Life used to be much simpler. Especially where washing machine detergent was concerned. I’ve just found a fascinating old publication by one of the leading detergent manufacturers, Unilever. Back then, even their name was simpler, they were just called, “Lever”.
Only 2 types of detergent for the washing machine
I’ve had this booklet for over 30 years. I believe it used to come with all new washing machines at one time. One of the sections mentions that a particular wash symbol will have changed, “by 1987”. It’s an expensively produced booklet with a glossy cover. I remember when things like this came bungled with a new washing machine. The thing that strikes me about it is that, as the photo below shows, back then they only made 2 types of detergent for automatic washing machines.
This seems remarkable now. They made an “original” automatic washing machine detergent, and a “new” biological detergent. They also had a special detergent for washing laundry by hand. I doubt many people do that anymore.
These days, there are many more types of detergent to choose from. Back then, it was just a matter of picking either biological or non-biological, and favouring a brand. It can be argued that detergent specialising in specific jobs such as looking after colours so they don’t fade, whitening whites, low temperature washing and so on makes sense. Are we better off now, or just victims of clever marketing? I’ve just checked on their website and counted 17 different laundry detergent products.
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I do believe that the different types of detergents do serve a purpose for the best clothing care however,
The thing that is confusing with colour detergents is that some include optical brightener and some do not.
I know that whilst OBs don’t fade colours, I do feel over time, that they cast a hue on DARKS, so whilst not colours perse, I like a detergent without them sometimes.
And then, it’s helpful to have a colour detergent with brighteners, for clothes that you don’t want to bleach, but brighten.
Its just a task. As its so wild between the same brands.
Persil colour POWDER has them, whereas powder tablets, liquid capsules and small and mighty liquid don’t.
Ariel POWDER and PODS and LIQUID have them. The colour liquigel doesn’t (Ariel have discontinued colour powder tablets).