Definition

Noun: 1. A cleaning agent in dry, granular form: A manufactured product, typically a mixture of soap or synthetic detergents with alkaline builders and other additives, designed for cleaning laundry in washing machines or by hand.

Usage

• This noun is typically used as a non-count (mass) noun when referring to the substance in general.
• It can be used as a count noun when referring to types or specific containers of the product (e.g., "different washing powders").
• It is commonly found in contexts related to household chores, shopping, and laundry instructions.

Examples

• General Use:
  • Don't forget to buy washing powder at the supermarket.
  • This brand of washing powder is very effective on stains.
  • Modern washing powders are often concentrated, so you need less per load.
• Specific Context:
  • A scoop of washing powder is usually sufficient.
  • The instructions advise using a non-biological washing powder for baby clothes.

Advanced Usage

• "Biological washing powder": A powder containing enzymes that help break down organic stains like blood or food.
  • Biological washing powders work well at lower temperatures.
• "Non-biological washing powder": A powder without these enzymes, often recommended for sensitive skin or specific fabrics.
  • She prefers non-biological washing powder for her family's clothes.

Variants and Related Words

• Laundry detergent: A more general term that includes washing powder, liquid detergents, and pods.
• Soap powder: An older or more generic term, sometimes used interchangeably with "washing powder," though it may specifically imply a soap-based rather than synthetic detergent-based product.
• Detergent: The broader category of cleaning agents, which washing powder belongs to.

Synonyms

• Laundry powder
• Soap powder (context-dependent)

Antonyms

• Liquid detergent
• Laundry pods / capsules

Related Phrases

• "To run out of washing powder": To have used all of the washing powder.
  • I need to do laundry, but I've run out of washing powder.
• "A box/bottle of washing powder": Referring to the packaged product.
  • He carried a large box of washing powder home from the store.

Noun

1. soap in powdered form mixed with alkaline builders