What’s the difference between bio and non-bio detergent?
Non-bio or bio? We’re spilling the tea!
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Posted: 16/01/25
Let’s be real – laundry is very few people’s idea of fun. And once you throw laundry lingo like non-bio, bio, laundry pods, sheets or powder into the mix, things can get confusing quickly. So if you want to avoid any washing woes (think dyeing, fading or damage), we’re here to settle the bio vs non-bio detergent debate and help you choose the perfect products for your laundry lineup!
Bio vs non-bio detergent – what’s the difference?
Bio detergent
Biological or ‘bio’ detergent contains (naturally occurring) enzymes designed to get rid of stains by breaking down proteins and fats into smaller pieces. In other words, they help to get rid of everything from ketchup spatters to wine spills and grass stains, so it should be your go-to for large, stained loads.
As well as leaving your whites brighter and your stains nowhere to be seen, bio detergent also speeds up the stain removal process, meaning it can work well in colder temperatures, too!
Enrituals Gel Spring Fresh 970ml 27 Wash
£1.49
Persil Liquid Bio 1215ml 45w
£5.49
Non-bio detergent
On the flip side, non-biological or ‘non-bio’ detergent does not contain the enzymes you’ll find in bio. Instead, they have active ingredients such as surfactants, which enable water to enter your clothing and gently loosen dirt, oils and grease.
So, while they don’t have the same stain-removal skills as bio detergent, they’re a great option if you’re dealing with delicate fabrics such as wool and silk, as they’re less likely to cause damage. Plus, their gentle formula means non-bio works well for those with skin sensitivity or irritation from certain detergents.
Persil Liquid Nonbio 1215ml 45w
£5.49
Pink Stuff Liquid Detergent Non Bio 960ml 30 Wash
£2.79
Types of detergents (non-bio or bio)
Now that you know your bio from your non-bio, let’s delve into the different types of detergent at your disposal.
Powder – For heavier, stained laundry loads, powder is great for tackling stubborn stains and keeping your whites nice and bright. It’s slower dissolving then some other detergent options so it’s best used on longer, hotter washes.
Daz Powder Whites Colours 2200g 44W
£5.99
Liquid – Whether it’s a gel, regular or concentrated liquid formula, this type of detergent is perfect for shorter washes, as it’s fast dissolving and gets to work on stains and spills.
Surf Liquid Tropical 648ml 24 Wash
£2.99
Pods – Designed to dissolve when they come into contact with water (hot and cold), laundry pods are pre-measured with the perfect dose of detergent, making them convenient and less wasteful.
Fairy Non Bio Pods 58 Pack
£11.79
Sheets – Similarly to pods, laundry sheets are pre-measured and dissolve in contact with water. They are extremely lightweight and convenient, plus you can cut them to size based on how big your laundry load is – pretty handy, right?
Dr Beckmann Laundry Sheets Bio 40 Pack
£4.99
Stains, spills or splatters? We’ve got you covered!
Shop laundry products online and in-store at Savers.
What’s the difference between bio and non-bio detergent?
Let’s be real – laundry is very few people’s idea of fun. And once you throw laundry lingo like non-bio, bio, laundry pods, sheets or powder into the mix, things can get confusing quickly. So if you want to avoid any washing woes (think dyeing, fading or damage), we’re here to settle the bio vs non-bio detergent debate and help you choose the perfect products for your laundry lineup!
Bio vs non-bio detergent – what’s the difference?
Bio detergent
Biological or ‘bio’ detergent contains (naturally occurring) enzymes designed to get rid of stains by breaking down proteins and fats into smaller pieces. In other words, they help to get rid of everything from ketchup spatters to wine spills and grass stains, so it should be your go-to for large, stained loads.
As well as leaving your whites brighter and your stains nowhere to be seen, bio detergent also speeds up the stain removal process, meaning it can work well in colder temperatures, too!
Non-bio detergent
On the flip side, non-biological or ‘non-bio’ detergent does not contain the enzymes you’ll find in bio. Instead, they have active ingredients such as surfactants, which enable water to enter your clothing and gently loosen dirt, oils and grease.
So, while they don’t have the same stain-removal skills as bio detergent, they’re a great option if you’re dealing with delicate fabrics such as wool and silk, as they’re less likely to cause damage. Plus, their gentle formula means non-bio works well for those with skin sensitivity or irritation from certain detergents.
Types of detergents (non-bio or bio)
Now that you know your bio from your non-bio, let’s delve into the different types of detergent at your disposal.
Powder – For heavier, stained laundry loads, powder is great for tackling stubborn stains and keeping your whites nice and bright. It’s slower dissolving then some other detergent options so it’s best used on longer, hotter washes.
Liquid – Whether it’s a gel, regular or concentrated liquid formula, this type of detergent is perfect for shorter washes, as it’s fast dissolving and gets to work on stains and spills.
Pods – Designed to dissolve when they come into contact with water (hot and cold), laundry pods are pre-measured with the perfect dose of detergent, making them convenient and less wasteful.
Sheets – Similarly to pods, laundry sheets are pre-measured and dissolve in contact with water. They are extremely lightweight and convenient, plus you can cut them to size based on how big your laundry load is – pretty handy, right?
Stains, spills or splatters? We’ve got you covered!
Shop laundry products online and in-store at Savers.
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