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Laundry is a chore that can frequently feel never-ending. Just as you load the washing machine, additional clothes and towels appear in the basket, meaning you can end up getting through considerable amounts of detergent in your battle to stay on top of mountains of dirty washing. In recent years, an increasing number of new laundry detergents have arrived on the market, whether in liquid or powdered form.

With such extensive choice available, it can prove difficult to select which detergent works best in your washing machine, as they all claim to combat stubborn stains and smells while protecting your garments' fabric. In my childhood home, we exclusively used powdered laundry detergent scooped from enormous cardboard boxes. When I began doing my own washing, I discovered the advantages of liquid detergent and have relied on it for years. Since switching from powder detergent to the liquid variety, I've noticed a remarkable improvement in how fresh and clean my clothes feel after every wash.

While powder detergent is generally the more affordable option, the biggest drawback I consistently encountered was its tendency to dissolve poorly at lower temperatures.

I typically wash my black and coloured garments at 30 degrees, which results in powdery residue clinging to my clothes once the cycle has finished.

I discovered that washing at lower temperatures meant I first had to dissolve the powder in warm water before adding it to the machine.

Even on hot wash cycles, however, I still found my clothes emerged with an almost waxy coating that required an additional rinse before hanging them out to dry.

A further drawback was that my washing machine demanded more frequent cleaning when using powder detergent, as the fillers contained within it accumulate rapidly and can cause blockages.

On top of all this, powder detergent must be stored carefully; without proper storage, I found it quickly clumps together and sets solid.

Since switching to liquid detergent, I've discovered that it dissolves effortlessly in water at any temperature, even as low as 20 degrees.

When laundering clothes with liquid detergent, they not only emerge smelling wonderfully fresh, but they also feel thoroughly clean.

I also noticed that liquid detergent proves more effective at tackling stains, particularly in hard water areas.

As someone who lives in a hard water area, this is a significant advantage for me. Powder detergent can still be used with hard water; however, it will more than likely require a greater quantity of detergent to achieve a thorough clean.

Residue from liquid detergent accumulates far less inside my washing machine, provided you use the correct amount of detergent.

I typically use two liquid pods for a full load, which contains precisely the right amount of detergent. Having tried countless liquid detergents, my top two favourites are undoubtedly Fairy and Persil.