American consumers often use the words “soap” and “detergent” interchangeably, but in reality there are significant differences between these two types of cleaners.

A Brief History

The earliest evidence of soap can be traced back to 2800 B.C., where historians believe it was used by the ancient Babylonians. Soap making is mentioned in ancient Roman documents written as early as 70 A.D.

Fast forward to Medieval Europe where soap making is an established craft with centers in France, Spain and Italy. During that time the use of soap was a luxury enjoyed mainly by those who could afford it. Manufactured bar soaps weren’t available until the late 18th century in Europe and the U.S. Widespread use of soap during this period can be attributed to advertising campaigns touting the relationship between good personal hygiene and health.

Detergents entered the picture about 1916 when World War 1 soap ingredient shortages encouraged manufacturers to develop synthetic cleaners to meet demand. By the 1950s detergents had overtaken traditional soap products in homes across America. Today, detergents are used for laundering, dishwashing and many other types of cleaning.

Powder detergent is a smart pick for extra-dirty loads, says Mary Gagliardi, aka “Dr. Laundry,” Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert. “Powder detergent is usually formulated at a higher pH, which can optimize cleaning of heavily soiled work clothes and sports uniforms,” she says.

Laura Johnson, a research and development expert with the LG Electronics home appliances lab, points to money- and environment-saving benefits. “Powder detergent is best for consumers who are looking for eco-friendlier packaging,” she says. “It’s also a better budget option for consumers.”

Dishwasher Liquid vs. Dishwasher Detergent

Clean Dishes

Not only should you know the difference between dish soap and dishwashing detergent, you might also be interested in learning the difference between dishwasher liquid and dishwasher detergent.

Dishwasher liquid is usually better able to mix with water, which can affect how wide the liquid can spread inside of your dishwasher. Dishwashing detergent doesn't dissolve as well in water, which is why it's often best that you use it with warm water. What this all boils down to is that the same amount of dishwasher liquid will need to be used in order to get the same cleaning ability as a dishwasher detergent.

Another difference between dishwasher liquids and detergents is that liquids can sometimes stick to the inside of your dishwasher. You might notice signs of corrosion inside of your dishwasher if there is residue from dishwasher liquid inside of it. While these corrosion deposits are easy to scrape off, they aren't always so easy to find.

Now that you better understand the difference between dishwasher detergent and dish soap, make sure that you use caution the next time you reach for that random bottle with the sparking glass on it while washing dishes in the sink or in the dishwasher.

Which Cleans Better? Liquid vs. Powder Detergent

It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it! And if you're the one on laundry duty, you'll want some serious detergent to get those soiled clothes clean. With the help of water, and the rotation of the washer's inner drum (in a front-load machine) or spindle-like agitator (in a top-load machine), detergent lifts dirt, stains, and odors away.

But when it comes to cost, convenience, and cleaning power, not all detergents are equal. The two main types, powder and liquid, are suitable for use in standard or high-efficiency top-load or front-load washers at any water temperature. So which should you choose? Ahead, we break down their differences with six key comparisons—liquid vs. powder detergent—to help you decide which is best for your family's laundry.

Powder detergent is more effective on mud stains; liquid detergent is better on grease stains.

1. Plasma Gas Sterilizers

Plasma sterilization utilizes low temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma within a chamber to kill all living microorganisms on medical and dental equipment, including bacteria, spores, viruses, and fungi. When vaporized hydrogen peroxide is added to the chamber, equipment within the enclosure becomes sterile. Once the vapor is removed from the chamber, a low temperature plasma is produced, ensuring complete sterilization for all tools. The remnants of this process are water and oxygen, making operations safe for both medical staff and the environment. Although plasma sterilization is a more expensive method, it's highly effective and ideal for moisture sensitive medical tools.