We all use laundry detergents and, since we care about the environment, we probably focus on ecological solutions. But do they really work well at removing stains? From the results of a new test it seems that the most effective detergents are precisely the most polluting ones.
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We all use the detergents for the washing machine and, since we care about the environment, we probably focus on ecological solutions. But do they really work well at removing stains? From the results of a new test it seems that the most effective detergents are precisely the most polluting ones.
After the German test on powdered laundry detergents, the magazine Il Salvagente also wanted to analyze and evaluate the composition and effectiveness of detergents for washing machines, in this case in liquid form.
Experts have tested 12 liquid laundry detergents, among the best sellers and marketed in traditional supermarkets and discount stores. Among these there are also two widely used ecological products: wash-all nuts and TerraWash magnesium bag as well as Winni's detergent which boasts greater attention to the environment. The goal was to understand if the effectiveness was also combined with the use of environmentally friendly ingredients and components.
The problem of pollution caused by detergents must be taken seriously and various researches have now evaluated the environmental impact of these substances that we commonly use, highlighting the damage they create, especially to the marine ecosystem.
There are many ecological alternatives but are these really effective at the level of stain removal as the most polluting detergents? The analysis of Il Salvagente essentially wanted to answer this question, which for the occasion entrusted the task to the laboratory used by the Institute of Advertising Self-Discipline to evaluate the correctness of the slogans associated with the products to promote them.
All detergents and natural alternatives have been tested on the most difficult to remove stains such as blood, coffee, grass and more (23 in total), washing in the washing machine at 40 degrees 4 times.
The test results
Unfortunately the test results showed a discrepancy between ecology and efficacy. In other words, the most polluting detergents also proved to be the most suitable for removing the most difficult stains, while natural products were essentially a “flop” (we had also expressed doubts about the wash-up nuts).
The result in practice shows that it is the most polluting substances that make the difference in a washing machine detergent and it is no coincidence that the product in the first place for effectiveness contains 21 ingredients (not counting water and perfumes, these are of the Dixan Classic), rather than 5 like others less stain removal products (Winni's).
Other detergents considered excellent or good in terms of performance are the BioPresto and, on an equal footing, Dash Actilift e Lidl Formile Active. In the last place we find the two ecological alternatives par excellence: the wash all nuts and bag of magnesium.
But what are the offending ingredients in the detergent formulation? We speak in particular of anionic surfactants and non-ionics, enzymes, optical brighteners, bleaches, solvents, preservatives (including phenoxyethanol), additives and perfumes.
On surfactants, Il Salvagente emphasizes, one could also turn a blind eye since by law they must be biodegradable for at least 90% while whiteners and preservatives are harmful to the environment and can also be harmful to our skin.
In this case, then, the good advice to read the labels is not valid either as for detergents the same rule does not apply as there is for cosmetics. We do not find the complete chemical composition on the bottles (this is only available online, but who goes to watch it?).
It must be said, however, that the Lifebuoy has evaluated in its test only some (and among other things the most discussed) ecological alternatives to traditional detergents. For example, some brands of those listed in our article 10 truly ecological detergents are missing from the list.
Would the result have been the same?
Read also:
- Powder detergents for laundry: effective but too polluting. The best and worst according to a German test
- How much does our laundry pollute? The BRANDS of the most harmful detergents for the sea
- Soap nuts: the whole truth. Do they really work?
- 10 truly eco-friendly detergents and products that aren't actually green
