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Are Liquid Tabs Bad For Washing Machines? (Let’s Find out)

When grocery shopping, you always want to choose an affordable detergent that washes your clothes well. Liquid tabs (liquitabs) are your best bet. 

They are becoming more common than their powder and liquid sachet counterparts. 

Aside from their easy access and the presence of varieties by various laundry detergent brands, liquid tabs are convenient to use. 

New users will wonder if liquitabs can harm their washers despite increasing popularity.

Liquid tabs are good for washing machines. If you use the liquid tab correctly, the chemical component wouldn’t adversely affect the machine. When you use liquid tabs, you get your clothes to come out cleaner compared to other detergents. You can also dose liquid tabs.

In this article, I will explain how you can use liquid tabs in your washing machine. By the end, you’ll realize that liquid tabs are good for washing machines.

Can You Use a Liquid Tab in a Washing Machine?

Are Liquid Tabs Bad for Washing Machines

Yes, you can use liquid tabs in a washing machine. Liquid tabs have strong acidic and chemical properties.

So they wouldn’t necessarily affect how the washing machines wash in general. 

How To Use a Liquid Tab in a Washing Machine?

Uncover the number of tablets needed for your washing session and place them in the machine drum.

The tablets will dissolve faster and bypass residues on your clothes. 

Use just one quantity for a normal wash. Try different quantities to match the number of clothes the user will help prepare for subsequent times.

Wash the clothes according to the labels put on them. Some clothes have specifications on how to wash them (temperature to consider, etc.). 

A higher temperature is required to wash; it affects how tablets dissolve. So make sure you put this into consideration before progressing.

Don’t overload the washing machine. The washing machine requires space to move clothes, water, and soap around to get it clean. 

So to get the best out of your liquid tab and washing machine, don’t overload it with clothes.

Lastly, keep liquid tabs away from children’s or animals’ reach while in or out of use.

Liquid tabs are highly acidic and could cause great harm if not taken care of properly. 

Here are some tips that you should keep handy when using liquid tabs;

  • When you use liquid tabs, it’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging. (All brands contain necessary instructions on how to use their products).
  • The user should gently rinse any residues after washing.
  • Always keep liquid tabs in a safe place and out of children’s reach.

Can Liquid Tabs Damage a Washing Machine?

Washing machines wash clothes and make them clean. For your washing machine to continue to perform this function, it has to be kept clean.

Liquid tabs have highly acidic properties, and the effects of these properties on the interior of your washing machine (usually plastic) could be negligible. 

That said, liquid tabs could damage your washing machine if you use them indiscriminately without caution.

It depends on individual circumstances and uses. The tabs typically dissolve quickly and are not harmful to your washing machine.

And for times when it would not dissolve completely, residuals will move to the pump, and the pumps can handle any object that can fit through the holes in the drum.

Liquid tabs could damage your washing machine if you put too many clothes and little water in the washer. 

Thereby making the tablets not dissolve/mix properly and leaving residues that, in the long run, could cause damage to the materials of the washing machine.

Also, another thing that could cause harm to the washing machine is when you leave clothing inside the washer after it has completed its cycle. 

It will make the machine’s front loader (especially) breed molds, mildew, and smell disgusting. In the long run, it will cause damage to your washing machine.

Here are key things to note;

  • Liquid tabs do not cause damage to your washing machine, depending on how you use them.
  • Rinse your washer well immediately after washing to drain any liquid tabs particles.
  • Don’t leave/keep wet clothes in the washing machine for a long time.
  • Use the correct liquid tab while washing your clothes to prevent damage.

3 Best Liquid Tab Alternatives for Washing Machines

Several alternatives to liquid tabs for washing machines can work better, depending on the type of washing machine and individual preferences.

I will advise a highly efficient alternative if you use a high-efficiency washing machine.

And if you use a low-efficiency washing machine, I would advise a standard alternative. 

Using low-efficiency for high-efficiency water machines and vice versa would result in the clothes not washing well or being overwashed.

The best alternative to liquid tabs would be one compatible with the labels of the washing machine and detergent.

#1. Laundry Borax or Baking Soda

Baking soda contains cleansing agents, and when used with a powerful washing machine, it will make your clothes as clean as before. 

To use Laundry Borax or Baking Soda as an alternative, add a cup or half to your washing machine drum before you put your clothes.

#1. Pros 

  • Easy access and usage
  • Cheap alternative to factory-made detergents

#2. Cons

  • It might not be effective enough for very dirty clothes.

#2. Powder Detergents

Powder detergents also perform the same function as liquid detergents. And as well as a great variety of liquid ones, it also applies to powder detergent. 

Some people find powder detergent to be more effective, but this is all dependent on personal preference.

#1. Pros

  • It is cheaper.
  • You have control over the quantity to use.

#2. Cons

  • Sensitive skin allergy.

#3. Liquid Gels 

Liquid gels may be your greatest friend if you frequently deal with oily and greasy stains. Liquid gels first appeared in the 1950s and now account for 75% of all detergent sales.

#1. Pros

  • It is cheap.
  • You can easily get it.

#2. Cons

  • It can leave sensitive smells on your clothes.

Powder, tablet, or Liquid; How do I select the best washing machine detergent?

Many housewives who have to wash things daily consider selecting a decent cleaning agent. Which is preferable for achieving a more effective result: washing gel or tablet? 

Choosing the best one requires understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each detergent type. So that’s exactly what this table will assist you with.

PowdersLiquidTablet
Potential for mis-dosing.It can be easy to overdose.No overdosing, so the results are consistent.
Large, heavy boxes can be difficult to carry.Water-based, which makes them heavy and environmentally costly to transport.Lightweight and easy to use, especially for elderly or disabled people.
Lowest cost per load.Cheaper than tablets.Around 50% more expensive per wash compared with powders/liquids.

FAQs

#1. Are Liquid tabs harmful to the body?

Yes, they can be harmful as they contain highly acidic elements. Carefully make use of it.

#2. What happens to the plastic in liquid tabs?

The plastic used in the tabs is water-soluble. And so they dissolve when in contact with liquid (water).

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, liquid tablets are not bad as long as you:

  • Follow the necessary instructions for using it.
  • Liquid tabs are highly acidic, so keep them out of children’s reach. 
  • Rinse out residuals if found on clothes or in a washing machine.
  • Don’t leave/keep wet clothes in the washing machine for a long time.

If you follow all the information provided here and on whatever brand of liquid tab you use, you will have a great experience using liquid tabs. 

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