Special cleaners: are they really better than universal ones? The stores offer a wide selection of detergents for washing white, colored, dark and delicate fabrics, but the need to buy a separate detergent for each type of laundry raises doubts among experts. Household chemicals expert Jean-Francois Heloin studied the composition of three types of laundry detergents for the Belgian RTL Info and evaluated the effectiveness of their special formulas. Products for white linen. One of these products contains surfactants and enzymes, but does not contain optical brighteners, which usually give fabrics a whiter appearance. Therefore, the expert doubted the effectiveness of the effect declared by the manufacturer. Products for dark fabrics may contain components that prevent color transfer during washing. This formula can be really useful, although a proper dose of regular powder or gel can also achieve good results. Detergents for delicate fabrics have a lower pH level, making them less harsh on sensitive fibers. However, certain additives, such as dyes, do not improve the quality of washing and serve only a decorative function. According to the expert, in most cases a universal remedy is sufficient. For white items, if necessary, you can additionally use sodium bicarbonate, and for delicate fabrics, choose a special formula and follow the treatment recommendations. Therefore, there is no need to purchase a separate product for each color and type of clothing. The correct dosage and washing routine are often more important than the number of bottles on the shelf. It will also help reduce costs: on average, a Belgian family spends around €60 a year on laundry detergent. Not only the European Union - news from Europe.