When it comes to laundry detergent most of us just want something that will get our clothes clean.
But what about the pH balance of the detergent? Is it an important factor to consider when choosing a laundry detergent?
In this article we’ll take a closer look at laundry detergent and its pH balance to determine whether it is acidic or basic.
What Is pH?
Before delving into the specifics of laundry detergents it’s important to understand the concept of pH.
Simply put pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
It is measured on a scale from 0-14 with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most basic.
Most water-based solutions are considered to be slightly acidic or slightly basic with a pH reading of 7.0 being neutral.
Anything below 7.0 is considered acidic and anything above 7.0 is considered basic.
What Is the pH Balance of Laundry Detergent?
Most laundry detergents are designed to be slightly alkaline with a pH balance ranging from 8.0 to 10.0.
This is because the alkaline nature of the detergent helps to break down dirt and grime on fabrics.
However there is a lot of variation among laundry detergents and some detergents may be more acidic or more alkaline than others.
It is best to check the label of your detergent to determine its pH level.
The Advantages of Using an Alkaline Laundry Detergent
As mentioned earlier an alkaline laundry detergent is better at breaking down dirt and grime from fabrics.
This makes it an ideal choice for those who have heavily soiled clothes.
In addition an alkaline laundry detergent can help to prevent colors from fading over time.
This is because the alkaline properties of the detergent help to protect the color molecules in the fabric.
The Disadvantages of Using an Alkaline Laundry Detergent
While there are many advantages to using an alkaline laundry detergent there are also some disadvantages to consider.
Because of its alkaline nature an alkaline laundry detergent can be harsh on fabrics.
This means it can damage delicate materials such as silk wool and spandex.
It is also important to note that an alkaline laundry detergent can be irritating to skin.
For this reason it is always best to wear gloves when using a detergent with a high pH level.
Conclusion
To answer the question posed in the title of this article laundry detergent is typically slightly alkaline with a pH ranging from 8.0 to 10.0.
While this alkalinity can be beneficial for breaking down dirt and grime it can also be harsh on some fabrics and irritating to skin.
Therefore it is important to consider the pH balance of the laundry detergent you are using and to choose one that is appropriate for the fabrics you are washing.
If you have any questions it is always best to consult with a professional.