There are so many different laundry detergents on the market today, from tough stain fighters with bleach to gentle ones specially formulated for sensitive skin. There are even biological detergents. How can you decide which product is right for you if you’re in the market for a new laundry detergent?
In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between biological and non-biological washing powder and give you a breakdown of the pros and cons of using each type of detergent. We’ll also tell you which washing powder is easier on sensitive skin and which one is best for the environment.
The Difference Between Bio And Non-Bio Washing Powder
The main difference between the two types of laundry detergent is that biological washing powders have enzymes in them that allow them to break down tough stains like proteins, fats or oils, and starches.
Certain materials, like silk, wool, and cashmere, are protein-based, so you should avoid using biological detergent on them as the enzymes can eat away at the material.
Benefits of Using Biological Washing Powder
Now that you know the difference between biological and non-biological laundry detergent, let’s take a look at the benefits of using biological washing powder.
Harnessing the Power of Enzymes: The enzymes in biological laundry detergent include protease to break down proteins, amylase to fight starches, pectate lyase to break down pectin, mannanase to eliminate gum, and lipase to fight against oil, fat, and grease stains.
Faster Stain Removal: Enzymes break down stains faster than stain fighters like bleach or oxy clean.
Can Help Conserve Energy: Since biological laundry detergents work well at lower temperatures, you can rest assured that your clothing will come clean even in cold water. Using cold water rather than hot water can help you save money on your energy bill.
Benefits of Non-Biological Washing Powder
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of biological laundry detergent, let’s see what non-biological washing powder can do.
Gentle on Skin: Non-biological laundry detergents tend to be gentler on the skin since there are no enzymes in them. You can also usually find “free and clear” versions of your favorite detergents to help you avoid skin irritants.
Gentle on Delicate Fabrics: If you’re washing protein-based materials like wool, silk, or cashmere, you’ll want to make sure you use a non-biological washing powder. The enzymes in biological laundry detergents can break down these delicate fabrics.
How to Decide if You Should Use Bio or Non-Bio Washing Powder
Now that you know about the benefits of both types of washing powders, you may wonder how you can choose which type of detergent to use in your laundry.
If you and your loved ones don’t have skin sensitivities, biological washing powder will get the stains out of your clothing with ease. On the other hand, if you tend to wear a lot of delicate fabrics and don’t generally find yourself up against tough stains like blood or grease, you may be better off with a non-biological detergent.
As you see above, both types of detergents have benefits, so your best bet might be to keep some of each type of washing powder in the house and use it on a case-by-case basis.
For example, if your older child is in soccer and has smelly socks and stained clothing, you’ll be best served by a biological cleaner that can break down those stains and odors.
The same goes if you get grease on your clothing while working on your car or have oil spatters on your shirt from cooking dinner.
If you are washing baby clothes, you should reach for a non-biological cleaner instead to avoid causing any irritation to their skin. The same is true if you’re washing a wool sweater.
You don’t want the enzymes in biological detergent to eat away at the material.
Which is better for skin, bio or non-bio washing powder?
Non-biological cleaners are gentler on sensitive skin. That said, unless your skin is extra sensitive, like if you have eczema or psoriasis, you should be fine to use biological detergent. Be sure to use a gentle, non-biological cleaner on baby items to avoid irritation.
Which is better for the environment, bio or non-bio washing powder?
Generally speaking, biological cleaners are better for the environment. Since they rely on the cleaning power of enzymes, they’re usually free of harsh chemicals like one may find in non-biological detergents.
Conclusion: Which Should You Use? Bio vs. Non-Bio?
Deciding whether to use bio or non-bio washing powder really comes down to the task at hand. You should choose a biological laundry detergent if you have clothing that gets a lot of protein or oil-based stains and you don’t suffer from skin sensitivities.
If you’re washing baby clothes or clothing made from protein-based materials like silk, wool, or cashmere, you should use a non-biological detergent instead.
Hi, my name is Shauna Stone and I love improving my home to make it perfect. Researching new cleaning techniques is one of my favorite things to do - have you ever fallen into the rabbit hole that is cleaning TikToks?
I think my love of cleaning and home pride came from my time at college. I know that college kids are meant to be messy - but some of my roommates were on another level altogether. I don’t even want to recount the images I saw throughout college… *shudder*
A tidy house is a tidy mind, after all, and I cannot get anything done if my house is a mess. I like to think of it as my safe haven, and I don’t want my safe haven to be anything less than perfect!
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