So what’s a high efficiency detergent?
Well you might be surprised to know, but if you live in the UK, you are likely to have a high-efficiency washing machine!
All front loading machines manufactured in the last five to ten years are high efficiency machines, with many large capacity drum washing machines requiring less than 40 liters of water for a 8-10kg wash load. To put that into perspective that’s the same amount of water as 4/5 flushes of the toilet.
HE Washing Machines
As mentioned above high efficiency washing machines use very little water across a full wash load. To get washing really clean the wash programmes tend to be longer and slower, turning the drum over steadily. This uses less electricity and enables the washing to tip over and fall into the water, allowing it to spend equal amounts of time soaked. The inside of the machine will only actually have an inch or so of water inside it at any one point in time. So remember to leave a bit of space inside the drum for your hand to waggle about so that all the fabric has chance to turn over to become wet equally.
High Efficiency detergent – made for modern machines
High efficiency detergent formulas lift dirt at a molecular level through the use of specially designed enzymes and surfactants. These ingredients work in tandem to break down various types of stains and odours that traditional detergents may struggle with.
Here’s how they function:-
- Enzyme Action: Enzymes are natural proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. In high efficiency detergents, enzymes specifically target common stains like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. For example, protease enzymes break down protein-based stains, such as blood or sweat, while amylase targets starchy residues like food. Enzymes “digest” stains, breaking them down into microscopic particles that can easily be rinsed away.
- Surfactants: High efficiency detergents contain surfactants that reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate fabrics more effectively. The surfactants surround dirt and stains, encasing them and breaking their bond with the fabric. This process helps to dislodge grime and allows the washing machine’s rinsing action to carry away the impurities.
- Water Activation: The unique formulation of high efficiency detergents is designed to activate at lower temperatures, typically around 30 degrees Celsius. This means that as soon as the water reaches this temperature, the enzymes and surfactants spring into action, ensuring a thorough clean without the need for hot water or lots of agitation of the machine drum.
- PH Value Activated: The formulas comprise other ingredients, that need to dissolve steadily in the wash to create the right ph level for the magic to work.
- Molecular Attraction: The chemical make up of high efficiency detergents also allows them to bind to dirt and odour molecules, forming new complex molecules that are easily held in suspension away from the fabrics before being washed away. The hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) characteristics of these molecules work together, making it possible for the detergent to effectively lift and remove water-soluble stains.
- Efficient Rinsing: Because high efficiency detergents are formulated to produce fewer suds, and use enzymes, they facilitate a more efficient rinsing process. Excessive suds would trap dirt particles making it much harder to rinse away.
Distinctive washing powder is a biological, high efficiency formula.
It has advanced cleaning power. The enzyme content starts to work as soon as the machines water reaches the right ph level, and is heated up to 20/30 degrees temperature. The formula doesn’t rely on any agitation of the washing machine (or scrubbing if you are hand washing). It is the chemistry of the formula that enables lifting of dirt and odours at a molecular level from the fabrics. The concentrated formula is highly attracted to dirt and proteins from things like blood, food stains and other yucky bodily messes and it grabs onto these stains and holds onto it whilst lifting it away from the fabric.
Whilst you can’t see the yucky water very easily inside the washing machine – it is rather satisfying to soak something clean in a bath or sink with a high efficiency formula. Over the course of an hour or two you would literally return to see very dirty water. But very little soapy suds.
Eco friendly Cleaning powder
One of the primary advantages of HE detergents is their eco-friendliness. Distinctive washing powder offers a biological formulation comprising natural minerals and ingredients, reducing the reliance on harsh chemicals typically found in conventional detergents. These eco-friendly options are not only better for the environment, but also safer for sensitive skin, delicate fabrics, children and pets.
An Eco wash programme these days is not your quick wash
It is worth pointing out that quick wash programs are not modern eco settings. A quick wash uses a lot of energy and relies on the hotter water and more vigourous turns of the drum (agitation) than a longer slower eco programme where the enzymes can effectively clean the clothes. Longer slower washes simply turn over the drum slowly so that the clothing can all tip over and fall into the water and detergent equally.
When a machine is standing still there is very little water in there. It wouldn’t even cover a 1/5 of the space inside the machine. It is for the above reason a full load is only ever ¾ of your inside machine capacity. You should still be able to waggle your hand around inside the drum.
By opting for HE detergents made with biodegradable components, you are contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
What can a HE detergent do that others can’t
Remove Pet Odours
For pet owners, choosing a HE detergent with the right combination of enzymes can be especially crucial. Enzyme action in HE detergents breaks down stubborn organic stains and odours at a molecular level. These specialised formulas are gentle on fabrics, ensuring that pet beds, toys, and clothing remain fresh and clean without harmful residues that could affect furry friends.
Sanitises Underwear, Bedding and Towels
Our Grandparents had to stand with boiling pans of water – for pre-treating laundry that was badly stained.
Well 100% cotton granny knickers and white cotton sheets might have survived this, but our modern modal, cotton blends and nylon fabrics wouldn’t.
HE detergents are designed to penetrate sweat, dirt, and odours without damaging the material. Most clothing and bedding labels specify they are machine or hand washed at only 30 or 40 degrees. Well only a high efficiency detergent with biological action will get washing properly clean at lower temperatures. It’s a fact, enzymes tackle all of the nasties from blood, urine, faeces and body odour stains to food matter and normal dust and grime.
Athletic wear
Also presents another distinct challenge when it comes to laundry. High-efficiency detergents formulated feature advanced stain-fighting properties and odour elimination technologies – perfect for performance fabrics.
Travel
Lastly, for those who travel frequently or live in compact spaces, the portability of HE detergents is a key factor. Many brands offer concentrated formulas in travel-friendly packaging, allowing users to maintain their eco-friendly laundry practices on the go.
Soak garments clean
Really useful for all types of blinds without messing up the tension strings. And great for holidays if you have underwear, socks, t’shirts or sweaty swimwear and sports-wear to wash through.
Remove really awful nasties
And on a yucky note, high efficiency detergent is the only type of detergent that will completely remove all trace of nasties from things like baby nappies, toileting accidents or child’s sick from bedding, etc. Obviously, you must still sluice off any physical content. This is best done by using an old bucket, and then any material that is sluiced off can be flushed down the loo, (you don’t want to block your washing machine filters). Washing with a HE Detergent will remove every trace of anything that’s left, without needing to run the washing machine twice. This would not be the case with a regular detergent.
If you want to try Distinctive washing powder to see what superior stain removal and Designer fragrance does for your washing please use our offer code tryusout5 for £5 off your order. Always delivered FREE UK