Bio And Non Bio Detergents

[Kazal]

Why do some clothes manufacturers tell you to use Non Biological detergent when washing. What is the difference and would it hurt to still use Biological detergent?

[Mamyalynne]

quote

//What is the Difference Between Bio and Non-Bio?
The essential difference between bio and non-bio detergents is that bio detergents contain certain enzymes that are very effective at cleaning stains. These enzymes serve as a booster technology, designed to break down protein, starches, and fat that are often found in food stains, sweat and other common stains. The enzymes also work at lower temperatures, so bio detergents are more effective at lower temperatures (30-50°C) than non-bio detergents. If you tend to wash at lower temperatures or use the quick wash cycle on your machine, bio detergents may work better for your family.

Then why use a non-bio detergent? Many people in the UK prefer to use a non-bio if they have particularly sensitive skin. Non-bio detergents contain no enzymes, so there is a reduced risk of irritating sensitive skin, although you may also need to run your wash at higher temperatures for enzymatic stains. This in turn consumes more energy. Many mums and dads like to use non-bio products when washing their baby’s clothing //



It is as always up to you to ignore or follow laundry guidance, depends on the fabric really.

[Kazal]

I have a white ski type jacket which states use non bio detergent but it certainly does not get it white and was concerned if I used bio detergent it could have a detrimental affect on it. Not sure what, but it was quite expensive so was cautious.

[Mamyalynne]

Difficult to guess without seeing and feeling the fabric - I guess it's a chance I'd take though - maybe add some Vanish to the wash?

[237SJ]

See down the page re: the comments from the Marketing head at Miele http://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/biological-detergents-damage-woollens-silks-cause-holes/

[gingejbee]

Kazal: it would be interesting to know what this jacket is made of....because non-bio detergent is usually recommended only for materials that are affected by the enzymes in the bio version - things like wool and silk could be weakened/damaged.
Incidentally, I don't think that the garment would be any WHITER if you do use the bio version, because the enzymes work to remove different "difficult" stains...they don't make whites any whiter. For that, you could consider an oxygen-based bleaching product (like Vanish, but much cheaper ones are available).

[237SJ]

Maybe the jacket has a down filling which would be affected in the same way as wool and silk.

[gingejbee]

237SJ: ski-type jacket, possible down filling....now, why didn't I think of that?!

[Hopkirk]

What a lot of people don't realise is that 'Colour' detergents are biological.