical prohibition - in extreme circumstances, this is an acceptable option. Non-core powder will not harm the mechanism and will generally cope with the task, but the result may be worse. In addition, such a tool will need much more than specifically designed for machine wash. As a result, you will have to spend more money to get about the same result.

Another significant drawback is that due to the use of handwashing agents in large quantities, too much foam is formed in the drum, which can literally climb out of the lid. Therefore, in practice, washing clothes will be quite difficult.

For each washing method, a special product of the appropriate composition and quality has been developed. Therefore, powder for hand washing can wash clothes in a basin (especially convenient for small items), and only powders or gels marked “automatic” should be poured or poured into the machine.