Top News

Laundry is a never-ending household chore that is rarely exciting. Because it's such a routine task, most people, including myself, tend to rely on whatever makes it quicker and easier. This includes using the same detergent for years, the same fabric softener, and never using white vinegar.

But those small choices can make a noticeable difference. Things like detergent type, wash temperature, and cycle length can all affect how your clothes turn out at the end of a wash cycle. I recently swapped one thing in my laundry routine, and it's made all the difference.

I recently switched from using laundry detergent pods to liquid detergent, and I've noticed a huge improvement in how clean my clothes feel and smell after washing.

The main difference seems to be control and performance. With liquid detergent, I can adjust the amount based on the load size and how dirty the clothes are, so I'm more likely to use the optimal dose for each wash.

Pods, on the other hand, are pre-measured and designed to suit an average load of laundry, which can sometimes result in not quite enough cleaning power for heavier or more heavily soiled laundry.

I also feel the liquid detergent works better during the washing cycle. Liquid detergent is already dissolved, so it starts cleaning immediately and distributes more evenly throughout the appliance.

This is especially effective in cooler or shorter washing cycles. Pods need to fully dissolve before they can begin working, and in some cases, particularly quick washes or cooler washes, they may not break down as efficiently.

This can sometimes lead to reduced cleaning performance or even fabric residue.

When I used laundry pods, I would often pick up Fairy or Persil, and with the liquid detergent, I've tried numerous brands. I still love the Fairy Liquid detergent, but I also now love Tallow + Ash, but only when they're on offer, as they can be pricey.

I'll also use white vinegar to help freshen my laundry, whether it's towels, bedding, or clothes. I feel the household ingredient helps to strip any detergent residue, especially on towels, which can become rough over time.

I simply add some into the fabric softener compartment, ditching the fabric softener on cycles where I'm using white vinegar.

Overall, the switch to liquid detergent has given me more consistent results and clothes that feel noticeably fresher straight out of the machine.